WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a breakfast reception held at the Junior League of Washington (JLW) headquarters, the volunteer organization announced its 2017-2018 community partners in the greater Washington, DC, community.

Currently in its 105th year, JLW provides community partners with both financial resources and trained volunteers. This year marks notable anniversaries for several JLW partners: National Museum of Women in the Arts (35 years), Horton’s Kids (10 years), The Literacy Lab (five years), and 826DC (five years).

In addition to renewing agreements with more than 20 longstanding nonprofit community partners, JLW formalized a partnership with Washington School for Girls.

“Today, we are celebrating both our presence in Washington, DC, and the critical work of our community partners,” JLW President Aimee Picard Soller said. “While the needs of our community have changed over our 105 years, JLW’s dedication to improving it has not. Our members are sought-after volunteers known for a strong commitment to the communities where we live and work. We are proud to partner with these effective and innovative organizations.”

Community partners celebrating milestone anniversaries also acknowledged the contributions JLW makes within their organizations and in the community.

“The National Museum of Women in the Arts has partnered with the Junior League of Washington for 35 years, since the early days of the organization itself. The JLW recognized the importance of promoting women artists, and, through their grants, assisted with the establishment of a volunteer program; members of the League have been volunteering at NMWA ever since. In recent years, the JLW/NMWA partnership has expanded as more JLW members visit and support the museum.”

Deborah Gaston, Director of Education and Digital Engagement of National Museum of Women in the Arts

“Horton’s Kids empowers at-risk children through educational, youth development, and basic needs supports. The Junior League of Washington helps us achieve a high school graduation rate of twice the average in our neighborhood and last year contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours through tutoring, hosting holiday parties, and meeting urgent supply and volunteer needs. Volunteers remain our driving force, and we are thankful for our 10-year relationship with the JLW.”

Robin Berkley, Executive Director of Horton’s Kids

“The Literacy Lab is incredibly grateful for the long-term support of the Junior League of Washington. Thanks to the Junior League’s committed volunteers, The Literacy Lab has been able to offer weekly reading nights for children experiencing homelessness for the past five years. None of this would have been possible without the Junior League’s deep commitment to the community and literacy.”

Ashley Johnson, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Literacy Lab

“826DC’s rich partnership with the Junior League of Washington is deeply impactful. The JLW shares our ethical obligation to the students of the District and its members have committed themselves to making our educational programs impactful, accessible, and student-focused – a high bar that these volunteers truly enable us to meet. We are thrilled to embark on another year of partnership and look forward to continuing our service together on behalf of DC’s young learners.”

Zachary Clark, Executive Director of 826DC

JLW’s community partners for 2017-2018 are:

826DC
A Wider Circle
Bright Beginnings
Calvary Women’s Services
Capital Area Food Bank
Carlyle House
Community Family Life Services
Folger Shakespeare Library
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum/Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary
Higher Achievement
Horton’s Kids
Iona Senior Services
Langley Residential Support Services
Lee-Fendall House
Library of Congress’ National Book Festival
The Literacy Lab
MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
N Street Village
National Museum of Women in the Arts
New Endeavors by Women
Washington School for Girls
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington