The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri was established more than a century ago. Since then, the organization has raised more than $18.5 million and provided in excess of 2.5 million volunteer hours to 350 community partners. The current focus is on women’s and children’s issues, centering on self-sustainability, abuse and neglect, and childhood development.

“We are the only entity in the entire metro that trains volunteers to go out and serve the community – and we’ve been incredibly good at it,” Kimberlee Ried, 2021-2022 president, said, adding, “No other organization can offer the type of volunteer training we provide to women.”

The League’s endeavors benefit individuals and organizations in ways large and small. In 2021, the League provided 400 comfort kits, which included essential items and personal hygiene products, to organizations such as Newhouse, Rose Brooks Center, and Amethyst Place. One recipient noted that the League’s kit was packaged in a little red bag, which made it look like a gift. She saw that as a token of kindness, one that helped her regain her dignity.     

Celeste Greenlee, the executive director stated, “This year, the League established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board position and committee to build a stronger membership and bring greater awareness to these issues. Our League members continue in our long-standing tradition of identifying areas of need within our community and collaborating with non-profit organizations to work toward solutions. Our trained volunteers take bold action to make a positive impact in Kansas City.” 

Anyone who identifies as a woman is encouraged to join the organization, which currently has nearly 500 Active members and more than 700 Sustaining members. In 2021, the League’s Healthy U Family Meals Program provided nutritious food and meal preparation information to 300 families. A total of 68 Zoom presentations assisted 433 women who were interested in learning more about financial independence. In recent years, the organization has sponsored the C3KC collaborative conference, bringing together leaders with the goal to “Spark Change for a Better Kansas City.” In 2022, the League will partner with 17 non profits.  

Featured in the March 19, 2022 issue of The Independent.
By Heather N. Paxton