JLS Current Projects 2025-26

The Junior League of Springfield (JLS) leverages its resources to address issues of need in our community. Historically, JLS focused on child abuse and neglect, however, JLS widened its impact in recent years to also focus on the needs of under serviced and disadvantaged women and children in our community. JLS impacts these issues through advocacy, direct service, and volunteer time. In the 2025-2026 league year, JLS will contribute volunteer hours to the following projects:

Isabel’s House, Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks

JLS will partner with Isabel’s House to host ‘Family Cafes’. The Family Cafes will provide opportunities to families who have utilized Isabel’s House in the past year to participate in topic-centered support session (60-90 minutes) led by a community presenter/expert. The purpose is to increase support for families facing significant challenges, engage with community experts about resources, and connect families facing similar challenges. Sessions will take place at an accessible location and include snacks/drinks, childcare, topic supported related material, and a gift card incentive. Volunteer activity will include the planning, execution and promoting of the cafe.

Drew Lewis Foundation

The Drew Lewis Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in underserved urban neighborhoods. They achieve this by educating, empowering, and supporting underserved families through personalized programs and coaching. JLS will partner with the Drew Lewis Foundation as part of the Blue House Project, which provides a unique and innovative pathway to home ownership and community investment by providing renovated homes to the community with preference to RISE graduates. JLS volunteers will help beautify the interior of 1-2 homes in the underserved Grant Beach neighborhood.