Life Through Another Lens: Contessa Officer

“Life Through Another Lens” brings the stories of our members, in their own words, shedding light on how we experience the world and the NYJL through different lenses, informed by our individual cultural identities.

This article has been lightly edited for clarity.

What prompted you to become a member of the New York Junior League and how long have you been a member? As an active member of my church and a long time member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., I have a strong commitment to community service. When I started looking into the Junior League of the City of New York, I knew that it was the perfect opportunity to serve on one of the many wonderful committees, expand my network and gain new skills. I’ve been a member since 2012 and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
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Life Through Another Lens: Kathleen Adams

This is the first of a new series that highlights the stories of our members, in their own words. This series aims to shed light on how our volunteers experience the world , their volunteer service, and the NYJL through different lenses, informed by our individual cultural identities. For our first installment, in honor of Black History Month, we feature NYJL volunteer Kathleen Adams. We are grateful to Kathleen for being the first!

This article has been lightly edited for clarity.

What prompted you to become a member of the New York Junior League and how long have you been a member? I joined the New York Junior League when I was in college. I moved to New York City and attended Fordham University for both undergrad and grad school. I wanted to meet other women outside of just campus life, and I wanted to volunteer, so I decided to join. I’ve been a member since 2008. (more…)

The NYJL Goes On: Volunteer Development Strives and Thrives

By Rachel Geringer-Dunn, NYJL New Membership committee co-chair

Prospective volunteers attend a New Member Orientation to learn more about the NYJL.

COVID-19 has impacted every part of our lives. We never could have imagined that nearly a year into the pandemic, face masks and social distancing would still be a way of life. Despite the challenging mandate of staying home and away from one another, New York Junior League (NYJL) volunteers pivoted quickly and creatively to meet the needs of both our community partners and our volunteers. (more…)

Keeping connections with Senior Friends

By Lauren Junge, NYJL Senior Friends committee co-chair  

   

The elderly population is the largest growing demographic in the United States, making volunteer services in the community a critical need. NYJL’s Senior Friends volunteers serve the senior community at the New Jewish Home by forming and maintaining relationships with the residents, who enjoy making new “friends” with our volunteers.  (more…)

Advocacy in Action: Responding to Domestic Violence from Multiple Perspectives

From the archives: NYJL volunteers stood with advocates and survivors of domestic violence at the 2016 Shine the Light Rally in front of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Federal Building in Harlem.

On Monday, December 7, NYJL’s Advocates for Public Policy welcomed elected officials and community partners to NYJL’s annual (virtual) Legislative Breakfast and introduced the organization’s 2020–2021 advocacy agenda focusing on mental health, food insecurity and domestic violence. This event specifically highlighted how COVID-19 has exacerbated the public health crisis of domestic violence and explored ways to partner in this critical work to end gender-based and intimate partner violence. (more…)

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