The Junior League of Buffalo Decorators' Show House 2009 was recently the cover story of the Fall issue of Buffalo Spree HOME magazine!  More than 12 pages of glorious photos showed the handiwork of some of our decorators, and the entire project was a tribute to the work of all of our volunteers.

 

Thanks to all who contributed their time and energy to make this year's Show House yet another enormous success!

 

The process for granting the Show House proceeds has already begun, and we look forward to seeing how our efforts take shape in a worthy community project!

 

 

The JLB is in its third year of affiliation with our community partner, Literacy Volunteers, and this particular program started in our first year of partnership, as part of the family literacy program.  These marvelous kids we work with are all refugees, mostly from Kenyan refugee camps.  Their families are originally from Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. The kids are all around high-school age, and are members of the Bantu culture, following certain customs, traditions, and languages that differ from a "Somalian."  Many of their people were actually slaves of Somalians or considered in a lower society level than Somalians. We also have one refugee who just recently joined the group from Southeast Asia.

 
As newcomers to our country, they face many obstacles.  First and foremost is language.  Without a strong language comprehension, it is hard to do many basic things, like read bus schedules, complete Social Services paperwork, and most importantly, have success in school.  We try to integrate conversation and language usage into everything we do. But we always try to do it in a practical way... employment applications, college tours, newspapers, web sites, etc... We try to bring them learning experiences that they cannot get in school, like theater, discussion forums, etc. And we provide a comfortable environment for them to discuss current issues, and everyday problems that cannot be answered by asking teachers, peers or adults living in their households.

By serving as mentors, and sometimes as tutors, we have given them a source of help and comfort in their world.  Although life may always be more difficult for them than it is for you or I, they know that they have friends, adults friends, who care deeply for them and will always try to help them.  There has been an incredible transformation in the group since we started.  They were very apprehensive about our intentions at first, and very guarded.  Now, laughter is the most common sound during our meetings.  Although the Junior League mentors cannot help solve all their problems, we are making this world a little better for each and everyone of them... and they're returning the favor to us ten-fold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literacy Volunteers 3-Year Partnership Comes to an End
By Jennifer Berryman
 
Over the last three years the Community Council has worked with Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo and Erie County as our Signature Project.  It is hard to believe that our partnership has come to an end so quickly.  While it took some time to learn about Literacy Volunteers and how they can best utilize our trained volunteers, our members were ready and anxious to help where ever they can.
 
Literacy Volunteers' biggest need was tutor training for adult students.  Over 30 members were trained as tutors to assist in drop-in centers Literacy Volunteers' headquarters at 1313 Main Street.  With the assistance of the Junior League Tutors, Literacy Volunteers was able to expand the drop-in center times to accommodate the needs of their students.
 
Our members were trained in storytelling techniques and ran story time sessions at different venues in the city of Buffalo.  Our most touching moment has been our relationship working with the Somali-Bantu Youth Council.  The council worked with the students on many different aspects of their lives, including school, family, career and leadership.  The council has been keeping you updated on their success over the years, and have presented to the Junior League membership on many occasions.  The Somali Bantu Council will continue into the 2010-2011 Junior League year.
 
The Junior League of Buffalo Community Council has also assisted Literacy Volunteers in awareness and fundraising events such as Coffee & Chocolate, Buffalo Wing Fest and book sales.  Members worked in other capacities such as sorting books and assisting in their library.
 
The monetary donations made by the Junior League largely went to ordering new teaching materials for students and tutors to use during their tutoring sessions.  This donation allowed Literacy Volunteers to keep materials current and up to date with the most research-based methods and strategies. Other monetary donations purchased new laptop computers to use for intake appointments with students, host a holiday party for our students and volunteers, and purchase office supplies and training materials. 
 
Just recently, Literacy Volunteers has moved to the Central Library in Downtown Buffalo.  The reality is that in today's funding environment all not-for-profits must explore ways of working more economically. Currently rent, utilities and other facility-related expenses consumes one of the largest part of Literacy Volunteers' budget. Moving to the library, while not rent free, will decrease costs by over 89%.

Just as important as the financial considerations are the opportunities that partnering with the library will bring to Literacy Volunteers' tutors and learners. This includes expanded programming, modern training facilities, extended outreach and other joint ventures. These changes will catapult Literacy Volunteers into the 21st Century.

"On behalf of Chris Gibas, Executive Director, Amy Lawrence, Program Director and all the staff at Literacy Volunteers, we thank the Junior League of Buffalo for your support over the last three years.  We hope the League will continue to support Literacy Volunteers' mission and volunteer opportunities at our organization." 

On Tuesday, April 27th, the members of the Junior League of Buffalo awarded $515,000 to The Martin House Restoration Corporation, for restoration of The Martin House Playroom.
 
Our Press Release:  (April 2010, Buffalo, NY)  The Junior League of Buffalo/The Buffalo News Decorators' Show House has announced The Martin House Restoration Corporation will be the recipient of proceeds from the Junior League of Buffalo (JLB) and The Buffalo News Decorators' Show House 2009.  The Martin House Restoration Corporation will receive $515,000 for the restoration of The Martin House Playroom.
 
Anne Leary, President of the JLB, announced, "Western New York is in the midst of reinventing itself culturally and economically.  Its revival hinges in large part on cultural tourism: critical new revenue generated by the area's architectural heritage.  The Martin House is recognized as a pivotal component of the WNY economic cultural development initiative and needs the support of its community in the last major phase of restoration.
 
The Martin House Restoration Corporation (MHRC) has requested funding for expenses related to the restoration of the historic playroom, an individual component within the larger interior restoration of the Darwin D. Martin House.  The MHRC was formed in 1992 and since then has accomplished nearly 75% of the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Martin House Complex.  Despite the ongoing restoration, the MHRC offers tours, educational programs and events. An international magnet for tourism designed by arguably America's greatest architect, over 25,000 visitors toured the Martin House Complex in 2009. But leadership giving from both the public and private sectors has been tapped out.  Support from the Junior League is critical. 
 
The planned work in the Martin House playroom will restore historic plaster, paint and wood trim while updating mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. This spacious lower level room, proposed to be named THE JUNIOR LEAGUE/BUFFALO NEWS LEARNING CENTER, will be a dedicated educational space which will allow for limitless programming for community members, tourists, school children, architecture students and history aficionados. The educational space will be outfitted with audio-visual equipment and technology hardware and software.
 
In October 2011, the Buffalo region will be hosting the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference.  It is imperative that Buffalo, and the Martin House Complex, be ready for the 2,000 preservationists and architectural scholars in attendance.   
 
Every other year, the JLB Show House Proceeds Committee distributes RFPs to the Buffalo/Niagara not-for-profit community.  Organizations respond with a preliminary proposal, requesting a minimum of $200,000 for a project with "significant impact" in the community.  This year, 65 organizations responded.  Entries are judged based on criteria detailed in the JLB Bylaws, Mission and Vision.  The list is narrowed to two finalists in three qualifying rounds.  A vote of the JLB general membership took place on April 27th, 2010, awarding the monies to The Martin House Restoration Corporation.
 
E.B. Green's Wallace Estate, located at 697 LeBrun in Eggertsville was transformed by area decorators, landscapers and craftsmen The Wallace Estate, the 15th Decorators' Show House co-sponsored by the Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News, was held April 25 through May 17, 2009.  Area decorators, landscapers and craftsmen performed an amazing revitalization of The Wallace House, an elegant French Provincial home constructed in 1929 by noted Buffalo architect E.B. Green.  The 10,000-square-foot mansion is situated on approximately two acres, together with a carriage house which hosted a café, and a signature boutique, La Petite Fleur, which featured items from local artisans and crafters.
 
Past recipients of Show House proceeds include EPIC (Every Person Influences Children), Theater of Youth, the Buffalo Museum of Science, Kleinhan's Music Hall, Hospice, Child & Family Services and the Buffalo Zoo, among others.
 
The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Buffalo News, April 28, 2010: 

 

"Martin House Restoration Corp. on Tuesday was awarded $515,000 to expand its educational outreach program. The award was decided by a vote of the membership of the Junior League of Buffalo, which considered two finalists, in Albright- Knox Art Gallery.

 

Junior League President Anne Leary said the award is the largest ever presented by the organization, which raised the funds through its annual Junior League of Buffalo/Buffalo News Decorators' Show House."

 

By Kari Anderson

 

Darjanette Pannell models her new look and new clothing at the life skills class sponsored by the JLB

This April, Junior League provisionals completed a two day service project with Gerard Place.  Sixteen provisionals developed and implemented a career day for the clients at Gerard Place.  With the assistance of Karen Brown, Audrey Lundy, and Shelby McKinney, the provisionals were able to present a three-hour life skills program designed to inspire the clients to continue on the path towards independence. 

 

Samantha Dininny enhances her new look with a makeup demonstration sponsored by Mary Kay

Miss Shelby McKinney, a Buffalo city firefighter, started the afternoon with a discussion about overcoming obstacles and shutting out negative distractions in life.  She told the clients that she too had needed help to get on her feet, but is now successful in both her career and private life.  She encouraged the residents to make healthy choices for their children by becoming active in their lives and leading through example.  After listening to Shelby's inspiring message, three break out group were offered.  The highlight of the career presentation was Karen Brown, who volunteered her time for this presentation.  As a human resource manager at Ingram Micro, she gave authentic information about how she expects an applicant to respond during the interview process and gave the residents tips for addressing perspective employers.  To that end, our own Leaguers helped the residents get online and establish work appropriate email addresses.  Clients also had the chance to pamper themselves with Arbonne lotions, donated by Independent Arbonne Consultant Audrey Lundy, and Mary Kay cosmetics.  With their new look, each resident was able to choose up to two new professional outfits.  At the end of the program, over 45 additional bags of clothing were donated to Gerard Place.  The majority of this was office appropriate clothing.  Cookbooks were also donated as part of Gerard Place's commitment to teaching nutrition and meal planning.
 

Leaguers Tiffany Banker and Astrid Willis hang curtains at Gerard Place of Buffalo during our apartment makeover

After a very successful career day, the provisionals returned to Gerard Place on Saturday to make over an apartment for an incoming family, including a mother and a six year old girl.  Through the efforts of our provisional group, co-chaired by Loretta Carrison, we were able to collect many of the items needed to fill the apartment.  In fact, we are well on the way to accessorizing a second apartment!
 
Gerard Place is hosting its third annual art auction on June 18 at Shea's.  Look for upcoming DIIAD information on how you can get involved with this event.  

Gerard Place still has several families leaving this spring and needs to replenish their apartment donations.  They are in desperate need of couches, but are gladly accepting all apartment furnishings.  As you can see from Tiffany's picture, they are in need of long drapes.  They could also use twin sized bed sheets and need twin sized mattress pads.  Please see the attached link to see the list of needed items.  Receipts are always available for tax purposes.

 

The May issue of Buffalo Spree magazine featured "WNY's Most Powerful," and the Junior League of Buffalo was admirably represented.  Past President Mary Ann Kresse, Past President Clotilde Dedecker, current President Anne Leary and member Melinda Rath Sanderson were all quoted and featured.

 

The JLB Provisional Members presented "Kids in the Kitchen" on May 1, 2010 at the Boys and Girls Club in Tonawanda, NY.  Through age-appropriate activities, children in grades K-8 participated in activities designed to promote healthier lifestyles through a series of educational and enjoyable games, stories, fitness activities and hands-on cooking lessons.  About 50 children participated.  Chef Michael Braxton led in the food preparation.  Demetrius Bell, #77 offensive tackle with the Buffalo Bills, provided insight into his career and spoke about the impact healthy choices has on it.  JLB would like to extend a very warm thank you to Computer Task Group, Inc. for granting a $1,500 sponsorship for the event and "B" is for Books for donating all of the books.  Rosanne Braxton was the leader in this event and it was perfectly executed by all of the provisional members.  Thank you to Astrid Willis, Lisa McNutt, Maureen Hanagan, the Canisius High School Tennis Team, and Rosanne Braxton's daughters for volunteering as well!

 

Recently, The Buffalo News printed a story about Gerard Place, the recipient of $225,000 from the JLB - the proceeds from our last Show House, The Silverthorne Mansion!  The money was used to renovate the convent and former church next to Gerard Place, and now it is The Junior League of Buffalo/The Buffalo News Education Center.

 

Click here to read the article                 Photo by Sharon Cantillon - Buffalo News

The theme of the December Buffalo Spree was "Girls' Night Out," and among the ideas for fun things to do was volunteering among other women!  The Junior League of Buffalo was prominently featured.

  

On March 4, the WNY Women's Fund co-presented a day-long celebration to kick-off Women's History Month and the collaboration around Pathways to Progress.  More than fifteen organizations hosted tables in the afternoon at the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library, providing information about their services to the public.  At 4:00 p.m. a press conference was held announcing that 15 WNY women's organizations are supporting Pathways to Progress through convenings, conversations, and investments in the specific leverage points revealed by the report.  Also, the Women's History Month calendar was presented, highlighting local activities and performances happening all around the community during the month of March.  Such a great success!

 

Following the press conference, the Junior League of Buffalo and WNY Women's Fund hosted a cupcake and champagne reception. The cupcakes were generously donated by Butterwood Desserts and were a huge hit.  The day provided an opportunity for women's organizations to recognize the women who came before us and the work that needs to be done to better our community for the future.

WASPs and The Junior League?  It's Not What You Think

Consensus Reached on Recipients for this Year's Grants from the Community Assistance Fund
Submitted by Patricia Gonzalez, Community Assistance Grant Chair 2009-2010

Please join the Junior League of Buffalo group on Facebook by clicking on the Facebook logo! 

Please feel free to contact us, to find out more about Junior League, about donating, or perhaps becoming a member.  We'd love to hear from you!

 

 

Junior League of Buffalo