JLFW Continues to Thrive!

The Junior League of Fort Worth, Inc. (JLFW) celebrates its 91st year with a new president, Amber Robertson, and the new Board of Directors for the 2020-2021 League year.

Photo courtesy of JLFW

JLFW’s almost 2,000 members contribute over 50,000 volunteer hours annually to over 44 local agencies and community placements. Placements include serving newer organizations such as Junior Achievement, Justin’s Place and True Worth Place, continuing to work with long-time partners and Fort Worth treasures like Cook Children’s, Kinderfrogs, Mayfest, Safehaven and Texas Ballet Theater, as well as supporting six (6) FWISD schools through the League’s Jr.MINTS program and the newly opened JLFW Diaper Bank.

The organization’s theme for the year is “Thrive!”. During the year, JLFW members will embark on the opportunity to learn and grow and stretch beyond what was thought possible.

“This year is no different and yet VERY different. Under the umbrella of a global pandemic, we’re all facing new challenges. The JLFW is determined to meet these challenges head on and continue to make a difference in our own lives, in the lives of those we serve alongside and in the lives of the residents of Fort Worth. This year may not look or feel exactly like others, but it is still full of potential,” said President Amber Robertson.

With the League year looking different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization continues its commitment and mission to serve the needs of the community. Modified volunteer opportunities following safety guidelines have been made available, meetings and trainings have turned virtual, and both Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Gift Market and Grand Entry Gala are being reimagined with the health and safety of our community in mind.

JLFW is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In 2020-2021, JLFW will provide ten grants totaling $560,000 to local nonprofit organizations including ACH Child and Family Services, The Net Fort Worth, The Women’s Center, and Unbound Fort Worth.

In 2019-2020, JLFW raised over $1 Million through its three largest fundraisers:  Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Gift Market, Grand Entry Gala, and Rodeo Program Sales, a collaboration with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

Robertson joined JLFW in 2006 and has previously served in a variety of leadership roles in both the community and fundraising areas of the League.

Photo courtesy of JLFW

In addition, the 2020 – 2021 Board of Directors include:

Elizabeth Knuckley, President-Elect
Megan Valusek, Administrative Vice President
Devin Wenske Sanders, Communications Vice President
Katie Ciccarino, Community Vice President
Lindsey Buckmaster, Education Vice President
Brittyn Brender, Finance Vice President
Danielle Dollahite, Finance Assistant Vice President
Mary Lou Hilliard, Fund Development Vice President
Brooke Scoggin, Membership Vice President
Tiffany Rubenkoenig, Sustaining Advisor
Leslie Hunt, Nominating Chair

The complete list of JLFW 2020-2021 Project grants include:

ACH Child and Family Services

$100,000 toward residential treatment center and wellness program for high needs foster youth.

The Net Fort Worth       

$100,000 toward The Worthy Co. job training center.

The Women’s Center 

$100,000 towards space redesign to expand capacity for rape, crisis, and poverty services.

Unbound Fort Worth     

$70,000 towards equipment and survivor support at the new drop-in center at OneSafe Place.

Breakthrough Fort Worth   

$50,000 for program expansion into East Fort Worth. 

The Cliburn      

$40,000 towards the Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

The Ladder Alliance

$30,000 for the Welcome to the Arts Program.

Tarrant Area Food Bank 

$25,000 towards summer farmers markets.

The Salvation Army   

$25,000 for culinary arts training program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Tarrant County

$20,000 for the Mentor 2.0 program at Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

Total grant funds:     $560,000

*Funds are currently unaudited.