DONATE HERE – JLS Second Annual Little Black Dress Initiative to Combat Poverty

DONATE NOW

WHAT IS THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS INITIATIVE?

The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a global initiative started by the Junior League of London to raise awareness of the impact of generational poverty.

The Junior League of Springfield, MO (JLS) will participate in our second annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) from February 26 – March 2, 2018. During this week, JLS members will wear the same little black dress for five consecutive days to illustrate the effects poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, her confidence, and her professional opportunities. By wearing a button that reads “Ask me About my Dress,” members will invite and welcome dialogue among colleagues, friends, and strangers to raise awareness about generational poverty.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Donate to the cause! Our amazing group of women will be raising money for the JLS Annual Fund. Our goal this year is to raise $21,500 – please help us reach our goal! Visit our fundraising site here to make a donation today!

DONATE NOW

HOW WILL YOUR DONATION HELP?

This initiative will help us advocate for poverty awareness and support our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In addition, JLS collaborates with many organizations that help support those affected by generational poverty. Our volunteers help package goods at Ozarks Food Harvest, offer support for at-risk teens at Rare Breed, and provide childcare at Isabel’s House.

See below for a list of organizations and projects that JLS works with to help make an impact on generational poverty in Greene County:

  • Community Summit: Focus on Poverty
  • Ozarks Food Harvest
  • Laura’s Home
  • Isabel’s House
  • Rare Breed Youth Services
  • Habitat for Humanity: Women Build
  • Robberson Community School Collaboration

WHAT IS GENERATIONAL POVERTY?

Generational poverty occurs in families where at least two generations have been born into poverty. Growing up in poverty is one of the greatest threats to healthy child development, and in addition to our mission, JLS focuses on the prevention of childhood abuse and neglect. Poverty and financial stress can impede a child’s cognitive development and their ability to learn. The poverty rate in Springfield has steadily increased in recent years and now affects nearly 25 percent of Springfield residents – this is a higher rate than Chicago or Washington, D.C. JLS is committed to eradicating generational poverty in Greene County, and through efforts like LBDI, we as an organization are able to provide critical education on this issue and help raise money to effect change.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, February 28, 12-1 p.m. | PICK-ME-UP FOR POVERTY 

Join us for lunch and a pick-me-up with Trailer Perk Coffee and Twisted Mikes! It’s fast and easy to help those in need right here in Springfield. Every purchase helps the Junior League of Springfield support those in poverty right here in our community. Trailer Perk Coffee will donate 30% of her sales, and Twisted Mikes will donate $1 from each entree sold as well as 10% of his sales to our Little Black Dress campaign.

Thursday, March 1, 5:45 & 6:45 p.m. | WORKOUT FOR A CAUSE: HOT BARRE CLASS

Get a workout and support LBD with a hot barre class at Physique Fitness taught by Stephanie Hohenshell! The cost is $20 and includes the class as well as champagne and strawberries provided by American National. 50% of the class proceeds benefit LBD. There will also be exclusive class and boutique discount offered. Registration is required and limited to 30 per session. This event is open to the public so feel free to invite your friends and make sure they register using the links below!

Register for Session 1 at 5:45 p.m.
Register for Session 2 at 6:45 p.m.

Get more information about member-only events here!

If you have questions, email Cris Swaters Milligan at christinaswaters@gmail.com