In October, Junior League of Lafayette’s Collaborative Opportunity Grants Committee awarded its 2023 grants, which consist of volunteer support hours as well as financial contributions, to local nonprofit organizations.
A total of $19,765 in grants were awarded to 11 local nonprofit organizations.
At the League’s October General Membership Meeting, Roya Boustany, Junior League of Lafayette President, congratulated Members on the success of Tinsel & Treasures, the League’s largest fundraiser held each September.
She emphasized that 100 percent of the funds raised at the holiday market return to the community through programs like Collaborative Opportunity Grants.
“We’re thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s grant awards,” Boustany said. “These organizations and projects are truly inspiring, and I am so thankful that Junior League of Lafayette can partner with them to help be a force for good in our community.”
Annual grants are funded through Junior League of Lafayette fundraising efforts such as Tinsel & Treasures, Little Black Dress Initiative, sales from the League’s four Member-written cookbooks, and community program sponsorships.
The 2023 grant recipients are:
Healing House / Coping Kits ($1,500)
Junior League of Lafayette will provide Coping Kits to children who have experienced the recent death of someone significant in their lives. The kits include art supplies, grief journals, and a book on grief. The volunteers will help purchase kit supplies, assemble the kits, then deliver the completed kits to agencies, hospitals, funeral homes, and hospice organizations.
The RescYOU Group / Bereavement Boxes ($1,500)
Junior League of Lafayette will purchase supplies for keepsakes that are given to families that lose a child ages 1 to 17, or 18 if still in high school. Their number one goal is to support those who have lost a child, while also raising awareness for all families to lessen the number of preventable child deaths.
Habitat for Humanity / Women Build 2023 ($1,500)
Junior League of Lafayette will help with the construction of a home. Grant funds will go toward purchasing materials for the Women Build home. Habitat will coordinate a build day specifically for Junior League of Lafayette volunteers to work on the home and meet the future homeowner. The Women Build initiative provides a hands-on opportunity for women to confront the challenges of affordable housing in Acadiana.
Miles Perret Cancer Services / Treatment Care Kits ($2,000)
Junior League of Lafayette will assist with assembling and labeling care kits to help clients minimize skin and oral side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Cancer patients in treatment often experience side effects like mouth sores, dry skin, and dehydration. Grant funds will go toward purchasing supplies.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana / Pantry ($1,500)
Junior League of Lafayette will provide a snack pantry for club members at the two Lafayette clubs, the Granberry and Jackie units. While at the club, the volunteers will set up and distribute snacks and educate club members about Junior League and its mission.
New Hope / Spring Party ($2,000)
Junior League of Lafayette will assist in the purchase of items for the organization’s Spring Party, which is its end of the year celebration. Junior League of Lafayette will also assist with running the New Hope store which rewards kids for doing their schoolwork, New Hope work and overall good conduct.
Aylee’s Angels / Keepsake Bags ($2,000)
Junior League of Lafayette will assist with the growth of their mission by purchasing supplies for keepsakes and bags that are given to families during their times of grief and bereavement.
Girl Scouts / Starlight Safari ($2,000)
Junior League of Lafayette will help with purchasing all-day access to Zoosiana including activities for the girls to learn about the animals of the zoo, including their care, meals, and habitats. Volunteers will assist with checking in members, guiding tours, and assisting with evening activities.
Girls on the Run / Girls on the Run 5K ($2,000)
Junior League of Lafayette will fund activities for the 5K including purchasing and preparing bandana kits. These bandanas will be decorated with positive affirmations to encourage the participants. Junior League of Lafayette will also purchase fresh fruit and refreshments for pre- and post-race activities. Junior League volunteers will purchase a portable speaker to ensure Girls on the Run has a way to effectively play music and share announcements during the event. The volunteers will also help serve food at the end of the event.
The Clearport Learning Center / Girl’s Night ($2,000)
Junior League of Lafayette will assist The Clearport Learning Center’s mentoring program in putting on their Girl’s Night in March. Girl’s Night is part of the organization’s mentorship program that focuses on providing girls with the opportunity to engage in discussions and mentorship with women community leaders. Junior League of Lafayette volunteers will make two shopping trips for two events, attend the event, help serve the meal, and help with two activity stations.
Catholic Charities of Acadiana / Family Fun Night Packages ($1,765.14)
Junior League of Lafayette will assist with assembling Family Fun Night packages for families in Catholic Charities’ emergency homeless shelter. These packages will give families experiencing homelessness some activities to do together in their rooms that will result in positive experiences while in the shelter.