History
Junior League of Lafayette began in 1957 as Service League of Lafayette. The 17 women who organized the Service League were Mrs. Bella Nickerson Abramson, Mrs. Emalie Comegys, Jr., Mrs. Margaret Ramsey Copeland, Mrs. Azalie Crain, Mrs. Geraldine Fontenot, Mrs. Malise Foster, Mrs. Jean Frazell, Mrs. Martha Green, Mrs. Frances Wallace, Mrs. Barbara Hartwell, Mrs. Irene Hetherwick, Mrs. Susie Hughes, Mrs. Janelle Morgan, Mrs. Woodthrow Meeker, Mrs. Lucille Copeland, Mrs. Mary Ann Sadler and Mrs. Martha Smith. Three Honorary Members were Mrs. W. W. Hawkins, Mrs. Donald Labbe, and Mrs. Bennett Voorhies. This group formed the charter membership. In 1974, the Service League of Lafayette was admitted into the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., and officially became Junior League of Lafayette.
Since 1957, Junior League of Lafayette has continued the vision of Mary Harriman, founder of Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., through its ongoing efforts to affect positive change in the community of Lafayette. Over these 60 years, Junior League of Lafayette has provided trained volunteers for community service in areas of local need including child health/development, education, health/well-being, social services, substance abuse prevention, teens/juvenile justice, voluntarism and the arts. Through the tireless fundraising efforts of our members and the tremendous community support over the years, Junior League of Lafayette has raised over $8.7 million to fund and support our Mission.
Whether through the hands-on work of our volunteers, or by funding League-sponsored community projects, or by making direct grants to nonprofit organizations whose interests and priorities are consistent with our Mission statement, the rich history and tradition of service of Junior League of Lafayette continues to grow!
Learn More
Major Recipients of Junior League of Lafayette Community Funds 1957-Present
Junior League of Lafayette Fundraising History 1957-Present
Junior League of Lafayette Archives at University of Louisiana at Lafayette Library