1934-1954

JLD was founded in 1934 as the Junior Service League of Decatur. The ladies in the League got busy right away working with the schools in Decatur and volunteering at Scottish Rite Hospital. In 1937, they established a “milk fund” for needy children. By 1940, League members were involved with seven community boards. The League undertook several “war projects during WWII. At the end of the war, in 1946, the League organized the DeKalb County Dental Clinic. In 1948, at the request of the Juvenile Court, the League financed summer camp for five children. In 1954, the Hearing Conservation Clinic was established with the DeKalb County Health Department.

1954-1974

In 1958, the League began volunteering with the Cerebral Palsy School.  In 1960, the League changed its name to the Junior Service League of DeKalb.  In 1961, saw the opening of the gift shop at DeKalb General Hospital. In 1963, 13,000 items of clothing were distributed to more than 2,100 people through the Clothing Room.

The DeKalb General Hospital Auxiliary was established in 1970, and the DeKalb Council for the Arts, Inc. was established in 1972.

1974-1994

In 1975, Volunteer DeKalb and the Callanwolde Guild, Inc. were established. In 1976, Friends of Fernbank, Girl’s Holding Home, and Callanwolde Arts Media Center were all established.

In 1978, JLD accepted ownership of the Mary Gay House, a historic home which was renovated and moved to Adair Park in 1980. Also in 1980, JLD received a grant to establish the DeKalb-Metro Atlanta Emergency Shelter. In 1982, JLD sponsored a Child-Advocacy-Legislative Forum, a Legislative Forum on the new State Constitution, and a Rape Prevention Seminar.

In 1985, five members were appointed to the Council on Battered Women, and First Steps, a primary prevention program for new families, was created. In 1986, JLD awarded its first Mini-Grants to elementary school teachers and successfully obtained $25,000 from the General Assembly for a girl’s outdoor therapeutic camp. In 1987, JLD helped establish the Women’s Resource Center for Battered Women in DeKalb County.

In 1988, JLD participated in the DeKalb County Rape Crisis Center Task Force, co-sponsored an AIDS forum with B’nai B’rith, co-sponsored Project US ‘88, a voter education project, and voted to accept the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center (“DRCC”) as its signature project. In 1990, JLD hired a project coordinator, opened a 24 hour crisis hotline, trained 80 volunteers, and obtained $30,000 in funding for DRCC. In 1991, JLD proceeded with its commitment to DRCC by establishing a companion program for rape victims in collaboration with DeKalb Medical Center. In 1992, JLD sponsored a community health fair, organized the first “Take Back the Night” run for DRCC, and hosted a literacy event whereby books were donated to eight resource rooms run by Save the Children. In 1993, DRCC was incorporated and a Board of Directors was established.

1994-2014

In 1994, JLD chose to adopt the International Women’s House (“IWH”) as its next signature project. IWH is a shelter for battered women not from the U.S. Because of the high numbers of immigrants in DeKalb County, this shelter was of utmost importance.

In 1997, after receiving thousands of dollars in grant, IWH opened its doors with its first resident. In 2000, IWH was incorporated and an independent Board of Directors was elected. Later that year, JLD identified its next project as a collaboration with Children’s Restoration Network (“CRN”). This collaboration involved many projects including tutoring of children in DFACS group homes. JLD also established “My Space” which is a place where children entering group homes can select items for “their space” at the home, such as comforters, clocks, lamps, etc. In 2002, Midway Presbyterian Church generously donated space for “My Space.”

In 2003, “Ready, Set, Read” was established whereby volunteers read to children waiting for their wellness visits with doctors at the DeKalb County Health Department. The 2003-2004 year saw JLD adopt the Turning Point group homes as its focus for the year.

During the 2004-05 League Year, the website www.jldekalb.org was fully developed and launched. We participated in the DeKalb History Park Community Task Force with community leaders to evaluate project feasibility, options and long range plans. Because 2004 was an election year, JLD hosted a barbecue with the candidates and a political forum with the candidates for District Attorney.

JLD chaired the State Public Affairs Committee for the Junior Leagues of Georgia (GA SPAC) for the 2006-07 League year. JLD changed the name of “My Space” to “A Space of My Own” and adopted it as its focus project in the 2006-07 League year. The 2007-08 League year saw a new fundraiser, Magnolia Market Days, replace Bargain Bazaar and the Silent Auction change formats and become the Giving Gala. JLD also changed its logo and began a rebranding initiative.

2014-2024

In 2015, the League chose to focus on Early Reading and Language Skills.  Since then, the JLD has participated in the DeKalb Summer Reading Partnership; read to classrooms during Georgia Pre-K Week; supplied books through the Ferst Foundation; assisted with the DeKalb County Library System‘s PRIMETIME Preschool program; and started the DeKalb Saturday Scholar Initiative at DeKalb County Elementary Schools.

From 2012-2017, JLD raised funds to support its mission by selling Poinsettias for a Purpose and hosting the DeKalb County Tour of Kitchens.  In 2018, the League hosted its first Bourbon & BBQ event which consisted of an amateur bbq competition and bourbon tasting.

The League continues its non-partisan advocacy activities with GA SPAC on initiatives that support women and children such as the Safe Harbor Act to provide resources to assist human trafficking survivors; hosted a Courageous Conversations forum in 2018 regarding mental health and Unchained – a human trafficking awareness event in 2019.  Since 2017, JLD has partnered with the League of Women Voters to provide voter registration, voter registration training, and voter engagement opportunities.  And in 2018, the League partnered with the Boys & Girls Club on a mentoring program for middle school girls.

Over its 80 plus year history , JLD members have participated in Leadership DeKalb and Leadership Atlanta; received multiple awards for community service; served on several boards of directors for other community organizations such as the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center, International Women’s House, DeKalb History Center, Leadership DeKalb, DeKalb Library Foundation, and many others; and obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money for community projects.  The JLD looks forward to remaining the premier organization in DeKalb County for developing female leaders and effecting positive change in our community.

 

In 2024, the Junior League of DeKalb County deepened its community impact by updating its focus areas in partnership with Leadership DeKalb. The new strategic direction prioritizes women’s health and young girls’ health, with an emphasis on mental health, maternal health, and overall wellness. This shift reflects the League’s commitment to addressing critical and timely issues that affect the well-being of women and girls in DeKalb County.

2024-Beyond

In celebration of National Minority Health Month and the Junior League of DeKalb County’s 90 years of service, the League hosted its first Community Mental Health Fair on April 27, 2024, in partnership with Commissioner Steve Bradshaw of DeKalb County District 4 and Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church. Held on the church grounds, the fair focused on the theme “The Health of it All – Mental Health Matters.” This free, public event offered a variety of resources including roundtable discussions with public health leaders, support from the Alzheimer’s Association, grief counseling, dental screenings, a mobile barber, food trucks, a Kids Corner, and more. The event helped to reduce stigma and raise awareness around mental health while connecting the community to critical wellness services.

Prior to the Community Mental Health Fair, the Junior League of DeKalb County hosted a Maternal Health Walk to advocate for equity in maternal care and resources. The walk began at 9:00 AM, also on the grounds of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church. This energizing kickoff to the day highlighted the urgent need for accessible maternal health care and served as a call to action to support mothers and families across DeKalb County.

 

The Junior League of DeKalb County’s Leadership Academy proudly hosted Rhythm of Resilience: Celebrating 90 Years of Advocacy and Service, a special fundraising event in honor of the League’s historic milestone. This vibrant celebration highlighted the League’s longstanding commitment to volunteerism, leadership development, and community impact. Guests enjoyed an evening of live entertainment, inspiring reflections from League leaders, and opportunities to support future leadership training and community initiatives. The event was both a tribute to the past and a rallying call for continued service and resilience in the years ahead.

 

In honor of the Junior League of DeKalb County’s 90 years of service and leadership, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners issued an official proclamation on October 22, 2024 recognizing the League’s longstanding contributions to the community. Presented during a public meeting, the proclamation celebrated the League’s commitment to volunteerism, women’s leadership development, and community impact. This prestigious recognition serves as a meaningful tribute to the League’s legacy of advocacy and action throughout DeKalb County.

As part of our commitment to women’s health and combating period poverty, the Junior League of DeKalb County launched a menstrual health initiative to provide essential care products to local middle and high schools. In 2024, League volunteers assembled and distributed over 1,000 tampons, 1,000 pads, 750 liners, and feminine hygiene wipes. To date, more than 250 Girl.Packs have been delivered to students at Clarkston High School and Towers High School, helping ensure no student misses class due to lack of access to period products. This initiative reflects our belief that supporting girls’ basic needs lays the foundation for their success.

In addition to menstrual care, the League extended its impact through the distribution of Refresh Packs, providing hygiene essentials to over 200 students across DeKalb County. These packs included items such as deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and other personal care products—equipping students with the tools they need to feel clean, confident, and prepared. Together, these efforts demonstrate our continued dedication to promoting dignity, health, and educational equity in the community.

 

To commemorate nine decades of service, leadership, and impact, the Junior League of DeKalb County held its 90th Anniversary Legacy Gala at the beautiful Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. The evening celebrated the League’s enduring legacy with past and present members, community leaders, and supporters for a night of elegance, reflection, and inspiration. Guests enjoyed live music, curated cuisine, and special tributes honoring the League’s rich history and visionary leaders. This milestone event not only commemorated our enduring legacy but also reaffirmed our continued commitment to empowering women and strengthening the DeKalb County community for generations to come. The gala honored our rich history while looking ahead to the future of impactful service.

 

In  2025, the Junior League of DeKalb County advanced its commitment to women’s and youth wellness through impactful initiatives. The League partnered with the Elizabeth Andrews Professional Closet to support women in need of professional attire as they prepare to enter or return to the workforce promoting confidence and economic mobility.

Additionally, the League allocated $10,000 to expand mental health programs and services across five DeKalb County schools, helping to address the growing need for mental wellness resources among students. These efforts reflect the League’s ongoing dedication to fostering healthier, more empowered communities.

 

In 2025, the Junior League of DeKalb County (JLD), in partnership with Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, District 2, hosted a Press Conference on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. to announce the Public Listening Sessions for the historic initiative to establish the first-ever DeKalb County Women’s Commission. This groundbreaking commission is the realization of Commissioner Spears’ vision to create a lasting county wide impact that will uplift, support, and advocate for the women.

The DeKalb County Women’s Commission will serve as a pivotal force for change, addressing the unique needs of women across the county and providing valuable resources and leadership.

As the convenor of this important initiative, the Junior League of DeKalb County is bringing together key stakeholders from a wide array of critical sectors, including health services, professional and leadership development, business resources, government affairs, financial services, education, housing, family support, faith-based initiatives, and culture and the arts. This collaborative effort will ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting women throughout DeKalb County.

The DeKalb County Women’s Commission will be a safe space, a guiding force, and a source of support for women, providing exceptional service, leadership, and relief. The commission will focus on addressing the most pressing needs of women across DeKalb, empowering them to lead, thrive, and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.