Our goal is met, but will you help us do even more for our community?
Can one black dress worn for five short days create awareness about issues that affect others for a lifetime?
This week, November 13-17th, 2023, The Junior League of Tallahassee (JLT) will be participating in the seventh annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI). For the next week Tallahassee women and advocates will wear the same Little Black Dress (LBD) or outfit to illustrate food insecurity experienced by those living in poverty. Food insecurity describes a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life. According to Feeding America, one in six children in Leon County struggles to find their next meal. Additionally, nearly 31,000 people in Leon County are food insecure, including 8,500 children. Part of our mission is to raise awareness and funds to assist in providing meals and bridging the gap.
For this reason we are wearing a black dress/outfit... the same black dress/outfit for five days in a row to:
- Emphasize the tough choices that have to be made by those who are food insecure;
- Spread awareness of local issues affecting our neighbors and friends;
- Raise money for the mission of the Junior League of Tallahassee to improve the lives of children and families in our community, and;
- Promote volunteerism.
We would be honored if you would join us for this great cause and support the Junior League of Tallahassee by making a donation to support the many projects and programs of the Junior League of Tallahassee like:
Mighty Meals: The 4th annual Mighty Meals food distribution event was a huge success in continuing the fight against childhood hunger and food insecurity! In March 2023, JLT provided 84,000 nutritious meals to local children and families during the spring break holiday. Each Mighty Meals kit will feed a family of four, three nutritious meals each day, for the seven days of Spring Break.
Kids' Boutique: In August 2023, the 27th Annual Kids’ Boutique back-to-school shopping event served nearly 150 Leon County elementary students to provide them access to school essentials and new clothing to kick off the school year on the right foot. JLT works directly with guidance counselors at Leon County elementary schools to identify children in need of essential clothes, shoes, and school supplies.
HOPE Community: JLT is excited to extend it's partnership with Family Promise of the Big Bend's HOPE Community as they provide emergency shelter to families with minor children and work to end family homelessness by providing residents with tools for employment and education, assistance with housing options, and access to supportive services. JLT provides family programming and activities, organizes donation drives, and plans and executes renovation projects for the HOPE Community.
Sabal Palm Elementary: Our newest Jill Pope Community Partner is Sabal Palm Elementary Community Partnership school. As a Community Partnership School, Sabal Palm brings together high-quality academics, health care, counseling, support, mentoring, and more—all where students and their families are comfortable, in their school. JLT provides volunteer support and funding to the program, which aligns with the JLT’s mission to improve the lives of children and families in our community.
