The Junior League of Miami, Inc. carries out its mission by selecting community projects each year to which it devotes volunteer hours and funding. To respond to mounting social challenges in our community, the Junior League is governed by a strategic plan that calls for development of our own “flagship projects” as well as partnerships with other non-profit agencies that share our focus on “Families at Risk”. We concentrate on making a significant impact within the areas of homelessness, family, violence, child and women’s health, early childhood education and foster care.
Education and advocacy have been the Junior League’s focus throughout its 75 year history. League members seek to raise awareness and influence legislation pertaining to our focus areas. Because the Junior League takes a stand on key social issues, many challenges have been overcome. Others, unfortunately, continue to demand our on-going attention and advocacy. We work to fulfill the dream of a better life for the children and families of our community, and we are proud that some early Junior League projects are now major institutions and agencies in the Miami-Dade County community, including the Children’s Home Society and the Miami Museum of Science.
The Junior League of Miami, Inc. is one of the 247 Junior Leagues affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. which has nearly 200,000 volunteers and is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
It has been a pleasure and an inspiration to serve as president of the Junior League of Miami this year.
Deborah D. Korge, President 2000-01
2000-2001 Projects & Milestones
Inn Transition North – This flagship project provides housing and resources to women and children who are victims of domestic violence as part of a public-private partnership with Miami-Dade County. A current goal is to expand Inn Transition to Southern Miami-Dade County with a tentative occupancy date scheduled for fall, 2001.
Domestic Violence is Your Business – 12 league volunteers and JLM’s corporate partner Greenberg Traurig, LLC spearheaded a program for local businesses to provide support in developing corporate-level training related to appropriate domestic violence education and awareness programs, corporate policies and procedures, including communication and safety plans.
Girl Scouts -10 league volunteers helped girls and women at Shenandoah Elementary School to develop leadership and life skills related to safety, health, conflict resolution and communications, using the Girl Scout program as their guide.
Agape women’s Center – 12 league volunteers helped some 1800 women who are part of a residential drug rehabilitation services. League volunteers teach positive, healthy techniques for interacting with children through arts and crafts projects while Agape residents try to begin a new life.
Healthy Habits – 10 league volunteers helped chronically ill adolescents from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. League members work with the children who are hospitalized at Jackson Memorial Hospital to teach cooking, nutrition, budgeting and meal planning skills that meet their dietary needs.
KAPOW – (Kids and the Power of Work) – 10 league volunteers helped 120 children at Skyway Elementary in North Miami-Dade to learn lessons related to career awareness and work place skills from a pre-developed curriculum.
Project L.O.V.E. - 10 league volunteers helped many inner-city children to have experiences helping others, thus enhancing their self-esteem..
Done in a Day – Throughout the year, more than 100 league members participated in many hands-on projects throughout Greater Miami. Key Events included the Domestic Violence Walk, Race for the Cure, United Way Kickoff, Habitat for Humanity, and a Museum of Science sleepover for children involved with several league projects.
The Encore Shop – A re-sale clothing boutique, located at 269 Giralda Avenue, Suite 102, in Coral Gables netted $30,000 in clothing and household items donated by League members and the community. Telephone 305-444-2660 or e-mail encoresh@bellsouth.net.
75th Anniversary Celebration – The Junior League of Miami celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a gala fundraiser on February 2, 2001, which was co-sponsored by the Biltmore Hotel and earned $40,000 in funding for community projects.
Golden Palm Gift Market – This holiday market extravaganza, held November 17-18 at the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center, featured Women’s Day, a Mambo by Moonlight opening night party and silent auction, and Kid’s Day. Overall, some 8,000
people visited the market, which raised $100,000 for community projects.
Ronni W. Bermont Endowment Fund for Community Projects – Named in memory of 1989-1990 Junior League of Miami President Ronni Bermont, this endowment fund is supported through membership and community pledges.
Grants – Junior League of Miami projects benefitted from significant grants awarded by local, regional and national organizations.
Our Miami: The Magic City – Spanish and English versions of a film depicting the history of Miami are available for purchase at the Junior League Miami office, the Encore Shop, and local museums, with all proceeds benefiting community projects. The League’s dedication to history and preservation is also reflected in its historic headquarters located in Coral Gables.
2000-2001 Board of Directors
- President: Debbie Korge
- President-Elect: Julia Bianchi
- V.P. Communications: Charlotte Luer
- V.P. Community: Karen Cabrera
- V.P. Finance: Barbara Kelly
- V.P. Planning: Debbie Corbishley
- V.P. Volunteer Resources: Libby Witherspoon
- Recording Secretary: Barbra Harley
- Asst. to President: Gayle Miller
- Bylaws/Parliamentarian: Isis Carbajal de Garcia
- Encore Shop: Brooke Austin/Michele McDonald
- Fund Development: Michelle Charles
- Endowment Fund: Regine Cambronne
- Inn Transition North: Patty Wieschhorster
- Junior League Journal Editor: Ann DeLeon
- Legal Coordinator: Leana Vastine Marks
- Nominating: Barbie Alderman
- Placement: Peggy Hudson
- Program Development: Kyle Lewis/Jennifer Prendergast
- Public Affairs/Advocacy: Sharon Johnson
- Public Relations: Monique Dennis
- Training: Andria Hanley
- Treasurer: Michel Battle
- Sustaining Advisor: Claudia Ellingwood
Community Advisory Board
- Peter Bermont
- The Honorable Linda Dakis
- Ray Goode
- Arnold Greenfield
- Pedro Greer, M.D.
- George Knox
- David Lawrence, Jr.
- The Honorable Cindy Lederman
- Harve A. Mogul
- Laurence Olmstead
- Anna Rentz
- Thomas M. Rozek
- Merrett Stierheim
- Stanley G. Tate
