The Battered Women and Children's Shelter has had a wonderful experience with the San Antonio Junior Forum. This partnership of unconditional support has lasted over several years and we look forward to working with them in future projects.
Joining San Antonio Junior Forum was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have had the opportunity to impact lives with the SAJF program, Kids On The Block which educated elementary age children about children with differences such as blindness, hearing impairment, and mental retardation, among many others. Other programs equally fulfilling, were the chances to provide tours of the Alamo to both school children and tourists alike as well as helping women who were battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. Among the most gratifying of SAJF programs is the scholarship program. Several one year scholarships are given annually and a four year scholarship is awarded every four years. In order to be able to fund the scholarships we wrote and marketed two cookbooks, Celebrate San Antonio and Clean Your Plate. Celebrate San Antonio was awarded the Tobasco Award and recognized by Better Homes and Gardens as one of the thirty best cookbooks in the nation.
In fulfilling my requirements for SAJF, I gained so very much, knowledge of publishing, leadership skills in serving as Cookbook Chairman, Membership Chairman, Ways and Means Chairman, and President. Perhaps my greatest gain has been the deep and abiding friendships that I formed in the process of working on the many projects, committees, and fundraising efforts of San Antonio Junior Forum.
San Antonio Junior Forum has been a large presence in the community for over 50 years. As the times have changed Junior Forum has adapted to continue to serve others as effectively as their numbers permit. In addition to serving such organizations as Seton Home, ARC of San Antonio, Battered Women's Shelter, and Haven for Hope among others, SAJF in 2012-2013awarded Grants totaling $14,119.23 to eleven non-profit organizations in Bexar County. SAJF has also given over $260,000 to high school seniors over the years. It is a great organization for socializing, brain-storming and giving to the comminity.
A wonderful group of women dedicating time and money to local non-profit organizations. Charity work has been a simple pleasure for me. Unfortunately, it's challenging to participate without the support of a group - that's where SAJF has made the difference. I'm a part of a compassionate group of women who love to serve the community with volunteer work, grants, and scholarships, and have fun!
I have been a member for 3 years and what a wonderfully dedicated and caring bunch of ladies. They really care about others and show this with their money and time.
Two years ago, my daughter wanted to do some volunteer work and asked me to go with her to the first meeting. When we got there, we were greeted with the smell of delicious pancakes and women in PJ's! They were kicking off a fundraising drive to collect pajamas for the teen moms and babies from Seton Homes. Needless to say, we loved the ladies and the causes behind SAJF and we both ended up joining! We have so much fun serving our community in so many different ways. If you like to brighten up a child's face-SAJF volunteers for Seton Home Fall Festival and Fiesta Art's Fair! If you like to cook, join us in making sack lunches for our veterans at Fisher House. If your heart moves you to help those with disabilities, play bingo at the ARC Halloween party. There are so many opportunities to be involved! We're always looking for women with open hearts and helping hands!
