How JLI is Responding

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, it is important to be united in community and remain in service to each other.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the JLI’s ability to physically serve in the community, our commitment remains the same. We are promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We are taking the following actions to support Hoosiers in central Indiana:

Emergency Food Insecurity Relief – In March 2020, the JLI donated $7,000 to The Patachou Foundation to help address food insecurity during the COVID-19 outbreak. The donation covered the production of up to 6,000 meals for Indianapolis children and their families affected by the closure of Indianapolis Public Schools.

Mask Making Initiatives – In May 2020, JLI contributed $1,000 to the People for Urban Progress (PUP) Indy Mask Project. Funds will support the production of 200 protective fabric masks for community health centers, childcare centers for families of first responders and long-term care facilities. JLI is also providing mask making training to its members, who will be gathering virtually several times in the coming weeks to sew masks for Eskenazi Health.

Emergency Relief for Domestic Abuse Victims – In June 2020, the JLI donated $3,500 to Coburn Place to help fund their emergency shelter program. The donation will provide week-long hotel stays to 11 survivors of domestic violence/abuse and full access to Coburn Place’s well-being services, including financial assistance, therapy, children’s programming, food and hygiene needs, and more.

COVID-19 Response Task Force – The JLI Board of Directors established a Response Task Force to help guide the JLI’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the task force is to identify needs of the Indianapolis community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluate and create ways for the Junior League of Indianapolis to address those needs, and aid the community through engagement projects supported by our members. To connect with the task force, please email JLIResponse@gmail.com.

Staying Home – All in-person meetings and events have been postponed or cancelled, and JLI members are following stay-at-home guidelines set by state and local officials to keep our families and community safe. All League internal operations and committee work have been modified to continue virtually.

Supporting Our Partners – We are in regular communication with our outstanding partners to better understand their needs and are actively seeking ways to continue serving the most vulnerable members of our community.

How You Can Help

Give to the Junior League of Indianapolis – The JLI continues to fundraise during this time. A donation to the annual fund will provide ongoing support to our community partners, as well as potential emergency assistance to organizations in crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Send a Lunchbox Letter – Through our partnership with The Patachou Foundation, the JLI is participating in the Lunchbox Letters initiative. Donated letters will be included with the scratch-made meals Patachou distributes to the community’s children.

Stay Informed – Our federal, state, and local officials are working hard to keep everyone safe. Stay informed on closings, orders, and guidelines by visiting:

Care for Yourself and Your Family – By staying healthy, you protect everyone around you. We encourage everyone to care for themselves by practicing the guidance on the following resources:

Additional Resources