Taking community support virtual
Serving communities became a challenge early in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Organizations like the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) who were used to supporting their communities in person, now had to close their doors for everyone’s safety.
Before the pandemic, the community efforts of the organization were visible to anyone who drove by the JLB’s headquarters, visited a Community Partner’s site or attended a fundraising event. JLB strives to engage their community in important conversations, inspire action and lead effective change. Their mission has held strong for nearly a century and, in the face of the pandemic, they adapted in order to deliver on it virtually.
After March 2020, the organization had to reassess how they would continue their important work in a remote environment. Not only did JLB have to train and equip their volunteers to participate virtually, but there were important community services they still had to deliver on. Programs such as Backpack Buddies, where JLB partnered with Vineyard Family Services, allowed JLB volunteers to provide meals to food-insecure children who no longer had access to breakfast and lunch at school.
“JLB volunteers are driven, passionate women who are committed to our vision of ‘Building Partnerships for a Better Birmingham,” says Toni Leeth, President of Junior League of Birmingham. “Their dedication to our nonprofit partners this past year was incredibly inspiring. And when we combine the passion of our volunteers with financial support, like from Valley Bank, we are making double the impact in the community.”
Valley is proud to support JLB and their efforts to create a better Birmingham. As part of our Community Pledge CD program, we donated funds that will be used for projects like providing mentors for women recovering from addiction, helping them gain and sustain financial independence; free tax prep to low-income families; assisting single mothers to become self-sufficient and able to support their families independently; supply families with daily household essentials; organize enrichment activities for adults with developmental disabilities; and providing meaningful interactions with seniors suffering from depression.
“While our world may look different today than it did even a few months ago, we truly believe that we can do more together,” says Delpha Bartley-Jones, VP and Communty Reinvestment Act Officer for Valley Bank. “Valley’s relationship with the JLB is an example of the significant, positive impact partnerships can have on our local community, benefiting the individuals we serve.”
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