Listed below are some of the projects JLSB members have been involved in over the years.
Habitat for Humanity of South Brevard (HFHSB) is a non-profit housing organization seeking to eliminate poverty housing in South Brevard by making simple, decent and affordable housing a matter of conscience and action. HFHSB relies on volunteer labor (including the homeowner’s “sweat equity”) and tax deductible donations of money and materials to build simple respectable homes. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable zero interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity which is used to pay for the cost of every additional home built in South Brevard.The Habitat program works because it empowers families by offering a helping hand for a better tomorrow, today through the elimination of poverty housing. The communities being built are offering children a stable place to call home. JLSB helped HFHSB build one home in Faith Landings.
Rachel’s Challenge: Help your students start a chain reaction… of kindness!
Rachel’s Challenge is an international anti-bullying program started by the family of Rachel Scott. Rachel was the first victim in the Columbine High School Shootings and touched the lives of many during her short life by treating other with kindness and compassion. Inspired by her journal writings, the Rachel’s Challenge program spreads her powerful message at educational and corporate presentations. The Junior League of South Brevard Inc. partnered with Brevard Public Schools and brought Rachel’s Challenge to all 16 Senior High Schools. The Rachel’s Challenge program consists of an in-school assembly and an evening program for parents. Rachel’s Challenge hopes to spark a “chain reaction” of kindness and the program’s message continues as the students participate in the Friends of Rachel club.
The Rachel’s Challenge mission is to inspire, equip and empower every person to create a permanent positive culture change in their school, business and community by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.
Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard
The Junior League of South Brevard and Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard teamed up to provide new parents with tools to aid infant health and family bonding. JLSB provided all new parents of babies born in South Brevard hospitals a “birthday gift” that included a baby book to promote bonding, a new parent newsletter with important infant care tips, and a guide to web based information, as well as a newborn care booklet. This program was developed to provide new parents with the basic tools they need to make better informed health and development decisions for their infant particularly in the areas of bonding, screening and infant care. JLSB is funded this program for almost $40,000.00 over three years.
The Healthy Start Program’s primary goal is to decrease infant mortality in Brevard county. This program provides access to quality health care and counseling for both women and infants. JLSB also funded the professional services of lactation counselors, psychosocial counseling, and nutritional counseling. We also provided money to purchase necessary supplies for pregnant women and infants such as prenatal vitamins and new baby care needs. Twice a year the Junior League hosted “birth” day parties, aka baby showers, to celebrate the births in southern Brevard County and provide support to new mothers that are enrolled in this program. Total funding for this program was $100,000.00 over three years.
Club Esteem Youth and Family Center
Club Esteem is a non-profit organization that provides free after-school activities Mon-Fri from 2:30-6:30PM to students in grades 1st-12th living in economically disadvantaged communities. Club Esteem offers quality programs that develop academic and social skills in a safe, caring, and structured environment.
In 2003, the Junior League of South Brevard, City of Melbourne, and M.H. Williams Construction joined together to build Club Esteem a new facility adjacent to the Lipscomb Park Community Center at 3316 Monroe Street in Melbourne, Florida. In 2004, the Club Esteem Youth and Family Center opened offering expanded programs and services five days per week, during the school year.