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On behalf of the Camden Junior Welfare League, I would like to welcome you to our website. For eighty years, the Camden League has been serving the children of Kershaw County. Our motto is "doing my part to improve the present moment." We have a dedicated group of women who do just that by devoting their time to improving the lives of the children in our community through various service projects. Those include: the Preschool Vision Screening Program, which provides eye screenings for every child in our county enrolled in a 4K preschool program; School Medical Services, which provides critical health care for impoverished children; and the Family Outreach program, which provides a selected family with basic necessities throughout the year. Our 2004 Provisional Class started the Belle of the Ball project, which provides prom dresses and accessories to girls from our three county high schools who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend.
In addition to our service, we organize three fundraisers a year that allow us to award college scholarships to students from each of the county's three high schools as well as grants to a number of children's charities throughout Kershaw County. Last year, we awarded $2000 in scholarships and $16,000 in grants. The Candlelight Tour of Homes, our major fundraising initiative, is a tour of some of Camden’s most beautiful homes and public buildings, during the holiday season. Other fundraising initiatives include selling souvenirs and programs at Camden's prestigious Colonial and Carolina Cup Steeplechase Races. I'm excited about the opportunities we, as the League, have to contribute to our community. It is an honor to serve as president and to work with this incredible group of women who are enthusiastic, committed, compassionate and share a passion for volunteerism. This is our chance to make a positive change in the lives of the children in our community.
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child, I invite you to join our efforts. The League is successful because of its volunteers and supportive sustainers. We could not do without them! Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest and support of the Camden Junior Welfare League.
In the spirit of the League, Kim Stokes President, 2009/2010
Twelve young women met at the Palmetto Tea Room in Camden in January 1928 to discuss the formation of a social club to do child welfare work in Kershaw County. Thus was born the Junior Welfare League, Inc.
The scope of concern of that first group has broadened and membership has more than doubled through the years.
The purpose of the League is to improve and enrich the social and economic environment of the children of Kershaw County, foster among its members interest in social, cultural, economic, and civil affairs of Camden and Kershaw County, and to render voluntary services for the betterment of such affairs.
The Junior Welfare League motto is "My Part is to improve the present moment." Membership of the League is comprised of active and provisional members, who live or work in Kershaw County and are under the age of forty-five.
In addition, those who have completed League requirements may maintain sustainer status. Those who have become sustainers give valuable assistance to current League members. Silent Auction This year's Silent Auction will coincide with our Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes. It will take place on Friday, December 12th at the Robert Mills Courthouse from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served so please join us for a delightful evening of friendly competition and fundraising! All profits will benefit our Belle of the Ball Project, which provides prom dresses and accessories to high school girls in need. A donation will be taken at the door. Carolina and Colonial Cup The majority of the Junior Welfare League's charitable funding comes from proceeds raised during Kershaw County's two nationally known steeplechase races, The Carolina Cup and The Colonial Cup. The races have become a popular tradition in South Carolina and are known for being an enjoyable day of tailgating and horse watching.
During the races, JWL members work to sell programs and souvenirs that sport the official Cup logo. A percentage of the money earned through these sales assist in funding the League's charities.
The Candlelight Tour of Homes The Junior Welfare League Candlelight Tour of Homes began in 1977 and has become a traditional part of the holiday season for Kershaw County and visitors from around the Southeast. The tour consists of private residences, local churches, and other historic buildings through the generosity of their owners and administrators. The various stops along the tour are decorated with the owner's individual style and reflect the beauty of the Southern holiday season.
All proceeds raised during this annual event are distributed to selected community and educational projects.
Click below for more information on The Candlelight Tour of Homes
ORGANIZATIONS AND CHARITIES SUPPORTED BY CJWL The following organizations participated in our grant program and were awarded funds for the 2007/2008 year: The Alpha Center - $1,500 For project support of the Kershaw County Youth Court. American Red Cross - $250 For project support of the “Be Red Cross Ready” afterschool program. Camp Sun Fun - $500 For general support of Camp Sun Fun, a two-week day camp for handicapped youth ages 4 to 21. Family Resource Center - $1,500 For support of Children’s Advocacy Services. Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County - $500 For project support of two programs – School Arts & You Gotta Have Art. The School Arts program, an artist-in-residency program, places visiting artists in the schools. Guardian Ad Litem - $800 For General Support of the Guardian Ad Litem program. Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands - $1,500 For support to start an afterschool Cadette Girl Scout troop (Grades 6-8) at North Central Middle. Kershaw County DSS – Foster Care - $1,200 For general support of the DSS Foster Care program to provide basic necessities for the children in the foster care system. Kershaw County Literacy Association - $1,250 For general support to provide literacy services to adults and school-aged children. Kershaw County Teen Health Promotion Coalition - $2,000 For general support to reduce teen pregnancy rates in Kershaw County. Toys For Tots - $250 (Kershaw County Leathernecks Marine Corps League) For support of the Toys For Tots program that collects donations of new unwrapped toys for children during the holidays. Mental Health Association of Kershaw County - $1,200 For support of the SAFE project, Suicide Awareness for Everyone. Midlands Women’s Center - $1,000 For project support of the “Earn While you Learn” parenting program, a six week parenting course for pregnant or parenting teens and young mothers. Pine Tree Hill Elementary Kindergarten - $300 ($140 Project, $160 School Supplies) For project support of Camp Jump Start, a four day camp designed to give students with no previous pre-school experience the opportunity for interactions with other students and teachers, as well as literacy, math and social experiences. Sistercare - $2,000 For support to provide community-based services and emergency shelter free of charge for Kershaw County victims of domestic violence (i.e. battered women and their children). Community Service Award - $250 A monetary award for the CJWL’s Community Service Award winner.
School Medical Services With the assistance of school nurses throughout Kershaw County, we are able to identify children in need. The League provides funds to pay for doctor visits, dental services, prescriptions, and personal items like clothing. Many children are helped on a case by case basis and it empowers nurses who directly deal with these children to help solve an immediate need. Eyeglass prescriptions in conjuction with H. Rubin.
College Scholarships Scholarships are awarded annually to Kershaw County Students planning a career in teaching or a healthcare related profession. Three high school seniors (one from each of the County High Schools) will be awarded scholarships based on academics and needs. Students wishing to apply should contact their school guidance counselor for further information.
Discretionary Fund New this year, the League has established a Discretionary Fund to meet the needs of children and their families that may not fall under previously established programs. This money is under the direction of the League's Board.
Preschool Vision Screening The CJWL continues to provide vision screening services to all children enrolled in a 4K program with Kershaw County. This includes private schools, churches and daycare facilities. Children without means to pay for glasses are also supported by the CJWL through the School Medical Services program and can visit a public school nurse for further evaluation and assistance.
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© 2007 Camden Junior Welfare League Site Design: CJWL/CDG Hosting Provided By: Columbiana Web Hosting |
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