Past Projects

Diaper Bank (2018-2023)

The JLCV established Chittenden County’s first Diaper Bank in 2018. What started as a grassroots campaign with members re-packaging diapers in their homes quickly took off and grew into the JLCV’s signature project from 2018-2023.

 

2018 Grand opening of JLCV’s Diaper Bank location in South Burlington, VT.

 

The origin of the Diaper Bank came from identifying a Diaper Need in the Champlain Valley. The JLCV began with establishing relationships with community partners in Chittenden County and developed of system where, based on their current need, these partners could request diapers of various sizes. The JLCV Diaper Bank coordinator would then work with the community partner to find a day to pick up the order. These distributions took place on a monthly basis. In 2020, JLCV recognized that Diaper Need was affecting more than just Chittenden County and with help of various grants from federal and local groups, the monthly distributions quickly expanded services to 13 out of Vermont’s 14 counties, had connections with over 50 agencies across the state and averaged over 100,000 diapers per month at distributions. In total the JLCV Diaper Bank distributed over 3,200,000 diapers during its 5 years in operation.

Press event for the one millionth diaper distributed from the JLCV Diaper Bank in 2021

 

While the success of the Diaper Bank was evident, it outgrew JLVC’s capacity to match its growing pace. In order to continue the mission of the Diaper Bank across Vermont, the JLCV has transitioned the stewardship of the Diaper Bank to the Vermont Parent Child Network. Please check their website for further information and locations.

 

Spectrum Youth and Family Services (2018)

JLCV partnered with Spectrum Youth and Family Services, a nationally recognized leader in helping youth ages 12-26 and their families turn their lives around, for a 3-month project.  Initiatives included developing a system for organizing clothing donations received throughout the year and engaging in direct contact activities with youth at the center.

 

Community Health Center of Burlington (2017)

The JLCV held a sock drive for homeless patients of Community Health Center’s Safe Harbor Health Clinic. Approximately 300 pairs of socks were donated by the JLCV on behalf of individuals and businesses in the Burlington area.

 

Committee on Temporary Shelter (2012)

JLCV members committed approximately 100 hours at the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) to cleaning, painting and moving furniture to rehabilitate the living room of the Firehouse Family Shelter, the first shelter created specifically for families with children.  The JLCV solicited generous donations from several local businesses to make the project a reality, including Able Paint Glass and Flooring, Flooring America, Gordon’s Windows and Doors, Homeport and the Superstore.  Follow the link for dramatic before and after pictures!

 

Steps to End Domestic Violence (2009)

The JLCV new member class committed to helping Steps to End Domestic Violence‘s emergency housing program manage and maintain its donation storage system, which is essential in providing women with basic necessities during a very stressful time.  Members sorted through donations and created an ongoing management system to assist the center in staying organized, after which time JLCV volunteers made monthly visits to maintain.  Check out the before and after pictures.

 

Vermont Psychological Services (2008)

The JLCV redecorated the waiting room and several patient rooms at Vermont Psychological Services, transforming them from conventional institution spaces into warm, welcoming, calming ones reflective of the multi-cultural populations the center serves.

 

Steps to End Domestic Violence

The JLCV hand-made special teddy bears for approximately 150 children staying in Steps to End Domestic Violence emergency housing, many of whom were unable to bring any items of comfort from their homes.  JLCV members also donated basic necessity items to the children and their mothers.

 

Kids in the Kitchen

JLCV members volunteered in classrooms and other community nonprofits to teach children how to prepare healthy food as part of the initiative led by the AJLI to help communities address the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition.

 

McAuley Square (2002)

For two years, JLCV members participated in various projects at McAuley Square, a housing community for older adults and people with special needs that is also part of a multi-generational community that provides housing for young mothers and parents returning to school.  JLCV members launched a multi-faceted enrichment program that included a library of children’s reading materials, Saturday story time and guest author receptions, all of which provided opportunities to residents to engage socially and develop an interest in reading.  The league also provided holiday stockings to children living at the facility, which included teddy bears donated by Vermont Teddy Bear.

 

Camp Knock Knock (1998)

The JLCV founded Camp Knock Knock as its signature project in collaboration with the UVM Health Network Home Health & Hospice’s Hospice Program.  Its objective was to provide open support and guidance to families with children who have experienced the death of a loved one through a weekend camp held annually.  The JLCV supported the program until 2016 through its volunteer efforts and financial contributions, after which time it became exclusive to the UVM Hospice Program.  The JLCV continues its relationship with the camp through done-in-a-day projects.