Our Focus: Children in the Spotlight

From 1992 to 1998, JLCR's community focus was homelessness, during which the League conducted a $1.6-million capital campaign to fund the construction of a 24-hour shelter for homeless women and children. The Madge Phillips Center opened in 1995, with JLCR providing a portion of operating expenses and a volunteer commitment for three years thereafter. In 1998, the Junior League gifted the shelter to the YWCA, now known as Waypoint.

After the completion of The Madge Phillips Center, Junior League members voted to focus volunteer efforts and funding for "Children in the Spotlight." For four years, we worked to create a mentoring program for underprivileged children at Taylor Elementary; today another community organization is providing this service with the plan created by JLCR.

In 2002, League members voted in a new "Children in the Spotlight" project - EIEIO (Expand and Improve Educational and Interactive Opportunities) at Old MacDonald's Farm in Cedar Rapids' Bever Park. JLCR gifted this project to the City of Cedar Rapids in September of 2005.