Spring 2021 IMPACT

The 2020-2021 Junior League year is nearing its end. In the last year, we have “survived and thrived” through many challenges including the August 2020 derecho, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, new barriers for the young people we serve, virtual meetings and more. Through this, we have continued the mission of JLCR, helping young people in our […]

Join us for virtual trivia night!

Virtual Trivia Night REGISTER NOW – IT’S FREE! Join JLCR and Andrew’s Bar Exam for an entertaining and comical night of trivia on Saturday, Feb. 27! Test your knowledge, win prizes and support local programming for youth aging out of foster care in Linn and surrounding counties through the Junior League of Cedar Rapids. For […]

2021-2022 Report to the Community

Learn about our 2021-2022 impact by reviewing our annual Report to the Community. The Junior League of Cedar Rapids has continued to be strategic and pivot our services and fundraising models to best serve our community and our members. Download the PDF 2021-2022 Report to the Community here

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Junior League of Cedar Rapids takes the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion seriously. The Association of Junior Leagues International expressed this commitment in their official statement: “The Association of Junior Leagues International condemns discrimination, racism, and racial injustice in our communities and in our Junior Leagues. Black women and other women of color have […]

Surviving and Thriving: Pivoting through COVID

Like many others organizations, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is continually evaluating and adapting our practices to best serve our members and community during the coronavirus pandemic. We know that the needs we help fill in our communities don’t stop because of a pandemic, and we rise to fill those gaps for our members and […]

Gallery of Strength: Zhorne Family

posted by on

“You gotta learn as you go” Matt and Amanda were not prepared to take in Jeremiah ten years ago. They had gone through the classes and had been contemplating opening their home, but never felt that the time was right. One night changed their lives forever. It was that fateful evening when DHS had called […]

Gallery of Strength: Warth Family

posted by on

“Give Them A Chance” “I think that people are afraid to work with teens, but we need to give them a chance.” Holly said. Holly has a soft spot in her heart for the older foster youth. She knows firsthand from years of being a social worker, and understands the struggles of finding good foster […]

Gallery of Strength: Lentz Family

posted by on

“Investing in All People!” “Being a foster parent has made me a better parent and has made me more compassionate toward all people.” When Sarah had a family member who needed help, her heart told her to get involved. She began with taking care of the family member’s children. Then became a licensed foster parent, […]

Gallery of Strength: Herring Family

posted by on

“They are completely innocent and need stability and love.” Amber’s story begins a little differently. “I grew up with my grandparents always fostering. They have done it for over 50 years and had well over 500 kids placed in their home.  They still do it to this day. I witnessed the emotional toll it has […]

Gallery of Strength: Heidgen Family

posted by on

“Using My Experiences!” “What works for 80-90 percent of your students might not work for children who have experienced trauma or were exposed to drug use in utero,” says Julie. Julie’s experiences as a teacher and foster mom have given her the strength to support and advocate for foster parents, children, and fellow teachers. Now […]