The Leaguer
Junior League of Peoria
Our women are the force that makes change happen.
Kids in the Kitchen
Slide Into Summer
Passing of the President's Gavel - May GMM
New Website!
Congratualtions to these amazing women!
2019 Volunteer of the Year - Christina Robinson!
Kids in the Kitchen
In 2018/2019, Kids in the Kitchen had monthly events at Glendale Commons and at Richland Community Center in East Peoria. The families we work with are at risk and low income, and the kids don't often get exposed to healthy foods, fresh veggies and fruits. We made a point with each meal to highlight a fruit or vegetable to show them how you can eat them in fun ways. This program has helped over a dozen families in both neighborhoods, and has given kids from 6 years old to 13 the skills and confidence to make easy healthy meals for themselves and their families. At each session, which typically lasts about an hour and a half, we cook the meal with the kids, and then they get to take home a bag of ingredients and a recipe card so they can make it at home. We taught the kids how to make things from chili, to zucchini noodles, to black bean burgers and even banana bread.
This year we partnered with the Southside Office of Concern (Now Phoenix Community Development Services), holding our sessions at the New Hope Apartments, where they are headquartered. This allowed us to not only serve the Glendale kids, but we also strengthened our partnership with New Phoenix. At each Saturday session, we had about 4-6 kids in attendance, and the most remarkable thing about this group was their enthusiasm in trying anything and everything. Even if they were unsure about it, they gave it a go and were excited to try the new foods.
On Mondays, we went to the Richland Community Center where we worked with the older kids. While these kids weren't as adventurous as the younger kiddos, they have hearts of gold, and were eager and willing to make everything. The Richland group usually has between 6 and 10 kids in attendance.
The opportunity to build relationships with these kids has been extraordinary and there are plenty of opportunities for you to as well! We would LOVE to get more of you ladies involved with Kids in the Kitchen! The sessions are typically held the first Saturday and Monday of each month. On the first Friday, ladies gather at headquarters for a short bag packing party (complete with wine!) to pack the take home bags. So whether you want to help with packing the bags, or help at a session, you have an opportunity to be involved in this amazing program, and really make a difference in the lives of these kids.
Slide Into Summer
The Junior League of Peoria was represented by active and sustaining members who were out to support the Read Peoria Slide Into Summer kick-off! We helped kids make the near-famous Kids in the Kitchen healthy trail mix.
Check out this local news article that covered the Slide Into Summer event at Owens Center: https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/slide-into-summer-kick-off-party-promotes-literacy-in-peoria/2045850655
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Events
6/6: Sustainer Happy Hour at Cyd's @ 4:00 pm
Check out the Volunteer Calendar on the new internal website to see what is happening this summer!
Claim Your Volunteer Points
About Us
Email: juniorleagueofpeoria@gmail.org
Website: juniorleagueofpeoria.org
Location: 114 State Street Suite 2A, Peoria, IL, USA
Phone: (309) 685-9312
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/JuniorLeagueofPeoria