ABOUT US
Our Mission
The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Our History
A Legacy of Service
The Junior League of Lufkin began in 1953 as the Lufkin Service League. Founded by 23 visionary women, the group was established with a singular goal: to serve the citizens of Angelina County through community welfare.
In 1996, the organization officially affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International, transitioning from the Lufkin Service League to the Junior League of Lufkin. As the decades passed, the League evolved alongside its members—shifting from a group of dedicated homemakers to a diverse collective of women balancing full-time careers with a passion for civic leadership.
Decades of Impact
The 1950s: Founding & Healthcare
During our inaugural decade, the League launched its first major fundraiser, the Bargain Box resale shop. We were instrumental in establishing the Crippled Children’s Center, now the Wilson-McKewen Rehabilitation Center, providing both office staff and the center's first therapist. Members also stepped up to help administer TB vaccines during a critical community health project.
The 1960s: Education & Youth
The 60s focused on expanding our reach to local institutions like the Kurth Memorial Library, the Salvation Army, the Easter Seal Drive, Santa's Toy Shop, and the Council for Retarded Children. We launched a Cultural Committee that brought puppet shows to elementary schools. We donated playground equipment to the local zoo, and funded essential dental, orthodontic, and hearing screenings for local students.
The 1970s: Community Landmarks & Women’s Health
This decade saw the League take on massive restoration projects, including the rebuilding of the historic St. Cyprian’s Church, which serves today as the Museum of East Texas. Recognizing a gap in healthcare for indigent women, the League partnered with medical professionals to open and staff the Family Planning Clinic. We also introduced CPR training and vision testing—a service we proudly continue today.
The 1980s: Arts & Advocacy
The 80s brought the "Artist-in-Residence" program to local schools and financial support for the construction of the Exposition Center. Our focus on youth safety led to the creation of a drug education committee that evolved into "Operation Graduation", now known as Project Celebration. This decade also saw the publication of our first cookbook, "According to Taste".
The 1990s: Growth & Affiliation
The 1990s marked a transformative era of modernization and professional growth for the League. The decade began with a comprehensive community questionnaire designed to identify new volunteer placements and address pressing local concerns. A major milestone occurred in 1996 when the Lufkin Service League officially affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International, formally becoming the Junior League of Lufkin. During this time, the organization’s membership transitioned from primarily stay-at-home volunteers to women working full-time careers, leading to the addition of many new roles and the implementation of long-range strategic planning.
Our commitment to the community remained steadfast; in 1993, we received an award from Angelina County Drug Education for 10 years of continuous service. We also prioritized community safety by hosting a seminar with nationally acclaimed expert Dr. Kenneth Wooden of “Child Lures” and launched a new community publication, "The Laments", now known as "Our View", to keep the public informed of our mission and impact. The League continued to raise significant funds and distribute volunteers to various agencies throughout the decade, ensuring a lasting legacy of support.
The 2000s & Beyond: Modern Leadership
In the new millennium, the League experienced a period of significant structural refinement and growth. We transitioned our leadership to the Council System format and implemented a strategic plan designed for review and revision every three years to ensure long-term sustainability. This era also focused on professional development and community outreach, highlighted by the production of a marketable training video, "A Forest of Volunteers," and the hosting of renowned speakers Emory Austin and Dr. William Purkey to benefit the local community.
The League’s commitment to hands-on service expanded with the launch of the Helping Hands Annual Campaign and the introduction of "Done in a Meeting" and "Family Nights" projects. We also hosted the Southern Living Cooking School beginning in 2000 and dedicated resources to the research and development of a future signature project. These initiatives, combined with a focus on modernizing our volunteer efforts, ensured that the League remained a vital and adaptive force for good in the 21st century.