Additional Information
The Junior League of Brownsville (Formerly know as BJSL) was founded in May of 1939 by a group of thirty-six women led by Gladys Sams Porter.
The purpose of the league is to foster economic, cultural, and educational conditions in Brownsville, focusing on the welfare of women and children.
Today, the membership of JLBrownsville is composed of women from diverse backgrounds and careers. They serve our community through six (6) monthly clinics and volunteer for several special projects throughout the year.
Members offer entertainment activities to residents at Valley Grand Manor Nursing Home and Fox Hollow Post Acute Nursing Home in Brownsville and volunteer their time at the Sunshine Haven Hospice facility in Olmito, TX where they prepare meals, decorate for the holidays and garden for our terminally ill community. JLBrownsville volunteers monthly at Carlotta K. Petrina Cultural Center with arts and crafts projects, perform monthly puppet shows at the Brownsville Children’s Museum which focus on character development education and oral literacy. They provide financial education through their Dollars and Sense program to children ages 8-12 of the Southmost area and host a monthly “La Posada” program, feed the hungry and homeless community at the Good Neighbor Settlement House.
Also, each year the JLBrownsville puts together hundreds of children’s Easter baskets that are donated to local organizations and every December 150 treat-filled bags are donated to Monica’s House, part of Cameron County Children’s Advocacy Centers Inc.
Throughout the years, the mission of the League has remained the same, “to serve the women and children of Brownsville.” The JLBrownsville is fortunate to have a very solid base of sustaining members better known as the SPARS who continue to support the league and our community well past their active years.
The JLBrownsville membership serves with passion and gumption so profound that love for this community is witnessed in every step they take to make their programs, partnerships and projects a complete success! In 2018-19 the generous spirits of this group raised almost $57,085 during their signature event ‘Now We’re Cookin’ which is donated to provide direct financial support to the Brownsville, TX community.
The tradition of improving the lives of those in our Brownsville community continues through the unwavering commitment of all the talented and amazing women of the Brownsville Junior Service League.