Junior League of Champaign-Urbana to Dissolve After 94 Years of Community Service
The Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, founded in 1932, will dissolve at the end of May after members voted to end operations. The chapter launched programs including the Eastern Illinois Foodbank's Food for Families drive and the Krannert Docents program.
The Junior League of Champaign-Urbana will cease operations at the end of May, closing a chapter that stretches back to 1932.
"Obviously, this is sad news, but it seems to be the best course of action given our current circumstances," Michelle Marquart, JLCU president, wrote in a letter to members.
A majority of the league's active members voted to dissolve the organization during a recent meeting, according to Marquart's announcement. The JLCU's formal relationship with the Association of Junior Leagues International ends on May 31 when the current league year concludes.
A 94-Year Legacy of Community Impact
The Junior League of Champaign-Urbana was founded in 1932 as part of a national movement started in 1901 by social activism pioneer Mary Harriman in New York City. The Association of Junior Leagues International today connects more than 112,000 women across 296 communities in six countries.
The Champaign-Urbana chapter built an outsized footprint in central Illinois over nine decades. Its members launched or supported programs that became permanent fixtures in the community.
- Food for Families, established in 1983 in partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, grew from a pilot drive that raised 84,000 pounds of food in its first year into the largest combined food and fund drive in the region
- Backpack Buddies, developed with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, provides weekend food packages to children at risk of going hungry
- Champaign County Rehabilitation Center, established in 1961-62, later became the Developmental Services Center after a 1972 merger of four community organizations. The JLCU donated $5,000 to help launch the original workshop
- Krannert Docents program, established in 1962-63, was later transferred to the University of Illinois and continues as a self-sustaining volunteer training program
- Crisis Nursery at Burnham Hospital, established 1984-85
- Courage Connection, established in 1971
What Comes Next
Marquart said the organization will continue to operate as a nonprofit until "all legal, financial and logistical matters are resolved."
The JLCU is creating a task force focused on preserving the organization's legacy by archiving important documents, photos and mementos. The members-only Facebook group will be converted into a JLCU Alumni group so former members can continue to connect and plan occasional meetups.
Marquart encouraged current members to consider transferring to another Junior League chapter. More information is available on the organization's website, champaign-urbana.jl.org.
The dissolution marks the end of an era for a volunteer organization that helped shape community services in Champaign County for nearly a century.