The very first Junior League was established in New York City by young women who wanted work to improve child health, nutrition, and literacy. Soon after, new Leagues around the country formed, and the focus began to shift to social, health, and educational issues that affected the community at large. On March 30, 1924, a group of Colorado Springs women, concerned about the survival of Nutrition Camp, formed the Junior League of Colorado Springs (JLCS). The Nutrition Camp School helped malnourished children in Colorado Springs become healthier, thus fighting off the ravages of tuberculosis. The League sponsored five beds the first year. By 1939, the number of children helped reached 450. Since that compelling beginning, the JLCS boasts an impressive history of serving the youth and families of Colorado Springs through our volunteer membership. The JLCS has grown and evolved, both as an initiator of projects and as a ready partner to other non-profit organizations to address needs in the community. Today, there are over 294 Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Famous Junior Leaguers include: Shirley Temple Black, Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, Betty Ford, Katharine Hepburn, Sandra Day O’Connor, Nancy Reagan, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
