History

Chartered in 1937 as the Junior Welfare League of Americus, their primary concern was the improvement of the Negro hospital which required hours of service and sizeable funding for maintenance and improvement. In 1944, the League helped with a Youth Center, danced in Follies, and wore aprons to promote their cooking schools. In 1947, a dental clinic began and the League members assisted. In 1953, the Kate Witte Home opened as a residence for the elderly and the League co-sponsored it. The League always helped needy families with welfare aid. Our first 'Cookbook of Americus Recipes' was published in 1956. It became very popular and after a revision has been sold nationwide. In 1957, the League assisted with the School for Retarded Children, the pediatric wing of the Americus and Sumter County Hospital, and the Community Center recreation project. In 1962, a guidance center was organized at Georgia Southwestern College in which the League contributed funding and served as volunteers in the clinic. In 1964, members helped administer the revolutionary oral polio immunization program. Successful projects continued to enable the League to contribute to the community’s growth with antique shows, a tour of homes, and a raffle.​In 1975, the name of the organization was changed to Junior Service League. The Cowpoke Carnival was implemented in 1992 and has continued to be the League's main fundraiser for the year. Visit our fundraiser page to learn more!