[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BALTIMORE

 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Junior League of Baltimore. Mary Goodwillie founded 
the Junior League of Baltimore in 1912 with the goal of engaging 
educated young ladies to help alleviate the ills of the city. The 
league members began working with underprivileged women and children in 
Baltimore. Their early advocacy efforts helped bring about reduced work 
hours for women and better living conditions for children. Throughout 
its 100-year history, the league has harnessed the spirit of 
volunteerism to help countless families in Baltimore with projects 
ranging from a nursery school for blind and deaf children in the 1940s, 
a drug abuse education program in the 1970s, and the Kids in the 
Kitchen nutrition education program today.
  Once, the league was a volunteer activity for well-to-do women; 
today, it is a training ground where women interested in nonprofit 
management, social work, and public service professions receive hands-
on experience. Volunteer activities are designed to empower diverse 
women from all walks of life to make a difference in their community.
  The Junior League of Baltimore is part of the Association of Junior 
Leagues International and continues its foremothers' legacy of service 
and advocacy, emphasizing collaboration, coalition building, and 
responsiveness to community needs. The Junior League of Baltimore's 
recent projects include art programs, family support services, and 
partnerships with various organizations such as Read Across America, in 
addition to its innovative nutrition education program designed to 
fight childhood obesity.
  I would ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Junior 
League of Baltimore on 100 years of service to Baltimore, and in 
thanking league members past and present for all that they have done 
and are doing to enrich the lives of the citizens of Baltimore and 
Maryland.

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