On January 14, members of the Junior League of South Bend (JLSB) gathered at Majestic on the River in South Bend, Indiana, for their first membership meeting of the year. The evening also marked the conclusion of a Mommy & Me Donation Drive. Organized as a “Done-in-a-Meeting” (DIAM) project, the initiative collected hundreds of dollars’ worth of supplies for new and expectant mothers served by LifePlan, a local resource center that recently expanded to a new location on Miami Street in South Bend.
“This drive reflects our focus on community empowerment, and we are excited to organize donation drives for other local organizations in the coming months," said Stephanie Moreland, a longtime JLSB member and one of the donation drive organizers.
DIAM projects enable JLSB members to complete quick, impactful service projects during regular meetings, mobilizing resources for those in need. Since November, JLSB members have been gathering donations, including diapers, baby clothing, baby shower items, and self-care items for the Mommy & Me Donation Drive.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the collected items were presented to LifePlan’s Executive Director, Lyndon Azcuna, who expressed his gratitude.
"Our community is incredibly generous," said Azcuna. "These donations will provide much-needed assistance to families, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to benefit from JLSB’s support."
Building a Stronger Community Together
This project is just one example of how JLSB channels its collective strength to create meaningful change and promote empowerment in the community.
"We’re all united by our passion for improving the community," said JLSB member Erin Bonin. "It’s inspiring to see women from all backgrounds come together to make a difference."
In addition to Done-in-a-Meeting projects, JLSB supports the community through programs like Done-in-a-Day, which provides nonprofits with short-term volunteer assistance by JLSB members. These programs complement JLSB’s signature Community Project, a year-long partnership with a selected nonprofit. The Community Project combines a sizable grant with volunteer support, creating a lasting impact on a specific initiative that aligns with JLSB’s mission of uplifting women, children, and families.
Looking Ahead
As the Mommy & Me Donation Drive concludes, JLSB is gearing up for its next major initiative: selecting its 2025/2026 Community Project. This year’s selection process focuses on helping local organizations address critical community needs. Eleven area nonprofits have submitted applications, each proposing a meaningful project aimed at serving women, children, and families in the South Bend community. Applications are currently under review, and JLSB members will vote in the coming months, with the final selection announced this spring.
"We’re excited to see what’s next," said Moreland. "Each year, we take on projects that serve a variety of needs and foster empowerment across our community."
With each initiative, JLSB reaffirms its commitment to creating lasting, meaningful change for the South Bend community. By supporting transformative nonprofit projects and fostering collaboration, JLSB continues to inspire action and build a brighter future for all.
To learn how you can support JLSB’s mission or get involved, visit jlsouthbend.org.