SAN ANTONIO JUNIOR FORUM IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Each year, SAJF distributes grants to nonprofits
in the San Antonio region
for specific projects that will benefit
economically, emotionally, and/or physically
disadvantaged individuals.
Our deadline of November 1, 2023 for accepting grant
applications has come and gone!
Thank you to all who took the time to submit an application.
The Grant Committee's decision-making process will now commence.
All applicants will be notified by March 15, 2024.
Site visits, check presentations and funds distributed to nonprofits
receiving grants will be completed in April 2024.
You won't want to miss reading about the nonprofits selected
for funding this year!
Questions? Want to be added to our notification list for next year?
Contact VP Grants at grants@sajuniorforum.org
Click Here to go to the Grant's page
Volunteer Membership Meet & Greet
We are off to a good start to our 2023-2024 year with a simplified schedule,
upbeat meetings, and contributions from both Actives and Sustainers
to our Service projects!
In September, we welcomed Vibrant Works to speak at our General
meeting and in October, we hosted CAMinistries! Members have enjoyed
the detailed presentations that these nonprofits have provided!
In November, the Actives invite prospective members
to join the group for shopping and lunch at Vintage Marketplace
and to celebrate friendship with a full Thanksgiving meal
at our annual Friendsgiving dinner. Our Actives holiday celebration
in December will include spouses and significant others,
a pot-luck feast and gift exchange. New members be warned that you may
need to master the "left right game" at this fun event!
In January and February, SAJF Actives and Sustainer Grants and
Scholarship Committees will be hard at work preparing recommendations
for funding of nonprofits and scholarship students. Any member is welcome
to sit in on Committee meetings to experience our processes at work!
We will also volunteer at the SA Stock Show & Rodeo as one of our fundraising activities.
February will bring the opportunity for our President, JFI Secretary and JFI
Representative to meet with other Junior Forum Chapters
from across Texas for the Annual JFI Board Meeting. This year "Boots and Bling"
will be held at the Houston Cityplace Marriott in Spring Texas. Any member is
welcome to join in the fun! In March, the Grants Committee
will organize site visits and grant check presentations to the
nonprofit organizations funded by SAJF this year. These visits are a
great way for members to learn about the important work of
many of our nonprofits in San Antonio. In
April, the Scholarship Committee will host a reception
for students receiving scholarships from SAJF in the 2024-2025 academic year
where members are able to hear from graduating high school seniors
about their plans for the future. In the Spring, SAJF will
host a fundraiser with Kendra Scott at
The Quarry Village on May 10th from 6:00-8:00 pm! Plan to join us
for trinkets and treats at this very important event!
But stay tuned! Service projects and activities are always being
added to our calendar to welcome new members and
cement our common interests in serving the San Antonio community.
There is always room for a little fun with fellow volunteers!
Interested in finding out more about SAJF?
contact Sharon at membership@sajuniorforum.org
SAJF is unlike any other Women's organization. We don't support just one single cause, but reach out in many ways to make an impact in our community.
Want to be involved in funding nonprofits through grants, selecting
high school students to receive scholarships, or participating in varied
service projects throughout the community?
If the answer is yes, then this is the organization for you.
Join us at one of our monthly meetings or volunteer at our
next community service project!
May 16, 2023 SAJF members assembled Grab & Go Bags and Personal Hygiene Kits for parents and children residing at Ronald McDonald House in San Antonio. Ladies donated items and assembled kits at the May General meeting. Volunteers delivered kits to Ronald McDonald House San Antonio in May. Items for Personal Hygiene Kits included travel sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap or hand lotion. Items for Grab-N-Go-Bags included oranges, small bottles of water, granola bars, cheese & cracker packages, and individually wrapped candy. These supplies provide a home-away-from-home for families with critically ill and injured children receiving essential medical services in San Antonio.
Interested? Contact service@sajuniorforum.org!
How Giving to Others Makes You Healthier and Happier
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you to reduce stress, find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. Learn more about the many benefits of helping others and find tips on getting started.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.
Benefits of volunteering
4 ways to feel healthier and happier
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Volunteering connects you to others
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Volunteering is good for your mind and body
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Volunteering can advance your career
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Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life
Name Your Scholarship!
Interested in sponsoring a scholarship student this year?
Opportunities exist for donors that want to sponsor a SAJF scholarship to name the scholarship.
Scholarships are often named after a loved one who in their lifetime was a promoter of higher education.
SAJF will select a student with the donor's specifications in mind.
Donors will be invited to attend a reception in hour of the award and to meet the candidate chosen.
Interested in learning more?
Contact the VP Scholarships at scholarships@sajuniorforum.org
Meetings for the Year!
September 12, 2023 - Board Meeting @ La Madeleine - 6:30 pm
September 19, 2023 - General Meeting @ UUMC - 6:30 pm - Speaker Vibrant Works
October 10, 2023 - Board meeting @ La Madeleine - 6:30 pm
October 17, 2023 - General Meeting @ UUMC "The Loft" - 6:30 pm - Speaker Christian Assistance Ministries
November 5, 2023 - Membership Event - Shopping at Vintage Marketplace and Lunch
November 14, 2023 - Active/Board Meeting & Friendsgiving @ TBD - 6:30 pm
November 21, 2023 - General Meeting - cancelled
December 12, 2023 - Board Meeting @ TBD - 6:30 pm
December 17, 2023 - Actives Holiday party - TBD
December 19, 2023 - General Meeting - cancelled
January 9, 2024 - Board Meeting @ TBD - 6:30 pm
January 16, 2023 - General Meeting @ UUMC "The Loft" - 6:30 pm
February 13, 2024 - Board Meeting @ TBD - 6:30 pm
February 20, 2024 - General Meeting @ UUMC "The Loft" - 6:30 pm
March 12 - Board Meeting - @ TBD - 6:30 pm
March 19, 2024 - General Meeting - @ UUMC "The Loft" - 11:00-1:00 pm
April 9, 2023 - Board Meeting - @ TBD - 6:30 pm
April 16, 2024 - General Meeting and Scholarship Student Reception - @ UUMC - "The Loft" - 6:00 pm
May 14, 2024 - Board Meeting - @ TBD - 6:30 pm
May 21, 2024 - General/Annual Meeting @ UUMC "The Loft" - 6:30 pm
Stay tuned for more opportunities to support those in need in our community with the ladies of SAJF!