Our Mission & Vision
For more than 75 years, JSL members have supported the shaping of Independence and the greater Eastern Jackson County communities. Through contributing countless service hours and significant monetary gifts, JSL has been a constant and reliable resource in the continuing development of our communities.
Executive Committee
President
Cindy Grant
Vice-President/Bylaws Chair
Melissa Romero
Treasurer/Finance Chair
Mary House
Recording Secretary
Paula McKinney
Member At-Large
Cassie Lara
Advisor
Jaime Simpson
Parliamentarian
Eileen Weir
Board of Directors
By-Laws & Long Range Planning
Melissa Romero
Communications
Pam Boatright
Community Needs/Placement
Patti White
Nominating
Angie Judy
Programming
Abby Biehl
Property
Cindy Pritchard
Provisional
Lindsey McIndoo
Resource Development
Michelle Middleton
Sustainer Representative
Jolie Austin
History
JSL was founded in 1945 by four Independence women with a vision to create opportunities for women to contribute to their community through volunteer service and financial support. There had been several earlier attempts to create women’s service organizations in Independence, MO, the hometown of Harry and Bess Truman but all had failed.
Ellen Bundschu, Natalie Wallace, Mary Bostian and Aimee Hatten, JSL founding members, were determined that their attempt would take hold. With the help of advisor Margaret Woodson, a former field representative for the Association of Junior Leagues, they began meeting and contributing both hours and dollars.
The organization quickly blossomed into a major success and an important “doer” in the community.
Over the years, JSL members have been part of shaping the fabric of Independence and the greater Eastern Jackson County community. From overseeing the volunteer docent program at the Truman Library to pushing for better women’s healthcare in our community, the hand of League has been a constant force making a difference for more than 75 years.
Service Project Timeline
Over the years, Junior Service League members have been part of shaping the fabric of Independence and the greater Eastern Jackson County community.