Our Mission & Vision

Independence JSL will provide human and financial resources to enrich the lives of others in Eastern Jackson County.

To connect and empower women to positively impact the community through service.

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

Susan Wray

Vice-President/Bylaws Chair

Cindy Grant

Treasurer/Finance Chair

Mary House

Recording Secretary

Terry Bauer

Member At-Large

Rio Corbin

Advisor

Jaime Simpson

Parliamentarian

Eileen Weir

Board of Directors

By-Laws & Long Range Planning

Cindy Grant

Communications

Teresa Brillhart

Community Needs/Placement

Lesli Cutshall

Nominating

Melissa Romero

Programming

Lindsey McIndoo

Property

Deanna Arnone

Provisional

Angie Judy

Resource Development

Paula McKinney

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.

View Timeline