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
Mary House
Vice-President/Bylaws Chair
Michelle Middleton
Treasurer/Finance Chair
Cassie Lara
Recording Secretary
Rio Corbin
Member At-Large
Amy Brost
Advisor
Melanie Moentmann
Parliamentarian
Judy Forrester
Board of Directors
By-Laws & Long Range Planning
Michelle Middleton
Communications
Teresa Brillhart
Community Needs/Placement
Terrie Bauer
Nominating
Kelly Freeland
Programming
Kim Bergman
Property
Deanna Arnone
Provisional
Angie Judy
Resource Development
Becky Giles
Sustainer Representative
Eileen Weir
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.