Celebrating 25 years this year, Hope’s Front Door is already looking ahead to the next 25 years.
However, the local nonprofit, which offers both emergency assistance and long-term programs to help those most in need in DuPage County, is taking some time out to honor two of its community partners that help make what the organization does possible.
The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club and the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove were honored as recipients of the 2025 Stars of Hope Award.
Read MoreDOWNERS GROVE JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB AWARDS TEACHER GRANTS TO 22 EDUCATORS ACROSS 14 SCHOOLS
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS – The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2024 Teacher Grants. This year, DGJWC awarded 21 grants totaling $10,167 to 22 teachers from 14 schools across District 58, District 99, RISE, and Grove Preschool. These grants aim to provide innovative resources and professional development opportunities that enhance the learning experiences of local students.
“The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is ecstatic to provide funds to the spectacular educators in our community. We are honored to have this opportunity to support our educators and students,” said Annie Sprau, Education Committee Chair for DGJWC.
Meghan Jacobson, President of DGJWC, added, “Awarding teacher grants is one of my favorite projects each year. It’s inspiring to see our teachers create out-of-the-box solutions to improve the learning environment and foster inclusivity in their classrooms.”
This year marks another successful effort to support the exceptional educators of Downers Grove.
Read MoreDOWNERS GROVE, IL—The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club (DGJWC) has showcased its philanthropic spirit this holiday season, submitting nearly 13 Philanthropy Requests totaling $8,500 in November and December alone. The organization has contributed to local non-profit organizations, including Greener Grove, Lights of Love, and 4Anna Foundation.
The club's Philanthropy Committee reviews monthly donation requests. Approved requests are then presented to the general membership for discussion and final approval.
Community Assistance Highlights:
Provided complete Thanksgiving meals to seven District 58 families
Collaborated with Omega and Outpost to support meal provisions
Expanded holiday gift support to seven local families through the Elf Shelf fundraiser
Partnered with Target in Lemont to assist with gift purchases
Committed to supporting Blessings in a Backpack for a second year, providing meals to food-insecure families during spring break
"Our members have once again demonstrated incredible generosity and commitment to our local community," said Meghan Jacobson, president of DGJWC. "We are proud to support local families and organizations during this season of giving."
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club celebrates a mileston anniversary and its founder
BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINA MENAPACE
DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2024
On Sept. 24, Emmett’s private party space aptly named the Founder’s Room was packed with women who were pretty in pink. None more so than Shirley Tolbert, however.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club (DGJWC) is pleased to announce the opening of its annual Teacher Grant Program for the 2024-2025 school year. The program aims to support educators in Downers Grove Districts 58 and 99 by providing funding for innovative educational tools, programs, and professional development opportunities.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) will be awarding one or more grants totaling $15,000 in support of local charity projects. Non-profit organizations throughout DuPage County and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is thrilled to award 8 deserving District 99 high school seniors $20,000 in scholarships.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) will host their big annual fundraiser on May 4th, 2024 at Neat Kitchen and Bar to raise funds for the DGJWC Charity Fund and their 2024 Charity Partner, Young Hearts For Life.
Read MoreAfter receiving grants from the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club (DGJWC) that will help bring their ideal classrooms to life, several District 58 teachers expressed their gratitude to Patch.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) awarded ten area high school seniors with $20,000 in scholarships. This year the volunteer women’s organization increased its annual scholarship program investment by 33%, allowing the Club to award four additional scholarships versus last year.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) announced DuPage Habitat for Humanity as its 2023 Charity Partner, presenting the organization with a $20,000 donation at the Club’s March meeting.
Read MoreDGJWC recognized seven junior high students for excellence in creative arts.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Public Library will be introducing Accessibility Kits to its Anything Emporium in the near future! Funding for this $5,000 project was provided by DGJWC.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) has donated over $66,000 to local charities and organizations since September, an unprecedented level of giving for the volunteer women’s organization.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) announced that it will award teacher grants and professional development scholarships to full-time educators in District 58 and/or District 99. The non-profit organization will fund $10,000 in grants, awarding at least 20 grants or scholarships valued up to $500.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) announced today that it will be awarding one or more grants totaling $35,000 in support of local charity projects. Non-profit organizations throughout DuPage County and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply.
“The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is honored to support deserving charities that share our mission to give back to the community,” said Kristen Avery, Philanthropy Chair for DGJWC. “We have more than tripled the value of grants to award to local organizations that help make the world a better place. This increase is due to the successful fundraising efforts of our dedicated members, the generosity of our corporate partners and our supportive community.”
Read MoreDowners Grove Magazine | By Valerie Hardy | Despite the pandemic, the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club’s membership and philanthropic contributions to the community have soared over the past two years.
Read MoreThe Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club (DGWJC) is pleased to announce the five winners of their annual Junior High Art Awards.
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