Founded in 2014 by the Junior League of London, the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a social media-driven awareness campaign and fundraiser. This is the second year the Junior League of Louisville has participated in this initiative. Advocates wear the same black attire and an LBDI button for 5 consecutive days to:
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RAISE AWARENESS of the challenges impacting homeless youth in Louisville.
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ILLUSTRATE how the JLL and its projects and partners are working to combat some of these challenges.
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RAISE FUNDS to support the Junior League of Louisville, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our goal is $13,000 from the Fundrazr.com campaign alone.
Thank you for your support of JLL's 2021 LBDI Week!
Highlights
See all activity217Events and Actions
Ever wonder why you pick one thing over another? Learn more about what makes you tick and the science behind our choices. Session will look at biases and how bias fuels stereotypes, exclusion and ultimately discrimination. Be prepared to learn and unlearn with Vicki Clark. Registration information is here.
This event is co-sponsored by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. To register, please visit their website and, when prompted, select the pay later option. When you receive the email confirmation, reply to the contact listed for payment that you are a member of the Junior League of Louisville and the fee will be waived.
What else can we do to support youth experiencing homelessnesss in Louisville? EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, and DONATE
EDUCATE yourselves AND the children in your lives. Coalition for the Homeless and louieconnect have many helpful resources (below) so that the next time you are with someone experiencing homelessness you understand the best ways to help. Our children need to know this, too. By age FIVE children can already repeat their caregiver's opinions and understanding of those experiencing homelessness. Let's work to raise a generation of compassionate and empathetic civic leaders!
1. Street Tips: https://louhomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coalition-for-the-Homeless-Street-Tips-2020-1.pd f
2. Shelter List/Information: 502-637-BEDS (502-637-2337), 7 days a week between 10 am and 4
pm. Overnight shelters: Wayside Christian Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, and Salvation Army. The Healing Place also has beds for those working to overcome addictions.
3. louieconnect: Find help in Louisvill e: www.louieconnect. com
4. Resources for Children: https://louhomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Materials-to-Educate-Children-About-Homelessness .pdf
How to talk to your child about homelessness:
ADVOCATE:
SB 21 is a bill that allows unaccompanied youth (Youths that are homeless and have no relationship with a guardian) to receive mental health services. Presently providers are prohibited from giving any services. This bill is starting to move and it would be helpful to get some emails and calls generated about it. If interested in advocating, and you need a script, please contact community@juniorleaguelouisville.org.
SB 21: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/sb21 .html
*We will also be advocating for a state bill to lower the foster care transition age to 15, so
stay tuned for more information on that opportunity.
DONATE Goods:
Boys and Girls Haven/TrueUp : Ipads for youth to complete schoolwork and to communicate with family members, $10 and $20 gift cards to fast food restaurants or Walmart for incentives, XL twin sheets, blankets/ weighted blankets /comforters, laundry baskets, body wash, body sponges, shampoo and conditioner, pillows, bath towels, and washcloths, boys and men’s underwear and flip flops/shower shoes in all sizes. These can be taken to Jeanette Stratton at 2301 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville 40218.
Coalition for the Homeless: Did you know that giving gift cards to those experiencing homelessness is becoming a national best practice? Preferred gift cards are Visa, Kroger, or Target. You can send gift cards to the Junior League of Louisville at 300 Distillery Commons Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40206 , and Melissa Kratzer from the Coalition will pick them up.
Coalition Supporting Young Adults (CSYA) : CSYA would also appreciate gift cards to Kroger, Target, Walmart, Uber, or Lyft. Gift cards can be sent attn to Elizabeth Senn-Alvey at CSYA 800 South Preston Street, Louisville, 40203. Please share your name so CSYA can recognize your generosity.
Saint Vincent de Paul: Please view their Walmart registry : www.svdplou.org/help-make-it-a-home.
