The Junior League of Stark County Seeking New Members

Canton, Ohio- It’s not a surprise if you’ve not heard of The Martin Center. It’s a ministry making a difference in the southeast side of Canton. It’s tucked away on the other side of the tracks. It’s in an area where most people in Canton…in Stark County don’t venture to on any given day.
But in 2011, founder Terry Hunka said God inspired him to buy the old Canton City Schools building—Martin Elementary, and knowing what he planned to do with, the city made him a great deal that cost $1.
“We’ve built a safe haven for children and families to go for fun, learning and if needed, counseling,” Hunka said. The center is privately funded via donations, he said.
In April, the active members of The Junior League of Stark County selected The Martin Center as their first multi-year partner, said President Teresa Fout.
“We are very excited about our partnership with The Martin Center for a variety of reasons, but primarily our membership decided last year to change how we partner with local organizations. In the past, we’d select a partner for one year. To be more effective, and to create a lasting impact, our membership adopted a multi-year project model,” Fout said.
The Junior League of Stark County, like many other organizations, needed to make a change to better accommodate the changing demographics of our members, and potential members, she said.
“We are a small, but mighty Junior League,” she said.
Now is the perfect time to explore membership in this organization, and how you can make a change in our community, said admissions director Elyse Ramirez.
“We have several information sessions planned. Any woman—21 and older—is welcome to attend and learn more about Junior League,” Ramirez said.
Simply put, according to the website, the mission of The Junior League is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities.

LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP
From a personal standpoint, Fout shared that becoming a member in League has provided a wealth of new friendships, and the opportunity to feel connected to the community.
“There’s an energy when like-minded people gather for a common goal, and there’s really no better way to describe what The Junior League of Stark County is all about. It’s a group of like-minded women who want to improve our community.”
The bonus, she added, was that some great friendships are made, and it’s a safe place to try one’s hand at learning a new skill. “One of our favorite sayings is that we are a TRAINING ORGANIZATION. It takes the pressure off. Everyone gives 110% but we know we’re all learning, and that’s liberating to know that the detours along the way are all part of the important journey.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
While the Junior League of Stark County is embracing The Martin Center as its partner for three years, there is an abundance of volunteer opportunities for anybody interested in supporting the Martin Center.
“High school and college students who need service hours, would be a welcome addition to the Martin Center team,” Fout said. She added that anybody with a call to service—men, women, young, old and everyone in between are encouraged to explore how they can help the Martin Center.
“Wonderful changes are taking place in this area, and we have big plans to do even more, but we cannot do it alone. We as a League have been called to help, and we’re hoping our community will respond by supporting too,” Fout said.
Interested volunteers can contact Junior League Headquarters at admin@jlstarkcounty.org or call (330) 491-4552.

THE PROJECT
The League year will officially start in September, but our partnership with The Martin Center has already started, said major project director Jen Barone.
“We’ve planted a garden, we’ve brought and served evening meals, and we’re currently evaluating the conversion of a nearby home to a temporary housing shelter for homeless teens,” Barone said.
There is so much to do, to help further The Martin Center mission of “making a difference in Canton, one life at a time,” and we plan to do as much as we possibly can over the next three years, she added.
Top of the list, right now, is getting the money and people power to build a commercial grade kitchen so food can be prepared on site, Barone said.

Hunka said there is an interest in expanding the hours the center is open as a way to further its impact in the community. “Right now, we’re open every day from 5:30 p.m. to about 9 p.m. but we’re looking at other areas of need, and if we can find the volunteers to support the programs, we’ll do it,” Hunka said.

He quickly followed up with by adding “mainly, what we need are people who are willing to be here … and just talk with the kids. The simple act of being here, talking with them and showing them you care will provide that connection … that thread that can lead to life changing decisions.”

To learn more about how you can join The Junior League of Stark County, and support their partnership with The Martin Center, please visit their website: jlstarkcounty.org; follow them on FACEBOOK or plan to attend one of the upcoming recruiting events. To learn more about The Martin Center, visit their website: tmccanton.wix.com or call 330-854-2227.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OPEN HOUSES
· Thurs, July 23rd - Massillon Museum (6pm-8:30pm)
· Wed, Aug 19th at Giant Eagle in Green (6pm-8:30pm)
If interested in learning more about Junior League, but you can’t attend either of these open houses, please contact admin@jlstarkcounty.org or call (330) 491-4552.