The Heart of Service: How the Junior Service League of Grand Junction is Uplifting the Community, One Grant at a Time
For more than four decades, the Junior Service League of Grand Junction (JSL) has been a quiet but powerful force in Mesa County, channeling the passion and energy of local women into meaningful change. Since its founding in 1983, JSL has awarded over $1.1 million in grants and contributed more than 750,000 volunteer hours, touching lives in nearly every corner of the community.
This past December, JSL once again put its mission into action, awarding $35,000 to 13 nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families across the Grand Valley. The grants were distributed during the organization’s annual Grant Recipient Reception, an event that highlights the direct results of the group’s year-round fundraising and volunteer efforts.
“We are so proud of the work our members do and the impact it allows us to make,” said Kristin Lee, JSL’s Community Giving Chair. “It is a joy to see how our collective effort supports organizations doing truly transformative work in the community.”
Supporting Organizations That Make a Difference
The 2024 grant recipients reflect the broad spectrum of community needs JSL supports — from addressing basic necessities to providing educational enrichment and mental health support.
Among this year’s recipients was Kids Aid, a nonprofit that works to alleviate childhood hunger by providing weekend meal packs for students in Mesa County. “Junior Service League is a valuable piece to our puzzle,” said Tessa Kaiser, executive director of Kids Aid. “We are committed to bridging the weekend food gap so kids can return to school ready to learn on Monday morning.”
Also receiving support was Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, which provides shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, and HopeWest, a trusted organization offering hospice, palliative care, and grief support throughout Western Colorado.
Other 2024 grant recipients included:
- Hope of the Grand Valley, supporting self-sufficiency for low-income families
- Good Samaritan Clinic of Western Colorado, providing free medical services
- Project 1.27, helping local families foster and adopt children
- Riverside Education Centers, which supports at-risk youth with afterschool programs
- Night Lights, Inc., offering respite care for families of children with special needs
- CASA of Mesa County, giving voice to children in the court system
- Steppin’ It Up, Inc., promoting mentoring and life skills for youth
- Western Slope Blue Star Mothers, supporting active military and veterans
- Diaper Depot, helping families meet essential needs
- Colorado Discover Ability, which provides outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities
Each of these organizations plays a vital role in building a healthier, more supportive, and inclusive Mesa County — and JSL is proud to be part of their story.
A Legacy of Service and Community Giving
While JSL’s impact is most visible in the grants it distributes, the organization is equally committed to hands-on volunteerism. From mentoring programs for fifth-grade girls transitioning to middle school, to packing holiday food boxes and supporting the Family Center at Clifton Elementary, JSL members are often the boots on the ground behind many local initiatives.
Each year, the organization’s signature fundraising event, Viva el Vino, brings the community together for a fun evening of wine tastings, live music, and giving back. This year’s event will take place on April 26, 2025, at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade, with proceeds going directly to the community grants program.
Join the Movement
Women who want to make a difference in Mesa County are encouraged to get involved with JSL. The group welcomes new members each year who are passionate about giving back through service, leadership, and philanthropy.
“JSL isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a legacy of compassion,” said Lee. “We believe in the power of women coming together to lift their community.”
As the Junior Service League of Grand Junction looks ahead to its next chapter, its mission remains crystal clear: to serve, support, and strengthen the community, one act of kindness at a time.
“JSL isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a legacy of compassion