Years ago, while volunteering with her children at EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights in Wimberley, Jenny Scholl had a moment that would shape her family and, eventually, her community.
As they worked together, Jenny says, “I realized I wanted more of that. I wanted my children to grow up valuing service and to experience it alongside me.”
At the time, they were volunteering through opportunities Jenny found on her own. But the experience sparked a bigger idea: finding a consistent, meaningful way to serve together.
Jenny discovered the National Charity League (NCL), a national organization focused on strengthening the mother-daughter relationship through philanthropy, leadership, and cultural experiences. It was precisely what she was looking for. But when her oldest daughter was entering high school, the nearest chapter in Circle C was already full.
Still, the idea stayed with her, and in December 2023, she came across a neighborhood Facebook post: We need to start a Dripping Springs chapter of the National Charity League.
“I thought, our community needs this, and I can make it happen,” Jenny says. She contacted the national organization and began assembling a team.
“I posted a Facebook request asking for help, and these amazing women I didn’t even know stepped forward,” she says. “They became our board, and we followed the NCL model to build the chapter.”
By spring 2024, the Dripping Springs chapter was officially launched. That fall, 200 mothers and daughters joined. Within a year, membership grew to around 250.
Today, the chapter partners with more than 20 nonprofits across Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and South Austin, offering ongoing opportunities to serve. Members commit to 15 hours of service and 10 hours of leadership annually, along with meetings and chapter events.
NCL is built on three pillars: service, leadership, and culture. Each girl has a role, building confidence as they lead meetings, find their voices, and step into responsibility.”
For Jenny’s daughters Scarlett and Sophie, the experience has been transformative. “NCL has brought so many opportunities for girls to grow and give back,” Scarlett says. “I've loved seeing the impact we can make together. It's shown me what it means to lead and be a part of something bigger than myself.”
The chapter serves with organizations like Foster Village, Hopeful Farms, and Dripping Springs Friendship Club. One of Jenny and her daughters’ most meaningful experiences was volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, delivering and assembling beds for children in need.
Jenny remembers helping a family with four boys build their own beds: “You could see the impact immediately. It was something my daughters could relate to; everyone needs a bed to sleep in. It was the kind of experience that stays with you.”
For Jenny, the greatest impact has been at home. “It creates stronger bonds,” she says. “It opens conversations we might not otherwise have and gives us shared experiences that matter. It’s a different way of teaching my values.”
For families considering joining, Jenny says the benefits go far beyond volunteer hours. “It allows you to relate to your child in a new way and exposes you to parts of your community you might never otherwise see,” she says. “You meet people who share your values, and you realize how much impact you can have. I hope to foster a love of community and contribution for all of our members.”
Mark your calendars: Applications for the next membership cycle open January 15, 2027 and close March 1, 2027.
NationalCharityLeague.org/chapter/drippingspringstx | @ncldstx
“NCL has brought so many opportunities for girls to grow and give back.” - Scarlett Scholl
“We step outside of ourselves and do something for someone else—together. That’s where the real connection happens.” - Jenny Scholl