Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore (JAES) is a welcoming environment for women who enjoy joining forces to give back to our community. JAES is a Christian based, non-profit organization focused on fulfilling the needs of children and families along the Eastern Shore. When I began attending JAES functions in order to learn more, I was impressed with the group’s embodiment of their motto: “Care Today…Character Tomorrow.” We have gathered in yards, coffee shops, churches, and schools to show the Eastern Shore that we care about our future. There are many need areas across our region and having a variety of women involved helps to identify specific areas where we can be most productive.
The women involved in JAES enjoy the impact they can make locally, and also the challenge of identifying need areas. When I became a provisional member I was excited to learn that my opinion could impact the direction in which we moved forward. The service projects range across many need areas and many of them vary annually. Our first provisional project was collecting uniforms and school supplies to give back to my child’s school – talk about “starting at home”!
“Crown of Character” is a JAES project aimed at recognizing 5th grade students at a couple of the local schools whose teachers nominate them for their outstanding character. These traits includes charity, youth, health, leadership and service. The students receive a goodie bag, a celebration, and a fun, tie-dye t-shirt that they can wear in place of their uniform shirt to school any day. Our goal for Crown of Character is to nurture the development of the Eastern Shores’s leaders of tomorrow!
JAES also knows how to party! We are involved with celebrations and cooking activities at the Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast. JAES has assisted in holding a Prom, Halloween Party, and Mardi Gras Ball for the Exceptional Foundation. This year we had our first annual purse auction where we raised over $2000 for the many projects that we are supporting.
An important point that I cannot overlook is that gathering with this group of women has helped me to create some dear friendships. I have learned that coming together to enjoy down time and advice is just as important as coming together to help others. Whether we are washing uniforms for children in need or handing out waters to runners at the Pirate Dash, we have fun doing it! These are just a few of the many opportunities to get involved and give back to our community with a group of incredible women. Come join us for an upcoming JAES event to learn about many more ways you can give back!
Anne Dorman of Jason Will Real Estate & Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore Support Local Families. For more info, call or text Anne at 251-656-5758.