Women to Help Women

The Junior League of Youngstown recognizes the strength of three women who received accolades at the “3 Wonderful Women” charitable event recently.

Each woman was nominated by a non-profit organization for facing circumstances others would find debilitating.  For the first time in 80 years, The Jr. League of Youngstown combined its mission of promoting volunteerism with the powerful message of perseverance. 

The recipients gained self-confidence, recognition and thousands of dollars in charitable gifts generated by The Jr. League members, guests, sponsors and friends for the “It’s a Wonderful Life….in the Mahoning Valley,” fundraising event.

The Neil-Kennedy Recovery Clinic nominated Felicia Briggs ofYoungstown.  She shared her story of overcoming an addiction and the contribution she is making to impact the lives of women who are struggling with similar issues.  NKRC offers a continuum of care to those fighting substance abuse.  Felicia is now attending YSU to gain professional qualifications.

The Beatitude House nominated Joyce Koellner who was able to improve her life and the lives of her four children through the services offered by the organization.  The Beatitude House is dedicated to the mission of serving disadvantaged women and children in the Mahoning Valley.  Joyce says she has received valuable lessons in time management, goal setting and financial management and says she is no longer concerned about her children’s future, or her own.

The third recipient is Mary Therese Driscoll. Mary Therese was nominated by a member of The Junior League of Youngstown. She and her husband Tom have been married 26 years. They have 14 children 10 girls and 4 boys.  They are natives of the Cleveland area but moved around the country during their early married lives choosing to settle in the Mahoning Valley to raise their large family. On January 25^th 2009, tragedy struck the Driscoll family when Tom was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Tom has remained in a coma since the accident and lives at home with the family. The Driscoll’s are members of St. Charles Church in Boardman.

Such an evening would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Wonderful Life Committee and the members who participated.  Chairperson Liz Skeels, Boardman, led her committee through the difficult journey of combining a fundraising event with a recognition ceremony.  She served along with Amy Banks and Barbara Banks, (Poland); Danielle Battafarano, (Struthers); Cathy Campana, (Girard);  Lisa Damore, (Youngstown); Leilani Drake (Boardman); Marion Dunham, (Poland); Melissa D’Apolito, (Poland); Kelly Kiraly, (Boardman). “Our committee raised close to $3,000 in goods and services which our sponsors generously donated,” says Liz Skeels, chairperson. “We our proud of the valley and thankful everyone was so supportive,” Skeels says.

The vendors who donated goods and services included Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Beauti-Control, Chef Scott, The Salon at Macy’s, and The Glitter Girls.  The Glitter Girls, who feature amazing handbags, accessories and jewelry, donated a portion of the proceeds back to The Junior League of Youngstown. The Glitter Girls, The Salon at Macy’s, and the Encore Shop all donated generously to the 3 Wonderful Women.

For the past 80 years the Junior League has been servingYoungstown and the Mahoning Valley and has remained committed to its mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.