history of the junior league of troy, new york

community advisory board members

The Junior League of Troy is a volunteer organization for women interested in making a positive impact in the community.  It is our vision to strengthen the lives of women and children at risk in our community by embracing diverse perspectives and building family and community partnerships.  

We are a part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which is made up of 296 Junior Leagues in four countries.  Through building collaborations and establishing coalitions, Junior Leagues are able to identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs.  The Junior League empowers women to take action in the community through leadership training and development.   

By working with leaders and others in the community, The Junior League of Troy has a rich and varied history that has made a substantial impact on life in Troy and the surrounding communities.  In 1954,the League established the Junior Museum; in 1970, the Volunteer Bureau was started, and in 1989, the League purchased a house for the Rensselaer County Hospice.

In 1994, members of the League were instrumental in the establishment of the Bridge Coalition Neighborhood Center with Unity House.  Members created The Walk-to-Clothe-A- Child now in it’s fourth year.  The walk invites the community to walk to help raise money to provide new winter clothing for needy area children.  To date, the League has raised approximately $30,000 for the program.  

In 2002, the League took on a unique project.  We organized and sponsored, along with other community organizations, a caregiver conference for those in care giving situations.

Dr. Edward Foley

Mr. Robert Gamble - Computer Sciences Corp

Mrs. Karen Gordon - CEO of Rensselaer County

Patricia DeAngelis -

Rensselaer County District Attorney

Ms. Lisa Robert-Lewis - The Record

Mr. Gary Kiddney - Mary Elizabeth

Ms. Elizabeth Walsh

Nancy Farnan

Grace Liney - State of Grace

interesting facts about AJLI

• We are affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) as one of over 200 member Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico and England.

• Within the past decade, we raised over 7 million dollars.

• The average Junior League member gives 1-3 hours of community service per week.

• Most of our members are between 26-39 years of age.

• Over half of our members are married.

• Over 70% of our members are employed full time.

• Over half of our members have children.