News | Article from Daily Bulletin

Group small, impact huge

By Suzanne Sproul, Staff Writer

(November 25, 2007) - Members of the Montclair-Ontario Junior Women's Club are small in number, but strong in service.

For the past four decades, they have done their best to help wherever it was needed, particularly when children and seniors are involved. The loyal contingent got together recently to celebrate 40 years of giving back to the community. It was the first time group members have had a big party since the club turned 10 years old.

Sue Yoakum isn't a charter member of the group, but she's close. She joined 38 years ago and remains an active force. She serves as treasurer of the nine-member nonprofit group.

"The club began in 1967 as a service organization and that's what we've been doing ever since," Yoakum said.

The group is a member of the general federation of women's clubs and is affiliated with the Montclair Vista Woman's Club. "When we see a need in the community we do our best to try and fill it. If it's a money issue, we try to raise the money. If it's hours working, we try to provide them," she said.

People have teased her during the years about her membership in the junior's women's club. "They say isn't it time to move up to the main woman's club. I tell them I'm still a junior," Yoakum said with a chuckle.

That closeness and commitment to service has kept the group going all these years. And although the group is small, it seems to be an advantage.

"I love the camaraderie. We enjoy each other's company," she said.

"Friendships have been made and kept all these years. Members have moved away, but still feel close. We had one member who now lives in New York who came back for the anniversary party."

Marcia Richter has been a member for 20 years. "What has kept me going is the friendship and feeling that you are doing something to help the community. That with teamwork and commitment we can make a difference," she said.

There always is work. One of the most recent projects the club tackled was an extensive Halloween community party at the City Hall complex. Michelle Roche is a relative newcomer to the group, joining almost three years ago.

"I believe that our small group works well because we are all focused on doing projects and providing services that benefit our community," she said. "Every member of the group brings talents, skills and passions and together we have formed an outstanding team. Every woman in the group is a "go-getter" and has seen the impact we have made in the community."

Making an impact in your community was instilled in Roche at an early age by both of her parents. "When I joined the group I wasn't aware of the impact it had and continues to make on the community, but I quickly learned. I love that a number of the group's service projects benefit children, which is a personal passion I have. As one of the younger members of the group, I personally feel I have also learned a lot from others who have been members of the club for many years."

Her favorite projects are the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the United Way Kids Pack Program.

Angelic Bird is a fellow newcomer to the group, too. She agreed with Roche that being small adds so much more to the work and accomplishments of the group. "I think such a small group works because when there is only a few, each person involved must be motivated and participate. The success of the organization rests in the hands of each member," she said.

Bird said she eagerly looks forward to helping with the United Way Kids Pack Program, which involves filling backpacks with food so local children in need can eat during the weekends. "This project not only serves a real purpose in the community, but it is also fun to do. This is one of my favorite projects because it just serves a real basic need. It ensures that children who are highly dependent on the meal system at schools have food to eat on the weekends," she said.

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