Led by President Margaret Ramsey Copeland and three revered advisors, these charter members established Service League of Lafayette and became officially incorporated on September 30, 1957. The first year saw a membership of 48 women.

By 1958, Service League members, clad in signature pale yellow dresses, began pursuing their goal by coupling hands-on voluntarism with creative fundraising. This two-fold formula became a hallmark of the organization.

The Service League grew rapidly in the 1960s. Members volunteered their time and talents in support of visually impaired children, Charity Hospital, the Mental Health Unit, and the Lafayette Sanitarium. Members also worked in the areas of culture and the arts, supporting the Music for Youth program, the Lafayette Parish Library, the Lafayette Museum, a Puppet Theatre, the Art Center, and Dite-Moi (Tell Me), a conversational French language television program.

In 1974, the Service League was admitted into The Association of Junior Leagues, and Junior League of Lafayette, Inc. was officially born. Junior League of Lafayette has continued Mary Harriman’s vision through its ongoing efforts to affect positive change in the community of Lafayette. For over 65 years, we have provided trained volunteers for community service in areas of local need including child health/development, education, health/well-being, social services, substance abuse prevention, teens/juvenile justice, voluntarism, and the arts.

Through the tireless fundraising efforts of our Members and tremendous community support, Junior League of Lafayette has raised more than $9 million to fund and support our Mission.

Whether through the hands-on work of our volunteers, by funding League-sponsored community projects, or by making direct grants to nonprofit organizations whose interests and priorities are consistent with our Mission, the rich history and tradition of service of Junior League of Lafayette continues to grow!