Welcome, Junior League Members!

The Junior League founded the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation (BRSHF). In this first year, 49 League members volunteered their time at the Foundation. 

BRSHF moves to a larger space in University Terrace Elementary.

Junior League presents world premiere of the movie "Cat Ballou" as a benefit for BRSHF.

The League donates $20,000 towards construction of a new building for BRSHF.

Under the leadership of board member Kevin Reilly, Sr., BRSHF secures state, federal and private funding to build on land acquired for $5,000 adjacent to University Terrace Elementary.

Junior League's Circus Cabaret raises $14,000 for BRSHF. 

Construction project costing $172,900 was completed and BRSHF moves to its new building on West Roosevelt Street.

Junior League establishes the "Beautiful Activists" fundraiser, now known as the Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activists event, which is still held annually in the fall.

BRSHF establishes an innovative group language preschool program for children with speech delays and autism. With nearly $200K in total annual funding provided by JLBR since 1968, BRSHF continues to thrive.  

With support from JLBR volunteers, BRSHF provides increased activities for client families including Easter egg hunts, Mardi Gras parades, a Fall Festival, and Christmas pageants.

Pilot program for children with autism begins in partnership with Dr. George Noell, LSU Department of Psychology. Four children begin receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidenced-based one-on-one therapy.

Strategic plan funded by The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation sets the organization on a course for growth. BRSHF begins providing diagnoses for autism.

With a skyrocketing demand for services, a $7million capital campaign begins to build a larger center. JLBR provides $20K to support these efforts. Additional supporters include: The Albemarle Foundation, The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation, The Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, The Reilly Family, Mrs. Sue Turner and Matt and Sherri McKay.

Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation rebrands to be The Emerge Center and moves to it's new, larger home on Innovation Park Drive. JLBR CAF Funds provide technology in Emerge’s Parent Resource room for traveling parents to access resources in a comfortable setting while their child receives services.

JLBR pledges financial support to host the Wine and Cheese Reception at Emerge for Volunteer Activists.

JLBR pledges support to outfit a classroom at The Emerge School.

Construction is completed on The Emerge School at Innovation Park Drive. JLBR partners with Emerge as lead sponsor of our 60th anniversary celebrations.

The Emerge Enterprise looks forward to the future with a continued spirit of innovation and collaboration to provide broad access to services for all.