JLA Grants Provides Relief Through PPE and Other Needs to Local Healthcare Systems

CHOA staff showing appreciation for the donated PPE

LeKeisha D. Jackson, Ph.D.
By LeKeisha D. Jackson, Ph.D., Peachtree Papers Editor
Service remains at the heart of The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. (JLA) amid these unprecedented circumstances. As the world experiences the pandemic’s strain on the public’s health and healthcare systems, JLA sought to fill the gap through supporting local hospitals through philanthropic efforts. To meet community needs, JLA donated over $15K in community grants, and additional services, to local healthcare systems. JLA Empowerment Fund (held at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta) directly supports community partners and its outreach efforts, thus strengthening JLA’s impact in the Atlanta community.

Essential workers at CHOA showing appreciation.
JLA Board of Directors, in consultation with Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, recognized the challenges that hospitals faced in fighting the outbreak and decided to allocate grants to help hospitals front-line workers. “JLA stands ready to step in, partner, and assist our community partners and healthcare systems, especially during the pandemic,” JLA President Bre West said. The philanthropic grants were donated to longtime JLA partners, Grady Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Piedmont Healthcare. These healthcare systems being selected is a natural fit given the long, mutual history of support, stated Barrett Krise, Senior Philanthropic Officer, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Children of Piedmont hospital essential workers thankful for free daycare
The $5k grant to Piedmont Healthcare supported their frontline workers and the welfare of the workers families through the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation Daycare Support Fund. Since JLA’s mission is to help Atlanta’s women and children, the grant to ensure children have quality care while parents work on the front lines aligned well. In collaboration with generous donations, Piedmont Healthcare Foundation raised over $250K to fund free daycare options for their workers. According to Sid Kirschner, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Piedmont Foundation, support from generous members of the community truly makes a positive difference in the lives of [Piedmont’s] essential workers and their families.

Grady healthcare workers
One of the many hospitals that faced Pers

Grady essential workers showing support and gratitude for donated PPE
Grady Memorial Hospital alerted JLA that it was in dire need of Personal Protective Equipment. As Georgia’s largest safety-net hospital th
With over 2800 members, JLA prides itself on being connected and responsive to the needs of our community and partners. “Our grants to support the brave healthcare workers in combating the COVID-19 pandemic show cases our desire to identify and act when our partners need support. Also, with philanthro
- JLA donated over 100 Kroger gift cards to low income families in need at local health center
- JLA contributed items to the snack packs donated to the low income families at local healthcare systems
- Handmade PPE made by JLA members for the workers at the Atlanta community health centers and patients
- JLA donated snack packs to local healthcare centers for workers and low-income families