Photo:  Nacogdoches Junior Forum current board of directors. Pictured from left back row: Joni Schaffer, Misty Cox, Carlie Allen, Martha Lee, Necole Blair, Morgan Nash, Sarah Jones and Deidre Merseal. Pictured from left front row: Michelle Key, Jennifer Sowell, Hannah Goode, Lorelai Gotcher, Maura Messer, Jessica Cooksey and Jordan Hatfield. Not pictured are Scarlett Long and Denise Thompson. (Photo provided by NJF)

Nacogdoches Junior Forum named Non-Profit of the Year

by Kelly Augustine, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced Nacogdoches Junior Forum (NJF) as the Non-Profit of the Year, highlighting the organization’s 50-year anniversary.

Formed in 1975 by a small group of women who were inspired by a love of service and wanted to give back to their community, NJF continues to empower women of Nacogdoches to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and make a lasting impact for future generations.

“Starting with the first group of a few friends, we soon grew to 50 club members and now into a 75-plus-member organization with five decades of dedicated service to the very heart of our town,” said Chapter Advisor Jennifer Sowell. “Everything we do is with purpose and love, and we appreciate working with a diverse population from children to our senior citizens.”

President Michelle Key hopes the award recognition will bring more attention to the purpose of NJF and its work in Nacogdoches including a grant program that awarded funds totaling $50,000 to 33 local non-profit organization this year.

NJF is governed by a board of directors, and they and club members can be seen in action around town as volunteers supporting a long list of service organizations that include: Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, Community RX, Cole Art Center, Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, Christian Women's Job Corps, Family Crisis Center of East Texas, Farmers Market, Federation of Women's Club, Greater East Texas Community Action Program, Glory Gang, Harvest House, HOPE food pantry, Lamp-Lite Theatre, Main Street, Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative, Nacogdoches Area Cancer Coalition, Nacogdoches Community Partners, Nacogdoches Historic Sites, Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Association, Nacogdoches ISD, City of Nacogdoches Public Library, The Salvation Army, Nacogdoches Senior Center, Solid Foundation Association, Treatment Center, Unbound Now, SFA Gardens, and SFA Dress for Success. The organization’s four-day signature event, Holiday in the Pines, is an annual treat for the locals as well as attendees from across the region.

“We anticipate more women will learn more about Nacogdoches Junior Forum and its role in the community. We would enjoy seeing our organization keep growing,” Key said. “We would like to give a big thank you to the Nacogdoches County Chamber for providing the opportunity to showcase our different activities and fundraisers, and The Chamber helps point new residents to us, which helps raise awareness.”

Nacogdoches Junior Forum will be honored at the Nacogdoches County Chamber’s 103rd Annual Meeting & Membership Banquet presented by The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center on Sept. 23. Charles Pool Real Estate sponsors the Non-Profit of the Year Award. Seating for the banquet is limited. Call the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce at 936-560-5533 for event registration.

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