Latest news with #JuniorLeague
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Crisis nursery has been helping Twin Cities families care for their kids for over 40 years
There are 3.6 million cases of child abuse reported every year in the U.S. For every incident of child abuse or neglect that's reported, an estimated two incidents go unreported. But what can you do to stop abuse before it happens? For four decades, a group in south Minneapolis has been figuring it out. The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery was established by Junior League women who realized there was nowhere to turn when parents were in crisis and needed help caring for their kids. It's where one mother of three found her strength. "I feel so recharged, rejuvenated, refreshed," Victoria Andrews said. Andrews' beloved kids are 9, 4 and 2. Her mother is her emotional rock, but with her health, she isn't able to physically help. "I don't really have people to keep my kids for me. I don't have anybody, actually," Andrews said. On a particularly exhausting day eight years ago, her mom suggested she try out the Crisis Nursery. "It was very hard at that time. I remember, it was a snowstorm, and I didn't have a vehicle, so they, I believe, they gave me a cab ride home. And I think I cried the whole cab ride home," Andrews said. "I breastfed full-time, exclusively, so it just felt like I betrayed him, like I failed him, in a sense." She felt shame; they saw bravery. "Every parent who calls us wants something better for their family, they want to improve them in some way, shape or form," Laura Wagner with the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery said. "And so there's absolutely nothing shameful about that. And so we, from the moment that they call us, the moment that they come in, we want to follow their lead as a parent. We want to reinforce that you're an amazing parent." The nursery is free. Women get up to 30 days a year of free overnight care, no questions asked. They want to create safer homes with less abuse and less isolation. "We are that place. We are a place where families, when they feel like they don't have anyone else that can care for their children if they feel like they need a break. And that they can prevent something bad from happening in their family by having that partner, and that's where we come in," Wagner said. Support is what Andrews got. "It's very personalized. What's their shoe size, diaper size? Do they need ocean sounds at night? What's their favorite character to sleep in?" Andrews said. She has been using the nursery now for eight years, much to the glee of her kids. "They love the staff. Teacher Dee is Princeton's favorite, and then Princeton has a special teacher. And yeah, they're just warm," Andrews said. "It's inviting. It's comforting. Even the front desk, when you first walk in, Amanda, she's always just warm and loving so we love it there." Her kids have gotten around-the-clock care, and she's gotten her feet underneath her. She now has a full-time job counseling peers, and her children are thriving. "Yeah, I'm not breaking. I think it's broken. I've broken the curse that was on my family, the generational patterns, the forms of discipline, the trauma. It stopped with me and my mom, and it had to be done," Andrews said. "All of that I had to work through, the pain, the trauma, basically, and I had to face it head-on so my kids didn't have to." They now provide over 5,000 nights of care per year. "I feel like you are stronger for reaching out, because you have to literally put your pride to the side, swallow that, you know, swallow the pride, and then ask for help," Andrews said. The help is there 24/7, a place of unconditional love and peace. The nursery says they welcome anyone who needs a break, and they don't define what a crisis is. For help, you can call the crisis helpline at 763-591-0100.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local eateries face off in Chef Show Down at Kilmer Mansion
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – There's a special opportunity to check out the incredible transformation of the Kilmer Mansion while sampling the culinary creations of some creative cooks. The Junior League of Binghamton is hosting a Chef Show Down as part of its Designer Show House at the historic mansion Thursday evening. The Junior League has completely refurbished the Kilmer with the help of local designers and contractors. Thursday evening, chefs from local eateries will face off in a competition to see who can create the best dish. The hook is that they must use an ingredient that might typically be found in a food pantry. That's because some proceeds from the Show House and affiliated events will go to create a Food Recovery and Prepared Meal Truck. The truck will collect leftover food from local restaurants and caterers for a chef to repurpose into hot meals that are then driven to food deserts in Broome and Tioga Counties for distribution to people in need. Junior League President Alisha Swietzer says our area has a good network of food pantries, but not everyone can easily get to them. 'Folks in our area have trouble accessing those. Either mobility challenges or they lack the means of a vehicle to get to them. So, we thought, 'Okay, we need to do something here, we need to combine the efforts.' So, we're going to take the food directly to them,' said Swietzer. Swietzer says the Junior League has set a goal of raising $360,000 to purchase the truck and pay for two years of operation. Once completed, it will turn the truck over to CHOW to operate. Thursday's Chef Show Down begins at 6 p.m. and features Little Venice, Donoli's, Kitchen Counter, Confection Connection, and Quebec Diner 87. There will be two prizes: a people's choice determined by $1 votes, and a judge's choice. I am honored to be a member of the judging panel. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased at or at the door. Binghamton Firefighters say 'farewell' to another brother Local eateries face off in Chef Show Down at Kilmer Mansion Pizza Week 2025: Vestal Bakery Law Enforcement Torch Run raises money for Special Olympics SRO Productions presents 'A New Brain' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Designer Show House set to open this week
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – It's go time for a year-long project to transform a historic treasure in our area. Junior League Binghamton is set to launch its Designer Show House event at the Kilmer Mansion. Several local interior designers and contractors have refurbished the three-story mansion, with new paint, flooring, and light fixtures. Then, they've moved in furnishings, artwork, and home decor, all of which are for sale to the public. The project will not only benefit the Kilmer but also raise money for a new Food Recovery and Prepared Meal Truck, which will be gifted to CHOW. Junior League President Alisha Swietzer says people will be blown away by the talent on display. 'It's enlightening, I don't think, I didn't know, I think a lot of people will realize how much local talent we have in the aspect of designers, decorators, antique shops, artists, and it's really neat as you walk through each room to see their perspective, their each individual take and design ideas. We have so much talent in Broome and Tioga County, it's surreal, it's motivating and inspirational,' said Swietzer. Starting Wednesday, there will be both self-guided open house tours and guided history tours available, plus several special events, a Smoke and Sip cigar and whiskey tasting, a Chef Showcase competition, Bunco and Bubbles, and a sneak peek champagne tour to get a first look at the revamped mansion. For a schedule and pricing, visit Riverside Gardens construction project officially breaks ground Designer Show House set to open this week Salvation Army of Binghamton continues services with mobile kitchen and pantry Shelley's Deli supports veterans' mental health with fundraiser Broome Bands Together returns for 10th year Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Preparations underway for Designer Show House at Kilmer Mansion
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – One of Greater Binghamton's most iconic estates is currently undergoing a one-of-a-kind transformation. Preparations for the Junior League of Binghamton's latest fundraiser are happening at Kilmer Mansion. The organization is hosting a Designer Show House at the mansion. Local designers and decorators are restoring the mansion, re-imagining what it would look like if the Kilmers still lived there. Some upgrades include carpeting, lighting, painting, and more. The mansion will be staged for the event, which will take place from June 3 to June 17. Show House Marketing Chair and Junior League Member Christina Olevano says the results will be unlike anything you've seen before. 'Whether you've been to the Kilmer Mansion and you've toured it before, like myself, or whether this would be your first time going through, it's just super exciting. It is going to be really a show,' said Olevano. Olevano says the permanent changes will help preserve and sustain the mansion for years to come. Funds raised during the Designer Show House will go to purchasing a food recovery and prepared meals truck for CHOW. There will be guided, private, and open house tours as well as several special events during the showcase. Tickets are on sale now. To purchase and learn more, visit Real Heroes Breakfast honors community members for their bravery UHS receives $3.9 million grant as it continues pursuit of nursing excellence Community prepares for 15th annual Sacred Sites tour NYS awards $86M to arts and culture nonprofits throughout state Local students awarded with Frank G. Paul Medal of Excellence Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Calhoun County native chosen for Junior League's 40 Over 40
ANNISTON — Anniston's Michelle Bain has earned a spot among the Junior League's international 40 Over 40 honorees. Bain has been involved with the Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun County for eight years and has held multiple leadership roles, including VP of Public Relations, VP Community Impact, President Elect, and current President. She received the JL President's Award for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 league years and logged over 100 volunteer points last year. As an administrative associate for Auburn University-Alabama Cooperative Extension, Bain continues to serve her community. Bain said the selection left her wondering how a small town girl could be selected amongst women from not only the top leagues in large cities across the U.S., but also across the globe. 'A lady from the Birmingham JuniorLeague actually sent me an email, and she said, 'I was so excited to see that someone from Alabama was selected for this.' It's just kind of surreal, like, I don't know, … I don't know that I feel worthy,' Bain said. 'I mean, there's one on here from Africa. But, it's an incredible, incredible honor.' The 40 Over 40 list recognizes 40 women from across the Junior League's 297 leagues who have made significant contributions. Bain was nominated by Rachel Kline from her chapter. This year, there were 169 submissions for the 40 spots. Bain is the only honoree from Alabama. The Junior League, founded in 1901, is an organization committed to advancing leadership for community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Bain emphasized the organization's focus on volunteering and leadership development. The Anniston-Calhoun chapter has been focusing on human trafficking and homelessness initiatives. Bain's community involvement extends beyond the Junior League. She has been a member of CAST Theatre for 20 years, participated in productions with Actors' Community Playhouse and Theatre of Gadsden, and coached cheerleading. She also volunteers with Classroom in the Forest, the Alzheimer's Association, Moms Demand Action, Free Mom Hugs, and serves at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Bain is also a member of Alabama Master Gardeners, Alabama Master Naturalists, Daughters of the King, YMCA of Calhoun County, and Alabama 4-H. She previously volunteered with the American Cancer Society, ARC of Calhoun County, and the US Parks Service at the Freedom Riders Monument. Following a cancer diagnosis, Bain started "Michelle's Melanoma Army" to educate youth about the dangers of tanning. She also testified before state lawmakers on the issue.
