In the Bridging the Gap project JLEP will continue the efforts begun with our Ending the Silence project committee this year and continue exploring how we can provide immediate local and national resources for adolescents, aged 13-18, who are in a mental health crisis or who may be concerned about a classmate, family member or friend

JLEP will work to set-up and successfully run a mobile school food pantry to be turned over to the school at the end of the 2021 school year. Committee members will work to develop a selection process and criteria for selecting a school from a list of waiting schools. JLEP members will be trained in the creation and set-up of a mobile food pantry at the selected site. JLEP members will work to build a volunteer base and schedule weekly distributions of food to pre-registered students and their families.

 Ending the Silence will continue to partner with the National Alliance on Mental illness (NAMI) in an ongoing effort to sustain the revolutionary mental health program in El Paso. The program will continue to focus specifically on the high school age group to target the stigma of mental health issues by expanding the program from 5 to 8 schools where local high school aged youth attend a 50 minute mental health awareness program.

This is a new project for 2020-2021 but highlights the Junior League of El Paso’s commitment to support the Ronald McDonald House as it did when the Ronald McDonald House was originally founded in El Paso, Texas.

The Junior League of El Paso Inc. will partner with Compadres Therapy, Inc. to provide equine assisted therapy (EAT) to support El Paso military and veteran familes.  EAT offers a range of treatments and activities with horses that promote human physical and mental health.  

Music Therapy for the Elderly

Music Therapy for the Elderly is our longest running community project — 2020-2021 will mark the programs 31st year.
Music Therapy for the Elderly provides therapy for aging El Pasoans in the form of musical performances and nurturing contact. The Junior League sustaining and active members, along with community volunteers, sing and perform at area nursing homes and adult day care centers.

The Junior League of El Paso, Inc. will partner with the Aliviane Women and Children’s Residential Facility to assist residents on their path to recovery from substance and alcohol abuse.  Members will then act as guest speakers and host monthly interactive workshops on topics that will directly impact he lives of residents – educating them with life skills to help boost their self-esteem and prepare them for their future.  JLEP committee members will work with Aliviane clients and their children to learn their stories as well as celebrate their achievements.