The Coastal Bend, the Crossroads, the Crescent Valley, the Texas Mid-Coast - these are all designations which refer to the city of Victoria and its surrounding area. Victoria acquires its nicknames from its unique location on the southeast border of the state. It not only lies in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it is virtually centered inside the imaginary triangle formed by the cities of Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. History is in abundance in this locality of over 60,000 residents, 100,000 countywide. The region that surrounds Victoria was the theatre for much of Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico. Mexican culture and tradition are still of great influence. However, other cultures have settled here, and Victoria is a mixture of many heritages.

Since the time of its earliest settlers, Victoria has continuously developed and matured. As the city has grown over the years, so has its need for effective community service organizations and leaders. Out of this necessity, the Junior Service League of Victoria was formed in 1937. The focus of this new association of young women was child welfare and providing volunteer service for the betterment of the community's children. During its early years, the League subsidized and furnished volunteer assistance for the Victoria County Child Welfare Program. During World War II, efforts of the League concentrated on benefiting the war effort.

After the war, the League was once again able to concentrate on the needs of the community's children. In the years that followed, it was instrumental in establishing, funding, and providing volunteer service for numerous projects which served the medical, educational, and emotional needs of children. In more recent years, the League has expanded their focus areas to include educationally at-risk youth, the environment, and health and wellness. In 1999, the League undertook the collaboration and construction of an all-women built home with the Victoria Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. In addition, numberless community organizations benefit form both financial contributions and volunteer assistance provided by the League.

Because of its affiliation with the Association of Junior Leagues International in 1983, the organization became the Junior League of Victoria, Texas, Inc. and is currently headquartered in the historic O'Connor-Proctor Building in downtown Victoria. In order to provide funding for its numerous undertakings, the League has hosted a variety of creative fundraising events over the years. Most notable is the Charity Ball which has been an annual event since 1960. Most recently, the membership approved an additional endeavor, the development and publication of a new cookbook. The outcome of this decision is ROPIN' THE FLAVORS OF TEXAS, Culinary Creations from the Coastal Bend. This is not the first time, however, that the League has tackled this venture. In 1982, ENTERTAINING IN TEXAS was issued, and a sample of some favorite recipes is included in this new publication. Monies raised by these, as well as all fund-raising efforts, are put back into the community through League sponsored projects and the Community Assistance Fund.

The Junior Leagues reach out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

2003-2006 Position Statement On Child and Family Enrichment:
The Junior League of Victoria, Texas, Inc. supports and promotes efforts to ensure the enrichment of families and is committed to ensuring that children and parents have the opportunities and services essential for physical, intellectual, emotional, mental, economic well-being and social growth and will advocate to see that such opportunities and services are provided.

AJLI - The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. www.ajli.org

Comprised of 294 Junior Leagues in four countries, the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI) has been providing support, guidance and leadership development opportunities to member Leagues for more than 80 years.

AJLI strives to unite all the Junior Leagues; provide continuity and support; and serve as a steward for the Junior League Movement. Today, through regional, national, and international meetings, comprehensive resources and customized consultations, we add value to our member Leagues in their fulfillment of the Junior League Mission.