For nearly a century, the Junior League of Greater Elmira-Corning (JLGEC) has been a catalyst for positive change in the Southern Tier. As a proud member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, our organization is built on a legacy of volunteerism, leadership, and community service. Since our founding in 1928, JLGEC has trained generations of civic-minded women and made lasting impacts through hands-on projects, philanthropic grants, and collaborative initiatives across Chemung, Steuben, and Schuyler counties.

• 2016

  Transition to New Models of Impact

  As the demands of modern working life shifted, the League sold its long-standing headquarters and turned toward more flexible, partnership-based approaches to community impact. Though the Bargain Hut closed, JLGEC’s mission remained strong and active.

  In recent years, JLGEC has continued evolving to meet emerging community needs with creativity and compassion. Recent projects include:

  • Meeting Basic Needs with Diapers— What started as a few diaper giveaways annually has culminated in a community partnership with C.I.D.S.

  • Mother Daughter Dance — Offering a night of female companionship for all ages

  • Southside Thanksgiving— We have partnered for years with Southside Community Center to supply a Thanksgiving dinner for the community

  • Women Build with Habitat for Humanity — Teaming up to construct homes and hope

  • Teen “Hangout” Space — A safe and welcoming environment created at the Southside Community Center

• 1980s–2010s

  Philanthropy in Action

  At its height, the League’s dual businesses generated enough income to distribute an average of $15,000 annually in community grants. These funds supported numerous local organizations, initiatives, and projects aimed at health, education, arts, and youth development.

  Organizations that received major support from the League include:

  • Elmira Psychiatric Center

  • Elmira Little Theatre

  • Southern Tier Hospice (now CareFirst)

  • CASA of the Southern Tier

  • Chemung County Historical Society

  • The Arctic League

  • Arnot Art Museum

  • Tanglewood Nature Center

  • YWCA Elmira & the Twin Tiers

  • Gateway to Living History Park

  • And many more.

• 1983

  “Thru the Grapevine” Cookbook Published

  JLGEC launched a regional cookbook that became a local favorite. Six printings and 40,000 copies later, it remains a treasured example of creative fundraising and community connection.

  

• 1947

  Launch of the Women’s Exchange Shop

  Later known as The Bargain Hut, this successful resale business offered affordable clothing and housewares to the community while providing hands-on training for League members. It remained a central fundraiser for nearly 70 years.

• 1932a special year

  Official Affiliation with AJLI

  The League formally joined the Association of Junior Leagues International, expanding its network and aligning with a broader movement dedicated to women’s leadership and volunteerism.

  

• 1928

  Founding of the Junior League of Elmira

  Inspired by a vision to empower women and serve the community, Mrs. S.G.H. Turner proposed the formation of the Junior Service League of Elmira. The first meeting took place on March 14, 1928, with ten Charter Members: Nora W. Hunt, Ada Tillou, Genevieve Perry, Cora Crocker, Adria Brown, Esther B. Alden, Myrtle Heath, Alberta P. Craig, Valara Coykendall, and Mary Cooper. The group would soon lay the foundation for decades of civic engagement and leadership.