Junior League of Bakersfield

Empowering Women. Strengthening Community.

For more than 60 years, the Junior League of Bakersfield has been a driving force for positive change in Kern County—developing leaders, supporting nonprofits, and improving the lives of women and children throughout our community.

Who We Are

The Junior League of Bakersfield is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We proudly support efforts that enhance the welfare of women and children across Kern County.

Our story began in 1952, when a group of women came together to create a new kind of volunteer organization, unrelated to schools and churches, called Community League of Kern County. In 1965, that vision became reality when the Junior League of Bakersfield was officially welcomed as the 202nd member of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).

What We Do

We create meaningful, hands-on impact through:

• Community Grants: Supporting local nonprofits through enabling and project-based funding

• Signature Programs:

  • Birthday celebrations at the Bakersfield Homeless Center

  • Reading programs at the Jamison Center

  • Girls Achievement Program (GAP) with Garden Pathways for foster youth

• Literacy Initiatives: Partnering with the Kern Literacy Council to help children and families build a love of reading

Our Impact

• Nearly 300 members dedicated to service

• Thousands of volunteer hours contributed annually

• A lasting impact on countless individuals and families in our community

Through leadership training and volunteer action, our members are equipped to step forward and meet the evolving needs of Kern County.

Our Legacy

• Founded in 1965 with roots dating back to 1952

• Awarded the Beautiful Bakersfield Award by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce

• Home to a community center at 1928 19th Street, made possible by the Wheeler Foundation

• Celebrated our 50th Anniversary with a $50,000 gift to the Lori Brock Discovery Center

Past Community Impact Includes:

Adolescent Outreach • Alliance Against Family Violence • Bethany Homeless Center • Big Brothers • Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County • Braille Center Preschool • CALM – California Living Museum • Community Center • Community House • Court Appointed Special Advocates • Educational Mini-Grants • Friendship House • Haven House Counseling Center • Lori Brock Children's Museum • Mercy Therapeutic Play Center • Bakersfield Police Activities League • Warm Line • Women's Business Conference • WIN – Women's Incentive Network • Young Audiences • Youth Connection

Get Involved

We are always looking for passionate women ready to lead, serve, and make a difference.

👉 Join Us: http://www.juniorleagueofbakersfield.org/join
📧 memdev@jlbakersfield.org
📞 661-322-1671

Support Our Mission

Your support helps us fund critical programs, train future women leaders, and continue meeting the needs of our community.

Together, we can make a greater difference—today, tomorrow, and for years to come.