HISTORY OF JUNIOR FORUM, INC.
Junior Forum, Inc. (JFI) has a rich history that dates back to 1946 when it was founded in Houston, TX. It all started with a shared passion for community service by five young women who came together to form the Junior Department of Women’s Forum. The group grew, and in January 1947, it emerged as an independent organization, the Houston Junior Forum.
From that small beginning, the Houston Junior Forum recognized the need for a “parent” organization to support the establishment and growth of member chapters across Texas and formed Junior Forum Incorporated. Today there are seven chapters across Texas. Each chapter is a non-profit woman’s service organization providing thousands of volunteer hours and millions in financial assistance in service of their communities. Chapters exist in Austin, the Cypress-Woodlands area, Dallas, the Georgetown area, Houston, Nacogdoches, Pasadena, and San Antonio. These chapters, composed of women dedicated to serving their communities have not only given thousands of hours to service but have also provided millions of dollars in funding for community service, grants and scholarships.
The history of this organization has a bright record of achievement accomplished by talented, energetic women whose goals are to address social and economic issues faced by their communities thereby supporting and enriching the lives of those in need.
Junior Forum, Inc.’s purpose is to oversee and support its member chapters. Its Board of Directors, composed of 2-3 members from each chapter, meets annually to assess and discuss the needs and development of the existing chapters, as well as the formation of new ones. This yearly meeting fosters the exchange of each chapter’s accomplishments and obstacles, encourages strategies for expansion and longevity, and ensures compliance with the financial and legal standards for non-profit organizations.
Please visit our sister chapters to see the wonderful things they are doing in their communities:
AUSTIN
GEORGETOWN
HOUSTON
NACOGDOCHES
PASADENA BAY AREA
SAN ANTONIO
HISTORY OF CYPRESS-WOODLANDS JUNIOR FORUM
CWJF Founding Members
Past Presidents Celebrate CWJF 40th Anniversary
Recognizing the need for a service-oriented women’s organization in the Cypress and The Woodlands community, founder Peggy Jo Coker, decided to form a chapter of Junior Forums, Inc. With help and encouragement from Marilyn Lynch, JFI Expansion Chairman, a group of 11 dedicated members began meeting regularly in January 1982. Members of the original steering committee included Nancy Brandimarte, Kathy Chaffin, Gerry Christensen, Florra Clarke, Peggy Jo Coker, Loni Dennis, Maria Pyle, Georgan Reitmeier, Daisy White, Barbara Young and Kim Young. During their meetings, The committee chose Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum as the official title for the group.
In September 1982, 84 women joined President Daisy White at the first meeting of the provisional forum. The women continued toward the goal of becoming a chapter of JFI. In March 1983, Junior Forums, Inc. officially chartered the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum.
With service to the community as the primary goal of CWJF, the chapter adopted the motto of Growth Through Service. Members began selecting programs to fulfill that ideal. Over time, they adapted the programs to satisfy developing community needs and are now involved with 20+ programs. In 2024 CWJF was proud to announce their partnership with Tomball ISD through their “adoption” of the Early Excellence Academy (EEA). CWJF works to provide support for the EEA’s faculty and students in areas of need identified by the school.
Today, more than 40 years after the first meeting, over 300 active and sustaining members continue the mission of Making a difference in the lives of children, families and seniors.