VERO BEACH, FL. – (October 19, 2021) The Junior League of Indian River announces our participation in the Little Black Dress Initiative from October 23 through October 30, 2021. During this time, members of the Junior League will wear the same black outfit for seven consecutive days in an effort to raise awareness on the connection between domestic violence and poverty. Founded in 2014 by the Junior League of London, the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a social media-driven awareness campaign and fundraiser. Junior Leagues across the world use this initiative to raise awareness in their local community. Lack of financial independence is one of the primary reasons women stay or return to their abusers. And when a woman successfully escapes her abuser, she is often faced with economic hardship and limited resources.
“Wearing the same dress every day represents the lack of choices women face when they cannot achieve financial independence,” says Ashley Novander, president of Junior League of Indian River. “I encourage anyone in our community to join in on this initiative by wearing the same black dress every day for a week in an effort to raise awareness on this issue.”
The one black outfit every day represents the lack of choices for those who live in poverty. Wearing the same outfit is symbolic of standing in solidarity with those living in poverty because contrary to what some might think, poverty can look like any one of us. Our hope is that this initiative will help to humanize and give a voice to the faces of poverty.
Funds raised from this initiative will be used to support our community partner SafeSpace, as well as, Sunshine Survivor bags. SafeSpace offers victims of domestic violence safety, support, and education, empowering them to create an independent life, free from violence. SafeSpace is the only Certified Domestic Violence Center saving lives 24/7 and preventing domestic violence throughout the Treasure Coast. Junior League of Indian River is also working to create Sunshine Survivor bags to be given to women who are in need of basic essentials after fleeing an abusive situation. These bags will contain such items as toiletries, feminine products, gift cards for groceries, and more to bring them a little “sunshine” while helping them get back on their feet.
To donate and learn more, please visit https://2021lbdijlir.causevox.
About Junior League of Indian River
The Junior League of Indian River (JLIR) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Members of JLIR are astute business, community and family leaders who are poised and passionate about everything they do. The organization provides a forum that brings like-minds together and serves multiple functions.