A 75th anniversary is meant to be celebrated in a big way. And the Junior League of the Palm Beaches has big plans to commemorate this momentous event. In true fashion, the group is focusing on helping others – completing a massive revitalization project at Vita Nova Village, a residential center in West Palm Beach for young adults who have phased out of the foster care system.

Jeff Demario (from left), CEO of Vita Nova; Stephanie Pittington, Junior League co-chair of the Vita Nova project; Courtney Stafford, Junior League co-chair of the Vita Nova Project and Amanda Meyers, program manager of Vita Nova outside the facility which is being renovated by the Junior League.

The 12 apartments there, built in 1963, are in dire need of TLC, says Courtney Hickey, one of the group’s project leaders. The two-and-three bedroom apartments, which house 27 people, need – among other things – painting, patching, repairs and new furniture.

“Junior League volunteers have done everything from cleaning ovens to furniture shopping to get these units looking brand new,” she says. They’re still working on the apartments but in the future, they hope to complete other projects: moving the washers and dryers – which are rusting outside – indoors and renovate a community space which that can be used as a library, reading and study space, computer lab, kitchen, gathering and dining area.

“We wanted to use our 75th anniversary as an opportunity to showcase the need for programming and housing for this population of kids,” says President Laura Russell.

“Completion of this project is a huge part of our anniversary celebration. As a result of our completion, these kids will have a safe and welcoming place to call home as they establish themselves as an adult.”

After a two-year community assessment, the Junior League of the Palm Beaches chose foster care as an issue to focus on. “We had an existing partnership and project with Vita Nova and our members felt a strong connection with the adolescents in their programs who were aging out of the traditional foster care system and struggling to find their place in the world,” explains Russell.

They’ve learned a lot during the project.

Volunteers pause during work at Vita Nova Village, a residential center for young adults who have phased out of the foster care system.

“Along the way, we have realized that not only did the building need some attention, but so did the kids. They have gotten very involved in the project and help our volunteers at every step. They have formed a committee that helps us clean, pick out furniture and paint colors, everything, says Russell. Adds Hickey: “The young adults that reside at Vita Nova are truly a remarkable bunch. The true success story is in each and every one of them. One resident, who has been inspired by this project is now seeking a degree in interior design.”

The project will be financed by donations, fundraisers and community sponsorships. A recent $25,000 donation from Palm Beach resident Ellis J. Parker III will make a big impact, members say.

“Mr. Parker saw the quick progress our committee made on the initial units and was impressed by our perseverance, organization, and attention to detail. He has been imperative to the renovation project in every way and we are honored to have him as one of our primary donors,” says Hickey.

The Junior League of the Palm Beaches is completing a revitalization project at Vita Nova Village, a residential center in West Palm Beach for young adults who have phased out of the foster care system.

As for the impact on the residents?

“This change will allow the residents of Vita Nova to know what it feels like to come home to a place they can be proud of, and learn the skills they need to learn in an environment that is clean and safe,” says Vita Nova CEO Jeff Demario, adding that the most recent renovations were in 2008. “Housing programs like Vita Nova see a great deal of wear and tear and these improvements allow our residents to see how much we care about them.”

While the Junior League of the Palm Beaches works on the renovation, it will also be celebrating its legacy as the largest and longest standing women’s volunteer organization in Palm Beach County – and hosting events to raise money for future community projects, says Russell.

“In the past 75 years, we have worked hard to fulfill our mission which is three- fold; promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community,” says Russell. “Over the past 75 years, the Junior League of the Palm Beaches has consistently made an impact in our local landscape. We founded what is now the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium, established the Quantum House at St. Mary’s Hospital, and have screened thousands of children for vision and hearing abnormalities.”

The Junior League of the Palm Beaches is completing a revitalization project at Vita Nova Village, a residential center in West Palm Beach for young adults who have phased out of the foster care system.

For more information, to donate or offer a sponsorship for the program, contact Laura Wissa at ljomw@yahoo.com or 561-502-3486.