Amy Friedli of Lafayette Juniors, Meliece, and Louise Bourassa of Contra Costa Interfaith Housing pose with $17,000 check presented to CCIH. Photo Gina Hageboeck

At the June General Meeting held at the Lafayette Community Center, Amy Friedli, Community Funds Chairwoman of Lafayette Juniors, presented Contra Costa Interfaith Housing with a check for $17,000. CCIH's mission is to create a permanent solution to homelessness by providing supportive housing to high-risk individuals and families in Contra Costa County.

The highlight of the evening was a speech given by 12-year-old Meliece on behalf of CCIH. "Thank you so much for supporting Garden Park Apartments. It actually changes people's lives. My parents were homeless and now they are doing awesome. As for me, well...not to brag, but I am doing amazing and I know that I am going to grow up and make the world a better place, just like all of you are doing," remarked Meliece.

Lafayette Juniors donated a total of $31,000 including presenting $14,000 to four other well-deserving charities: the American Association of University Women Sister to Sister Summit, Brighter Beginnings, Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation, and We Care Services for Children.

Lafayette Juniors is an organization of over 50 women dedicated to community service and to fundraising for local charities by hosting events such as the annual Lafayette Kitchen Tour in May, sauce-making parties throughout the year, and the Rummage Sale in November. For more information on Lafayette Juniors, and the charities they support, visit www.lafayettejuniors.org.