By: Pam McConnell and Mary Ann Cappo
2025-26 JCYM Co-Presidents
Johnson County Young Matrons (JCYM) is a service organization created in 1961. Our mission is to serve, support and promote philanthropies in our community, which we fulfill by engaging in volunteer activities, educational efforts and financial support. Since its inception, JCYM has worked with over 150 nonprofit organizations. In 2024-25 we provided 14,000 hours of hands-on work and distributed $64,000 to our current six approved philanthropies.
JCYM has been working with Shawnee Indian Mission since 1986 and in 1996 became a lifetime member of the Friends of Shawnee Indian Mission. We have many hands-on projects including a fall festival bake sale which is always a favorite for us because JCYM members love to bake. We help decorate the Mission for the holidays and we have an annual tea for the community. In addition, JCYM has become involved in creating a docent program where we can assist when needed and help with events.
Of all of the Shawnee Indian Mission projects for which JCYM is responsible, the biggest is Trails Through the Mission. Students in 4th grade get a hands-on experience of life on the trail in the 1860s. Schools must request to participate in this event. The 4th grade classes that are chosen are visited by a JCYM volunteer weeks in advance and are provided with information so they can prepare for their day at the Mission.
Trails Through the Mission occurs the end of April and early May and each school spends an entire day at the Mission. JCYM volunteers dress in period apparel. The children spend half of the day loading their wagons with the supplies they pick in advance, traveling through the grounds of the Mission and learning about the trials and tribulations of life on the trail, including who survived and who did not. The other half of the day they rotate to different areas where they learn about supplies the settlers had, clothing they wore, cabin life, honey bees, Native American Indians, and how to play marbles. It is a truly hands-on learning experience which leaves a lasting impression on the children.
The Trails through the Mission project has been in existence for over 30 years. One parent who was accompanying his son’s class was so excited to be there because he remembered how much he enjoyed it when he was able to visit the Mission in 4th grade. We mention this because the vision of JCYM is to achieve a positive future for members of our community. We are especially proud and excited that the children leave this learning experience and carry it with them.
This year we started a new fundraising project with the Mission. Just as we do with our Trails Through the Mission with children, our members used a format designed for adults. The evening event sold out and all funds raised were donated to the Mission. Many who attended live in the nearby community and had not been to the site prior to this. They came away with a new-found excitement about the Mission, its history, its value, and the opportunities that exist for this treasure.
We at JCYM look forward to many more years of working with Shawnee Indian Mission. It is a historical and well-preserved piece of history in our community. Our desire is to actively participate along the journey as the Mission grows and expands its vision.