Junior Optimist Society (JOI)

The Junior Optimist Society provides southern Jefferson County youth an opportunity to learn organizational, leadership, and community service skills through good works in the community. Youth through age 18 may be members of the club.

JOI stands for Junior Optimist International and is a service-learning organization.  JOI is the organization that connects all of the JOI clubs around the world.

The JOI Club is active in the community, learning CPR, touring Police, Fire, and Ambulance facilities, and visiting nursing homes to share activities with the residents. 

 Welcome 2025-2026 Junior Optimist Society officers who were installed October 2, 2025 by Cathy Elliott, President of the Twin City Area Optimist Club!  

President - Matthew Devoure

Vice President - Olivia Blair

Secretary - Katlyn Blair

Treasurer - Katie Haug

JOI Adult Supervisor - Debbie Schumaker

JOI Chair - Carol Schanz

JOI Club members visit the residents at Autumn Ridge for crafts and entertainment throughout the year. 

• Backpacks for Foster Children
• Rescue Mission Donations
• Ronald McDonald House Donations
• Caroling at nursing homes
• Talent Show for Head Start Children

JOI Club Members worked with Twin City Area Optimists at the Bike Rodeo and Helmet Clinic held in August 2025.  At the event children were properly fit with bike helmets, which were given away for free.  The kids also had the opportunity to practice basic skills such as balance, steering, and stopping.