Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum Inspires Women to Serve with Heart and Purpose
In the fast-growing corridor north of Houston, the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum (CWJF) has quietly become a powerful force for good. With more than 300 active and sustaining members, this all-women volunteer organization is united by a shared mission: to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and seniors through heartfelt service.
Founded in 1982 by a group of local women with a vision for change, CWJF has grown into one of several chapters of Junior Forum, Inc.—a statewide network of nonprofit women’s service organizations in Texas that collectively contribute thousands of volunteer hours and millions in financial assistance annually.
CWJF serves a broad area that includes Cypress, The Woodlands, Tomball, and Spring—home to nearly 600,000 residents and counting. Their community programs reflect both the diversity and the needs of the region, with a special focus on education, crisis intervention, aging populations, and individuals with disabilities.
Service with Heart—and Strategy
This year alone, CWJF volunteers served over 26,000 people in just two summer months, logging nearly 1,000 hours in direct service and 665 more behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming year. They currently partner with 24 local philanthropies and run more than 20 programs, including BookSmart (a literacy program for second graders at Title I schools), Forum Friends (supporting seniors), and a partnership with Tomball ISD’s Early Excellence Academy.
The organization also awards scholarships through two programs—one for students with a strong commitment to volunteerism and one for students pursuing fine arts. In 2025, CWJF awarded $61,000 in scholarships to 30 students across 16 states, with recipients attending institutions ranging from Lone Star College to Dartmouth.
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Teamwork at the Core
CWJF President Manon Reek believes the organization's strength lies in its teamwork. “We are more than a group of women trying to do good,” she wrote in the organization’s Summer 2025 Newsletter. “Every idea counts, every new face is met with a smile, and everyone’s welcome, no matter who you are or where you come from”.
Past President Amy Terry echoed this sentiment, urging more women to step into leadership roles: “You don’t have to be the smartest or most talented to take on a leadership role in our organization. You simply must be willing to come to the table”.
President-Elect Kristi Hoyle reflected on the deeper impact of working together: “What makes teamwork at CWJF especially meaningful is our diverse membership. Each woman brings her own background, skills, and perspective to the table. By working together, we honor those differences and transform them into strengths”.
More Than Volunteering—A Sisterhood
While CWJF is known for its hands-on community impact, members often speak of the unexpected personal growth and friendships they gain in the process. New members—affectionately dubbed the “Honeybees”—are quickly welcomed into the fold and encouraged to try different programs throughout their provisional year.
Special interest events, happy hours, and themed volunteer programs like the cowboy-themed BookSmart stage production make the CWJF experience both fun and fulfilling. Whether members are stuffing backpacks for local families, playing bingo with seniors, sewing heart-shaped tokens, or distributing supplies to veterans, each act is part of a larger picture of service, community, and connection.
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Empowering Women to Lead and Give Back
CWJF is 100% volunteer-driven. With no major fundraiser planned for this year, the group is turning to creative avenues like corporate sponsorships and smaller social events to sustain their programs. Sponsorship tiers—ranging from Bronze to Gold—offer local businesses the chance to align with a respected, community-centered organization making a measurable impact.
And for those looking to serve or find their tribe, CWJF offers something more than a service outlet—it offers a place to grow, lead, and belong.
Learn More
To get involved with Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum or learn more about their programs, visit CWJF's website or follow them on Facebook. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, there’s a place for you to serve—and shine—at CWJF.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
