About
Our History
1919 | The Foundation:
Assistance League of Southern California is formalized. This landmark organization served as the vital precursor to what would, in 1935, become National Assistance League®; thus establishing the blueprint for community-based service.
1985 | Planting the Seeds:
A group of 41 visionary women come together with a shared mission. They officially form an auxiliary of Assistance League of Houston, bringing the organization’s spirit of philanthropy to our local region for the first time.
1995 | A New Chapter:
A decade of dedicated service culminates in a major milestone: Assistance League of Lake Conroe is officially chartered as a standalone chapter of National Assistance League.
2003 | Reflecting Our Community:
To better represent the diverse demographic of our members and the neighbors we support, our name is changed to Assistance League of Montgomery County. This evolution ensures our identity aligns perfectly with the entire community we serve.
2024-2025 | Our Mission Continues:
In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, through our seven programs, a record number 136,000 residents of Montgomery County are served. Over $960,000 in goods and services is returned directly back to the community and the commitment and passion of the chapter’s 200+ members and 49 community volunteers equals over 50,000 volunteer hours.
Board of Directors
Award Recipients
Ada Edwards Laughlin Award
The Ada Edwards Laughlin Award, nominated by the entire membership and selected by the Membership team, is named after the co-founder of National Assistance League. Ada was less visible yet filled the supportive role of dedicated and reliable assistant to our other co-founder, Anne Banning. It is in that spirit of hard work completed “behind the scenes” that the award is presented. The 2025-2026 recipient is Mary Mead (pictured with her daughter, Shari Gerner).
Circle of Honor Award
The Circle of Honor Award, voted on by the chapter Board of Directors, is given to a chapter member who demonstrates continued dedication, leadership and community impact. The 2025-2026 recipient is Sandy Katri.
Past Presidents Award
The Past Presidents Award, voted on by chapter past presidents, is given to a chapter member who exhibits leadership skills and has been a member volunteer for at least two years. The 2025-2026 recipient is Dana Briers.
Operation School Bell® Award
The Operation School Bell Award, voted on by the Operation School Bell team, is given by a chapter to honor those in the community who, through significant financial, in-kind or service support, have had a direct, powerful and positive effect on Operation School Bell. The 2025-2026 recipient will be announced in August 2026.
Chapter Documents