The Children's Service League (CSL) was formed in April of 1964 by twenty women to assist in transporting infants for adoption and addressing the needs of children placed in foster homes.

From this small beginning, CSL expanded to fifty active women, with associates, auxiliary, and sustainers, while continuing to fulfill their goal of providing love and meeting tangible needs of children.

In November of 1987, CSL voted to affiliate with the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI), an organization of women devoted to effective action through volunteering. CSL admitted 150 women into membership in January of 1988 and with the fulfillment of the Letter of Agreement, the Board of Directors of the AJLI voted to admit the Junior League of Ocala, Florida, Inc. into affiliation on June 25, 1989.

Since 1989, JLO has been instrumental in identify community needs, building coalitions and developing effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The JLO has served the community by helping create the Discovery Science Center, spearheading the Black Stallion Literacy Project and founding the Haven House, which offers teenage girls the chance to live in a large, lively family home to be nurtured and cared for by devoted staff members.

We continue to strive to meet the needs of those living in Ocala/Marion County, especially women and children. Through leadership, training and development, JLO empowers women to take action to improve our community. The JLO reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.