Welcome to the website of Quota International of Baton Rouge. We are part of the first international women’s service organization founded by Wanda Frey Joiner in 1919. A successful business executive, Ms. Joiner wanted to provide women in business the opportunity to network with other professionals while giving back to their communities. In 1935, sixteen professional women formed the Quota Club of Baton Rouge. Since that time, Quota’s Baton Rouge membership has grown, along with our contribution to the community. There are now 287 clubs in 14 countries around the world.

Since our club was chartered in 1935, Quota members who are business owners, executives, and professional women have upheld the Quota motto, “We Share.”  Quota International of Baton Rouge is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization. Service projects have been funded by our Open Door Tour, which began in 1951. In 2006 and 2007 our Tour funds went to Girls Hope, which provides a family-like home and education through high school and college for capable and self-motivated girls in need.

One recipient of our 2008 Tour funds was Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation. With our help, elderly and near elderly clients on fixed incomes will receive the gift of hearing and be able to obtain the necessary evaluations along with hearing aid maintenance and repair.

The second recipient of our 2008 Tour funds was O’Brien House’s Education Department. Their mission is to educate the community about alcohol, drugs and healthy lifestyles. The Prevention Services Department also provides programs and activities to strengthen the family and build character in youth. Funds from this year’s Open Door Tour will enable them to provide more family training and educational services to our community.  Quota funding will also expand the impact of their Single Mother’s Conference.  Increasing the number of single mothers involved means that more women will be empowered to take control of their lives.

Our club was a founding member organization of the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation. Quota also donated $100,000 to LSU to initiate a counselor program to help deaf students attending the University. Quota has implemented the "Deaf Talk" program at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, which provides instant interpreting services to deaf patients through video conferencing.

We have provided support to many local programs for disadvantaged women and children. These include The Baton Rouge Child Advocacy Center, YWCA Early Head Start, America House, and Cancer Services. Quota provided the playground equipment for Parker House, a local home for children who are in the foster care system waiting to be adopted. When the Battered Women’s Center expanded its facilities, Quota provided the funds to furnish a new bedroom. For a number of years, Quota has provided infant starter kits for Earl K. Long Hospital. New mothers receive the kits that contain new clothing, blankets, and toys.

Quota has supported various programs at Myriam's House and America's House. Both the Istrouma and Glen Oaks Teen Learning Centers have been recipients of Quota sponsorship. Our members are also involved in hands-on service projects such as hosting holiday parties for the children at the Battered Women’s Center, participating in the first Women’s Build project for Habitat for Humanity, and making Easter baskets for Parker House and America House children, painting and landscaping at America House.

It is a privilege to serve Quota as President for 2008 – 2009 to carry out this year’s theme, “Renewing the Spirit of Service, Fellowship and Fun” as we continue to make a difference in our community.