WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO:
Altrusa is an international non-profit organization which strives to make our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service.  Altrusa of Lexington offers a unique opportunity for our members to make a meaningful difference in the greater Lexington area. We are committed to improving the well-being and quality of life of the people we serve through a variety of service projects. These projects reach a broad spectrum of our community, from preschool students to the elderly. Many of these projects are related in some manner to literacy. 
 
Our members come from a variety of life experiences and professions, are civic-minded, and find great joy in enhancing the lives of others.  If you share that desire, we would love to speak to you about Altrusa.  

Coming soon!

2026 Altrusa Yard Sale
 
Altrusa International of Lexington, KY, is hosting its annual yard sale fundraiser on Sept. 19, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m. Lots of gently used unique items for sale. All proceeds support our service projects. The yard sale will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1000 Tates Creek Road in Lexington. 
 
 
Brains and Bellies is a long-standing service project for Altrusa International of Lexington KY. It's an evening event at One Parent Scholar House where children and their parents can enjoy an activity together. We provide dinner, a craft activity and books that each child can take home. 

Our History

Altrusa International was the first national organization for women, founded in Nashville, TN, on April 11, 1917. In response to WWI, a record number of women were going to work, and there was a need for a women's civic organization. This provided opportunities for women to develop leadership skills and to learn from each other.
The Lexington Altrusa club was organized on Sept. 19, 1923, by Ms. Jessie O. Yancy and seven other women at the Phoenix Hotel. More than 100 years later, we continue to grow and are a thriving and energetic club.

Vision statement

Develop leadership through opportunities for service and fellowship in our community in partnership with District Six and Altrusa International, Inc.
 

Mission statement

Altrusa International of Lexington, KY, provides time, talent and resources to improve literacy and the quality of life in our community.
 
Motto:
Patriotism, Efficiency, Service
 
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Mary L Kane
Vice President
Julianne Little
Secretary
Anita Rudy
Club Treasurer
Sandra Palmer
Foundation Treasurer
Kathy Keaton
Past President
Linda Johnson
Director
Katherine Hume
Director
Erin Jordan
Director
Connie Malone
Director
Kimberly McGohon
More than a dozen Altrusans turned out on a recent Saturday morning to pack birthday boxes for the Marcus Shemwell Foundation as our Make A Difference Day event. Altrusa Lexington has partnered with the Marcus Shemwell Foundation to pack birthday boxes with cake mixes, frosting, candles, books and toys for disadvantaged student at area schools.