In the mid 1980s while the Lebanese civil war raged on, a small group of Lebanese American women in Pasadena would meet for morning coffee to share their joys and struggles. They named these gatherings “Subhiyat Lubnan”. During these gatherings they began to discuss how they could help Lebanon, and they began to raise funds through backyard bazaars and luncheons in private homes. These women held a cultural event at the home of then Consul General of Lebanon to Los Angeles, The Honorable Antoine Chedid. His hospitality and encouragement with this cultural event helped catapult the Lebanese Ladies Cultural Society into a charitable organization in 1986.

The women realized that the ravages of war had disrupted the educational system in Lebanon and left many families destitute, so that their children were not able to obtain a proper education. The Lebanese Ladies Cultural Society Scholarship Program was established to provide scholarships for needy children in all areas of Lebanon.
For over 30 years the LLCS has upheld its commitment to its Scholarship Program by raising funds through monthly events and a spring gala. Through the generous work of many volunteers and a host of loyal supporters, the LLCS has become one of the most respected educational charities in the Lebanese American community.

Our first President, the late Leila Mishalany wrote: “These ladies come from all over Lebanon and are of varying backgrounds and diversity. It is through our love for the old country and our compassion for the underprivileged that we have overcome all barriers and have created a unique sisterhood that has achieved a unified force that has taken us beyond our wildest dreams. Our efforts are helping in molding and creating a whole new generation of educated youth in Lebanon, who will hopefully one day run our beloved country with peace and prosperity.

In 1997, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Jacobs established the F. M. Jabara Endowment Fund in memory of Mrs. Violet Jacobs’ father who was a great supporter of education. This was done through the Jacobs Family Foundation. This fund was the first Lebanese Ladies Cultural Society endowment fund established to support needy students in Lebanon. The recipients of these awards are referred to as the F. M. Jabara Scholars. Annually, an average of 40 students benefit from this Fund.