www.jackandjillinc.org

The Chesapeake Chapter Historical Perspective

The Chesapeake Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated was organized as a provisional group in 1966 under Regional Director Mrs. Elizabeth Coefield. The group, founded by Mary Brabble, Ruby Dupree, and Evelyn Williams, was known as the Lads and Lassies of Chesapeake. The group remained in provisional group status for two years providing activities for the children and the community.

In 1968, the group was voted into membership with provisional chapter status during the National Convention held in Washington, DC. Dorothy Smith and Delores Jordan represented the group at this convention, serving as observers. The chartering ceremony of the Chesapeake Chapter was held at the historic Golden Triangle Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia.

The charter members of the Chesapeake Chapter included Yancey Booker, Louise Ford, Delores Jordan, Purvis Mary Brabble, Lillian Goode, Margie McDonald, Olivia Brown, Fannie Green, Theresa Mackin, Lillian Cannady, Dorothy Harrison, Francis Olds, Nettie Cassell, Enora Hayslett, Cecelia Perkins, Lillian Coker, Anna Hail, Dorothy Smith, Mary Corprew, Scott Felecia Jackson, Marion Blue Smith, Ruby Dupree, Clara Jones, Evelyn Williams, Gladys Scott, and Hazel Tucker.

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Five-Star Charming Chesapeake

Welcome to the Small and MIGHTY FIVE-Star Charming Chesapeake Chapter! We are so excited to share more information with you about the Chesapeake Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., where our mother members continuously strive for excellence in programming, community service and outreach, leadership and financial literacy.

We are home to our 17th National President, Dr. Ingrid Watson Miller, and we endeavor to carry out the mission of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, while nurturing our children’s relationships and modeling outstanding Black American leadership. We support each other as resilient and empowered mother members making immeasurable impacts at home, in our communities and abroad.

Our chapter works to provide exceptional leadership development, educational, social, cultural and civic engagement throughout the year. We work, play and live together with great pride in our chapter’s rich history.

#MakeThemLeadersWeMust!

About Jack and Jill of America

The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.

Today, Jack and Jill boasts 262 chapters nationwide, representing more than 50,000 family members.

Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under our five point programmatic thrust:

Cultural Awareness

We remember the ways of living developed by communities and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values. Through our cultural heritage we honor and preserve those who are making a difference in our community by teaching our children to cherish their past and be excited about the future.

Educational Development

The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child – if given the proper guidance and opportunity – can be developed into a leader. Whether it is through skill enhancement or understanding the concepts of integrity, Jack and Jill has become a national icon in creating effective leaders.

Social/ Recreational

We are social beings with a need for balance to function and maintain healthy lives. We believe it is necessary to engage our children both socially and recreationally, learning to interact with peers and others in a healthy, positive and productive manner. These activities promote processes that help to refresh and reinvigorate both the mind and body.

Health

Chapters continue to embrace the importance of being more aware of health issues that impact our communities, resulting in an organization that is more health conscious. We are committed to providing healthy behaviors and personal empowerment programming and training for families to live healthy lifestyles.

Civic

Since our inception, we have been committed to legislation aimed at bettering the lives of all children. Past and present legislative advocacy focus has been on violence in the media, health and wellness initiatives, voter registration, responsible gun laws, and equal access to quality education.

Membership

We are a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19, dedicated to nurturing future Leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Jack and Jill has 262 local chapters within 7 geographical regions in the United States.

Become a Member

If you are interested in becoming a member of this chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., you must be sponsored by a member(s) of the chapter. You will be invited to attend a meeting where pertinent information, such as the qualifications, cost, selection process, and other information will be discussed

An individual meeting all requirements and qualifications must then be approved by chapter vote to complete the selection process. Each chapter is autonomous and has specific criteria for sponsoring new members.

Legacy Membership

If you are a child or the spouse of a child whose mother graduated from a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in good standing and you meet the other criteria for membership, you are eligible for membership as a Legacy Member. Legacy forms can be obtained from our National Office.