Our Chapter
On January 15, 2021, Dr. LaQuanda Carpenter contacted the Augusta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., inquiring about its willingness to expand its boundaries to include the North Augusta area. After having recently relocated to the area, Dr. Carpenter wanted to continue to be an active Jack and Jill member after being initiated in the Kansas City, MO, chapter in 2016. An Augusta, GA, chapter-representative immediately contacted Dr. Carpenter and shared that expanding boundaries had been previously discussed and explored. However, the challenge is that Georgia and South Carolina are identified as different regions, which would not be ideal. However, it was shared during this conversation that a group of moms in the Aiken/North Augusta (AIKEN County) area attempted to begin a chapter a few years prior and that the list of moms would be shared via email. This was a very efficient phone call, and Dr. Carpenter walked away with a great feeling about receiving a list of interested moms and beginning to make contact.
Upon receipt of the list, Dr. Carpenter began to call, and email moms and the list continued to grow. The Moms grew to a group of twenty-nine moms interested in being a part of a new Jack and Jill chapter in Aiken County, South Carolina. (Through this process, the Moms learned that there was once a chapter in AIKEN County that had been dissolved in the early 2000s). This was great information as the Moms embarked upon this new journey of being a part of the effort to return the ideals of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to the AIKEN County metropolitan area.
The group of twenty-nine Moms submitted the application packet to Jack and Jill of America, Inc., during the summer of 2021. On September 7, 2021, the group was granted permission to begin the training process and operate as a provisional group.
On July 28, 2022, we received a favorable vote to become a Provisional Chapter. Chapter President Candace Pringle of the Columbia Chapter made the motion on behalf of the moms of Aiken County. We proceeded with the preparation of our chartering ceremony. On September 11, 2022, 20 mothers were installed as charter members of the Aiken County Chapter under the direction of Regional Director Tarcia Flemming. Our Charter Members are Tia Rogers Allen, Brittney Alls, LaQuanda Carpenter, Ragina Dicks, LaTosha Glover, Herlaysia Hagwood, Lauren A. Hall, Lauren Johnson Hall, Shantel Hunter, Bettina Kyler, Amy Neloms, Ramonia Nelson, Victoria Parker, Courtney Clyburn Pope, Keyatta Priester, Regina Pyles, LaTina Turner, Maria Washington, Christy Wise, Geneva Wright.
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.
In the Spotlight
Leadership
Our Chapter’s Leadership Board
Ragina Dicks
LaTosha Glover
Ramonia Nelson
Kourtney Bell
A’Dashia Dunbar
Sharese Addison
Lauren Hall
Andrea Hall
Community Service
Local Philanthropies that we have had the honor of partnering with
Contact Our Chapter
We look forward to hearing from you about membership or how our members can serve your philanthropy and our community.