www.jackandjillinc.org

The Beloved Burke-Fairfax Chapter

The two-time Five Star Beloved Burke-Fairfax Chapter began as an interest group in 1979. On October 13, 1984, Burke-Fairfax was installed as the 40th chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The 18 charter members created a village to nurture and empower Black children. Over the years, the chapter has grown and now consists of 49 mothers, children, 44 fathers, and 18 associates.

In 2024, Burke-Fairfax proudly achieved Five Star status for the second time, a testament to our chapter’s exceptional operations. Under the experienced leadership of Five Star Committee, we demonstrated our commitment to excellence and dedication to innovative children’s programming and impactful community service.

Burke-Fairfax Mothers kicked off the program year in June, developing an engaging program for the chapter’s ruby anniversary year, centered on the theme “Unity in Excellence.” We crafted a schedule of dynamic activities balanced with our hosting duties for the 2024 Eastern Region’s Southern Cluster Area Work Day.

To welcome families back from summer vacation, the chapter hosted the annual Jack and Jill Day, emphasizing community service, fellowship, and honoring Jill Carole Robertson. The Junior and Senior Teens collected over 1,500 essential items, which were donated to Samaritan Ministries of Greater Washington, D.C., benefiting local families. The day was filled with face-painting, outdoor games, dancing, and delicious food catered by the Fathers Auxiliary.

Throughout the year, grade groups engaged in a wide array of activities aligned with the programmatic thrusts. The Early Primary children learned about African American contributions to space exploration and renowned artists who attended HBCUs. The Older Primary Group delved into STEAM topics through video gaming and the “Havana Hop” at the Kennedy Center. The Intermediates enhanced their financial literacy and advocacy skills by learning about equal pay activism to bolster African American wealth and earnings.

A major highlight of the program year was celebrating the chapter’s 40th anniversary. Mothers, Fathers, Associate Jewels, and chapter alumni gathered for an evening of celebration to honor Burke-Fairfax’s legacy and impact in the Washington, D.C. area. The gala also highlighted the chapter’s commitment to uplifting local families. Over the 2024-2025 program year, the chapter raised $5,000 in monetary donations and collected household essentials to support the Bethany House of Northern Virginia, a shelter for women and children affected by domestic violence. Chapter Mothers take pride in exemplifying servant leadership for our children and community.

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

Chapter President Wade, Vice President Thompson, and Chair Webb accept the 2024 Southern Cluster Area Work Day Host Award. The 34th Biennial Eastern Region Mothers Conference in Charleston, SC.