www.jackandjillinc.org

Our Chapter

The DFW Mid-Cities Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. boasts a storied history marked by an unwavering commitment to the holistic development of Black youth. We operate within the vibrant Mid-Cities enclave nestled within the expansive Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area in Texas. Our historical narrative epitomizes an unwavering resolve to instill values of cultural enrichment, educational enrichment, community service, and social engagement.

The genesis of the chapter can be traced back to 2003 when a collective vision coalesced among a group of mothers who shared a common aspiration: to create a comprehensive nurturing environment for children, one that would encompass multifaceted dimensions of personal and communal growth.

Recognizing the critical need for structured programs and valuable resources, the chapter made the pivotal decision to align itself with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. This astute affiliation facilitated access to a reservoir of knowledge and support offered by a prestigious organization ardently committed to fostering the advancement of Black youth.

Under the leadership of Angela Jones, who assumed the mantle of the inaugural President, the chapter adopted the distinctive title of “DFW Mid-Cities.” In testament to our unwavering dedication and commitment to our cause, the chapter successfully achieved provisional status in 2004. This monumental achievement was substantiated by an eloquent presentation delivered at the 50th Biennial Jack and Jill of America, Inc. National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. A historic event was etched into the chapter’s history on October 9, 2004, with the Charter Installation Ceremony at the prestigious Timarron Country Club in Southlake, Texas.

With the foundation firmly established, the DFW Mid-Cities Chapter perpetuated its influence and impact. In 2018, during the SCR Area Workday, the chapter achieved another remarkable feat by successfully chartering an Associates Group. This accomplishment underscored our resolute commitment to the holistic development and empowerment of Black youth.

Past Officers, Honors, and Recognitions

Our Legacy of Excellence

The DFW Mid-Cities Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated stands as a living testament to its ardent commitment to nurturing future leaders. Since its founding in 2003, the chapter has consistently demonstrated excellence in leadership, programming, and service to the community.

Founding & Early Milestones

2003 – A Vision is Born: A group of dedicated mothers united to create a nurturing environment focused on personal and communal growth for children.
2004 – Chapter Formation: Under founding President Angela Jones, the chapter was named “DFW Mid-Cities.” Achieved provisional status at the 50th Biennial National Conference in Kansas City, MO. Charter Installation Ceremony held on October 9 at Timarron Country Club, Southlake, TX.

Leadership & Regional Impact

2007–2008: Angela Jones elected to the Regional Nominating Committee; Sonja Haynes appointed Regional Protocol Chair.
2008: Hosted South-Central Region Mothers’ Conference featuring “Shop ‘N Stroll” at Southlake Town Center.
2009: Launched first biennial fundraising golf tournament, “The Swing,” at Sky Creek Ranch.
2010: Hosted Dallas COE Children’s Cluster.
2014: Celebrated 10 Years of Service. Donna Ross appointed to National Technology Committee.
2020: Everlie Hamilton served as Regional Awards and Courtesies Chair.

Growth & National Engagement

2018: Chartering of Associates Group by Brenda Campbell, Jackie Gilpin, Carolyn Jones, Donna Ross, and Regina Whitlock. Hosted SCR Teen Conference.
2018–2021: Everlie Hamilton appointed Regional Courtesies Chair. Duwana Johnson appointed to National Small Chapter Task Force (2019–2020).
2021–2023: Everlie Hamilton chaired Dallas COE. Dr. Jeane` Simmons Holmes served on SCR Regional Policies & Procedures Committee.

Teen Leadership Development

2018–2020: Kaitlin Johnson served as Regional Teen Historian and Protocol Chair.
2021–2022: Lacy Green elected as the chapter’s first Teen Regional Officer, serving as South Central Regional Teen Secretary.

Leadership Academy Graduates

2019: Alice Dungey and Terehas Pearson graduated from the Mary Lou Adams Leadership & Excellence Academy.
2021: Dr. Sharon Jackson, Tamyra Paschal, and Giselle Williams joined the ranks of graduates.
2022: Dr. Regina Gentry and Dr. Nathalie Jones completed the program, continuing the chapter’s legacy of leadership development.

National Recognition & Appointments

Blue Ribbon Bylaws Award: Received under the leadership of Dr. Jeane’ Holmes, recognizing excellence in governance.
Haley Taylor Schlitz: Honored as an inaugural recipient of the National President Legacy Award.
Terehas Pearson: Graduated from the Marion Stubbs Thomas National Leadership Academy and appointed Chair of the National Tellers Committee (2022).
2022–2024 National Appointments:

Alice Dungey – National Legislative Committee
Dr. Myiesha Taylor – National Our Health Matters Task Force
Terehas Pearson – Chair of the National Youth Trip Task Force

2024–2026: Dr. Jeane` Simmons Holmes – National Our Health Matters Task Force

Award-Winning Programming

2024: Pathfinders Sailing Adventure won 1st Place Cycle I (Autumn) in National Best of the Best Programming Awards and qualified for recognition at the 2024 National Convention.

Philanthropic Impact

Raised over $100,000 for organizations including H.O.P.E. Farm, Paul Quinn College, AT LAST Organization, JED Foundation, Communities in Schools – Tarrant County, ACH Child and Family Services, and The One Heart Project.
Contributed more than $25,000 to the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

Programming Highlights

DFW Mid-Cities Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, has consistently demonstrated its steadfast commitment to providing enriching activities for its children while meticulously aligning with the organization’s national programming thrusts.

These multifaceted endeavors encompass yard cleanup and flower planting for Black seniors, HBCUs tailgate events, and various seasonal activities such as participation in the Fort Worth MLK Day Parade and Cowboys of Color Rodeo.

Moreover, the Lemonade Stand project, annual turkey distribution to Fort Worth families, and volunteering hours at local organizations highlight our commitment to addressing societal needs and fostering a spirit of giving among the children. Our advocacy for the Crown Act during a legislative day at the State Capitol demonstrates our dedication to social justice causes and engaged citizenship.

Programming excellence is a fundamental tenet of DFW Mid-Cities Chapter, evident in our achievement of securing two Jack and Jill of America Foundation Grants for the Precious Children’s Emergency Shelter. These grants facilitated improvements in the facility’s infrastructure and supported our S.M.A.R.T. program, emphasizing academic excellence and educational support for young learners. Additionally, our commitment to mentoring and leadership development is reflected in our attainment of a National Leadership Grant.

DFW Mid-Cities Chapter has established valuable partnerships with local sponsors, made manifest by the Swing Golf Tournament, our signature fundraising event. Since its inception in 2009, this tournament has raised over $100,000 for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and various local charities.

Finally, the chapter has successfully hosted various Area and Regional conferences such as the 2008 South Central Region Mother’s Conference, the 2010 Dallas COE Children’s Cluster, and the 2018 South Central Regional Teen Conference.

Our program exemplifies our dedication to youth leadership development, meaningful societal impact, philanthropy, social action and engagement, and community enrichment.

Father’s Auxiliary

The Father’s Auxiliary plays a vital role in reinforcing our mission of nurturing and developing Black children. Through dedicated active involvement, support, and commitment to family values, our fathers contribute significantly to empowering the next generation of leaders and well-rounded individuals. From STEM to social science, our chapter fathers have mentored our children and opened the doors to their professional lives in service. They have allowed our children to visit operating rooms and enter the offices of elected officials, inspiring them to become global change-makers in their spheres of influence.

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

It is with deep gratitude and great pride that I welcome you to the landing page of the DFW Mid-Cities Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. As Chapter President, I am honored to lead our families on a purposeful journey rooted in three guiding principles: Legacy, Leadership, and Love.These pillars are more than a theme—they are our commitment.- Legacy reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We honor their sacrifices by building bridges for the next generation. Every program, every service project, every moment of mentorship is a thread in the tapestry of excellence we are weaving for our children.- Leadership is our charge. We are raising confident, compassionate, and capable young people who will lead with integrity and vision. Through intentional programming aligned with our national thrusts, we cultivate skills, character, and civic responsibility in every child we serve.- Love is our foundation. It is the heartbeat of our chapter—the love we pour into our children, our community, and each other. It fuels our volunteerism, strengthens our bonds, and ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.Together, we nurture future leaders through enriching experiences that reflect the mission of Jack and Jill: to strengthen children through leadership development, philanthropic giving, civic duty, and volunteer service. We are also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our Father’s Auxiliary. These dedicated partners walk beside us, reinforcing our mission and modeling excellence in parenting and community engagement.As we embark on the 2025-2026 program year, let us continue to do “great” things—on mission, on purpose, and always with heart. Legacy, Leadership, and Love will guide us forward.Warmly, Tanya Sanders Chapter President DFW Mid-Cities Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Inc.