www.jackandjillinc.org

On May 9, 2017, with 28 mothers ready to start an uncharted journey, West Texas-New Mexico ladies became an official interest group with Jack and Jill of America Incorporated. Then, in September 2017, after elections were held and bylaws established, the ladies of West Texas transitioned to an official provincial group with 23 mothers, 37 children, and five teens.

The group grew stronger during the 12-month provisional period while creating programming and capacity in the five thrusts to help cultivate children. The group also ensured that our activities supported our community through working with several community organizations.

Notable support and community partners included; the El Paso Fighting Hunger Food Bank, the El Paso Rescue Mission, Sarah McKnight Transitional Living Center, and the March of Dimes. In addition, the families supported the Las Cruces New Mexico Martin Luther King March and the El Paso Black History Parade, receiving recognition.

On Friday, July 27, 2018, at the Jack and Jill of America Incorporated National Convention in Kansas City, Kansas, the West Texas-New Mexico ladies received a favorable vote to become a provisional chapter. The mothers that attended and represented the interest group were; President Sereka Barlow, Vice President Jackie Beard, Program Director Thurayya Gillis, Historian Nicole Robertson, and Mother Giselle Smith-Johnson.

On September 22, 2018, the provisional Chapter was officially chartered, establishing the first Jack and Jill of America Incorporated Chapter in West Texas and New Mexico.

Since our Charter in 2018, The El Paso Southern New Mexico Chapter has continued to grow, maintaining the high standards expected of a Jack and Jill Chapter and supporting the goals and objectives of the national body. We currently have a “small but mighty” active chapter that consists of 21 active mothers with 30 children and ten teens.

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.