www.jackandjillinc.org

Greetings from the DYNAMIC 5-Star Greater Channel Chapter of Houston, Texas, proudly representing the South Central Region.

The Greater Channel Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, was established in 1994. It has grown over the years through the vision and mission of each of its past Presidents – Glenda Thibeaux (1994-1996), Pat Pellerin (1996-2000), Carolyn McCray (2000-2002), Debra Johnson (2002-2005), Dawana M. Lewis Scott (2005-2006), Cheryl Fleming (2006-2008), Renee Lewis (2008-2010), Barbara Pierce (2010-2012), Melanie Flowers (2012-2014), Paula Harris (2014-2016), Demetra Jones (2016-2018) and Trela Parker (2018-2019).

We hosted Area Workday (1996), the Regional Mother’s Conference (2005), with other Houston area chapters, the National Convention (2006) and Children’s Cluster in 2013. We hosted Teen Conference in June 2017, the first on a college campus at the University of Houston. In 2019, we celebrated 25 years of making a difference in the lives of children and families.

The Greater Channel Chapter Associate Group was formed under the leadership of Mattie Sharp and Barbara Auzenne in 2000.

In an unprecedented programming year, we were ignited with ways to stay connected while safely distancing. Under the vision of President Stacey Frank to board a flight to ‘Re-imagine, Re-Ignite, and Re-Engage’, sparks of creativity, passion for successful programming and purposeful time to engage, paved a resolve for GREATNESS throughout the chapter amidst the pandemic.

The generosity of GCC in both volunteerism and monetary donations was extraordinary. We have provided support to hurricane relief for the Gulf Coast, Jack and Jill Foundation, March of Dimes, Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, Star of Hope, Portis Foundation, L.I.F.E. Houston, NAACP Toy Drive, Children’s Defense Fund, local Black owned businesses, and more.

Our Programming Director, Mother Juantongia Calvin, guided the chapter through at-times virtual, yet vibrant, programming centered around our core thrusts nourishing the hearts and minds of our future leaders. Partnered with NAACP, our GCC teens coordinated a Black Lives Matter candlelight vigil in response to racial inequality and the wrongful death of Houston-native Mr. George Floyd. This powerful event moved our chapter to attend the social justice ‘Say Their Names’ memorial. GCC honored around 300 Black lives lost, including our own Carole Robinson and Addie Mae Collins, with reflection, pink and blue flowers, and a balloon release. Energized, our chapter organized voter registration drives, countless canvassing, the most adorable “I Can’t Vote, But You Can Vote For Me” campaign, and distributed refreshments at the polls, that touched over 3500 people. Other notable programming events include STEM Exposed Workshops with at-home experiments and coding to build video games; Ivy Leaf Farms to learn horticulture, food deserts and the importance of giving back to the community; Health Boot Camp; and Money Management Workshops by Chase Bank. Successful family events included a ‘Family Drive-In Movie Night’ celebrating Jack and Jill Day with a tribute to Carol Robertson and ‘Pajama Jingle Jam’ with a virtual scavenger hunt and movie.

We support our Mothers by fostering a sisterhood that is woven with bonds of intimacy, respect and support for one another. Weekly Prayer Calls allow us to pause and pray; our monthly ‘Walk With The President’ bring mothers together at the park for healthy bonding; Protégé Pal connects new Mothers with mentors; and events like the outdoor brunch ‘Hey Girl Hey’ invites rejuvenation and laughter.

We look forward to upcoming events such as MLK Virtual Breakfast, Souper Bowl of Caring, National Black Family Day and so much more.

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.