www.jackandjillinc.org

Greater Huntsville Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc.

The Greater Huntsville Chapter (GHC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was originally established as the Madison County Interest Group in July 1998 through the collaborative efforts of Mrs. Theresa Befecadu, Mrs. Sharon Butler, Mrs. Zelda Goggans, Mrs. Johnnie McAlpine, Mrs. Elaine Patton, Mrs. Claudia Smith, Mrs. Lydia Tadesse, Mrs. Rosa Kilpatrick, and Mrs. Bettie Upshaw. These mothers later connected with nine other mothers who shared the same vision: Mrs. Sorita Wherry, Mrs. Bernadette Jones, Mrs. Patricia Benson, Mrs. Rose Bell, Mrs. Reba Henson, Mrs. Karen Smith, Mrs. Shelia Nash-Stevenson, Mrs. Yolanda Dial and Mrs. Ann Warren. The Birmingham Chapter of Jack & Jill sponsored the Madison County Provisional Chapter.

Charter Officers:
Mrs. Sharon Butler, President
Mrs. Lydia Tadesse, Vice-President
Mrs. Karen Jones Smith, Program Director
Mrs. Theresa Befecadu, Treasurer
Mrs. Bernadette Jones, Recording Secretary
Mrs. Sorita Wherry, Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Patricia Benson, Financial Secretary
Mrs. Bettie Upshaw, Historian

In July of 2010, the Madison County Chapter became the Greater Huntsville Chapter during the 39th National Convention in Chicago, IL. The boundaries were extended to include both Limestone and Morgan counties along with Madison County. In the earliest days of the chapter, a myriad of worthwhile activities and service projects were established for our Mothers and Youth. Some of the most notable activities and service projects include: 100 Black Men Health Fair and Walkathon, our annual Helpline Christmas Gift Wrap, donations to a local military family in support of the Region’s initiative of service to our military families, preparing toiletry bags for homeless shelters, donations to Downtown Rescue Mission, and providing Thanksgiving baskets to an adopted family in need.

Follow our chapter instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/jackandjill_ghc/

2024 AL/MS Super Cluster Activity Descriptions

Saturday, April 6, 2024 – US Space & Rocket Center

Happy 30th Birthday, Cluster!
Philanthropy
In honor of the 30th anniversary of Cluster and as the second aim of JJOA is to “seek for all children the same advantages that we desire for our own,” children will pack birthday boxes for foster children and make cards for children in need. Mothers will discuss the importance of giving back to the community and the personal benefits of giving (IPO 13 – Give and Take: The Benefits of Philanthropy).

Umoja: United in Understanding
Celebrating Black Leaders, Authors and Innovators
We Are One Task Force member, Mom Shayla Tate, will read from her book, “The Lucky Bracelet” which “teaches us to show grace to
the beautiful children around us who sometimes deal with challenges beyond their control.” Mom Shayla will lead children through hands-on “disability awareness” exercises from the “We Are One” National Task Force’s Resource Guide. After this activity, youth will have greater knowledge of different abilities and a better understanding of the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, resisting peer pressure and the importance of treating their peers fairly and equitably. (Curriculum: JMB 15 – Character Building)

Pilates for the People!
Mental Health
Under the guidance of Ms. Tasha Edwards, a nationally acclaimed African American fitness instructor, coach and social media motivator, youth will learn about the benefits of Pilates and its relevance in African American culture. Youth will be led through exercises that will deeply resonate with the children’s minds and bodies. While learning breathing techniques and mindful thinking, youth will be able to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance concentration.

Beyond Hidden Figures: Lunch & Learn with NASA Leaders
Celebrating Black Leaders, Authors and Innovators
STEAM
HBCU Activation
GHC parents who are currently employed by NASA will answer questions from Cluster youth during this interactive panel discussion which will be moderated by GHC youth. Panelists are Mom Lakiesha Hawkins, Deputy to the Deputy Associate Administrator, Moon to Mars Program Office; Mom Dawn Stanley, Deputy Director of Cross-Program System Integration for the Exploration Systems Directorate at NASA HQ; Mom Kristin Pollard Kiel, Senior Counsel at NASA; and Dad Dwight Mosby, Deputy Manager of the Human Exploration Development & Operations Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Discussion will include how HBCUs prepare students for careers in STEM as 3⁄4 of this panel are graduates of HBCUs (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Oakwood University and Clark Atlanta University). (JMB 4 – STE[A]M)

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.