www.jackandjillinc.org

Our Beginnings

In April of 2015, Mrs. Yolanda Rogers, a National Member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., solicited the assistance of Mrs. Chakesha Harvey, to establish a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapter in the Marion County area. Mrs. Harvey readily agreed. As a result, on June 7, 2015, the two ladies initiated the process to create an interest group.

By extending the service area to include Alachua County, the interest group exceeded the minimum requirements for seeking a charter for a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapter in north- central Florida. By July 1, 2015, 22 interested mothers submitted applications and fees to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. from both Marion and Alachua Counties. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. declared the mothers a Provisional Group on July 20, 2015, officially establishing them with the name – Marion & Alachua Provisional Group for Mothers (“MAPGM”). The first officers were elected on August 18, 2015.

During the 42ND National Convention held between July 26-31, 2016, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, CA., President Yolanda Rogers and Treasurer Antoinette Davis presented the MAPGM for vote to become a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapter. The Jack and Jill of America, Inc. delegates voted for MAPGM to become members after successful
completion of additional requirements.

On October 1, 2016, MAPGM was dully installed into Jack and Jill of America, Inc., as the Greater North Central Florida Chapter (GNCFC) at the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville, FL. National President Joli Cooper-Nelson installed the mothers and teens into Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

The Greater North Central Florida Chapter consisted of 15 mothers, 10 fathers, and 27 children. Installed Charter Members of GNCFC: Yolanda Rogers, Chakesha Harvey, Lashon Jenkins, Monica Jones, Gailine McCaslin, Antoinette Davis, Najah Adams, Lawanda Thornton, Tova Peterson, Cynthia Batts, Crystal Bowman, Sheri Brasfield, Tiffany-Watts Chestnut, Elisha Hicks, and
Maru Opabola.

Installed Chapter Fathers: Chair, Brian E. Rogers, Anthony Harvey, Ryan Jones, Matthew Bowman Sr., Leon Brasfield, Alfred Hicks Jr., Jared M. McCaslin, Lateef Opabola, Curtis Peterson, and M. Danavise Thornton Jr.

The first officers of the Greater North Central Florida Chapter from October 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 were: President Yolanda Rogers, Vice President Chakesha Harvey, Program Director Lashon Jenkins, Treasurer Antoinette Davis/Elisha Hicks, Recording Secretary Monica Jones, Corresponding Secretary Gailine McCalsin, Financial Secretary Najah Adams, Editor Lawanda Thornton, Parliamentarian Tova Peterson, Sergeant-at-Arms Tova Peterson, Historian Lawanda Thornton, and Protocol Chair Tiffany Watts-Chestnut.

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.