www.jackandjillinc.org

Our Chapter

Our History

The Prairie View Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was originally established in July 1962 and consisted primarily of professors from Prairie View A&M University and their families. At that time, members were required to reside in the Prairie View community to ensure active participation, though this requirement was later lifted. By 1996, as many families relocated to Houston, the Prairie View Chapter experienced a gradual decline.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this legacy and responding to the rapid growth of the Katy and West Houston communities, two visionary mothers, Vickie Byrd and Pat Miller, sought to reestablish a chapter that would serve African American families in the area. They observed a growing African American population and a need for structured opportunities focused on youth leadership, community service, and civic engagement.

The Vision Takes Shape

In the fall of 2001, Vickie Byrd, Pat Miller, Mona Covington, Linda Parrish-Heard, and Paulette Jones developed a strategic plan to establish a Jack and Jill chapter in West Houston. These women, later known as the “Fabulous Five,” dedicated countless hours to building an organization grounded in service, leadership, and community impact.

A get-acquainted tea held in November 2001 confirmed strong interest in forming a new chapter. The first interest group meeting later that year welcomed fifteen mothers, while a second meeting in early 2002 drew twenty-five. In February 2002, a Sweetheart Brunch at Willow Fork Country Club provided additional families an opportunity to learn more about Jack and Jill and the interest group.

Path to Chartering

A pivotal milestone occurred on February 21, 2002, during a dinner honoring visiting National and Regional Officers, where seventy-eight mothers completed interest group applications. By June 2002, sixty-one active members were working diligently toward chapter status.

On July 12, 2002, the Katy-Prairie View Interest Group was officially approved as a Provisional Chapter at the 35th Biennial National Convention of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., held in Los Angeles, California.

Chapter Installation

The Katy-Prairie View Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was formally installed on October 13, 2002, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. Sixty mothers were recognized as Charter Members during the ceremony.

The chapter joined the South-Central Region as the ninth Jack and Jill chapter in the Houston area, marking a proud continuation of a legacy rooted in leadership, service, and community empowerment.

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.