www.jackandjillinc.org

Rockland Orange County Chapter History – Established 1990

History of the Rockland Orange Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

The idea for the Rockland Orange Chapter began in Philadelphia, PA, when Jean Wiles, the founding Chapter President, met Nellie Thornton, the soon-to-be National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Concerned that her eldest son was the only African American student in his fourth-grade class, and one of just three in the entire school, Mother Jean sought a way to build a support system for her son and other children like him.

Encouraged by Mother Nellie and with the support of the Westchester Chapter and liaison Mother Parthenia Brown, a provisional chapter was formed. At the Twenty-Ninth National Convention, the group was officially approved as the 242nd chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In October 1990, during the installation ceremony, National President Nellie Thornton and Eastern Regional Director Sanderal Brown installed twenty-four mothers, united by location and a strong commitment to improving opportunities for their children.

In the 2013–2014 program year, under the leadership of President Icilma Fergus Rowe and Vice President Michele Laird-Williams, the chapter expanded into Orange County, officially becoming the Rockland Orange Chapter.

In September 2016, the Associates Group was chartered. At a ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Suffern, New York, six Associate Mothers were installed:

Elizabeth Johnson, PhD
Tonya Couch-Jenkins, PhD
Christine Esannason
Holly Zuber-Banks
Lurlyn Winchester-Youngblood
Stephanie Miller

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.