www.jackandjillinc.org

Welcome to the Stamford Norwalk Chapter!

The Stamford Norwalk Chapter of Jack and Jill began as a “twinkle in the eye” of a small group of concerned, devoted mothers who met to talk, bond, and share ideas about motherhood. The group bonded together through their common interest in supporting the unique needs of their African-‐American children. Thankfully, these mothers heard of a little-‐known mother’s organization called Jack and Jill of America through Esther Taylor, a member of the Los Angeles Jack and Jill Chapter. Although Jack and Jill only had 55 chapters at this time scattered throughout the country, the mothers were intrigued by the organization and forged ahead in their quest to become a part of the organization.

On November 14, 1953, the hard work of Espie Bowens (Saunders), Josephine Blackshear, Mabel Redfern, Olivia Darrow, Evelyn Sumner, and Virginia Powell paid off. The group was proudly installed by then National President, Dr. Alberta V. Turner as the Fairfield County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. This inaugural group of women attentively built and nurtured the chapter by supporting several initiatives, including C.O.R.E. and the NAACP. In 1963, our Chapter’s name changed to what is now known as the Stamford Norwalk Chapter.

The Stamford Norwalk Chapter exemplifies the ideals of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, which endorses that leaders are not born; they are developed. Building tomorrow’s leaders is at our core. The power of our sisterhood is what makes us strong, and the love of our families and focus on our children is what drives us and unites us all as family!

We help to instill pride in our rich culture and knowledge of our roots while moving forward into the future at our local chapter. Watch a short clip of the young children having fun and learning about the power of the drum and dance.

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.