www.jackandjillinc.org

Our Chapter

A group of mothers gathered at the home of the Mid-Western Regional Director, Sharon Eubanks-Pope, for the purpose of forming an interest group of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

On June 8, 1997, the mothers selected the name Windy City Guild for the group. At the next meeting officers were elected:

President: Pamela James Ford
Vice President: Sheila Wilkinson Sanders
Program Director: Denise Gresham-Knox
Recording Secretary: Ambra Bryant Beach
Corresponding Secretary: Pamela Talbott Creed
Treasurer: Michelle Holland Guilliard
Financial Secretary: Sheila Taylor Goins
Editor-Historian: Roberta Ramey

The Program year kicked off September 1997 with a carnival celebrating Windy City Day. Some of the activity highlights were high tea at the Drake’s Palm Court, a cultural expedition to ETA Creative Arts Foundation, a ski trip to the Grand Geneva Resort, and a Black Family Day celebration at Navy Pier.

On July 24, 1998, Pamela James Ford, Sheila Wilkinson Sanders, Dracel Stewart-Amos and Paula Thomas presented Windy City Guild at the 33rd Biennial National Convention, where the guild became a Provisional Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. From those 26 charter mothers and families, Windy City Chapter boasts a current membership of 76 families.

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.