www.jackandjillinc.org

Ypsilanti Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated

Rooted In Legacy. Rising in Purpose. Connected by Heart.

Welcome to the Ypsilanti Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., proudly serving families throughout the Greater Ypsilanti community since 1986. Chartered on November 1, 1986 as the 186^th chapter nationally and the 31^st chapter in the Mid-Western Region, our chapter was founded by 20 visionary mothers who recognized the need for meaningful opportunities that would nurture, develop, and empower their children.

For nearly four decades, the Ypsilanti Chapter has remained steadfast in its commitment to leadership development, educational enrichment, cultural awareness, community service, and family engagement. Guided by the enduring belief that children thrive when supported by strong families and caring communities, we continue to create experiences that inspire excellence, cultivate confidence, and prepare the next generation of leaders.

Today, as we embrace our theme, “Rooted in Legacy. Rising in Purpose. Connected by Heart.”, we honor the women who built this chapter while boldly advancing our mission for the future. Rooted in a rich history of service, sisterhood, and impact, we are rising together with renewed purpose – empowering our children, strengthening our families, and making a lasting difference in the communities we call home.

The Ypsilanti Chapter is home to 35 Mother Members, 59 participating children, 26 Associate Jewels, and our dedicated Jack Pack Father’s Auxiliary. Together, we proudly serve families across the Washtenaw and Western Wayne County cities of Ypsilanti, Belleville, Canton Township, Inkster, Livonia, Milan, Northville, Plymouth, Van Buren Township, Westland, and Wayne.

As we look toward the future, we remain committed to our founding purpose: making a difference in the lives of children, strengthening families, and creating a lasting impact throughout the communities we serve.

Please follow us on our social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/YpsilantiJJ and https://www.instagram.com/jjypsilanti/ and https://www.instagram.com/jjypsi_teens/

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.