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Jack and Jill of America instills community values.[/caption]
For 27 years, The Woodlands chapter of Jack and Jill of America has provided a community for African-American children focused on building character, leadership skills and social responsibility.
The national organization was founded in 1938 in Philadelphia and boasts more than 230 chapters nationwide, according to the group’s website. The Woodlands chapter has a member base of 50 local mothers, who along with their children, meet monthly and participate in an array of social and service activities, President Quiana Williams said.
“Jack and Jill is an organization mainly for African-American families who work with their children to expose them to social, economic and philanthropic opportunities through community service, civic engagement as well as working in the community,” she said.
Children ages 2-19 are encouraged to attend, and each month they participate in many different activities centered on a specific virtue or idea, such as financial literacy or other cultural and recreational themes, Williams said.
The activities are varied to meet the needs of each age group, she said. Most recently the group collected school supplies for area schools and is now setting its sights on a Christmas collection for children in Haiti. The group also provides meals for families who are in need.
“We [participate in] Meals on Wheels where we go to the houses of the less fortunate and bring them meals. It helps you realize how much you have and how good it is to help other people,” said Shianne Knight, 14, and a member of Jack and Jill since 2008.
Shianne’s mother, Freda, is the chapter’s lead teen sponsor and four of her five children are involved in the organization.
As children reach their teenage years, their activities become more focused on taking ownership and responsibility, Freda said. Teen members are encouraged to plan and coordinate their age group’s activities for the month.
“We have teen officers for the ninth to 12 grades, just like the board that the moms have,” Freda said. “They have a president and a vice president, so it’s giving them exposure to having real-time leadership experience. They also have a recording secretary, financial secretary and a budget. So all of their opinions are counted.”
New members must be brought in by existing members, Williams said. Community members interested in having their children join the chapter are invited to any of Jack and Jill’s social and service activities to learn more information.
The group is active year–round in events like March of Dimes: March for Babies in the spring, Williams said. It also continues to offer scholarships to high school-age members as well as other high school students in the community who are nonmembers.
“[Jack and Jill] benefits the kids in a number of ways because they are taught leadership and civic responsibility,” Williams said. “Other organizations offer these types of things, but we provide it for our children starting at the age of 2. As soon as they can walk and talk, they know the importance of giving back to the community.”
