Jack and Jill

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Jack & Jill was founded January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from a meeting of 20 mothers by the leadership of Marion Stubbs Thomas with the idea of bringing together children in a social and cultural environment.  The organization was a nonprofit family organization by mothers of children between the ages of 2 and 19 holding membership.  The organization continues on, dedicating its resources to improving the quality of life, particularly African-American children.

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The goals are as follows:

To create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate their growth and development
To provide constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, social and service programs for children
To aid mothers in learning more about their children by careful study
To seek for ALL children the same advantages we desire for our own
To support all national legislation aimed at bettering conditions for all children


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Taylor (far right, on computer) at the Bronzeville Children's Museum during a Jack & Jill Group Activity.

Each year chapter programs are guided under a national theme in adherence to fulfillment of our organizational goals. Individual chapters embrace a plan of action geared toward a united commitment to address and help alleviate disturbing community problems that affect children. Our current national theme is "Empowering Families in the New Millennium with High Touch and High Tech."

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Taylor, Aaron Rouser and other Group II kids and mothers at the Bronzeville Children's Museum.

The Windy City Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., was chartered on September 26, 1998, in Chicago.  I am a charter member of Windy City along with the following mothers:  Brenda Asaju, Ambra Bryant Beach, Beverly Bennett, Denise Braggs Brown, Janelle Caldwell, Camelia Cox, Pamela Talbott Creed, Priscilla Dixon, Pamela James Ford, Michelle Holland Gilliard, Connie Glasgow, Sheila Taylor Goins, Sharon Jackson, Denise Gresham Knox, Denise Mosley Martin, Elizabeth McLeary, Robert Ramey, Adonna Reid, Holly Rouser, Sheila Wilkinson Sanders, Deborah Barnett Smith, Darcel Robinson Stewart, Paula Thomas, Dorothy Ragsdale Triplett and Clovia Wray.

In 1999, I was the Windy City Courtesy Chairman.  I have served the Windy City Chapter as Legislative Liaison since 2000.   For the 2001-02 Program Year, I am the Chairman for Group 2 (children ages 6-7).

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