SCOPE 2019

SCOPE JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED

2019

r e t p a h C ey l l a V e ett m a l l i W Por tland

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JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED

SCOPE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2019

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Letters of Introduction a. NP Danielle b. NPD Lisa

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National Program Committee National Teen Board 2018 National Convention (featuring Teen Summit, 80th Anniversary Museum, Leadership Workshop and our Past National Presidents)

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Member-At-Large Updates Foundation Grants Associates Jack and Jill Partnerships • American Heart Association • American Red Cross • Children’s Defense Fund • March of Dimes • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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Regional Highlights Chapter Programming a. Civic/Community Service b. Cultural c. Education d. Health e. Recreational/Social

138 Your 2018-2020 National Executive Board 139 Acknowledgements

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26TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT WELCOMES YOU DANIELLE BROWN

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can do more to live healthy lives; we can do more to advocate for real change; and we can do more to empower our futures leaders. No doubt your task has been made even more fruitful because of the guidance and leadership provided by National Program Director Lisa Grant-Dawson and her phenomenal National Program Committee.

others, welcome to the 2019 edition of SCOPE! Since 1953, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., has been issuing this annual publication to shine a spotlight on the best of our organization’s programming from chapters across the nation, and this year is no different. What you will see on these pages is a reflection of your commitment to our founder’s vision to nurture “future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.”

Since Jack and Jill of America, Inc., was founded in 1938, we have championed the rights and positive social growth of our nation’s children. Strengthened by leadership development, cultural and personal awareness, and an unwavering commitment to service, our organization remains unrivaled in its mission to cultivate and develop young African-American leaders.

I’m humbled by the great opportunity to serve as the 26th National President. Opportunities have never been greater for children of color; at the same time they continue to face challenges that plagued generations before them. The purpose of our organization has always been to equip our children with the tools needed not just to get by in America, but to succeed, to thrive, to lead and to serve. I’m looking forward to continuing the great work done by my predecessors.

We hope you enjoy reviewing the best of the best in programming and encourage you to replicae any program models that further support or enhance your own chapters.

Mothers, the time, talent and resources you’ve invested in the programming of our organization allow us to preserve and continue our rich legacy. On behalf of the National Executive Board, hope you enjoy reading about the fruits of your labors.

As National President, my vision is to continue our legacy and strengthen our position as the premier African-American family organization in the country by focusing on operational excellence, leveraging technology, strengthening partnerships, and expanding educational and cultural exploration. In support of this vision, the 2018–2020 National Executive Board (NEB) has embraced the theme “The Power to Make a Difference: We can Do More!” And we are pleased to see your support of these programming goals reflected in your submissions.

Danielle Brown JJOA National President

Throughout these pages, you’ve proven that we can do more to explore our history; we can do more to educate ourselves; we 3

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NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR GREETINGS

LISA GRANT-DAWSON

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t is with great excitement that we present the 2019 edition of the SCOPE, our national periodical highlighting the JJ’excellence in programming and events that are impacting our chapters, children, and communities. This amazing compilation of examples of Cultural, Educational, Civic, Health, and Social/ Educational activities, codifies in the value of your membership and provides evidence of the value of when we work, play, and live together – We Significantly Impact the Lives of Others.

documents and programming guidelines, we are introducing methods that are bold, strategic, and efficient! I look forward to your interaction as you immerse yourself in reading not only their contributions but also: The contributions of our Chapters!

The healthy heartbeat of programming can be heard and felt as you turn every page of this magazine. I sincerely thank our amazing National Headquarters Staff, and especially Mr. Kristjen Renard, who as the Project Manager coordinated with our Graphic Artist partner Stacey Palmer to present the work of Jack and Jill in full color! To the Fabulous Far West Region under the leadership of my Regional Director Florence Lankford and to President Stacey Bowman and the Greater Vallejo Chapter and our Dynamic Associate Jewels, I thank you for your unyielding love and support. I give honor to my mother, Mary A. Grant, with whom my legacy would not be possible and to my three children who create a richness in my life that cannot be duplicated - I thank God for you and for His clarity of my purpose in service through Jack and Jill.

My role as the National Program Director is to develop and provide multi-faceted programming to enhance the opportunities for members to nurture the leadership development and experience for our members and their children through volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. The Scope magazine is a tool for the membership to learn about the programmatic opportunities our chapters and regions are providing and the impact therein.

It has been an honor to serve with National President Danielle Brown and my SisStars on the National Executive Board who have unilaterally accepted the challenge in NP’s 2018-20 theme of “The Power to Make a Difference - We Can Do More!”

In this magazine you will read about the amazing work of our Magnificent Seven Foundation Member-at-Large leaders who guided us in reaching an unprecedented $1MM in chapter contributions to JJOA Foundation! Your efforts directly supported our ability to answer the call to support Bennet College and restore its accreditation.

Traveling Up the Hill With You,

Lisa Grant-Dawson

Your Superior National Program Committee has been teaching, guiding, and coaching our 10 new and 237 existing Chapters to programmatic success! Through the use of our governing 5

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Natrional Program Director Lisa Grant-Dawson

Regional Program Chair Christyle Russell Central

Regional Program Chair Trian Johnson Eastern

Regional Program Chair JoAnne Curry Far West

PRESENTING YOUR 2018 - 2020

NATIONAL

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Natrional Program Director Amanda Johnson Mid-Atlantic

Regional Program Chair Ursula Ricketts Mid-Western

Regional Program Chair Tanisa Jeffers-Bernard South Central

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Regional Program Chair Phoebe Penny Southeastern

JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED

NATIONAL TEEN BOARD JACKSON ALEXANDER PHILLIPS

CENTRAL REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Alexander Phillips is a Junior at Bloomington High School. He has been a proud member of the Bloomington-Normal Chapter for 7 years in which he has served as Teen Chapter Foundation Chair, Teen Chapter Parliamentarian, Central Region Teen Parliamentarian, and now Central Region Teen President. Alexander is a 2017 State qualifier for his Speech Team. He has had leading roles in his school’s dramatic productions. He is the Treasurer of the school’s Promise Council, a member of the A Cappella Choir, Freshmen Mentoring Program, Ambassador Program. He is also a founder and Co-President of Bloomington High School’s Black Student Union.

MARCUS SMITH

EASTERN REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Marcus Smith, of the Greater Baltimore County Chapter, is the current Regional Teen President of the Eastern Region. In his tenure as RTP, Marcus has focused on creating a template of positive community impact through advocating for safe and supportive environments for teens. This includes advocating for greater dialogue about racism and gun violence. He served his chapter in Member and Foundation Committees prior to his election to Regional Teen President.

TREY RUDOLPH

FAR WEST REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Trey Rudolph is a senior at The Overlake School in Redmond, Washington, and is the son of Mr. Lee Rudolph and Mrs. Shaney Rudolph. He has participated in the Seattle Chapter for 9 years. He seeks to serve the teen body by fostering community across chapter lines, and providing a memorable teen conference experience. He is a Young Executive of Color, Varsity basketball player, and leader of his school’s first Black Student Union. Trey will continue his passion for entrepreneurship at Washington University in St. Louis this fall.

Serving as Jack and Jill president has taught Trey a great deal about organizing a group, completing initiatives, and communicating with administrators. He has enjoyed his time as a member of the teen group, and is excited for the legacy of Jack and Jill to live on

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ASHLEIGH FIELDS

MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Ashleigh Fields currently serves as the Regional Teen President of the Marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region. While serving as president, Ashleigh has learned the value of relationships. She says that she has thoroughly bonded with every president across the nation which has allowed her to better serve within her region. She has taken the skills she learned from serving as president and tries to apply them in all aspects of her life including school. Ashleigh attends East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ashleigh is a diploma candidate in the International Baccalaureate program, a student ambassador, the Online Editor-In-Chief at the student newspaper, and a student congress member. In her free time she enjoys writing and is the author of her own poetry book entitled, “Caged� and has previously served as Regional Teen Vice President in her region. Ashleigh hopes to continue pursuing her passion for writing and leadership while double majoring in Journalism and Political Science at Howard University.

STEPHEN ARTHUR SPENCE

MID-WESTERN REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Stephen Spence is a senior at Kenwood Academy and dually enrolled at Harold Washington College. Upon graduation, Stephen will enter college as a sophomore. He currently volunteers at Rainbow PUSH and the Obama Foundation as a Youth Ambassador. At Kenwood, he participated in F.O.C.U.S., 2016 Grand National Champion Kenwood Concert Choir, and the Kenwood Dance Project, and placed 5th in the state for the Roman History test at IJCL. Stephen has been a devoted member of the Windy City Chapter since 2008.

At the chapter level, he was elected treasurer and served on several committees. Regionally, he was appointed Regional Community Service Co-Chairman, and elected vice president and president. He also serves on the National Teen Board.

Stephen credits his Jack and Jill village for instilling in him a sense of humility, pride and passion. He plans to continue his high standards of excellence as a student at Howard University

CHANDLER BURSEY-REECE

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Chandler is a senior at Texas High School in Texarkana, TX and is the son of Mr. Randy Reece and Mrs. Kimberly Bursey-Reece. He has been a member of the Texarkana Chapter for 14 years, since its inception in 2004. Chandler currently serves as Regional Teen President. He also served as Regional Teen Timekeeper/ Chaplain and Regional Teen Treasurer. He is President of the Texas High AP Ambassadors Club, member of Rotary Interact Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Varsity football and plays the piano. Chandler volunteers at Wadley Medical Center and Randy Sams Homeless shelter. Chandler plans to attend Howard University, where he will major in Computer Science.

JORDYN ALLEN

SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT Jordyn is a senior at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida and is the daughter of Jonathan and Adrelia Allen. She has been a member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter for 6 years and served the SE Region as Treasurer and the current Teen President. Jordyn has excelled as the 2nd place Info Speaker for National Speech & Debate, 2018 Empire Mock Trial Best Attorney, 2018 District Critics Choice Musical Solo Performer and community service volunteer.

She plans to attend Howard University to major in International Business before pursuing a law degree at Harvard University.

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2018

National Convention 10

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NOTE FROM THE 25TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOLI COOPER-NELSON spired, with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the mission of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated–for all children.

irst and foremost, please join me in extending a heartfelt congratulation to our 26th National President Danielle Brown and the entire 2018-2020 National Executive Board. We are excited about the future under their leadership; we pledge our support and will keep them lifted in prayer as they begin their leadership journey.

•• We celebrated our past by honoring our beloved Past National Presidents, embracing our rich history in our 80th Anniversary Museum, and unveiling our beautiful new history book, For The Children, written by Valada Flewellyn, our National Archivist.

On behalf of the 2016-2018 National Executive Board, thank you for your unwavering support; you made serving a joy and helped Jack and Jill realize “The Power of Us.” When your schedule permits, please take a moment to review the 2018 State of the Organization which can be found on our national website.

•• We celebrated our present by congratulating 49 new Five Star Chapters of Excellence, welcoming 10 new Provisional Chapters and commemorating Jack and Jill Foundation’s 50th Anniversary with a $1,000,000 contribution from the members of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

As I reflect on our 43rd Biennial National Convention, Celebrating 80 Years of Love, Leadership, and Legacy, we have so much to be proud of–past, present and future. National Convention left so many members in-

Continued on page 13

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43rd National Convention Museum

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Fro Ing Jac

From l to r, standing: Shirley Barber James, Sheryl Benning Thomas, Ingrid Watson Miller, Ida Younge, Alice Peoples; kneeling/seated: Jacqueline Moore Bowles, Mirian Shropshire, Joli Cooper-Nelson

ment to excellence and hard work, this was one of our most memorable National Conventions.

continued from page 11 •• We celebrated our future by acknowledging 16 Jack and Jill Children Who Inspire Us. Their commitment to bettering the world embodies the true meaning of servant-leadership. Congratulations to our overall winner, teen Ashleigh Givens, from the Oakland County Chapter in the Mid-Western Region. Our future is bright!

We recognize and thank our National Convention partners, especially our Founding Sponsor, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, for their generosity and belief in the mission of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

As you prepare to embark upon the next 80 years of Love, Leadership, and Legacy, I leave you with our Guiding Principles:

Thank you to the countless Mothers who made our 43rd Biennial National Convention a phenomenal success, including the 2016-2018 National Executive Board, Executive Director Dy Brown and the HQ Team of Kristjen Renard, Natasha Johnstone, Shalieda Marquez, Toni Washington and Kayla Owens; Central Regional Director Robin Rice Hodges, National Convention Chair Janelle Harvey, and Co-Chairs Tiauna Ousely and Angela Hardman, Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs and to all the Mothers, Associates, and Teens of the Cool & Classy Central Region. Because of your vision, commit-

•• •• •• •• •• ••

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Commit to Serving a Higher Purpose Commit to Keeping Children First Commit to Being Knowledgeable Commit to Being Strategic Commit to Being Accountable Commit to Being Kind

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JACK AND JILL

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TEEN SUMMIT

he 2018 Teen Summit was held at the 43rd National Convention in Kansas City, Mo. There were 100 teens in attendance at this powerful one-day event and National Program Committee partnered with team building corporate entity, Odyssey Teams, to facilitate the days activities.

The morning session was a Super Hero Workshop. The day started with a drum solo, a culturally rich and energetic morning start to the day! During the workshop, the teens discussed Kryptonite - their past and their Super Powers. Through creative activities, teens explored how to connect with their individul super powers and how to use it in their day to day lives.

The National Programming Committee also partnered with the Kansas City Boys and Girls Club as recipients of our Life Cycles community service project. The Teens worked in small groups build top of the line bike sets: Raleigh/Diamondback bicycles, helmets and locks were given to 30 children. The teens nor the recipients had no idea that they would meet the children for whom the bicycles would be gifted to! The teens were elated to personally hand the bicycles to children who were in awe of their shiny new bikes and helmets - ready to ride! The energy an excitedment could not be contained and many of the children rode around the ballroom and it was would not get off until picture time.

During lunch, a panel discussion was led by Prentice Penny, Writer and Producer. Panelists included, Alicia Hill, Licensed Professional Counselor, Michele L. Watley, Communications and Political Strategist, Reginald Gray, Entrepreneur, and Sharmelle Winsett, Motivational Educator/Speaker.

Teen Summit was a tremendous success and we were pleased to provide a comprehesive day where the teens were engaged in leadership development through exposure with a current A-List of Professionals and by working together in teams on a concentrated STEAM projects, while exhibiting real time philanthropic efforts through work while learning, and engaging their peers and guests through social and recreational interaction.

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Central Region

April L. Hall-Key Member At Large The Best of Central Region’s Love

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entral Region, the heartland of America, was committed to giving the best of our time, resources, and talent this year, to further the philanthropic goals of our region and the Foundation. Our philanthropic financial contributions in 2018 were 33% higher than they’ve ever been. We had 100% participation in our region to support the Souper-bowl of Caring National Jack and Jill Service project. Each one of our 475 families played a huge part in transforming our under-served African American communities, one child and one family at a time.

Our mothers and fathers will honor and preserve the cultural contributions of historic African American organizations in 9 different cities by erecting plaques and monuments on these sites. With the Loose Change award, we will also be able to initiate programs to educate hundreds of students about their Black Heritage.

Our teens transformed an inner-city school in Des Moines by sanitizing classrooms, tilling the school grounds and gardens, and painting the outside of the building. Central Region Families volunteered to build a Habitat For Humanity home for a single mother and her toddler in Kansas City. We created a Reading Corner filled with books, games and toys that would grow with the little boy.

We donated costumes and supplies to the Marching Pythons dance and drumline group to appear at

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the Jack and Jill National Convention Foundation Rally and then provided funds for them to travel to a national marching band competition in Florida and participate in a Netflix documentary about it.

At our Area Workdays, Children’s Clusters, and Regional Trips we donated to preserve a Black Western Museum, local shelters and caregiving facilities, and gave backpacks to 125 homeless men with essentials to help them through this brutal winter.

The heartland of America gave its very best to represent the noble goals of our great Foundation.

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Eastern Region

Akira Bell Johnson Member At Large

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hat a blessing it has been to return as the Foundation Member-at-Large for the Mighty East!

“Unapologetically Black” was the anthem and theme of our Teen Conference 2017 in the city of Boston where over 1000 Teens came together in overwhelming display of Black Excellence. So as the teens gathered on the first day of the Teen Conference full of excitement for the agenda ahead, we kicked it off in the fellowship of service. The first official agenda item of the teen conference was a three part service project aligned with the three focus areas of our Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

• Health and Wellness: 200 Care and Support packages where created to for the children serviced by the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Disease Association.

• Black Families: 200 Care packages were put together for the families being served by the Pine Street Inn, a homeless shelter in Boston that serves almost 2000 individuals daily.

• Education: 200 Backpacks were loaded full of school supplies for the children of the Boys and Girls Club in Boston.

As we reengaged for the new program year, we were again poised for Excellence in Service. And for MLK Day of Service we gathered in clusters to make a powerful difference to create several impactful projects that fed the hungry, beautified a school, provided for children of the incarcerated, and supported battered women.

The Eastern Region was also the home of 12 powerful 18

grant programs that are being executed this year. The east saw new Reading Corners emerge, our first Foundation sponsored Chapter Health Fairs, and partnerships with charitable agencies that help us transform our community’s one child at a time.

I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud to be a member of this organization!

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Far West Region

Dana Brooks Member At Large

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he Phenomenal FWR is flourishing with community service and philanthropic activities as we continue to strive for excellent programming and community service. Supporting our Foundation is an integral reason for chapters to have fundraisers that allow our mothers and teens to give generously while also supporting our local communities.

The Sacramento Chapter kicked off the MLK Day of Service with their inaugural Cookie and Cocoa with Santa and partnered with the greater Sacramento Urban League to offer a free community event to over 300 families all while being featured on the local CBS station.

Rolling into January, the Pasadena Chapter hosted a food drive and hunger walk for the Souper Bowl of Caring Day of Service. They collected food, money and donations to support the Union Station Homeless Service Organization.

The Oakland Bay Chapter has an annual community service “Food for the People“ which serves breakfast, provides groceries, donates canned and dry goods to underserved members of the community. Partnering with the Oakland Police Department supports a much needed bridge within the community.

Pomona’s MLK Day of Service encompassed a teaching moment for their children while volunteering at the Helping Hands Pantry, last but not least is the Seattle Chapters Souper Bowl of Caring event that donated food to the Vision House, an organization that serve the homeless. Prospective families, chapter 20

moms, dads and children all participated to make this a successful event.

The Phenomenal Far West Region will continue to embody “Power to Make a Difference�, this is the purpose and reason our mothers join and remain active in this illustrious organization. Job well done Far West Region.

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Mid-Atlantic Region

Holly Alford Member At Large

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he Marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region has the Power to Make a Difference through philanthropic and civic activities. All twenty-nine (29) chapters have worked diligently to move our region 4Ward during this administration. Our families have been extremely generous in their giving. A wide variety of supplies, clothing, monetary support and overall care has been provided to our communities. At the beginning of this administration, the region selected education as our community service goal. The region would move 4Ward and promote activities in support of education.

In June, our teens traveled to Teen Leadership Conference in Charleston, SC ready to support two organizations with donations; The Teacher Closet and the Cope Coast School for the Deaf and Blind in Ghana.

Teens gave over 2,035 educational items to stock the Teachers Supply Closet and donated over 133 pairs of shoes for the Cape Coast School. In addition to these two projects, teens were token to other sites within the Charleston area to provide time, service and support to six (6) local community-based organizations. The other organizations include - The Teachers Supply Closet, Carolina Youth Development, the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Emanuel AME Church, and the Low Country Food Bank.

Our moms and teens continued to support our educational thrust during Fall Area Work Day 2018 held in Williamsburg, Virginia. Community service efforts supported the Hampton Roads area Boys and Girls Club. Members of the region donated over 208 22

games, puzzles, sports balls and supplies to the organization. The YMCA in Hampton Roads requested coats for the 150 children who participate in their programs.

The MARvelous Mid-Atlantic Region heard the call and exceeded the request by donating 157 coats ranging in sizes from sizes 3T to adult large.

The MARvelous Mid-Atlantic Region’s philanthropic impact has been outstanding. For the 50th Anniversary of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, the region raised $139,167 which was a $30,000 increase and one of the largest contributions in the Mid- Atlantic Region’s history.

The MAR works hard and loves to play to make sure we serve and give in a meaningful way!

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Mid-Western Region

Paula Ingram-Coleman Member At Large

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he 38 Chapters of the MIGHTY Mid-Western Region are “Living the Jack and Jill Experience: Mission Minded, Dream Driven”. Our members exemplified passion in the areas of philanthropy and community service during our 2018 Teen Leadership Conference and Fall Area Workday Clusters.

The Motor City Chapter hosted our 64th Annual Teen Leadership Conference, June 21-24, 2018 with support of a grant from our Foundation. Our hands on projects, led by 2017-2018 Regional Teen Foundation Chair, Jacob Blair, benefited: 1) Orchard Children’s Services, a local community organization which provides educational, athletic and social programs to underserved minority youth; and 2) Also Cass Technical High School. Mid-Western regional teens manned a “literacy corner” and “health/wellness” activities for youth from Orchard Children’s Services. Our teens also provided locker clean out/ clean up for over 1000 lockers on six floors at Cass Tech. The fundraising goal was set at $5,000; our teens surpassed their goal, raising $7,693.27 to support these two entities.

During the 2018 IL Area Workday Cluster, hosted by the City of Lakes Chapter (Minneapolis, Minnesota), mothers donated sports gear and $2500 to the Tony Sanneh Foundation, an organization that focuses on empowering local minority youth to build self-esteem and a foundation of learning through sports and mentoring.

Chapters attending the 2018 MI/OH Area Workday

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Cluster, hosted jointly by the Akron and Youngstown Chapters in Cleveland, supported the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland with a collection of non perishable items and a donation of over $2,200.

In February of 2018 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Jack and Jill of America Foundation. The Mid-Western Region’s “mission minded” philanthropic generosity of our mothers, teens and children, proudly set the mark in fundraising best practices, raising over $152,000. Additionally, nine JJOAF grants were awarded in the Mid-Western region to benefit families, children and teens in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

The Mid-Western Regional Member At Large and Regional Program Chair worked jointly on the “Souper Bowl of Caring” initiative with chapters donating pounds of non perishable items as well as cash donations totaling over $3,400 dollars. The Mid-Western Region’s Day of Service is planned for May 18, 2019 with a focus on agencies that IMPACT the health/ safety/wellness of our differently abled children as we continue to enforce that “We Are One” group of families, with the Power to Make a Difference ~ We Can Do More!

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South Central Region

Sativa Leach-Bowen Member At Large

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he Sensational South Central Region harnessed our Black Girl & Boy Joy to unleash our power to make a difference in our communities in various ways. Our primary focus for out teens this year was to “Do More” for African American Children graduating out of the foster care system in our community. The teens all over the region raised over $5,000 and donated over 10,000 personal care items to Jonathan’s Place in the DFW Metro pl ex.

The Black Mom Magic was demonstrated by our continued commitment to Souper Bowl of Caring projects in Texas and Louisiana our local chapters rallied to provide $ l 0,000 in cash donations and over 13,000 canned food items to support food pantries in food insecure communities. Shouts Out to the Katy-Prairie View and South Belt Houston chapters for leading the region in donations and dollars. Special Recognition to the North Suburban Dallas, Northeast Dallas and newly initiated Far North Dallas Chapters for joining together to support to prior Foundation grant recipient, Minnie’s Food Pantry, for their collective MLK Day of Service activity.

We Can Do More and We Did More to impact African American families, one chapter and child at a time!

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Southeastern Region

Latrecia Jordan Member At Large

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hapters within the Southeastern Region continue to exemplify the Power to Make a Difference in our communities. Our region contributed over $297,000 to Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

This was an increase in our chapters within the region contributions by 15% over the prior, 2016-2017 program year. Furthermore, we continue to support our African American families and live out both our national and regional themes by doing more to impact our communities. During our Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service and Souper Bowl of Caring initiatives, more than one-third of the chapters in the Southeastern Region rolled up their sleeves to feed the homeless with a hot meal, packed food items to be distributed to children and families in need and cleaned up their communities by picking up liter.

During the 62nd Annual Teen Leadership Conference, which was held in Atlanta, GA during June 20th – June 24, 2018, the teens experienced a phenomenal series of conference events. This conference was hosted under the leadership of Regional Director, Kornisha Brown; Conference Co-Chairs Atlanta Chapter Past President, Hillary Dunson; and Fayette County Area Chapter President, Melinda Gyi White.

Looking back at our Teen Conference Theme, “We are Our Own Type, Not the Stereotype” our chapters defined who we are in the lives and service in which we give to our great organization. The Atlanta and Fayette County Area chapters hosted over 800 participants at the teen conference. Our Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Regional Leadership Team goal was to

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Ignite, Inspire, and Impact our Teens and the Atlanta community. We accomplished the goals set forth by our Regional Director.

The teens of the Southeastern Region were honored to partner with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. By partnering with this organization, we provided them 6 months’ worth of essential items. They were diapers, baby wipes, clothing, onesies, socks, books, crayons, coloring books, nail polish, jewelry sets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toiletry items, and undergarments. They were distributed to Egleston Hospital and Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. The teens showed their love and support for children who have sickle cell anemia and other rare diseases that end up spending weeks and sometimes months in these hospitals without the necessary clothing and toiletry supplies that are needed.

Equally important, our teens listened and participated in an expert panel discussion on Sickle Cell Anemia and Ending Human Trafficking. We also teamed up with Bridge DA Gap and the Lowery Institute to support their youth STEM initiatives. The Southeastern Regional Leadership Team is extremely proud of all our families who work hard and impact our communities.

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GREETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATES COMMITTEE! I

Our Associates have been busy performing community service projects, sponsoring fundraising events, and supporting our chapters! The National Associates committee is in the process of updating our Associates Guide and Member Manual; enhancing and improving the Mothers Away From Home Program (MAFH); and, focusing on the engagement of our rising senior and graduating and senior moms so that we might be able to demonstrate and show that we are in tune with the current needs of our respective chapters and will continue to be a resource and support system for their needs.

t is indeed a pleasure to serve as the National Associate Chair for 2018-2020! I bring greetings from our National Associates Committee which is comprised of the following Regional Associate Chairs: Jacquie Easley McGhee, Central Region; Rose Richardson, Eastern Region; Tracie Thompson, Far West Region; Paulette Davis-Motley, Mid-Atlantic Region; Angelica Anderson-Tasker, Mid-Western Region; Brenda P. Kennedy, South Central Region; and, Vickie Williams Wiley, Southeastern Region.

We are proud to represent over 151 Associate Groups that are currently active in their respective chapters and performing valuable community service projects; providing institutional knowledge to chapters; assisting with chapter-wide activities; and, supporting our Foundation through fundraising efforts.

Several of our regions held Regional Associate Getaways this spring in order to embrace and network with their fellow associates across their respective regions. This was also a concerted effort to embrace and get to know our rising associates who will be eligible to join our ranks for the upcoming 2019-2020 program year! The Eastern Region’s Associates held a Getaway Weekend to Hotel Hershey and Spa; the Mid-Western Region’s Associates held a Chicago Weekend Getaway; and, the South Central Region’s Associates held a “Big Easy” New Orleans Weekend Getaway. The attendance was great at all events and much positive interaction, planning, and bonding was had by all in attendance. We look forward to continuing this practice in the off years of our National Getaway.

As Chapters mature, and mothers graduate out of the initial chapter, our Associate Groups continue to grow and flourish. “Associate Land” is a wonderful and glorious place to be in order to continue to “live, work, and play together”! In that vein, we are so proud to welcome the following groups to our ranks: • Central Region, Greater Little Rock Associate Group • Eastern Region, Greater Hartford Associate Group & National Harbour Associate Group • Far West Region

We are excited and anticipating our upcoming 2019 National Associates Getaway, “Living Your Best Life”, to be held from November 7–10, 2019! The focus will be on the renewal of mind, body, & soul! The survey has been sent out to all Associates, and we await the results to determine the location of our destination for this getaway! It

• Mid-Atlantic Region, the Richmond Associate Group; the Gastonia-Piedmont Associate Group; & the Queen City Associate Group • Mid-Western Region, Greater Grand Rapids Associate Group

promises to be a great time for all! Please join us as we continue to support and enjoy Jack and Jill!

• South Central Region, the DFW Mid-Cities Associate Group & the Sugarland Associate Group

Sincerely,

• Southeastern Region, the East Suburban Atlanta Associates Group

Brenda P. Kennedy National Associate Chair, 2018-2020

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NEW ASSOCIATES

Greater Little Rock Central Region

National Harbor Eastern Region

Gastonia Piedmont Mid-Atlantic Region

DFW Mid-Cities South Central Region

Queen City Mid-Atlantic Region

Richmond Mid-Atlantic Region

Sugarland South Central Region

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Jacquie Easley-McGhee Central

Rose Richardson Eastern

Tracie Thompson Far West

Paulette Davis-Motley Mid-Atlantic

PRESENTING YOUR 2018 - 2020

NATIONAL

ASSOCIATES COMMITTEE

Angelica Anderson-Tasker Mid-Western

Brenda P. Kennedy South Central

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Vickie Williams-Wiley Southeastern

OUR PRIORITIES

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ur priority is improving the lives of African American children. We are concerned about making a difference in the areas that can significantly shift their outcomes in life.

We are committed to supporting services, programs and organizations that focus on impacting root causes of social problems affecting African American children and families.

Our investments will improve outcomes for core issues in the following Philanthropic Focus Areas and work to improve key issues affecting African American children and families.

As of 2013, 67% of African American children raised in single parent homes, compared to 25% of whites and 42% of Hispanics. And, 36% of African American children (aged 0-17) live in food-insecure households compared with 15% white and 29% Hispanic.

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The 47% national graduation rate for African American males is nearly 28% lower than for white males. Most schools with black majority enrollments do not have libraries, an adequate supply of textbooks and computers, art and music programs and science labs. There are also race gaps in the quality of experience in early education which is the foundation for school success.

Health disparities between African Americans and other racial and ethnic populations are striking and apparent in life expectancy, death rates, infant mortality, and other measures of health status and risk conditions and behaviors.

Foundation Grants 2018-2019

Project Name

Amount

City

College Prep Grants (up to $5,000) 12th Grade Summer Institute

$5,000

Columbus, OH

Diplomas 2 Degrees

$5,000

Newburgh, NY

LINK Unlimited - High school College Prep Program

$5,000

Chicago, IL

Making College A Reality

$5,000

Des Moines, IA

Providing Opportunities for College Readiness

$5,000

Cypress, TX

Putting students on trajectory to lifetime success

$5,000

Charlotte, NC

Stem Grant 2018 (10) Accelerated Learning Academy

$10,000

Princeton, NJ

Coder Dojo Collaborative

$9,550

San Antonio, TX

Coding and Robotics

$10,000

Augusta, GA

Digging into Our Future: Archaeology Club

$10,000

Washington, DC

E-STEM Chapters(Ohio)

$10,000

Columbus, OH

First Robotics Competition

$10,000

Orange, CA

Imhotep Academy: Uncovering the Wonders of Astronomy

$10,000

Knightdale, NC

Mentorship: A Tool for Preparing High School Students for STEM Careers

$10,000

Atlanta, GA

Red-Tailed Hawks Youth Program

$10,000

Mukilteo, WA

Zip Code Wilmington Summer Coding Program

$10,000

Wilmington, DE

Heart And Mind - Health and Wellness 2018 (up to $10,000) 8-5-2-1-0 Health and Wellness Program

$10,000

Memphis, TN

Chronic disease prevention through dietary and lifestyle modification services through Pea Pod

$10,000

Decatur, GA

Community Health Fair

$10,000

West Palm Beach, FL

Compassion Cultivation Training

$10,000

Brooklyn, NY

MCHC Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention Program DHDPP

$10,000

West Chester, PA

Our Village 2018 (up to $10,000) African-American Parents Financial Justice Leadership Project

$10,000

Chicago, IL

Economic Mobility Through Digital Inclusion

$9,998

Charlotte, NC

Emergency Shelter Program

$10,000

Indianapolis, IN

Family Time Early Learning Circle

$9,980

Media, PA

Feed Just One

$10,000

Plano, TX

Fierce Families Initiative - Playgrounds & Parenting Workshops

$10,000

Detroit, MI

No Wrong Door

$10,000

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Parent Engagement

$10,000

Memphis, TN

Parenting Support Program

$10,000

Pittsburgh, PA

Parents Rising: Investing in Families First

$10,000

Newark, NJ

Heart And Mind - Health and Wellness 2018 (up to $3,000) Everyday Slay’ Health and Wellness Fair

$3,000

Memphis, TN

Brown Girls Rock Health and Wellness Project

$3,000

Jacksonville, FL

Jack and Jill Community Health Fair

$3,000

Pomona, NY

Ladies and Mens Day Out Health and Wellness Fair

$1,750

Sicklerville, NJ

Minority Mental Health Fair

$3,000

Houston, TX

Watch Me Win|Empower Heart & Mind

$2,994

Troy, MI

“We think, we feel and we live.” Jack and Jill Lakeshore Heart & Mind Health Fair Grant Proposal

$2,994

Chicago, IL

Reading Corner 2018 (up to $3,000) Columbia Maryland Reading Corner Grant

$3,000

Ellicott City, MD

ESAC Reading Corner

$3,000

Atlanta, GA

Jack and Jill Read in SC - South Charlotte

$3,000

Charlotte, NC

Jack and Jill Read in BC - Baltimore County

$3,000

Owings Mills, MD

Joshua Academy Reading Corner

$3,000

Johnston, IA

Mobile Read to Succeed Nook

$3,000

Gray, GA

Ready Readers Reading Corner

$3,000

Chicago, IL

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JACK AND JILL NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

American Heart Association Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is proud to join forces with the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke movement to raise awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs among the African American community. The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization in the United States that fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”

American Red Cross Jack and Jill is honored to partner with the American Red Cross who has for the past 100 years helped millions of children and teens learn how to swim and become lifeguards and water safety instructors. In partnership through our Jack and Jill Chapters, our overall goal is to reduce accidental drownings in African American communities nationwide. We have committed to ensuring all children have access to aquatics training and encourage our Jack and Jill teens to become champions for water safety by becoming lifeguards.

Children's Defense Fund The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children.

They champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority.

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Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is a proud partner of the following organizations who play a critical role in helping us to realize our missions of community service and preparing children to be successful leaders. To find out ways that your organization can partner with Jack and Jill, please call us at (202) 667-7010.

March of Dimes Almost from our inception, Jack and Jill of America has been involved with efforts to ending polio from fundraising to participating in walks, coordinating auctions, and chapter participation in March of Dimes programming. More recently, our participation in the March for Babies program helps to ensure that all babies get a chance for healthy lives. After being a catalyst in eradicating polio, the March of Dimes turned its focus to preventing birth defects and infant mortality. It has led the way to discover the genetic causes of birth defects, to promote newborn screening, and to educate medical professionals and the public about best practices for healthy pregnancy. The rising incidence of premature birth has demanded action, and the March of Dimes has responded by initiating an intensive, multi-year campaign to raise awareness and find the causes of prematurity.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jack and Jill is a proud partner to NAMI to increase mental health awareness in African American communities across the country. As part of this partnership, NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates work with Jack and Jill chapters to educate local communities about mental health in a variety of ways, including raising awareness through NAMIWAalks, and providing resources on how to maintain healthy lifestyles and educate others on the importance of mental wellness.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Jack and Jill is partnering with St. Jude to support their mission in advancing cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. They believe, as we do, that no child should be denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay. St. Jude has developed treatments that have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%.

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Jack and Jill continues its commitment to heart health through a variety of programs and advocacy efforts. We are proud of our chapters who have made a difference in raising awareness of the importance of preventive care. Collectively, WE CAN DO MORE to reduce our early mortality rates, specifically by monitoring our blood pressure, recognizing stroke symptoms, testing our blood sugar levels for diabetes, being cognizant of heart murmurs, and preventing cardiac arrest.

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#JJSwims

In addition to awareness of fire safety and emergency preparedness education, our mission continues with American Red Cross to teach our children water safety. We are thankful for the leadership of our chapters on this initiative and continue to honor the memory of our Augusta Chapter’s Princeton Ellis Meadors.

VOLUNTEER :: GET PREPARED :: GIVE BLOOD :: GET TRAINED :: DONATE

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Jack and Jill and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation are proud to support the missions of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Let’s ensure that every child has A Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities

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STILL MARCHING FOR BABIES

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated’s support of the March of Dimes is a significant and important part of our rich history. In fact, at our 1958 National Convention, Charles Bynum, who served as the Director of Interracial Activities for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now the March of Dimes) presented a plaque of appreciation to our fifth national president, Nellie Roulhac, for our generous financial support. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. gave more to the March of Dimes than any other organization of its kind!

And 80 years later, we remain passionately committed to our partnership and our fight for healthy babies. We are honored to continue our support of the 2019 March for Babies campaign and ask all Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapters to commit to helping us give every baby a fighting chance!

Together, we have The Power to Make a Difference!

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MENTAL HEALTH

IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL

ADVOCACY NAMI is the voice of reason, advocating tirelessly at the national, state and local levels, promoting common-sense solutions to solve our nation’s mental health care crisis and promoting research advancements.

AWARENESS

EDUCATION

NAMI promotes a unified voice on mental illness,

With the understanding unique to those with lived experience, NAMI provides an array of no-cost education programs.

aiming to replace ignorance with understanding through walks, media relations, public presentations, outreach initiatives and more.

Ten NAMI signature programs are offered through many NAMI Affiliates across the country.

Family-to-Family

SUPPORT NAMI reaches out and responds to those in need.

The toll-free NAMI HelpLine allows for the personal response to hundreds of thousands of requests each year, providing free information and support — a much-needed lifeline for many.

Homefront

Ending the Silence

WE HAVE HEARD YOUR CRIES!

Ever mindful of the mental health issues that affect us as African-Americans, and as a membership -- we remain vigilant in our mission to promote awareness, advocacy and action.

In 2017, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated began its partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

NAMI educates in a wide range of ways through the provision of free courses, presentations, training and support to families, caregivers, veterans and providers. They also advocate to shape national public policy for people with mental illness and their families and provide volunteer leaders with tools, resources and skills necessary to save mental health in all states.

We encourage our members and friends alike, to make use of these resources, especially those in need of support. Please visit https://www.nami.org/jackandjill

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KEETON • AGE 4

WE SUPPORT OUR NEWEST PARTNER!

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated and our newest partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are dedicated to understanding, treating and defeating cancer and other diseases in children. Every donation matters. OUR CHILDREN’S LIVES MATTER.

Finding cures.

Saving Children.® Help St. Jude continue our mission

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REBUILD AMERICA THE HOUSES THAT JACK AND JILL BUILT

F

or a decade, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America Foundation partnered with Habitat for Humanity to engage in Rebuild America – a signature community service project to assist in the provision of affordable housing in each of our seven regions. Our members have dedicated thousands of volunteer service hours and, through our Foundation, have contributed over $500K toward the completion of these homes.

2014 2016 2018 2020

– – – –

Wilmington, NC (Mid-Atlantic Region) Riverside, CA (Far West Region) Kansas City, KS (Central Region) Albany, GA (Southeastern Region)

This past year, Jack and Jill worked with Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City to help realize the dream of home ownership for a wonderful mother and her young son in the Vineyard neighborhood of Kansas City – the site of our 80th Anniversary Convention. Volunteers from all three Kansas City Metro Area Chapters contributed their time in helping to build the House and spent valuable hours at the Habitat Office and in the Habitat Re-stock Stores. In addition to generous financial sponsorship (with funds matched by Bank of America and Wells Fargo), our Jack and Jill family contributed furnishings, a reading corner in the home with a library of over 50 books, stuffed animals and school supplies for the homeowner’s son.

We are pleased to announce that through these efforts, we have one house to go!

The houses that Jack and Jill has assisted in building are: 2010 – Chicago, IL (Mid-Western Region) 2011 – New Orleans, LA (South Central Region) 2012 – Philadelphia, PA (Eastern Region)

Chicago, IL

New Orleans LA

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Philadelphia PA

Wilmington NC

lows families to build net wealth. Decent, affordable housing also impacts the community – strengthening pride and attracting economic investment and development. This creates an economic stimulus which positively impacts community stabilization.

On July 23, 2018, the homeowner received her keys to a new construction three-bedroom home.

Thanks to your generosity and continued support, we have one house remaining in our sponsorship commitment. As always, we give a very special thank you to each and every Jack and Jill member for making a child’s dreams of a home to call their own a reality.

The mission of Habitat for Humanity is to build houses in partnership with sponsors, volunteers, communities and homeowner families, whereby families are empowered to transform their own lives; and to eliminate poverty, while serving as a catalyst to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Why Affordable Housing Matters Various studies have shown that homeownership helps to break cycles of poverty, allowing families to invest in their futures. Homeownership leads to improved health and improved school performance in children, and al-

Riverside CA

Kansas City MO

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CENTRAL

Christyle Russell

Program Chair

The Power to Make a Difference – We Can Do More!

T

he essence of the Central Region’s prominent programming can best be captured by the words of Barack Obama.

“Keep exploring. Keep dreaming. Keep asking why. Don’t settle for what you already know. Never stop believing in the power of your ideas, your imagination, your hard work to change the world.”

The manifestation of strengthening families and uplifting communities can be best evidenced through the unwavering commitment from the Central Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Mrs. Robin Rice Hodges. This year at the Central Regions Area Work Day, Regional Director, Robin Rice Hodges unveiled an inaugural Central Region family trip entitled, Memphis BLACK: Soul in the City!

Memphis BLACK: Soul in the City is an educational and fun-filled trip to explore OUR historical sites in Memphis, Tennessee. It included visits to the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Stax Records Museum, a capstone regional community service activity coordinated by MAL April Hall Key, and a family worship event at a historic black church - Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, whose first lady is a member of the Memphis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

nerships. Our programming focus for Area Work Day in Denver, Colorado focused on optimizing our efforts and teaching our Program Directors how to have a “Slamming Programming” year! We uplifted our communities through the Souper Bowl of Caring, showed our support for women’s heart health through our Go Red initiative, and remained steadfast with our March of Dimes partnership.

The Central Region is comprised of 17 Cool and Classy Chapters representing the heartland of our nation. For 2019, the Central Region is proud to announce that 19% of its Chapters received Five Star programming status, which represents the highest programming honor within Jack and Jill.

Individually, our chapters continued to support our National Programming thrusts by hosting oratorical contests at Area Workday and Children’s Cluster events and supporting mental health for our families through NAMI walks, creative fashion shows for black history events, leveraged community theatres and game nights to support programming and foster fundraising!

Cool and Classy: Collaboration, Education, and Just Plain Old Fun!!

The Central Region applauds its mothers for their contributions, commitment and setting a strong legacy for our children to be proud of.

Across the region, our chapters rallied together to elevate our communities and leverage relationships and corporate part46

EASTERN

TRIAN JOHNSON SANA

Program Chair

W

e are truly blessed and proud to have our National President Danielle Brown hail from the exquisite and mighty Eastern Region. With more than 3,100 mother members serving under the positive, peaceful and purposeful guidance of Regional Director Mondi Kumbula-Fraser, we strive to be a shining example to not only our families, but to others. This program year, we installed two new chapters: Nations Capital in Washington, DC and Greater Pocono in Pennsylvania which expanded the region to 59 chapters.

Tasked with creating exciting programming that supports, enhances and empowers our families, the Eastern Region embraced “PLATINUM PROGRAMMING”. The goal: Strive, Achieve and Maintain Excellence in Programming throughout the program year. We challenged and encouraged our Program Directors to creatively layer age group activities with our national programming thrusts, strategic partners, financial literacy and leadership modules to create programming designed to delight and exceed the expectations and experiences within Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Regional initiatives were the Racial Identity Tool Kit, Gavel Club and the newly introduced Virtual Book Club, which strengthened our children’s strongest sense of self-worth by discussing and embracing our history through compelling literature in a nurturing, loving environment.

Notably, our combined regional clusters reached record high attendances with more than 2000 attendees. Workshops focused on chapter enhancement, membership, programming and phenomenal guest speakers that focused on empowerment: financial, branding and more. Our teens and middle schoolers engaged in protocol, etiquette, leadership development, and of course fun!

The region reigned supreme and continued to excel in community service with its 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Under the direction of RD Mondi, the Eastern region reflected on a quote by The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” by having parents and their children side by side providing essential needs and food for families that are less fortunate. This years’ teen conference theme is “BLACK by Popular Demand.” During Teen Conference, we will host panel discussions on issues that have significant impact on the African-American community. Our teens ages 13-19 will participate in an oratorical competition where they can showcase their writing and public speaking skills. As the 2018-2019 program year concludes, the Eastern region will continue to give more because We Can Do More!!

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FAR WEST E

JoAnne Curry

National Program Committee Chair

Program Chair

necessary life skills. Our children honed their oratory skills with group and individual competitions. The Far West Region launched new experiences with programs that included actively engaging in the Souper Bowl of Giving campaign, the Inaugural Regional Family education weekend at Allensworth State Park, tweens partnering with community organizations to learn about the history of democracy, participating in a chapter version of The Amazing Race to promote team building, health and fitness. The children took action and strengthened community partnerships through civic programming with La’Roi Glover Foundation, Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, Walden Family Services and a local orphanage by collecting turkeys, conducting a coat drive, packing toiletries for the homeless and beautification of a local orphan residence.

ach Jack and Jill mother and family can embrace the task of We Can Do More. When chapters and community partners collaborate with the Power to Make A Difference rich programming will be the result. What unites this great organization is when every component of each chapter is moving as one voice to ensure that all things programming is effective and have a positive outcome.

We Can Do More culturally by exploring and studying our History. We Can Do More when we pursue educational excellence despite obstacles. We Can Do More when we address health crises in the African American community. Doing more is not adding more to our plates but Keeping it Simple. It is the result of high caliber strategic planning and combing programming thrusts and modules. We Do More when we serve our communities. The Members- At-Large and Regional Program Chairs are committed to weaving Jack and Jill of America Foundation strategic partners with chapter programs to create a greater impact for our children.

The first chapter of the Far West Region of Jack and Jill of America Inc., the lovely Los Angeles Chapter, celebrates seventy years of service, programming and impacting the lives of children. The entire Far West Region hails the Los Angeles Chapter as trailblazers of the Far West. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!

In the Fabulous Far West Region, under the direction of Regional Director Florence Lankford, our children Lead, Learn and Take Action. Our children learned new skills and developed

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MID-ATLANTIC R

egional Director Chanda Douglas-Ward has a “heart” and passion for programming. She has worked to make sure the MARvelous Mid-Atlantic Region moves 4WARD. The MAR’s Fall Area Workday (FAWD) -- “For the Love of Jack and Jill”—was hosted by the Hampton chapter. Program Directors, elected officers, and chapter moms attended a thought-provoking and innovative “Art of Programming” workshop. Our high-caliber programs were elevated to the next level as moms utilized strategies to enhance programming chronicled in program handbooks, posted on social media, and expressed by our Jack and Jills! Carole Robertson/Jack and Jill Day celebrations and a host of “beyond-the-box” activities served as testimonies to their collaborative work. Many of our activities were highlighted in the media, thus leaving a lasting impression on our children and our communities.

During the FAWD, items were collected for two of Hampton Roads community partners – Girls and Boys Club and YMCA Coat Project-- organized by MAL Holly Alford. Chapters across the region brought games, supplies, sports gear, coats, and monetary donations showing we have the “Power to Make a Difference.”

MAR Teens were given an opportunity to learn, work, and play at FAWD as relevant topics geared to their interests were presented. It was delightful to see them conduct business. Programs are the catalyst ensuring teens reach their full potential. After work, the teens were able to bond socially at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream in fun and fright despite the frigid cold night!

Throughout the program year, chapters were challenged to “Do More” by sharing across grade groups to increase engagement and develop opportunities for chapter-wide participation. Additionally, chapters have supported the Foundation by participating in the Loose Change Challenge. Prizes and bragging rights were awarded to winning chapters. These incentives invigorated chapters and provided teachable moments for our children to understand how the Foundation impacts society.

Looking 4Ward, we are anticipating an enjoyable spring/summer as our Children’s Cluster, Teen Leadership Conference and Mothers’ Conference are fast-approaching. Children’s Cluster, hosted by the Conway chapter will be held at EdVenture Museum in Columbia, SC. The region will travel to Richmond, VA to attend the Teen Leadership Conference hosted by the Greater Fredericksburg and Midlothian chapters. The Mother’s Conference will be hosted by the Greenville and Spartanburg, SC chapters.

The MARvelous Mid-Atlantic Region remains committed to “Move 4Ward” in Faith, Family, Focus, and Fun. “We Can Do More” for our beloved Jack and Jill!

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Amanda Johnson

Program Chair

MID-WESTERN

Ursula Ricketts

Program Chair

C

hapters in the Mid-Western divide into four centers of excellence to foster leadership support and best practice sharing. In 2019, all of the Mid-Western COEs hosted Founders’ Day celebrations.

Chicagoland Center of Excellence Founders’ Day Tea was themed “Unity: Standing Together in Celebration”.

Chicago, Lake Shore, South Suburban, and the Windy City Chapters hosted the event at the Union League of Chicago’s Lincoln Ballroom. Attendees supported the Wings Program Inc., which provides a pathway to independence for people affected by domestic violence. Mothers brought gently used clothing and/or accessories for men, women and children. Illinois’ first African American Lieutenant Governor and Associate mom, Julia Stratton, was the keynote speaker. The mothers were joined by Past Regional Treasurer Felicia Perkins and Regional Program Director Ursula Ricketts.

The Michigan Center of Excellence held its 10th annual Founders’ Day brunch. The theme was “81 Years and Counting: A Walk Down Jack and Jill Memory Lane.” Ann Arbor, Detroit, Oakland County, Flint, North Oakland Macomb, Greater Grand Rapids, Southwest Michigan, Ypsilanti, Great Lakes Bay Region, Greater Lansing, and the Motor City Chapters joined in celebration. The event highlighted the best programming over the last decade. The keynote speaker was news anchor Rhonda Walker who is an alumna of the Greater Lansing Chapter. Mid-Western Regional Secretary Gina Jones, Past Regional Director Melanie Lynn, and Past Regional Secretary/Associate Chair Angelica Anderson Tasker were in attendance.

honoring their accomplishments. The guest speaker was Emmy Award winning TV anchor Romona Robinson. Past National President Alice Peoples and Regional Treasure Kim DashieldHill were in attendance.

“Honoring our Past, Building our Future Together,” was the theme of the Tri-State Center of Excellence. The celebration included Cincinnati (OH), Dayton (OH), Circle City (IN), Central Kentucky (KY), Derby City (KY), Greater Northeast Indiana (IN), & St Louis (MO) chapters. Past National President Alice Peoples gave a moving keynote address. Our National Vice President Tanya Hand and Midwestern Region’s Member At Large Paula Ingram - Coleman were also in attendance. There was a presentation to a food pantry in Indianapolis in support of the Souperbowl of Caring along with a $2,000 check.

The Northern Ohio Founder’s Day event had the theme “Empowered By Our Faith: Mother’s In Formation”. Akron, Cleveland, Erie Shores and Youngstown Chapters participated. Each chapter focused on love, grace, strength, and faith. The event celebrated moms with an Empowerment Walk; the Runway 50

SOUTH CENTRAL

Tanisa Jeffers-Bernard

Program Chair

T

ing an educational tour of their local juvenile detention facility where they were educated on the legal rights of juveniles, consequences of their decisions, and learned community outreach is a powerful way to decrease recidivism in their local communities. In Baton Rouge, the youngest children learned the power of voting as the children converged upon the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office where they participated in voting using the state’s actual voting machines. At our first regional children’s cluster trip in New Orleans, we showcased the power of our history. The children learned how far we have come as they toured Louisiana plantations, learned how the squares of a quilt guided slaves to freedom and participated in enriching STEM activities.

he Sensational South Central Region embraced the “Power to Make A Difference” as seven chapters were named Five Star Chapters of Excellence at National Convention 2018.

Believing that leaders are made and not born, our dynamic region continued its track record of stellar programming. Under the direction of Regional Director L’Sheryl Hudson, our dynamic region provided children educational, cultural, civic, social and recreational experiences aimed to nurture their development.

Aspiring to inspire, children and teens used their “Power to Make a Difference” to promote legislative advocacy in their local communities. The Clear Lake Bay Area chapter learned ‘We Can Do More’ as they hosted a forum entitled “Our Families Matter…Police and Our Youth, Safety, Mental Health and Community Activism” where they discussed Positive Police Interaction, Social Media Safety, Cyberbullying, and engaged with panelists on mental health issues and heard from a congressional candidate on voting rights and grassroots campaigning. In the Woodlands Chapter, the children learned the power of their voice as they engaged in legislative debate on issues important to them, discussed the history and significance of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and toured his namesake law school.

The South Central Region continued its track record of excellence through conferences focused on leadership development as the DFW/Mid-Cities chapter hosted a fabulous Teen Conference for a record number 800 Teens under the theme “Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Black: Brilliant Leaders Advocating & Cultivating Knowledge.” The trend continued as the Northeast Dallas chapter cultivated “The Magic of Mothers” for more than 800 mothers at Area Work Day.

TheMissouri City – Sugar Land Chapter learned ‘We Can Do More’ as they investigated the cradle to prison pipeline, by tak-

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SOUTHEASTERN

Phobe Penny Crenshaw

Program Chair

U

sing our MOMentum from RD Kornisha Brown’s first year as the 26th Southeastern Regional Director, the Region continues to Change the World through IGNITING innovative programming, INSPIRING meaningful leadership, and IMPACTING the communities with exemplary service activities.

Our mothers are wholeheartedly committed to the vision of National President Danielle Brown. We remain committed to do MORE in nurturing our teens’ and children’s development as future leaders. We completed the program year with a great teen conference and a wonderful experience at the 43rd National Convention in Kansas City, MO.

Work Day in Atlanta, GA with over 700 Mothers from across the region in attendance. The Athens Chapter and the Greater North Atlanta Chapters hosted the Mothers’ Work Day at the Hilton Downtown Atlanta Hotel on October 12-13, 2018.

The theme of the conference was “Increasing Our MOMentum.” Conference highlights included a champagne sip and Funkadelic 70’s party in honor of National Editor Gina Williams-Jackson, as well as specialized training and workshops for Chapter Presidents, Financial officers, and Program Directors. In addition to outstanding workshops, a special panel discussion focused on the importance of voting in the mid-term

The 62nd Annual Regional Teen Leadership Conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia on June 20-24, 2018. Under the leadership of Regional Director, Kornisha Brown, the Atlanta Chapter and the Fayette County Area Chapter co-hosted the very well attended and sold out conference at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Atlanta. The theme “We Are Our Own Type, Not the Stereotype,” was implemented throughout the entire conference. Highlights of the conference included: special guest speakers, the leadership luncheon, step and talent show, an outstanding community service project for sickle cell patients at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Senior Gala- “A Royal Celebration”- with special guest speaker the Honorable Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms who paid tribute to the Class of 2018.

In July, the Southeastern Region was well represented by 200 Mothers at the 43rd National Convention in Kansas City, MO. The region was very proud to endorse and support our own Memphis Chapter mother, Gina Williams-Jackson, who was elected to serve as National Editor of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. The Southeastern Region hosted the Regional Breakfast on Saturday, July 28, 2018. The theme for the breakfast was “A Pink and Gold Affair: Celebrating A Legacy of Leadership and Service,” and it was held in honor of our outgoing National President, Joli Cooper-Nelson, as well as all 2016-2018 regional committee chairs and appointed officers in appreciation of their service to the Southeastern Region.

During the Fall of 2018, The Southeastern Region held Mothers’ 52

elections led by the regional legislative committee members and specail guest candidates.

with a large number of attendees as we celebrate and honor the Senior Class of 2019. The Teen Leadership Conference Our signature regional programs, the Pen Pal Club and Book theme is “ They Hate To See Us At Our Best, Which Is Why We Club were successfully launched in November. Our Southeast- Never Rest.” The region will celebrate regional teen officers, ern Region 2019 Children’s Clusters and Super Clusters will be leaders, orators, portfolio competition participants, talent and held in March and April, and will include Speak Up, Speak Out step show participants, and will include friendly competitions and the Ann Owen Gordon Teen Oratorical state competitions. on Sports and Games Day as well as an impactful community The host chapters will provide exceptional Children’s AND in- service project for the Miami Community. teractive Mom activities that will focus on the theme, ‘Using our In addition to the conferences, the region will be traveling to MOMentum to Change the World!’

St. Augustine, FL for the 14th Annual Southeastern Regional Back by popular demand, the Southeastern Region will conduct Trip as we “Ignite Family Bonding, Inspire African-American the 2018-19 Teen Stock exchange! Created under the SER’s Business Ownership, and Impact African-American History.” own IP National President Joli Cooper-Nelson, the Teens & Attendees will stay at the Hammock Beach Resort which is Adult sponsor will compete for the best managed stock portfo- owned by African-American businesswoman, Shelia Johnson. lio. This was created to teach our children the value of investing The Regional Trip will take place March 28-30, 2019. in your future through stock exchange and receiving return of investments for your efforts!

The region will also celebrate the 63rd Annual Teen Leadership Conference in Miami, FL. We anticipate another conference

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Civic

Community Service

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CENTRAL Bloomington-Normal The Bloomington-Normal Chapter participates in community events reflecting the brand of a premiere African-American organization while incorporating all national thrusts. Examples include: Participating in the Bloomington And Normal Social And Greek Organizations service project, which distributes food baskets to families in need; registering our teens to vote together (Civic); hosting a learning to swim activity where preteens and teens learned water safety rules (Health); attended the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet where several children signed up to become NAACP members and two of our teen leaders were presented with awards for their community service (Cultural); participated in MLK Jr. Day of Service where our children packed food for children in need at a local school; and attended Central Region’s Teen Leadership Conference in Des Moines, IA in which several Bloomington Normal teens competed in the oratory competition and won awards (Education, Social/Recreational). The Chapter is looking forward to another remarkable year.

Greater Champaign-Urbana The November 2018 elections were an important time in our country’s history and timely in teaching our youth the importance of having a political voice. The Greater Champaign-Urbana Chapter’s fifth through eighth graders were asked to watch the election cycle and prepare questions about the process and their civic responsibility. This activity was paired with a Leadership Module on Integrity and Ethics. The children were challenged to think about what integrity and ethics are and whether both characteristics were displayed during the election.

State Representative Carol Ammons and her husband Aaron Ammons, the first Black County Clerk of Champaign, were invited to speak about why voting is important, teach the children how they can be more aware of their voting responsibilities when they become of age, and how to get involved now.

This activity motivated our children to become more politically conscious, and they are ready to Rock The Vote!

Johnson County The Johnson County, Kansas Chapter continues to be a strong example of the ‘Power to Make a Difference: We Can Do More’ theme. Last Fall, the chapter was inspired to promote civic and legislative activity by co-sponsoring a ‘Candidate Meet and Greet’ during the 2018 mid-term elections. Not only did this event provide a unique opportunity to engage the community in the highly charged political environment, but it also allowed the chapter to support Chapter Mom, the Honorable Judge Rhonda K. Mason, who successfully retained her position as the first African-American District Court Judge in Johnson County. The session was well-attended by constituents and Chapter Moms displaying a good example for our children on how to obtain a better understanding of local issues and each candidate’s platform. We are proud to have been part of an effort to increase political awareness and voter turnout during the often overlooked mid-term elections!

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Greater Peoria The Greater Peoria, Illinois (GPI) Chapter is committed to MAKING A DIFFERENCE. During the third weekend in November, we host our annual Weekend of Service. This year, we DID MORE by partnering with sister mom Nikki Romain and her non-profit, A.R.T. Incorporated. On Friday November 18, 2018, ART Inc and GPI moms and kids donated delectable meats and sides to the afterschool program at Trewyn Primary School. On Saturday morning, our Finale Teens volunteered as hosts and hostesses at the Crittenton Center Fundraiser, “Brunch and Bubbly”. Crittenton Center’s mission is to protect and nurture children and families. Our sister mom Ahdonna Guilford co-chaired the Crittenton Center fundraiser. We concluded the weekend on Sunday afternoon with our “Giftwrapping for Seniors” party at the Neighborhood House.

While wrapping gifts, GPI families bonded over cookies and hot chocolate. We are grateful to continue the tradition of service and impact to the Peoria community.

EASTERN Atlantic City On Saturday, October 27, 2019 the Atlantic City Chapter sponsored a teen workshop entitled, “FELON DISENFRANCHISEMENT: DOES THE RIGHT TO VOTE BELONG TO ALL CITIZENS?” at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus. This workshop was co-sponsored by the Political Engagement Project of Stockton University. Professors from Stockton University worked with the teens on defining felon disenfranchisement, and facilitated a debate on whether people convicted of felonies who are on parole or probation should have the right to vote.

Representatives of the Atlantic City Branch of the NAACP also were present to explain the bill, NJ S2100 introduced by NJ Senator Ronald Rice which supports the right of felons on probation and parole to vote. They also discussed their personal stories of civic engagement.

At the end of the session, the teens wrote letters to their representatives encouraging them to take action on the bill. The teens were enlightened by the experience.

Boston Chapter The Boston chapter is making a difference by doing community service. For the last several years, families of the Boston chapter have joined together in a day of service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We have been partnering with the Pine Street Inn, a local shelter, to participate in a chop-a-thon, slicing and dicing vegetables to be used in meals to feed the homeless. This year, we added a Founder’s Day celebration with a reading of the chapter’s history.

There was something for everyone in this event. Mothers, fathers, teens and preteens chopped up vegetables, with the dads tackling the onions. The little ones helped prepare care packages filled with toiletries and other useful items like hand warmers to be handed out by shelter staff at night to the homeless.

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Eastern Fairfield County For over 60 years, the “small but mighty� Eastern Fairfield County Chapter has been home to more than 200 families!

Our signature programs include community-based outreach events serving the homeless, female veterans and investing in the under-served families (or communities) in Fairfield County.

We have sponsored fundraising activities to support international and national initiatives including Haiti earthquake relief, Habit for Humanity, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Child Hunger Campaign and most recently the Hurricane Harvey Disaster and Recovery relief. We are committed to empowering our youth to become forward thinking leaders through innovative educational, social and cultural programs aimed at fostering leadership skills, civic responsibility, and financial literacy.

We are committed to continuing to build on the legacy of service and excellence of our predecessors by growing our membership and providing innovative programming to empower our youth to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Greater Essex County On Sunday October 21, 2018, the Greater Essex County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted a thought-provoking and uniquely curated discussion about criminal justice.

Intended to address the roots of mass incarceration, the current environment and how ground-breaking advocacy programs may change the course of history for the future, our list of distinguished speakers included: Jelani Cobb, Author, Writer Crystal McCrary, CEO/President, Crystal McCrary Productions Jeff Fleischer, CEO, Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Christina A. Swarns, Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) Dena Douglas, Acting Supreme Court Justice, City of New York, Kings County Tamaira Wilkes, Senior Parole Officer, NJ State Parole Board (Retired) Ashley C. Sawyer, Esq., Director of Policy and Government Relations, Girls for Gender Equity

A portion of the proceeds from this event was donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. in addition to the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

Greater Suburban Maryland The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter began its program year executing our annual Jack and Jill Day and Carole Robertson Memorial Day activity as a combined event. Families enjoyed fellowship, food and loads of fun. Tweens (gr. 6-8) volunteered to sign people up for the Be The Match registry and registered individuals to vote. The Teens lead the official commemorative Jack and Jill Carole Robertson Memorial Day ceremony where families recommitted to serving our communities and the continued support and advancement of human rights. We concluded the day with the children releasing 55 pink and blue balloons to celebrate Carole Robertson on the 55th anniversary of her death. The educational awareness culminated in a Shake It Well for Sickle Cell Dance that engaged the Tweens socially in a comfortable and fun environment. The dance continued the efforts and educational awareness surrounding sickle cell disease and how it impacts our community 57

Nassau County On January 21, 2019, the nation’s commemoration of the MLK Holiday, Jack & Jill of Nassau County, in conjunction with the Nassau County Bar Association (Diversity & Inclusion Committee), presented Meredith v. Fair: A Re-enactment of the Landmark Decision performed by our Jacks & Jills across all grade groups. Each participant received an official citation from County Executive Laura Curran for participating.

This powerful re-enactment was an activity led by the mothers of our Legislative Committee. It highlighted the importance of advocacy, as it brought to life for children, our mothers and our audience, the legal struggle to integrate the University of Mississippi. In 1961, James Meredith, a veteran of the US Air Force, applied to attend college at the then-segregated University of Mississippi. Despite his qualifications and his being a resident of the state, as an African-American, he was denied admission to “Ole Miss” solely because of his race.

New Castle County Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has been committed to legislation aimed at bettering the lives of all children. This year, we mobilized the New Castle County Jack and Jill families to actively participate in the shaping of legislation.

The Legislative Committee collaborated in hosting a Chapter wide event to KICKOFF the 2018-2019 Civic and Legislative Advocacy programing.

County Executive Matt Meyer Chief, Administrative Officer Vanessa Philips, Councilman Penrose Hollins, Councilman Robert Weiner, and Councilwomen Lisa Diller spoke to the audience about the functions of New Castle County Government. Following the presentation, the children broke into groups according to their age group to close the circle on developed idea for a new law the County should implement. Then, each age group provided a brief on their idea for a new law and why the County Council should vote for it and why the County Executive should sign it into law.

North Jersey “Operation Love Bear” Service Initiative - North Jersey Chapter North Jersey created a new, fun, hands-on service project that educated our children about the power of their efforts, celebrated the joy of giving and highlighted the importance of good health care – Operation Love Bear.

Operation Love Bear was a gift building activity to uplift sick kids in dire need of care. It also included a fundraiser for March of Dimes. We established an ‘elves’ workshop where 55 kids (ages 2-19) built stuffed animals. On Christmas Eve, those snuggly teddy bears were delivered and gifted to children stuck at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). NBI has a first-rate, neonatal care unit that disproportionally serves poor families of color in northern New Jersey.

Our children thoroughly enjoyed themselves while showing compassion for others. The lead doctor from NBI commented: “This is very nice. An embodiment of the true meaning of Christmas!”

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Prince George’s County Community Day of Service Projects and Fair The Prince George’s County chapter observed MLK Day 2019 by hosting a chapter-wide community service fair that honored the legacy of service and humanitarianism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We invited community residents to join us as we provided service projects for attendees of all ages. To name just a few, we made no-sew scarves and snack packs for residents at a local senior home; we made personal care kits for underprivileged teens; we made pet chew toys for county animal shelters. Additionally, we provided CPR training for attendees and information on the March of Dimes, the national bone marrow registration, and Red Cross volunteer opportunities.

The day was capped with an inspiring speaker who reminded us of the value of our gifts and the blessing of having the ability to serve others. We all left strengthened by the notion that we each have a role to play!

Rochester Parents, teens and children in the Rochester, NY Chapter participated in a combined civic/community service activity in October 2018 to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and recognize the upcoming election. The children decorated inspirational cards and filled care bags to give African American women diagnosed with cancer living in challenging circumstances. Chapter mothers donated personal items requested by these women, patients at Anthony Jordan Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center. Zuleika Shepherd, a candidate running to be the first African American family court judge in the history of Monroe County, joined this activity. Our children had the opportunity to ask a variety of questions of the candidate while learning more about the legislative process. This activity illustrated for our youth the theme The Power to Make a Difference.

Rockland Orange On Saturday February 2, 2019 the Rockland Orange Chapter in collaboration with the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter held its 2nd Annual Hoodies and Silent March in honor of the victims lost to gun violence. The event was well planned and executed by our Legislative Chairs Taren Mitchell-Fleming and Nathalie Riobe-Taylor and the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter (MHVC) Legislative Chair Valerie and the Legislative Committees of both Chapters. Kudos to our Senior Teen President Juston, MHVC Senior Teen President Jayna and all of our Senior Teens for a job well done! We were so proud of all of our Senior Teens for their efforts in making this event such an amazing and impactful one! Our teens showed great leadership and advocacy on this important issue. We were honored to have in attendance local legislative officials who spoke about recent passage of bills in the New York State Legislature regarding gun safety measures.

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Southern Maryland The Admirals and Pearls (Teens) had an exciting weekend of team building and planning. The Teen Retreat marked the beginning of the program year. The Teens had a paint and play activity and rode on the Capital Ferris wheel at National Harbor, MD. Additionally, the Teens planned and organized a food drive. The Teens collected donations from the Chapter for their “Brain Food” drive. The Teens exceeded their goal of 200 snack packs and packed 240 snack packs for students in need during their weekend retreat. The snack packs were donated to the Angel’s Watch Homeless Shelter in Charles County, MD. The Teens had a wonderful weekend of service, bonding, fun and forging friendships.

FAR WEST Contra Costa County On Monday, January 21, 2019, over 40 mothers, fathers and children of the Contra Costa County Chapter participated in the City of Richmond’s Beautification and Watershed Project. We planted trees, native plants and removed weeds along the Carlson Meadow Richmond Greenway Trail. Mayor Tom Butt spoke with us the morning of the project and expressed the positive impact this annual endeavor has on the 3 mile hiking and biking trail as well as the nearby water stream. The network of rain gardens and bioswales on the Richmond Greenway address the issue of water pollution, restores the local ecosystem, and provides much needed green space. It was very fulfilling to pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in this way. National Day of Service draws thousands of volunteers to work together to improve and give back to the community. “It’s not a day off, it’s a day on!”

Fresno Swimming Saves Lives: In partnership with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Fresno Chapter and President Castro of Fresno State University; children ages 8-12 years old are disproportionately impacted by water safety challenges, which includes children of color from low-income households. The swim clinics involved 10 small children for two weeks at 30 minutes per session. Swimming sessions were held at the Fresno State Aquatics Center and instruction by Fresno State swimming coaching staff.

Within the chapter, we empowered our children with swimming abilities, informed communities of color about swimming safety, and encouraged potential swimmers of all ages to take lessons and enjoy the pleasure and health benefits of aquatic exercise.

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Inland Empire On December 2, 2018, children of the Inland Empire Chapter (Groups One through Four) donated toys to Spark of Love.

Spark of Love is an organization that partnered with the Riverside Fire Department to collect unwrapped toys. These toys were given to disadvantaged children during the hoilday season. This activity was a perfect opportunity to show our children that the greastest gift is the act of selflessness. This philanthropic and heartfelt gesture made a lastling impression on our children. As well, they also had the opportunity to tour the immaculate Riverside Fire House with a personal tour from the firewoman and firemen. During the visit the children were educated on the importance of fire safety, prevention and worst-case senarios during emergencies. Lastly, the children learned the importance of their civic obligation to their local comunity.

Oakland Bay Area October 6, 2018, the Oakland Bay Area Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. channeled the “The Power to Make a Difference: We Can Do More!” theme in its 3rd annual community service event “Food for the People”. It was held at One Stop Store in East Oakland, which is owned by our associate member, Chelsea Charles. The event was created in celebration of the Black Panther Party’s Breakfast Program mission to provide nourishing food to needy families. Groups 1 & 2 collected can goods to create grocery bags for the community. Groups 3 and 4 served the hot breakfast and interacted with the needy families. The Oakland Police Department escorted Group 5 teens to encampments inviting them to have breakfast and receive groceries. In addition, Jack and Jill families visiting from North Texas gifted many canned goods. This highlighted the spirit to build a stronger community in Oakland!

Orange County In keeping with our National Theme “The Power to Make a Difference, We Can Do More”, the Orange County chapter participated in several activities on the Martin Luther King Day of Service to ensure we equip our children to serve one another and our communities. Our youngest members gathered to participate in a letter writing campaign that acknowledged the service commitment that our military has provided to the country. The Civic and Educational activity engaged the children through writing two letters each to deployed troops, sent via Operation Gratitude, allowing them to illustrate how they were thankful for the troops’ service. The children learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. and that we celebrate MLK day as a day to reflect on the principles of equality for all and helping others, just as the military members help protect us while away from their families.

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Pasadena To honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 21, 2019 the Pasadena Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted a Food Drive and Hunger Walk. The chapter wide event focused on the National Programming Thrust Civic/Community Service, and Health. The chapter participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring and collected food donations for Union Station Homeless Shelter. The Community Service Committee attended programming events to educate families about hunger and encourage them to get involved by donating food. Families had the opportunity to donate at all programming events. Over $500 in food was donated. The food drive culminated in the Hunger Walk were families walked or ran laps at a local park. At the walk, the chapter discussed hunger, how it affects African-American families, and in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. what each of us can do to help end hunger.

Phoenix Phoenix went ALL OUT to bring The Power of Voting to our 1st3rd Honor Roll grade group. The children learned about voting rights during our CIVIC Thrust month and participated in activities through interactive exploration. There we four components to this event. Component one provided education about voting with videos from SoulPancake’s Kid President. Component two involved learning about our Cookie Candidates. The children got into groups and created campaign posters for their Candidate then explained why theirs was the best delicious option using their public speaking skills. Component three was about registering to vote. Some children served as registration volunteers while others filled out “forms” to officially register. In the last component, the children got in line, had their registration forms checked, went into a private “voting booth”, cast their ballot and received their official “I voted” sticker. The children got to see and understand the entire process end-to-end.

Portland Willamette Valley For Carole Robertson Day, the Pearls, the Portland Willamette Valley Chapter’s youngest grade group, and a few older siblings met at Kennedy Community Garden in Beaverton, Oregon where kids and adults learned about Carole Robertson’s commitment to service and volunteered for a good cause. The lead farmer, Bruce, introduced the group to the garden and then put everyone to work raking, weeding and harvesting in an effort to grow organic vegetables for families in need. Children had an opportunity to learn about volunteering, harvesting vegetables and picking flowers. All the food grown and harvested by the children was donated to Tualatin Valley Gleaners and St. Matthews Food Pantry, organizations that help provide low-income individuals access to healthy food.

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Sacramento In October 2018, Group 2 in the Sacramento Chapter of Jack and Jill of America embarked on a journey of restorative and transformative justice. Largely known as an alternative punishment, the purpose of this civic activity was to introduce Jack and Jill children to restorative justice circle processes as a paradigm shift (as opposed to a program) to focus on relationships, consensus building and engaging stakeholders. Group 2 hosted this play group at the Transformative Justice in Education (TJE) Center in the School of Education at the University of California, Davis where Sistermom Dr. Maisha T. Winn is the Chancellor’s Leadership Professor and the co-director of the center with her husband Dr. Torry Winn. Group 2 children and mothers defined and redefined justice and generated ideas for creating equity in schools and communities.

San Diego On November 10th, the children of Group 3 took an international trip to Tijuana to provide humanitarian aid to displaced Haitian asylum seekers in Tijuana, Mexico. The event was organized by Group 3 Chair Leslie Lake-Cyprian and mother member Mirta Innis-Thomas, who is Haitian, accompanied the group to help translate. The moms and children traveled by van and brought clothing, toiletries and food that they’d collected in prep for the trip to Casa Del Migrante, a Tijuana shelter that has been providing aid to the Haitian migrants.

Crossing the border was a breeze but on the 7 hour trip back across the border, the moms and children had plenty of time to discuss the importance of helping others in need and going the extra mile (literally) for the greater good of society. Our children brought supplies and fun as our soccer stars took on the Haitian children in international futbol!

San Fernando Valley The San Fernando Valley Chapter transformed our national mandate of legislative advocacy into local action by partnering with the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools on their “I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Day Of Social Action.”

We partnered with the American Heart Association , NAMI, and GrowingGreat, to create a special day of programming for 500 youth. Children from different socioeconomic backgrounds — many who live in neighborhoods without adequate grocery stores, services, or safe parks — learned how THEY can make a healthy difference in their community. Our chapter children and teens volunteered to facilitate the interactive activities, healthy cooking demonstrations, sports clinics, community gardening, and mobile health clinics. The children voted in a mock election to understand the legislative process and its role in changing their communities. Our Chapter is committed to our mission of advocacy and action set forth by our national partnership with the CDF, founded by Jack and Jill honorary member, Marian Wright Edelman.

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San Francisco The San Francisco Chapter has joined forces to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Groups 1-V spent the day packing groceries for a diversity of families in need. This event has become one of our most popular outings together as a chapter.

Within three hours the children in Groups I-V packed 32000 pounds of food to feed those seeking need in churches, food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens throughout San Francisco and the Northern Bay Area. Afterwards, SF Chapter children enjoyed their snacks in a new way while reflecting in gratitude on living in one of the most expensive regions of the United States and learning what it means to serve those less fortunate. Our Chapter President, Beverly Yates is known for saying “team work makes the dream work.” Yes it does! And we know in our hearts we are truly blessed.

Seattle Jack and Jill Seattle Chapter’s group four, “Fearless Fours”, met on January 25th to learn about Union Gospel Mission and their Search and Rescue program and efforts. The group watched a video that desribed how the volunteers help Seattle area communities in need. The children donated t-shirts, socks and blankets to give to the Gospel Mission. The kids discussed and provided input on their views about homelessness and why they felt it was important to give. The children then, with love made blankets to donate to UGM Search and Rescue.

They also wrote and included heartfelt notes for the recipients.

This activity was a great opportunity for our tweens to learn through action and reflection to consider the needs of others with compassion and responsibilty to community.

Tacoma The Tacoma Chapter continues developing stronger relationships with community organizations, but more importantly we are giving back to those in need. We are meeting the needs of the homeless, poor and at risk individuals and families. During the months of October and November we held a Coat Drive for the people at the local mission. The Tacoma Rescue Mission serves those without stable housing, including families with children.

We registered the drive with WarmCoat.org and promptly received a kit to assist us with publicizing. We positioned drop off boxes at various locations we frequented and publicized on social media. We received coats from several schools, churches and organizations. Our children collected more than 150 coats over the course of 4 weeks. These young leaders and advocates for this community, have learned compassion, sharing, and the huge impact that’s made when our community comes together to others in need.

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Tri-Valley Tri-Valley Chapter’s Group III had the unique opportunity to observe court hearings and receive a tour at the Alameda County Superior Court of California in Dublin (CA), from presiding Judge Gail Bereola.

Judge Bereola explained in great detail what she, her District Attorneys’ and Public Defenders’ responsibilities were during the scheduled hearings. In between hearings, each of her staff explained their roles.

The Bailiff gave a tour of the Jury Deliberating room. Once court was adjourned, the children were encouraged to ask questions as they sat in the jury box. Our children inquired about the courtroom equipment and its usage.

The tour concluded by joining Judge Bereola in her Chambers where she discussed her journey to becoming a judge and the obstacles she faced as an African-American woman. She ended our intimate meeting with words of inspiration to our children in which she stressed the importance of pursuing higher education.

MID-ATLANTIC Charleston The Juniors group gathered on November 10, 2018 for an early morning lesson on saving money while grocery shopping. The children worked in small groups to plan a two-day menu and grocery list for a fictitious family of four. With a shopping cart, stack of coupons, and list in hand, each group embarked on a journey to find the best deals to stay within their budget of $18. For the purpose of this activity, the children placed only non-perishable food in their shopping carts.

They maintained a price log for all items on their grocery list.

Once they completed shopping, each group experienced the excitement of watching the cashier ring up their purchases to determine if their math calculations were correct and the budget goal was met. The children then presented all purchased items to the store manager for placement in the store’s Thanksgiving food donation bins.

Durham In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, the Durham chapter held two chapter-wide community service events. First, our children collected various household items to donate to Housing For New Hope Organization, a nonprofit aimed at ending homelessness in the city of Durham by empowering and assisting clients in finding and maintaining housing.

In addition on MLK Day, the Durham Chapter co-sponsored a public screening of Maynard, a documentary featuring the achievements of the first black Mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson Jr. A panel discussion followed the screening and featured executive producers, Maynard Jackson III, Wendy Eley Jackson and Kristin Bell, daughter of Bill Bell, former Mayor of Durham. The screening also provided an opportunity to learn about John Wesley Dobbs, a civil rights leader in Atlanta and friends of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 65

Fayetteville Under the leadership of Mother Brenda Owens, the Fayetteville Chapter hosted Harvest Day on November 10, 2018. The event, hosted at St. Luke AME Church, was our Community Service Activity and it was a tremendous success. Chapter mothers, associates, children from all of our grade groups, our Father’s Auxiliary, and prospective mothers and families joined in the spirit of service and helping others as we put Thanksgiving dinner boxes together and delivered them to Lillian Black Elementary School in Spring Lake, NC. Over 60 boxes of non-perishable items and 60 turkeys for the Thanksgiving Holiday were packed with donations received from local grocery stores as well as donations made by chapter families.

Florence The Power to Make a Difference…

On November 6, 2018, the Florence Chapter Jack and Jill sponsored and participated in a Day of Caring, at the Courtney McGinnis Graham Community Shelter, located in Florence, South Carolina. Our Jack and Jill moms, dads, children and teens along with our AWESOME Associates, cooked and served a taco dinner with desserts and drinks for the homeless and all those in need of a hot homemade meal!

The Courtney McGinnis Graham Community Shelter is a new emergency shelter designed to serve the temporary needs of our area’s homeless men, women, and children. As we are grateful for all that they do for our community, it is always our privilege to give back as we are blessed. The Florence Chapter Jack and Jill give our BEST in ALL acts of KINDNESS through LOVE for our neighbor…

BUT WE CAN DO MORE! Greater Fredericksburg The Greater Fredericksburg chapter honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a community service program. We provided donation items, a nutritious meal, fun activities (ex. face painting) and encouragement to residents of a local homeless shelter.

People know Dr. King as a civil rights advocate, but he also sought economic justice and the empowerment of poor and working-class people of all colors. Communities across the country, including our community, have responded to homelessness with a variety of housing and services programs, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing.

Beyond his dream of civil and voting rights lay a demand that every person have adequate food, education, housing, a decent job and income. Remembering King’s unfinished fight for economic justice aptly illustrates our national theme; The Power to Make a Difference, We can do more!

We will continue supporting this wonderful center.

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James River The James River Virginia (JRVA) Chapter participated in the MLK Souper Bowl Brunch where we hosted several refuge families now residing in Richmond, Virginia from various East African countries.

We simulated the fun and energy of a super bowl party by hosting a potluck of our favorite super bowl foods. Following our fellowship with our guests of honor, each grade group delivered to our guest both oral and visual presentations on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In turn, our guest shared their cultural traditions by singing and playing drums.

Another led us in a responsive song. All in attendance were overcome by this awesome and moving experience of sharing cultural histories and connecting in this powerful way.

Additionally, mothers purchased items (household items and gift cards) and assembled care packages to distribute to families of five identified federal workers impacted by the government shutdown.

Midlothian As our youth travel the road to adulthood and independence, they will be faced with many challenges. Developing smart, savvy and safe teens was the focus of an event sponsored by the Midlothian Chapter Pacesetters (grades 6-8). The young teens spent an afternoon with a local Chesterfield County, Virginia police detective and learned helpful tips on staying safe amid the current tensions that exist in our society. Detective Darryl Skinner engaged the teens in conversation on how to recognize unsafe situations and presented strategies on how to handle themselves. Detective Skinner demonstrated basic self-defense techniques and taught awareness skills to avoid common threats and maintain personal protection. The teens were also briefed on best practices and how to conduct themselves during encounters with law enforcement. This event was held at the Spring Creek Baptist Church in Chesterfield.

Raleigh-Wake The Raleigh-Wake chapter celebrated its MLK Day of Service by helping those in need locally and afar. Chapter families volunteered at a local Women’s Center, serving homeless women breakfast. They also gave “blessing bags” that were assembled and donated by Members, filled with essentials such as deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, bus passes and snacks. Raleigh-Wake also organized clothing closets and pantry areas.

Mothers assembled a “boutique” at the Center, treating the women to goodies like jewelry, scarves, and perfume which they selected. Raleigh-Wake teens created handmade dresses from pillowcases for the Pillowcase Project. The dresses, which go to girls in Kenya, were each named, giving them character and bringing them to life. Inspirational notes written by the teens accompanied the dresses. The founder and CEO of the Pillowcase Project, Michelle Campbell, flew from California to personally help the teens make the dresses and also invited the teens on a Kenyan trip.

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Richmond “Our Families Matter” On Sunday, October 21, 2018 the Richmond Chapter Senior Teens hosted a Watch Party for the critically acclaimed movie “The Hate U Give” based on the book by Angie Thomas. The Senior Jacks and Jills rented out a movie theater at a local Richmond Cinema. They hosted nearly 200 teens and their families from surrounding JJOA Chapters as well as members of the community. Each ticketholder received a hard copy of the book along with a discussion guide. Two Richmond City Police Officers conducted a question and answer session with the audience after the movie. The discussion was informative and enlightening and helped to dispel myths and fears regarding the police and their interaction with members of the African American Community.

Roanoke Valley The Roanoke Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill hosted the Great Roanoke City Debate on April 29, 2018. This informative and educational forum was designed to help youth gain a better understanding of local governance and engage them in the political process in a meaningful way. Candidates for Roanoke City Council explained their platforms and opinions to an audience of more than 100 people. Students from the Roanoke Branch NAACP and the Roanoke City Youth Services Board joined Jack and Jill youth to serve as debate moderators. They also developed the debate format and candidate questions. Attendees witnessed a lively debate about topics such as youth and young adult employment, gun violence and homelessness prior to casting their votes on Election Day. The Roanoke Valley Chapter is dedicated to creating opportunities like this that assist youth as they mature in their critical thinking and decision-making skills in today’s political climate.

Wilmington Wilmington Chapter Teens Serve After Hurricane Florence- After Hurricane Florence devasted our region, the entire chapter served our families, friends, churches and the larger community in some capacity. Our Jack and Jill teens banded together to support our local YWCA and spent the entire day unloading trucks with supplies from all around the country and passing them out to those most in need. Our region is still recovering in many ways from the effects of the hurricane and the Jack and Jill Wilmington Chapter will continue to band together to serve.

“We rise by lifting others”- R Ingersoll

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Winston-Salem On September 8, 2018, the Sr. Teens of Winston-Salem went out into the community to make a difference. The teens spent the morning at the Bethesda Center, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on 930 North Patterson Avenue. The Bethesda Center operates a day shelter and emergency night shelter for homeless men and women in the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County area. They also offer a customized case management program that helps qualified guests with a variety of needs, including finding permanent housing. The Teens handed out healthy snacks and nutritution information as well as fellowshipped with the guests. This program gave our teens an opportunity to see how individuals outside of their socioeconomic group, live and function on a daily basis and gain a better understanding of the challenges these individuals face while living on the street in some cases.

MID-WESTERN Akron The Pre-K - Kindergarten and 1st-2nd grade groups of the Akron Chapter came together to give back to the community during their January 2019 activity. Each child was responsible for one “No Sew� Blanket, the style of their choice, to cut and complete for use. During the activity, the mothers discussed with the children the importance of giving back to the less fortunate in the community and to appreciate how blessed they are.

While completing their Civic/Community Service National Programming Thrust, the children completed a total of 10 blankets that were later donated to the Akron Battered Womens Shelter.

Ann Arbor Our Senior Teens led a multi-month service activity to provide college care packages for students who are a part of Peace Neighborhood Center, a non-profit that provides programs for children, families and individuals who are affected by social and economic problems. Starting in December, the teens raised funds from friends and family through various fundraising efforts. In January, the teens worked with Peace to identify and fulfill an unmet need for first-year college students. The funds were used to purchase care packages that consisted of toiletries, snacks, and personal care products. With the help of all of the other grade groups, the Teens assembled the packages into gift boxes and prepared them for shipping directly to each student. Our Pre-K through 2nd graders also provided personal notes of love and encouragement in each package!

The group assembled and shipped a total of 27 gift boxes

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Central Kentucky The Middlers of the Central Kentucky Chapter commemorated 2019 MLK Day of Service by volunteering at the Lexington, KY Ronald McDonald House (RMH). The youth served by preparing a home-cooked meal for the residents. However, before the youth showcased their cooking skills, they first shopped for the ingredients on a set budget. The Middlers met at a local grocery store and shopped for everything as a team, while ensuring they stayed within budget. After the Middlers finished cooking they took a tour of the facility and learned about how the RMH supports the families that reside there. This activity allowed the Middlers to put their financial savviness to the test, give to families in need, learn about a nationally well-known non-profit organization and earn volunteer service hours. The Middlers left RMH knowing they had “The Power to Make a Difference” in their community and in the lives of others and will strive to do more because, “We Can Do More”.

Cincinnati The Cincinnati Chapter’s Preschool/Kindergarten Group created “Blessing Bags” to make a difference in the lives of needy community members. It was a response to the question “Mommy, what can we give to that man standing on the corner asking for help?”

Group leaders agreed that creating something tangible for our children to offer would instill compassion and service at a young age. Through a chapter-wide collection of travel-sized items, like shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant, our children arranged the assorted items during our annual Christmas brunch. This all-call not only provided needed items for the activity, but modeled the importance of engaging others as valuable resources. This activity was new this year and many moms and children want it to continue. Some families said the bags were accepted and appreciated by recipients. All involved were blessed – both givers and receivers. As families together, We Can Do More!

City of Lakes On November 4, 2018, the City of Lakes Chapter in partnership with the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, hosted a “Get Out the Vote” Power Collaborative at the Minnesota State Capitol. The Collaborative brought the Minnesota community together in solidarity right before the 2018 midterm elections. This event, spearheaded by Chapter Legislative Chair Josie Kuykindall, aligned with our Civic National Thrust for Legislative Advocacy and supported our goal of doing more to educate our community on the power of our vote. The Chapter-wide event included voter education information, speeches from appointed and elected officials, and presentations from businesses supporting local health and welfare initiatives benefiting our community. The Chapter also participated in filming a video created by Mother Meredith Moore Crosby on voter awareness which was shared on various social media outlets.

The video was also shared nationally by Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

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Cleveland The Cleveland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated hosted its 3rd Teen legislative “Summit in the ‘Land” at Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus on Saturday, October 20. Cleveland Chapter teens and pre-teens ages 1118 were joined by greater Cleveland teens and Jack and Jill members from the Akron, Columbus, Youngstown and Erie Shores Provisional chapters to learn how to use the power of their voices to make a difference. The Cleveland teens took on leadership roles throughout the day by welcoming attendees, making formal speaker introductions, presenting gifts of appreciation and actively engaging in discussion with speakers and workshop facilitators.

The day concluded with teens using their power to make a difference by drafting, signing and sending a letter to both Ohio Senators urging them to support legislation that could reduce gun violence and will hold police officers accountable for their harmful actions against African American citizens.

Columbus, OH In tribute and response to Dr. King’s quote, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” The Columbus, OH Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated spent MLK Day 2019 partnering with Meals on Wheels and served the community. Chapter Service Chair, Shae Burden, organized the activity that allowed all age groups to collectively participate. From our pre-k children to the senior teen group, mother members, father’s auxiliary, and guests engaged in a day of service providing meals to the elderly, and convalescing. Almost eighty volunteers participated, and over two-hundred meals delivered. The chapter was featured on the evening news of a local station (NBC4), highlighting Jack & Jill’s service in the Columbus, Ohio community.

Derby City On October 28, 2018, the Derby City Chapter’s tweens and teens hosted a “Movie, Dinner and Discussion Night,” which included a viewing of the movie, “The Hate You Give,” dinner at Ponderosa and a discussion with two police officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department. The discussion was focused on systemic racism towards African American communities by law enforcement, with special emphasis on: police shootings, police brutality, racial profiling and racial inequality in the U.S. criminal justice system. After a transparent conversation, the officers ended the evening by offering tips on how to interact with the police, to ensure safety between officers and citizens.

Finally, the financial module, “Leadership: Taking Charge of Your Life,” was presented to compare and contrast the characteristics of leadership displayed in the movie by the main character, Starr Carter.

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Detroit Detroit Chapter’s Group 3 children supported “Operation Christmas Child”, a program that ships shoeboxes filled with gifts to children around the world who are economically disadvantaged. Prior to our activity, children held individual bottle/can drives to collect deposits and raise at least $10. They used those funds to purchase a “wow” gift to donate. During the activity, the children completed a financial literacy module, “Give and Take: The Benefits of Philanthropy”, and packed the gifts they bought and other donations. Next, they wrote letters introducing themselves and sharing why they chose their gifts.

The activity culminated with them connecting with a family in Honduras, a possible destination country, via FACETIME. Each child was able to ask questions and respond directly to their new friend. They found that they had much in common, including their love for soccer and pizza. Our Jacks and Jills were thrilled to learn how connected we all are!

Greater Grand Rapids On October 13, 2018, the youngest Jacks and Jills of the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter hosted a civic and legislative Group One activity “Rock the Vote”. Local African-American City Commissioner met the children at City Hall and read the book Grace For President. In the story, Grace is an African-American girl who decides to run for President in her school’s mock election. During the reading, Commissioner Joe Jones, made comparison to his role as an elected official. After the reading the children split into smaller groups and worked with moms to campaign for their favorite animal. Children returned to the larger group and campaigned to convince their friends why they should vote for their animal. Children filled out a ballot and cast their vote. This gave our children an introduction to the American electoral system and left with an understanding of the election process and what it means to campaign.

Greater Lansing The Greater Lansing Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has provided service to the community for over 30 years. In Michigan 1 in 7 people and 1 in 6 children struggles with food insecurity. In January, during a combined group activity for grade groups 3, 4, and 5, our children volunteered at the Greater Lansing Food Bank, which serves individuals and families throughout mid-Michigan. The children learned about the extent of food insecurity in the community and steps the Food Bank takes to acquire and distribute food. The children paced 3800 pounds of food for distribution; this is equivalent to 4200 meals. The children discussed how they could continue to make an impact on food insecurity in the community. This activity gave the children an opportunity to enthusiastically help their neighbors.

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Greater Northeast Indiana On Saturday, September 29, 2018 our Greater Northeast Indiana Teens had the opportunity to engage in volunteering with The Fort Wayne African American Service Collaborative “Voter Engagement Initiative Candidates Forum” at the McMillen Park Community Center located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Candidates on the 2018 ballot from the federal, state, and local offices of all parties had panel discussion on their platform on issues. This event permitted the community to ask the candidates questions, register to vote, and gather pertinent information for voting.

Our teens assisted with event registration, greeting and seating guest, voter registration, and handing out informative pamphlets. The teens were also able to critically listen and communicate with the candidates as they discussed issues important to them. Most importantly, our teens were able to explore a voting ballot and the political process, understand that every “vote” counts, and to always educate themselves before casting your vote.

Louisville The Louisville Chapter, hosted a Civic/Legislative activity, educating our children on the voting process. The Humpty Dumpties (Pre-school - Kindergarten), Pixies (1st - 3rd grades), and Lads and Lassies (4th - 5th grades), are the age groups that participated in this learning adventure. Voting and the knowledge that we vote because, “Our Family Matters!” was emphasized. The children were able to put their newly acquired voting knowledge and skills to use romping and trick-or-treating through the Louisville Zoo. The activity consisted of utilizing the primary colors of the three main political parties of the election process, including Republican (red), Democrat (blue) and Liberal (yellow). The children went throught the process to cast a vote via secret ballot on their choice of snack. They also put their newly acquired voting knowledge and skills to use by collectively voting on which direction to go next during their expedition through the zoo.

Motor City Helping children dream again incentivized the Motor City Chapter to partner with the Children’s Center of Detroit. This chapter wide civic/community service event was a hands-on activity focused on mental wellness and philanthropy. The chapter collaborated to enhance three center services that target children who struggle with behavioral, emotional and academic challenges. A beautification effort to clean debris from the site enhanced the center’s appearance. The children’s closet was organized to ensure that everyday essentials of clothing items were attractively displayed. Finally, the chapter ambitiously embarked to make 50 no-sew fleece blankets that provide hope and security to children who are learning to trust again despite their challenges. “Seeds of Hope” art kits were designed for new families to bring them comfort and create a bright, stress free future. Families wrote local representatives advocating to fund centers that focus on improving the lives of children suffering from learning disabilities.

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North Shore Grade groups 1-3 showcased oratorical skills before hundreds of attendees at the Martin Luther King Day of Service at Highland Park Recreation Center. The children presented alongside speakers including the Mayor of Highland Park and the Ilinois Secretary of State. After acquainting attendees on Jack and Jill’s mission, they told their stories of how they’re living MLK Jr.’s dream by offering the community love, empathy and harmony. The children used videos and research on MLK Jr.’s life to prepare their individual short speeches. Their insightful stories spanned societal concerns of mental-wellness, social inclusion, and trials. Their performance culminated with the audience joining the children in singing, Sing About Martin. The children watched the Jessie White Tumblers’ acrobatic feats and met with the tumblers. This experience educated them on the importance of flexibility, agility, and fun. The children also participated in service projects for shelters, pantries, patients, veterans/soldiers, and the underserved.

South Suburban Chicago MLK Day of Service...”A day on, not a day off”. South Suburban Chicago Chapter partnered with the Village of Flossmoor to host and promote a community-wide day of service. Our children led a food drive benefiting Respond Now, a local food pantry serving 22 South Suburban Chicago communities. The event was promoted via Flossmoor’s website, Flossmoor Library, School District 161, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, as well as local publications. As a result, 200 community members joined us to honor Dr. King and provide food donations. Over 150 bags were stuffed with donated food. During a short program the community learned about Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Dr. King’s life. We also led an exercise illustrating that those who are more advantaged in society have a responsibility to lift others.

Toledo With “The Power to Make A Difference” the children of the Toledo Chapter went “All In” for the 2019 Souper Bowl of Caring donating over 600 food items to the University of Toledo’s Food Pantry. UT’s Food Pantry provides temporary food aid to help battle hunger and food insecurities to UT students. In keeping with the theme “We Can Do More” our children reached out to their individual school administrators, created posters, and made school announcements, urging their classmates across three school districts (Ottawa Hills, Sylvania, and Maumee) to donate food and toiletries to students unable to afford meals on their own or in need due to circumstances beyond their control such as temporary housing displacement created by fire or water damage. Through this initiative our children scored big support for our UT community and we are very proud of their efforts in making tremendous impacts to enhance student success.

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West Suburban Chicago Inspired by the courageous families in our chapter that have faced the battle of cancer. The WSCC chapter-wide community service event with Phil’s Friends, a Christian nonprofit organization founded by two-time cancer survivor Phil Zielke, resulted in over 250 items donated and 175 Cancer patients care packages! Knowing how other Jack and Jack families are equally touched with the battle, three care packages were specially packed and mailed to Jack and Jill families as requested. Phil’s Friends is committed to bringing support and hope to those affected by cancer in the United States through care packages, cards of hope mailed monthly, and prayer.

Windy City On Saturday, February 9, 2019, the Windy City Chapter Grade Group 3 participated in the “2019 Children’s Mock Chicago City Council”. The meeting took place in the City of Chicago’s Council Chambers where the Mayor and Aldermen conduct the city’s legislative activity. The children were able to meet leaders from the City Council, as well as the Chicago Police and Fire Departments to discuss opportunities to have a positive impact on public safety in Chicago. This was an interactive meeting where the children’s thoughts and ideas were shared with our public safety leaders. The host children served as the Honorary Mayor and Honorary City Clerk, while the rest of the children acted as honorary aldermen from various city wards. The children learned about leadership and making changes in the community by discussing, debating, and voting upon issues of significance. The activity covered our Education, Legislative, and Civic Programming Thrusts.

Ypsilanti “We Can do More, it’s Who We Are” As the Ypsilanti Chapter of Jack and Jill we worked in support of our local Days for Girls Chapter. Days for Girls is a global movement that prepares and distributes sustainable menstrual health solutions to girls who would otherwise miss school during their monthly cycles. Many of these girls miss school and tend to fall behind academically. Girls go without meals because school is often a place where a few meals are provided to them daily.

As a chapter we donated materials for the menstrual kits. On MLK Day of Service, we partnered with Days for Girls and assisted with kit assembly producing a total of 106 complete kits which will be sent to Uganda. Over 66 Ypsilanti Chapter Mothers and children from all grade groups, including our teens, worked in collaboration on this great project that impacts girls internationally.

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SOUTH CENTRAL Arlington The Awesome Arlington chapter’s support of the Souper Bowl of Caring initiative culminated with our volunteer efforts at Mission Arlington on January 21, 2019. Mothers, children and even our Beautillion participants met early on a very chilly morning to help unload an 18 wheeler trailer full of donated food items and organized them for distribution to families in need. The Arlington chapter has volunteered at Mission Arlington on MLK Day for the past four years and our families look forward to serving. For the last two years, we have been awarded recognition for having the most children volunteer.

In the spirit of this year’s theme “The Power to Make a Difference: We Can Do More”, the chapter held a can food drive in November and December 2018 and donated over 500 cans/ food items to Mission Arlington. Children bonded and mothers demonstrated great camaraderie as they braved the cold while volunteering.

Baton Rouge Known as one of the most philanthropic organizations in the capital region, the Baton Rouge Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. is committed to serving the community, producing young leaders, and strengthening families. Our signature event, Breakfast with Santa, is a model of successful community partnerships. The Baton Rouge chapter has formed a collaborative partnership with the East Baton Rouge School System (EBRSS) to better serve every child in the community and surrounding areas.

This year’s Breakfast with Santa was an extraordinary event serving the children of Greenbriar Elementary, culminating in a bike raffle for the children. The students engaged in making holiday crafts, designer jewelry, doughnut decorating, face painting and an exclusive photo op with Santa!

The Baton Rouge Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. believes in the empowerment of women, children, and families and will continue serving as a catalyst for positive change in the Baton Rouge community.

Beaumont In October, the Beaumont Chapter Gems and Jewels (grade 4 and younger) realized the power of collective actions, specifically doing more to advocate for real change in local voter turnout. Our moms planned a Get Out the Vote video shoot encouraged by our national “When We All Vote” initiative for adults, and “Your Vote, Our Future” for youth. “Unite & Vote” T-shirts were designed, and a complimentary shirt was provided to each child. After school exactly one month before the midterm elections, the children gathered on the steps of the Beaumont Courthouse. Each child had a speaking role in the video, stressing the view that voting is not only our civic duty, but it is also how our voices are heard. The shoot was created in conjunction with our local news organization, such that the children’s video was made into a non-partisan commercial, played during weekday primetime television programming

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Clear Lake/Bay Area “Our Families Matter…Police, Safety, Mental Health and Community Activism” This chapter activity was open to the community and was hosted by the Father’s Auxiliary. We worked with HPD’s Positive Interaction Program, a MHP and a congressional candidate. Children were divided in groups with appropriate activities/discussions.

Our youngest met with police officers from the PIP, who discussed stranger danger, 911 and re-enacted those scenarios. 4th-5th graders, met with PIP officers and discussed school safety after the recent school shootings and learned about appropriate adults tospeak with, to report cyberbullying or online predators. 6th8th graders, had a MHP, who led a private session with them to discuss mental health issues. They discussed school shootings and living as an African- American pre-teen under the current administration. Our teens had an open panel where careers and letter writing campaigns to our elected officials was discussed with a focus on recent school shootings and safety.

DFW Mid-Cities Our amazing Mid-Cities Chapter held a civic event that was designed to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among the exciting activities, the youth participated in a workshop focusing on the importance and impact of community service and togetherness through nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, two successful and impressive guest speakers provided strategies and encouraged the teens to be innovative and release their innate power. Taylor Michelle Halsey is a student at MD Anderson Cancer Center pursuing her Ph.D., led her Robotics team to victory and was selected to meet President Obama. Autumn B. Williams who is a Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics graduate, founder of STEMgineers, the Executive Director of the African School for Excellence Foundation, and recently released a TEDx talk on nonprofits and activism. At the close of the day, each team presented four community service project opportunities for Chapter activity selection in 2019-2020 program year.

Far North Dallas What if you could be a Doctor for a Day? Well the PaceSetters (Grades 6 - 8) of the Far North Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., got to experience just that; being a “Doctor for a Day.” With our chapters motto being, “Committed to Excellence and Dedicated to Service,”, our children spent the afternoon led by Chapter Moms, Dr. Christy Walker and Dr. Shade Lester, experiencing life as a physician. Each child was given personalized scrubs that they wore while conducting the exercise of suturing a pigs foot. Additionally, they gained knowledge about the various medical specialities based on expertise. It is truly a pleasure seeing our children emerge as future leaders when they commit their minds to excellence, and believe they have ‘The Power to Make A Difference.’

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Greater Channel The Greater Channel Chapter children participated in civic activities which impacted our community. Our littlest Stars learned about the voting process through a mock voting simulation. Our Rising Stars appeared on a local television political show. The entire chapter supported the “When we All Vote” campaign led by Michelle Obama. Our Teen President, Norris Dillard, inspired the nation by creating the “Be Our Voice” initiative. The chapter hosted voter registration drives.

Our children honed the art of public speaking by presenting at these various activities while letting let their voices be heard as they created a video encouraging everyone to get out to vote in the November 2018 Elections. The Shining and Rising Stars witnessed the manifestation of their efforts by attending the Investiture of three of the 19 black female judges elected in Harris County, one of which was our own mother, Judge Germaine Tanner.

Greater Frisco Greater Frisco Chapter’s third through fifth graders hosted a Halloween themed birthday party to celebrate the birthdays of children living in Pebbles Apartments. Pebbles is part of the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance that houses mothers and children who are transitioning from homelessness. The hosting kids helped decorate and set up for the party and dressed in costumes to make it a festive event. GFR kids and their resident guests engaged in lots of fun party games and activities. Many of the guests had never had a birthday party of their own, making it an extra special treat. It was an excellent way to encourage empathy and compassion within our children as well as foster a lifelong commitment to serving others, especially those who are less fortunate than themselves. We’re certain that through this activity our Dukes and Duchesses realized their power to make a difference.

Houston This January Houston Chapter Teens and Children chose to “Do More” by investing in an often neglected part of our community, our Senior Citizens. Our teens took their talents and love for their community to a black-owned assisted living facility in the Houston area. While there, the teens interacted with the seniors by playing cards, singing Karaoke, bowling, and doing bingo.

During the same time period, but at a different location, our young children also interacted in the same manner with another group of senior citizens. Both the young children and the teens were able to bring joy and brighten the day of so many of the elderly they visited. For many of the residents who do not receive regular visitors, this was a highlight and a welcome break their regular routine. Our children were so encouraged by their

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Humble Kingwood The Humble-Kingwood High Hopes (grades 4-5) kicked off the Holiday season by being a blessing to the homeless community of Houston by putting together blessing bags. The children solicited donations of personal hygiene items and non perishable snacks prior to the activity to use in the bags. They were able to compile 178 blessing bags that were distributed by the children and their families throughout the Houston community.

The children learned the value of giving to those less fortunate and being of service to their local community. As a part of the activity, the High Hopes also talked about all of the things that they accomplished this year and their plans for the next year.

Katy-Prairie View In December of 2018, Katy-Prairie View’s entire chapter “Celebrated Families” within the chapter and in the community. This two weekend experience began with our Father’s Auxiliary hosting “Let Your Light Shine”. The fathers organized a tour of area holiday lights for our children and teens. While in route, they visited a local retailer, where they shopped for Christmas gifts for families needing assistance during the holidays. After the fun bus trip, the fathers reunited with the mothers and prospective families, for treats at our family “Coco Hour”. During this time, gifts that were purchased or donated were wrapped and tagged. These gifts benefited over 200 families that attended the Mamie George Community Center’s annual food drive in Richmond, Texas the following weekend. Our teens, along with teens from the Sugar Land and Missouri-City Sugar Land chapters distributed the donated gifts that included toys, blankets, socks, and gift cards.

Northeast Dallas One in every four children in the Dallas community go to bed hungry every night, and many children depend on schools to get their consistent breakfast and lunches. During the weekend, many families are going hungry. Millions of working families across our country are living in food-insecure households, and our chapter spent the day helping to change this.

The Northeast Dallas Chapter came together for our annual MLK Day of Community Service to help these food-insecure families with lunches during the weekend. Nearly 100 of our children, mothers and fathers came together to “Feed The City” through a community program, Tango Tab, that partners with local restaurants to host monthly activities to bring together volunteers to make lunches. Our families made sandwiches, chip and fruit packs to create sack lunches that were given to more than 500 individuals who don’t know where they are receiving their next meal.

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Red River On December 31, 2018, the Jack and Jill Red River Chapter volunteered at the Christian Service Center for Families.

The Christian Service’s mission is to serve those in need with food, clothing, and other resources in an atmosphere of dignity, love, and hope. Their daily goals are to feed the hungry, cloth the poor and offer hope to those who need help. Our chapter assisted the coordinators with unpacking, separating, and hanging clothes for their clothes closet. In addition, some of our Jacks and Jills helped prepare and serve a hearty meal. All mothers, children, and teens enjoyed spending time together while helping for a worthwhile cause. The poignant afternoon introduced Red River children to community service and this often-overlooked area of need!

South Belt Houston “WHEN WE ALL VOTE”, it gives us an opportunity to make our voices heard. In September and November, South Belt Houston Chapter hosted two chapter-wide Legislative events as a result of a call to action by our National Office! In September, South Belt Houston families joined together for a voter registration drive at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, TX where we were able to register and add new voters to the rolls! Later in November, the chapter hosted a candidate event for our Mother member running for County Judge. Our PreK – 8th graders, along with their Mothers, block walked, made campaign posters and stuffed campaign bags. Our very own Precinct Chair, Monica Rodriguez and other officials spoke with our Teens about their roles in the political process before they participated in phone banking.

These were great opporutinities for our children as they learned the importance of voting and getting involved!

SOUTHEASTERN Atlanta Empowerment (advocacy group for families of differently-abled children), Factory 404 (J&J chapter member design studio) and Variety (children’s charity funding equipment for special needs children) for our MLK service project. Factory 404 developed the blanket design, and our chapter made customized, weighted blankets for 10 children serviced by Telic Empowerment.

The day began with partnering organizations’ presentations to our children on the importance of acceptance and support for differently-abled children. The older children dispersed to stations to assemble the weighted blanket interiors. Our younger children decorated crates to store the blankets. The activity culminated with presentation of blankets at our Black History celebration, and Variety awarded a Telic child a mobility device designed specifically for her. This activity captured the hearts of everyone and increased the sensitivity of our children to those with special and different needs.

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Augusta The Augusta, Georgia chapter families raised money as well as laced up their shoes to join the second annual “Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5k Run/Walk.” The event raised money for the local comprehensive Sickle Cell program. The Augusta chapter furthered its community service with our Annual Breakfast with Santa event for the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta and by collecting winter socks for a local homeless shelter. According to research, socks are most often not donated during the coldest months of the year. Donations from the Augusta chapter helped more than 50 homeless children and adults. Also, the Augusta chapter extended a long arm of service by donating gift cards for Christmas to an organization in Houston, Texas. Chapter members provided gift cards that were mailed to Houston. Families affected by recent hurricanes received the donations and specially decorated cards by children in the Augusta chapter.

Brevard County On Monday, January 7th, 2019, The Brevard County Florida Chapter teens witnessed civics in action during a visit to Palm Bay City Hall. They met 26 year old, newly-elected Palm Bay Councilman Kenny Johnson, who was elected and sworn in during the 2018 midterm elections. The teens spent the morning talking with Johnson about his plans and his ongoing challenges. The government official also provided them with tips to becoming active in local government.

Councilman Johnson invited the local Police Chief and four Lieutenants to join in a dialogue with the Jacks and Jills. The students talked with the officers about the benefits of community policing, as well as “best practices” during traffic stops and other police interactions.

The City Hall visit was educational and interactive and turned out to be one of the teen’s favorite activities of the programming year!

Daytona Beach The Daytona Beach Area Chapter teens participated in a structured tour and other planned activities at the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Daytona Beach. It was a “teacher duty day” and the students had a day off. The teens watched numerous civil court proceedings and afterwads, they met with the presiding judge, Honorable Judge Fields , who answered their questions and offered words of wisdom about choices and consequences. They listened to one of the defendants tell his interesting story and the consequence of his choices. In addition, the teen group met with a few lawyers who talked discussed their career and the respective paths that led them to where they are today. This civic activity concluded with debriefing at a group lunch, vibrant conversations and laughs. It was a memorable day.

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East Suburban Atlanta In the midst of an important gubernatorial election, the East Suburban Atlanta Chapter Junior Teens and Teens partnered with Black Voters Matter and participated in a Get Out to Vote/ Voting Matters campagin. Our non-partisian journey began with an informational session and script rehearsal. Once the youth were armed with information, they boarded the bus and spent the afternoon educating the community on the importance of voting. This campagin included waving signs, distributing flyers and cavanssing a neighboorhood encouraging residents to get out and vote in the November election. Our youth were so excited to be apart of this process, they created a video that we shared via social media which allowed us to spread our message to a larger audience.

Fayette County Area We are marching in Joshua’s Army! On October 6, 2018, the Fayette County Area Chapter Tots, Tween One, and Tween Two groups supported the We Are One Initiative by participating in the 21st annual Buddy Walk of Atlanta. This annual fundraising walk provides funding, education, and legislative support for the inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome.

This walk began with the children participating in face painting, listening to music, making animation photo books and eating healthy snacks. Then, they learned about Down Syndrome and the importance of being responsible citizens who are kind and compassionate towards all individuals in the special needs community. The children also received an education on the IDEA law and learned about how Congress passes laws to ensure the equality of all students in the classroom. As a culminating activity, the children walked a mile and cast their vote on their favorite school activity and snack.

Greater Metropolitan Atlanta GMAC & The Giving Tree: The Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter (GMAC) did more in our local African-American community by providing support for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta - Hughes Spalding Hospital (CHOA-HS). GMAC embraced the National Theme “The Power to Make a Difference…We Can Do More” by supporting the Fifth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. CHOA-HS is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia and provides medical care to predominantly African-American children and families. Our children and teens donated toys on the Giving Tree list for the CHOA-HS Christmas tree and made distraction bags for patients who receive care in the emergency department or waiting for clinic appointments. Our teen group provided gifts for the Annual Angel Tree for children who receive care at CHOA-HS. Our GMAC families look forward to this event that supports our community partner in their mission “to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow”.

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Lake Spivey In celebration of Black History Month, the Lake Spivey GA Chapter’s youngest grade groups, the Little Leaders (I) and Dos Amigos (II), hosted state legislators for the civic program, “Snacks with Our Legislators”. The children demonstrated public speaking skills by welcoming and introducing State Representatives Sandra Scott, Rhonda Burnough and Al Williams.

Representative Scott discussed how children can play a role in the election process. Representative Burnough shared how she spends her day at the Capitol. The children participated in the voting process by voting for their favorite cheeseburgers or chicken tenders. The host mothers led a lively discussion with the children and legislators about differences in everyday living as a child in present day versus in the 1960s. During the program activity, many of the younger Jacks and Jills expressed their curiosity about some of their friends attending “brown schools and/or white” schools. The conversation included a discussion of the law that ended segregation, “Brown vs. Board of Education”. It was a very intellectually energetic activity inspiring and educating all.

Memphis The Memphis Chapter held multiple events to encourage all communities, to: get involved, share their voices, and get out and vote.

On September 30th and October 7th Memphis Chapter families hosted Voter Registration Drives at their local churches.

On October 5, 2018, the Memphis Chapter co-sponsored the “I am a Voter-Power of the Vote Summit” in conjunction with Shelby County Schools, Shelby County Election Commission, and I AM A VOTER Strategic Collaborative. Students heard about the value of participating in the democratic process, provided the opportunity to register to vote with on-site deputy registrars; and also trained and practiced on how to vote on actual voting machines.

On November 6, 2018, Jack & Jill – Memphis Chapter in partnership with the NAACP and National Civil Rights Museum collaborated on a Family Election Night Watch Party. Each age group hosted activities while the moms, pops and teens watched the election results.

Nashville The Nashville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. commemorated the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving the Nashville community. Sister Moms, Dads, children and teens assembled and distributed bags of food to 50 families at Bethlehem Centers of Nashville; cleaned the area near Fisk University and MLK Magnet High School that we adopted through the Metro Nashville Adopt a Street Program; and finished the day at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN, where we worked to help pack 8,808 lbs. of food that will be distributed to 7,340 families in Middle Tennessee. In addition to beautifying an area of cultural significance to Nashville and the African American community, our efforts fulfilled the goal to tackle hunger and food insecurity which is prevalent among 1 in 8 families, and to participate in Jack and Jill’s National

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Orlando History was being made in the state of Florida in 2018 and Orlando Jack and Jill was ready! Each of our age groups participated in engaging activities for our Civic/Legislative Advocacy thrust. Our Jacks and Jills learned about the voting process, created legislation, negotiated amendments and had extensive Q&A sessions with State Representatives and their aides. We learned that our Jacks and Jills are passionate about creating laws to positively impact the environment, homeless, schools, youth, and equality. Our Sr. Teens hosted State Representative Kamia Brown and she shared how bills become laws. Our teens debated and defended their positions on various topics and learned the art of compromise when it comes to legislation.

Pensacola The Pensacola chapter’s Tiny Tots and Button and Bows hosted a community event in downtown Pensacola, FL to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The children invited their friends to learn about Dr. King’s legacy as they listened to stories and sang songs while marching around the MLK Statue. Lead by representatives of the African American Heritage Museum, the children enjoyed cookies, donuts and juice as Stevie Wonder’s rendition of “Happy Birthday” played in the background. To round out the morning, the entire chapter met to prepare toiletry bags for the youth residents of The Meridian Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program of Lakeview Center Baptist Hospital. More than 30 bags were filled with shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste and other hygiene products purchased by Jack and Jill families. The Meridian was so grateful to have these items so the children at the facility would know that someone cares about them.

South Miami “Voices of Our Veterans” weekend began with 50 backpack donations filled with toiletries and a gift card to the Veterans Affairs Hospital for homeless veterans. Our SoMi children purchased the gift cards from their allowance. Next, SoMi cohosted a brunch with Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we honored all military veterans. The veterans shared historical accounts of their military experience with our Jacks, Jills and youth. Each veteran received a “thank you” military token.

Many of our honored veterans served in the Korean War, World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They served throughout all branches of the military including top secret and key roles.

We salute and honor all military veterans for their courage and willingness to serve; we are grateful for the sacrifices they endured for our greater good. Finally, we worshipped with the veterans at Sweet Home.

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Tallahassee The Tallahassee Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated continues to provide service to all children within the Big Bend Area. Immediately following Hurricane Michael, the Tallahassee Chapter made a financial donation to the Hope Harvest Food Pantry of Gadsden County and to the United Way of Big Bend to support our neighboring counties.

The Tallahassee Chapter made a commitment to work alongside the Hope Harvest Food Pantry; the chapter adopted a family of seven in Gadsden County (dad, mom, and five children) who lost all of their earthly possessions during Hurricane Michael. Moms and associates purchased clothing and household items for the family. The chapter also purchased bedroom, dining room and living room furniture. The Suncoast Chapter also joined the efforts and provided a monetary love offering to the adopted family. The family received all gifts and furnishings in time for Christmas.

Treasure Coast The Treasure Coast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is committed to giving back; we have “The Power to Make a Difference: We Can Do More!” Our first community service activity: Sandy Paws-n-Claws Annual Event. We assisted with setting up vendors and managing stations; the stations were distributing treats to pets and managing the play area for children. Over 500 participants were involved. The service continued…. We organized a beach clean up and provided services to the elderly. “Nails and Tales” allowed all ages to serve nursing home residents. The younger children read stories, the pre-teens girls painted nails, and the teens provided transit wheel chair services. And the service continued, we participated in events such as the Alzheimer’s Walk and the ‘Soup’er Bowl Food Drive. The collections were donated to the Mustard Seed Organization. It is truly inspiring to see the children “do more” for others.

Tuscaloosa “Closing the Food Gap“ With 1:6 people not having adequate food in their homes, it is important that we teach our children how to help their community members who are in need. On January 19th, 2019, the Tuscaloosa Chapter’s Buttons and Bows and Jetsetters gathered at a local church to learn more about what it means to have inadequate food.

First, they met local community food bank organizers. Then, the children gathered at a table for lunch. Some children had hearty snacks including sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and juice and some children were briefly only given crackers and water.

The moderator then discussed food disparities and how people who live in our communities sometimes don’t have enough food. After a very engaging conversation, the children put their new knowledge to work and prepared more than 100 bags of groceries for families in need.

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Tuskegee As an annual tradition of Tuskegee’s Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., members gather every November to present food boxes to elderly members of the community as well as partner with a local church to provide Samaritan Purse boxes for the upcoming Christmas season. All members of the chapter, including Associates, donate items including, food, toys, games, clothing and countless of other needed donations. Our young children carefully select items to place in the Samaritan boxes for children in their age group. Chapter members come together to pack the boxes and we use this activity as a learning opportunity to teach our kids about the necessity of giving to those who are less fortunate. This activity serves a way for families to share stories and teach life lessons as well as civic duty to our children.

Williamson County Area The Williamson County Area Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated hosted the "Stroll to the Polls" October 27, 2018. "Stroll to the Polls" is an early vote initiative in which the WCAC Family and our local charity recipients met for a continental-style breakfast at a local park in Williamson County followed by walking to the Brentwood library to vote together.

This activity impacted our children through education, culture, and civic responsibility. The children learned about the process of voting by watching their parents. They also learned how the Civil Rights Movement was the catalyst to gain equality for all Americans to vote. Walking to the polls emphasized the importance of exercising for healthy living and allowed the children more bonding time. We encourage all chapters to incorporate this initiative in their programming.

It is an unprecedented way to equip our children with the power to make a difference!

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Cultural 87

CENTRAL Kansas City, KS

To kick off our 2018-19 programming year, our families participated in an event celebrating the historical practice of quilting. Quilts were used to communicate codes and important messages during the time of slavery. Our ancestors quilted safe routes, maps, danger warnings, shelter and more through intricately designed patterns and fabrics. A local organization in Kansas City hosted a sewing class for our families. The instructors introduced 1-2 block quilt patterns for us to try.

Children of all ages were welcomed. We learned the history behind some of the designs on the quilts that our ancestors used to seek freedom. Our children were able to ask thoughtful questions and have insightful discussions about our history.

They had an amazing time learning how to sew these remarkable designs! Not only did this experience help deepen our cultural pride, it also inspired many children and families to continue the practice of quilting and sewing.

South Suburban Denver The chapter wide activity during Black History month was centered around bringing Black History to life and was called “The Wakanda Museum of History: Where History Comes Alive”.

We used the beautiful themes of Black exceptionalism conveyed in the movie Black Panther to explore some of the great achievements in Black History. Everybody dressed up in support of our African/Wakanda inspired theme. Each age group was assigned a theme and was given freedom to interpret what it meant to them. The themes were as follows: PreK through 3rd grade - Blacks in Royalty; 4th and 5th grade - Black Warriors; Jr Teens - Blacks in Medicine; and Teens - Blacks in Science and Technology. Each age group had ten minutes to perform/present their theme to the audience. Our chapter wide activities are always full of energy, fun, and learning and was a great day to celebrate our history and our future together!

EASTERN Bronx

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! This year, aligning with our theme “The Power to Make A Difference: We Can Do More”, we invited our children to lead the promotion of public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting Black History Makers from the Bronx. We visited and toured BronxNET Television Studio located on the campus of Mercy College and provided our youth with the real life experience of television production and on-camera live filming. During our visit, our youth learned about the various features of the technology equipment used to air a television show and used oratorical skills (some gained through our Gavel Club) by reading their lines from a television teleprompter and learning about placement and posture to create an effective television production.

We developed about a dozen PSAs of various Bronx History Makers in politics, entertainment, sports, and highlighted key landmarks in the Bronx. The PSAs were aired on BronxNet Public Service channel during Black History Month and shared during our annual Black History Month celebration for the com-

munity. Our Black History Month and STEAM celebration focused on science, performing arts and mathematics. In summary, the development of the PSAs was a teachable moment for Jack and Jill Bronx families together with our community understand the history of The Bronx and key influential people who made a difference not only in our community but around the globe. willingness to serve; we are grateful for the sacrifices they endured for our greater good. Finally, we worshipped with the veterans at Sweet Home.

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Bucks County A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots – Marcus Garvey…

On February 2, 2019, The Bucks County Chapter of Jack and Jill continued its tradition of the Roots Dinner experience. Our teen group (Zulus) demonstrated their oratorical and leadership skills by taking the participants on a journey of cultural awareness by presenting something precious to them about their family’s past, origin or culture – their roots. Each participant was presented with a heritage shield which was followed by a presentation and an opportunity to take questions. We learned about relatives in the Negro Baseball league and Civil Air Patrol. We learned of ancestry from DNA test to publications that could trace the family history back to slavery. The Teens were empowered to Make a Difference as they shared the richness of cultural heritage while sharing a traditional Soul Food Dinner.

Burke-Fairfax Black History is OUR History The Burke-Fairfax Chapter celebrated African-American heritage month with its signature program, the Black History Forum (BHF). Student teams from Fairfax High School, Justice High School, and the Reston Chapter (Jack and Jill) prepped for months to compete in a Black history trivia competition.

Dr. Robert Simmons moderated four rounds of challenging questions that required knowledge of Black history and current trivia concerning notable African-Americans. The BHF is our way to connect with the local community and share Jack and Jill programming.

Guests were treated to inspiring words from NY Time’s best-selling author, Kwame Alexander. Additional VIP guest included the mighty Eastern Region’s own RD Mondi Kumbula-Fraser.

Every age group in the chapter had an important role in this creative educational event.

The event displayed our chapter’s focus on leadership development through quality programming. All in attendance were rewarded by a remarkable engaging experience.

Central New Jersey “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” over 30 of Central New Jersey Jack and Jill children, grades 2 through 7, created an Interactive Living History Museum of Black historical figures from scientists, poets and entrepreneurs including Ruby Bridges and George Washington Carver, to name a few. The children exuded pride and as they educated the attendees about the different Black historical figures. Plus, Michael Rose, a CNJ Dad and a local entrepreneur and Kayla Hebbon, a teen author presented to our children. With the positive role models, our children created vision boards about their dreams.

Our Teens, and parents had an opportunity to listen to a panel discussion of entrepreneurs and collegiate professors with varying backgrounds from Engineering to English. The panel gave the attendees insight on being their authentic self in predominantly white institutions, the benefits of affinity groups and the perspective about the HBCU experience.

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Greater Baltimore County Paint, Punch, & Pride Our Grade Group 2 children experienced “Paint, Punch, & Pride”, using the Eastern Region Racial Identity Toolkit’s recommended literature, Wind Flyers. The book was read as the gateway into a group discussion on the historical experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen. Each child received a copy and all of the children signed one to donate to the Chapter’s upcoming Jack and Jill Reading Corner at the Night of Peace Shelter. There was also a literature station for children to explore additional books on the Tuskegee Airmen! The children painted the illustration on the book cover and visited a listening center to watch an interview of a Tuskegee Airman Veteran and a clip of a restored P-51 Mustang (used in WWII) being flown at an air show for historic planes.

Greater Suburban Maryland The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Teens (gr. 9-12) age group attended and participated in Youth Open Mic Night at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC. Youth Open Mic Night is a youth-focused and youth-led monthly series that highlights poets, singers, musicians and actors in middle school and high school. This space is perfect for young people as the atmosphere is supportive, progressive, artistic and safe. Our Teens were encouraged to explore their artistic sides and move from spectator to participant in this cultural event. As a result, our teens were treated to watching some of their Jack and Jill peers sing, play the guitar, rap and perform spoken word. This cultural activity challenged our young people to get out of their comfort zone, share their talents and support other young artists.

Loudoun County The Loudoun County VA Chapter presented our Annual Black History Month Program “A Journey through Black History” on February 24, 2019. Our exceptional Chapter mothers, multi-talented children and Fathers Auxiliary celebrated the accomplishments of African Americans and key moments in our history through oratorical, instrumental, dance and step performances. Our groups A and B children honored notable gospel and mainstream musical artists from the 1930’s to the present. Our groups C and D children honored significant popular culture and sports figures. Our Teens honored notable civil rights activists and politicians throughout our history. Our Fathers Auxiliary presented the significance of voting rights and the impact of organizations such as the Prince Hall Masons and the “Divine 9”. Members and guests brought non-perishable food items for donation to Loudoun Hunger Relief. Our generous donations assisted them in meeting the needs of families in our local community.

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Metropolitan POSING MODERNITY: THE BLACK MODEL Group 4 visited the Wallach Art Gallery in Harlem for the exhibit “Posing Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Today.” This exhibition, curated by African American research scholar, Denise Murrell, Ph.D, explores the changing representation of the black woman throughout the evolution of modern art. This exhibit also illutrates how race influenced politics and style in Paris. The artists featured in the exhibition depicted black subjects in a manner counter to typical representations of the period. Group 4 had the first educational tour of the exhibit and participate in a question and answer discussion with the museum education docent. Afterwards, the children engaged asked questions and shared their impressions of the exhibit at a moderated luncheon. This activity addressed the EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, SOCIAL/ RECREATIONAL THRUSTS. Mid-Hudson Valley Kwanzaa Ujamaa Festival On Saturday, December 29th, the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter partnered with the City of Peekskill Youth Bureau to host our very first Kwanzaa Festival! The community experienced a free afternoon of fun, delicious complimentary food, Kwanzaa crafts, music, entertainment and lots of shopping. Together we celebrated Kwanzaa as we particularly focused on the Fourth Principle, Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics. African American vendors sold their products and services to our 200plus attendees, which included Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey and other dignitaries. MHVC and Youth Bureau teens led our Kwanzaa Ceremony. Drummers accompanied our youth as they walked the runway in an African-inspired fashion show.

Dancers paid tribute to African culture and the diaspora.

MHVC showered attendees with books as gifts to take home.

We celebrated our cultural heritage while simultaneously giving the gifts of service and support to our community. It was certainly an exciting and fun day for all!

Nation’s Capital Harambee is a call in Swahili that means “Let’s Pull Together” and that is exactly what the Nation’s Capital chapter did during Kwanzaa 2018. We gathered together to learn from our teens as they taught us about the seven principles and symbols of Kwanzaa and why these ideas are as important today as they were when the holiday was created. Through an interactive discussion and trivia game, the younger children were able to personalize the information by sharing how they could magnify purpose in all of their interactions. We sang, drummed, and danced with an intergenerational sisterhood of drummers and a Celebrity DJ. Before concluding with an authentic African feast, the children completed their first community service project as a chapter by presenting 63 books for an area middle school. The Nation’s Capital Chapter is off to an amazing start as we embody the Power to Make a Difference

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Washington DC Cultural-Jumoke Each February, the chapter sponsors its signature event “JUMOKE” to increase awareness of Afri-can culture among our children and children in the community. “JUMOKE” is a Yoruba term meaning “one who loves the child.” The program was conceived in 1989, when Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Africare collaborated to sponsor “JUMOKE,” a program designed to help our children gain a broader view of the world; increase the knowledge, appreciation and enthusiasm of Africa among African American families; and heighten awareness among adults and youth to po-tential careers in international development, diplomacy and business. This year, the event was held at the historic Duke Ellington School of Music and the Arts.

The event featured exhibits of African art and artifacts, a presentation of drummers and story tellers, tribal face painting and head wraps and henna application. It also featured a one-of-akind Black Panther STEM exhibit.

Southern Maryland The Southern Maryland Chapter celebrated Carole Robinson Day honoring Carole’s legacy through remembrance, educating the Chapter about her life. Families came together to get to know one another better and have fun-filled fellowship. It was an interactive and educational event including a community service activity; whereas, we packed backpacks for food insecure children in Charles County, Maryland. The backpacks included a weekend’s worth of nutritional meals. The committee raised funds for the backpacks and nutritional non-perishable items with a Coffee Challenge! Mothers were asked to spare the amount they would spend in a day, couple of days, a week, or more on a cup of coffee to help a local hungry child. The donations went to The Arnold House, which collaborates with Charles County Public Schools to identify food insecure students.

FAR WEST North County San Diego On February 2, 2019, the NCSDJJ Chapter hosted its annual Black History Month Family Day which recognizes and honors the monumental contributions and impact of African Americans to the American culture. This signature event focused on sharing and educating our members and guests on our rich African American history. NCSDJJ partnered with the San Diego History Center Museum of Fine Arts (Balboa Park) to host this exciting event. Participants explored fine art exhibits featuring the works of great African American leaders who have made major historical contributions towards social and political change. Chapter members and guests participated in tours, art labs and sampled a variety of foods from the African diaspora.

This event featured Manuelita Brown, an award winning artist and sculptor. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 made African masks in the Children’s Art Labs conducted by Ms. Brown. The Teens volunteered in various capacities to support the event.

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South Los Angeles On January 12, 2019 The Sensational South Los Angeles Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.toured five California African American Museum exhibits, commemorating the rich history of African Americans. Our tours culminated with the artifactual observance of the Los Angeles Rally led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on May 26, 1963. Proudly, our children learned that on this day our Reverend addressed nearly 40,000 people at South Los Angeles’ Wrigley Field. Next, children in Groups I IV partnered with chapter Teens to present their Dream Boards aligned to various aspects of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. From anti-bullying protests, to guards againstracism, & gun law reform, each child spent 3-5 minutes presenting one of a kind creations, detailing pertinent information that exemplified why their Dream Board inspired them to spread love, not hate, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. modeled.

MID-ATLANTIC Greenville A Bouquet for Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, the Lil’ Dreamers from the Greenville Chapter visited a local black owned art studio and learned about the works of several famous black artists. The group created a colorful handful of flowers on canvas modeled after Pablo Picasso’s cubism style.

Capital City The Capital City Innovators and Trailblazers reveled in music, dance and spoken word while attending a Celebration of Life, a dedication to Durham, North Carolina native and renowned artist, Ernie Barnes, famous for his depictions of African-American culture.

Held at The North Carolina Museum of History, each performance showcased one of Barnes’ masterpieces, literally bringing his work to life.

The Innovators and Trailblazers experienced Ernie Barnes’ profound body of work and the depth of life it carried even beyond the Marvin Gaye album cover or the closing credits of the show Good Times that many of them were familiar with.

Whether it was ballet, modern, double-dutch or break dancing, each Innovator and Trailblazer felt a connection to the energy and art form that was exhibited and left with a deep understanding that Ernie Barnes, born and raised so near to them is truly a National Treasure.

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Charlotte On January 18th, 2019, a group of 47 Charlotte chapter senior teens, along with chaperones, departed Charlotte for an MLK, Jr. Holiday weekend of culture, leadership, education, activism and service in New York City, New York. Our teen president, Schuyler Fuller, engaged our teens in planning the outline, as the teens expressed the interest in NYC at the start of the Program Year.

The teens planned an ambitious three-day schedule that included the New York Slavery and Underground Railroad tour; sightseeing (Empire State building and Statue of Liberty); ice skating at Rockefeller Center; a Broadway Show (Kinky Boots featuring Tiki Barber), a performance at the Apollo Theater (featuring Bishop Michael Curry); activism (Womens’ March); a walking college tour (New York University); and a service project (joint activity with New York Cluster Jack and Jill chapters serving Children of Promise NYC, an organization that serves children of incarcerated parents).

MID-WESTERN South Central Wisconsin On December 16, 2018, the families of the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the Midwestern Region embraced Kwanzaa and celebrated family, community and culture. A mother member graciously opened her beautiful home for all to gather and celebrate together. We remembered our culture by lighting the candles on the kinara. Each mother shared what she was grateful for, paid tribute to an ancestor important to them, and celebrated them on that day. The children then lead the way and honed their oratorical skills by reading and sharing the meaning of each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The families then enjoyed a delicious feast of African and West African cuisine and even more fellowship and unity. This chapter’s Kwanzaa’s celebration is highly anticipated and a tradition we intend to continue as our families and chapter grows!

Chicago Midnight to Dawn: Tracing the steps of our ancestors to freedom. “If you hear the dogs, keep going...Don’t ever stop!”

Harriet Tubman The Chicago Chapter Teen Group followed the Underground Railroad to Ontario. The objective for this cultural thrust was to learn about the Underground Railroad beyond America, and the role Canada played in facilitating freedom for our ancestors.

With the assistance of a knowledgeable and engaging guide, the teens walked the daunting trail of freedom seekers and the slave burial grounds of our ancestors. They visited the church where Harriet Tubman worked and absorbed information about how she and the church rallied to ensure the safe passage of freedom seekers.

“A Year of Experience” is the Chicago Chapter focus, and this activity was a phenomenal opportunity for our teens to travel, bond, and be personally impacted by the history of our people.

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Great Lakes Bay Region On December 30, 2018, The Great Lakes Bay Region Chapter of Jack and Jill of America,Inc hosted its first annual HBCU panel. The student panelists represented five HBCUs; Clark-Atlanta, FAMU, Howard, Jackson State and Tennessee State. Our Teen Group along with members of the GLBR community listened intently as the HBCU panel shared their experiences about being homesick, learning to study, not having to be the life of EVERY party and maturing into young adults. The panel unanimously agreed on the familial atmosphere that helped them to excel; the competitive, but supportive peers and the opportunity to experience being black and educated in a majority black environment. The HBCU panel also encouraged the audience to be their own advocates in terms of college selection. With the average student-to-counselor ratio being 482 to 1, it is up to us as a community to expose our children to what could be.

Minneapolis The Minneapolis Teen Group concluded their year with a simulation of the underground railroad. The “Underground Railroad Experience,” was an hour-long activity conducted in the forest after sunset in complete darkness. Guided only by the moon and stars, the teens, took on the role of the enslaved.

They incorporated baby dolls to represent children as they ran through the mud and water while they were being chased by dogs and slave owners. Sounds like gun shots and dogs were simulated for effect. Along the route were “slave sympathizers” providing guidance and direction. Modern technology including phones and flashlights were not used to provide for a more authentic experience.

The “Underground Railroad Experience” provided a rich experience for both our teens and chaperones by providing a quality experience that shed light on the reality of enslaved people and the suffering they experienced on their way to gain freedom.

SOUTH CENTRAL Missouri City - Sugar Land “A Walk through the Harlem Renaissance” The Missouri City - Sugar Land Chapter hosted its 2019 Black History Month program, “A Walk through the Harlem Renaissance.” Nearly 250 chapter families and guests convened at The Legacy Center of The Fort Bend Church and experienced the Harlem Renaissance through a living museum, special skits, and performances.

In the living museum, our middle school aged children portrayed nearly 30 iconic figures of the era, ranging from Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington to Satchel Paige and Selma Burke. Our youngest grade groups showcased the styles of the era through a fashion show. Our high school aged grade group performed skits highlighting the social consciousness movement of the era, in addition to showcasing their artistic and musical talents through onstage performances. The event concluded with children and teens leading the audience in singing the Negro National Anthem, followed by great soul food and fellowship.

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Southwest Louisiana Music, the universal language. Any great melody, often starts with a great beat. Just as our hearts beat in connection with our ancestry in Africa, our souls connect to the sounds our ancestors created with drums. For Black History Month, the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. hosted “The Beat of Our Souls” event.

Open to all age groups, the boys and girls experienced art through learning hand drumming. Herb “Pucci” Green is a master of African and Latin percussion techniques. He spent an hour and a half instructing the children on how to create different sounds by striking different areas of the djembe drum skin with their hands. At the end of the event, the children very proudly took their places in front of their parents and performed what they learned.

They have all heard beats of different kinds, most of them created on a computer in a studio. To see the joy and pride of these 11 children after using one of the most versatile and widespread percussion instruments on the planet, was inspiring. The djembe was invented in the 12th century in what is now Mali. It has been played for generations, forming an integral part of ritualistic life in Mali, Guinea, Senegal and other West African nations. It has now been played by a new generation of children in southwest Louisiana. As they hear beats from this point forward, they will make the connection to their royal heritage and lineage to Africa and allow it to resonate in “The Beat of Their Souls”.

Southwest Suburban Dallas The Inquisitive Minds, Talented Tweens, and the All Stars unleashed their valor into victory while learning the art, technique, and tradition of one of the oldest ancient practices of western swordsmanship dating back to the 12th century: FENCING! Students became immersed in the solitude of FOIL, SABER, and EPEE swordplay under the guidance and tutelage of fencing pros at the Fencing Institute of Texas. Not only were the children taught the craft and skills of fencing, but our scholars were given a brief history on the art of the sport, it’s culmination into an Olympic competition and how popular African American cultural icons such as Keeth Smart, Erin Smart, Ahki Spencer-el, Kamara James and Miles Chamley Watson turned a once predominantly Anglo practice into the Blades of Glory Olympic Team under the guidance of the legendary prodigy and Fencing Hall of Famer, Peter Westbrook.

Sugar Land The Sugar Land Chapter celebrated Black History during the 2017-2018 Program Year with a “Get on the Bus” theme again with our event entitled “Our Familes, Then and Now, From Reconstruction to the Present” which included a tour of the historic 1867 Reconstruction Settlement hosted by descendants of the freed slaves that founded the Settlement. The event also included a tour of Stringfellow Orchards a plantation/botanical garden from that time period. This year the Sugar Land Chapter will celebrate the “Fabric of our Families, Exploring our History” and will take a tour of the Varner-Hogg Plantation. The Chapter will also be given a presentation by the first South Asian American County Judge in Texas, KP George regarding the Convict

Lease System and the “Sugar Land 95” and a presentation by the Sons of Veteran Union Soldiers – direct descendants of Civil War Veterans. We are doing more to explore our history!

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Texarkana Twin Cities Harambee!! Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana “Ron” Karenga. It is a celebration honoring the values of ancient African culture and to build unity between cultures. Each of the seven days honors a different principle: Unity, Purpose, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Creativity, and Faith. During Kwanzaa, we study, recall, and reflect on our history and the role we are to play as a legacy to the future.

The Texarkana Twin Cities hosted the celebration for the community along with our special guest, Red River chapter on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 6pm, Mount Grove Baptist. An exciting lineup of inspiring individuals such as author D.C. Gomez, former WNBA Mercury Player, Marie Harris, and local dancer Travawyn Taylor helped to create a family-friendly, and culturally-rich event free to the community. The customary libation, candle-lighting ceremony, and singing helped us work up an appetite for the Karamu.

SOUTHEASTERN Birmingham Birmingham Chapter teens enjoyed a cultural activity centered around the movie “The Hate U Give.” This cultural and educational activity included the preteen group, and featured a movie screening followed by a separate discussion with a professional facilitator and activist. Prior to viewing the film, teens and preteens reviewed the related book and available audio. The discussion with nationally recognized activist T. Marie King covered issues such as community police relations, racial profiling, and family dynamics. The facilitator encouraged the youth to be more civil in their interactions with each other in order to create a safe place for their peers. She also explained that safe places are needed for critical dialogue to occur. This powerful activity embodied the Cultural programming thrust.

Savannah “FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION” The Savannah Chapter hosted an open/chapter wide “Founders Day Celebration” to pay tribute to our national founders and our chapter charter members. All age group children participated in the program. The teens lead each part of the program--presiding, prayer, instrumental selections, national and chapter history education, etc. All age group children made their debut as a JJOA chorus as they sung “This Is Me.” The highlight of the evening was two-fold--Our past chapter president and 15th Past National President, Shirley Barber James, was our keynote speaker. We also recognized and honored our two living charter members, Constance Johnson, our longest active charter member and Jaqueline Bryant. Jacqueline Bryant was unable to attend, but sent her regrets, greetings and words of thank via video to the chapter and guests. Constance Johnson was present with two of her charter children.

This awesome celebration did not go without giving. In honor of our founders, the Savannah Chapter collected and donated 292 children’s books for the Savannah Chatham-County Pub-

lic School System’s (SCCPS) “Million Book Challenge.” The books were assigned to designated schools with the most need to encourage and strengthen reading skills amongst all children. After the event, members and guests intermingled with great food and discussion during the Founder’s Day reception 97

Columbus GA On Sunday, January 27, 2019, the Buttons and Bows Grade Group of the Columbus, Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. participated in an afternoon of science, culture, and service. The children met at the Pediatric Ward at Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital for the engaging event. Upon arrival, the children met as a group to discuss the martyred, civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his great works which shaped and influenced the Civil Rights Movement. The children discussed what equality meant to each of them and how Dr. King diligently worked to achieve equality for all Americans but especially Black Americans.

The children, then, transitioned into a STEM-based, cultural activity/science project where they analyzed the external, phenotypical characteristics of a white and brown egg in an effort to create a hypothesis as to whether the external appearance of the egg would shape and determine its internal characteristics.

They listed the similarities and differences of the two eggs based on the visible features and after careful observation and study, formed their scientific opinions about the internal features of the two eggs.

Upon cracking of the two eggs and after additional comparison and contrast study, the children quickly concluded that the outward appearance of the eggs did not change the fact that on the inside, the eggs were still the same. After a discussion about how individuals of different gender and/or race are alike, despite their different outward appearance, the children commemorated their discussion about Dr. King and his work by creating individual, unique, color portraits of the leader as seen through their own lenses.

The group closed out the activity with an evening of service to “Our Hospital Friends”. The children and mothers assembled hygiene kits to donate to patients and parents of patients of the Pediatric Ward of Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital. After assembling the kits, the children delivered the kits along with well wishes of improved health to patients and families on the ward while remaining kits were donated to the ward for future distribution, as needed. After completing a tour of the Pediatric Ward as led by the head nurse and the Pediatric Physician Attending, Mother Dr. Bande Virgil, the children bid the nurses and patients farewell with a commitment in their hearts for continued service and support of “Our Hospital Friends”.

Greater Huntsville A chapter-wide cultural event entitled “A Day in the Life of an Early 20th Century Student” was held at Burritt Museum at a replica of the Rosenwald Schools, which by 1928 served onethird of the South’s rural African-American children and teachers.

For pre-school – kindergarten, “Barnyard Living” was the theme. Children took a barnyard tour and made animal masks.

introduced teens to real-life math exercises related to farm life on the chalkboard and grammar exercises with pen and ink. Vocational teaching through basket weaving ended their school day.

For grades 1st-5th, “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic” exposed the youth to chores of the day followed by the pledge, thought for the day, blab reading, math on slates, penmanship and basket weaving. The youth dressed in historic costumes.

All Jack and Jill children participated in a spinning demonstration, a blacksmith demonstration and dulcimer players.

For grades 6th-12, “Farm Math, Penmanship, and Vocation” 98

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CENTRAL Des Moines Nothing warms up young minds on an icy, cold day like a little S.T.E.A.M! The Des Moines Chapter Explorers (2 - 5 years old) braved arctic air and knee-high snow on a Saturday in January to see what happens when chemicals collide at the Science Center of Iowa. The kids participated in “Crazy Chemistry,” a live, interactive program designed to spark young curiosity.

They learned about transforming states of matter and marveled at how a bubbly liquid becomes a gooey solid with just a few shakes of a glass beaker. Our day ended with exploration of Science Center exhibits including LEGO’s “Brick by Brick” and “When Things Get Moving,” a hands-on platform dedicated to physics. This educational visit allowed our pre-school and kindergarten set to engage in the wonders of science while immersed in the joy of free play -- an awesome experience for all.

Greater Little Rock Greater Little Rock, AR - On January 12, 2019, The Greater Little Rock Chapter participated in a STE[A]M activity which included a private tour of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Three of the age groups attended and received a private tour, led by GLRC dad, and Hub Director, Dr. Christopher Jones.

The children learned to used Maker’s dream tool to cut, etch, and mark intricate detailed graphics on wood and create 3D graphics. They learned to create and prep files for the laser, and performed routine maintenance and safety practices while unleashing their imagination with free graphic software. They created simple yet elegant projects like wooden coasters, etched pub glasses, wooden boxes, leather bracelets, paper invitations, and linoleum and wood block stamps. To round out the tour, the children visited the ceramics workshop, where they were able to make their own trinkets to take home.

Kansas City Missouri Continuing the theme of” The Power of One Voice” the Kansas City Missouri Chapter’s Visionaries (6th-8th grade) and Change Agents (9th-12th grade) participated in a workshop at Kansas City’s Improv Theater! Our children heard presentations and interacted with a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player, a financial adviser, a journalist, a doctor, and a police officer. The former MLB player spoke about sports, following your dreams, and education, while the doctor spoke about mental health and dealing with stress. The financial adviser discussed the importance of saving money and investing then each participant received a copy of his book! The local TV journalist shared tips about using appropriate voice on social media and avoiding post that could hurt their future. Finally, the police officer gave advice on how to properly interact with law enforcement. This was an exciting program, and the children garnered important information from each special guest presenter.

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Northwest Arkansas Our February program enabled all children to rise and shine in their absolute best public speaking and research performances.

Our teens, coached by our local News station KNWA, created newsworthy stories that interests African American youth.

Our tweens wrote, edited, and produced commercials centered on products and political issues in our community. The youngest members of our chapter supplied role based video recordings that were filtered into the commercials. The media team at Walmart partnered with our youth by recording the teen’s news broadcasts at their studio and combining the news broadcast and commercials into a sensational 26 minute broadcast.

The viewing of this media project was the opening act of our chapter-wide Night of the Notables Black History Month presentation. The event commenced with the youngest four age groups dressed as Notable African Americans and individually sharing about their character via a short speech, poem, song, rap, dace, etc.

EASTERN Arundel Bay Area On February 1, 2019 the Dream Catchers participated in an Entrepreneur Lock In at Launch Trampoline Park in Columbia, MD. The night started with a panel of Black Entrepreneurs which included the CEO of Onyx Consultants, the CEO of Altus Technology Solutions, the owner of Bazaar Spice, and the Founder/CEO of MD Energy Advisors. The Entrepreneurs discussed their vision for starting their own businesses. They discussed the challenges, the rewards, the importance of time management and the value of risk-taking. The teens then engaged in a Financial Module titled: Developing a Financial Plan where they discussed the benefits of a saving account and additional options that can be used for savings. As a part of the module, the teens completed a financial planning worksheet to document the goals of their plan. The teens were able to enjoy the trampoline park by engaging in team building activities.

Brooklyn On September 22, 2018, the Bold and the Beautiful Brooklyn Chapter came together in the outdoor pavilion of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for our 2018-19 program year kick off activity, Jack and Jill Day, which included a multitude of activities for everyone!

Families engaged in activities including Spoken Word, African Dance, Building Block Lab, a Scavenger Hunt and Origami.

The Spoken Word and African Dance activities, including African Drumming showcased our creative voices and our expressive bodies. Although performed in a modern setting, we honored our cultural heritage through these traditional forms.

The Block Lab fostered the development of spatial reasoning, gross motor skills, and engineering. The Scavenger Hunt offered opportunities to problem solved while exploring the museum. The Origami exercise incorporated fine motor skills, sequencing and spatial skills, math reasoning, and memory 101

recall. We promoted exercise and healthy living through dance and other physical movement and play. The day culminated with a Carole Robertson ceremonial presentation by our junior teens.

Burlington County Coding is essential to help students thrive in a future driven by technology. When you teach coding, you also teach skills like critical thinking and problem solving. Apple created the comprehensive Everyone Can Code curriculum with lessons on iPad and Mac and apps. The children of the Brothers and Sisters Grade Group went to the Apple Walnut Street location in Philadelphia, PA where they learned the fundamentals of coding, got hands-on experience with robots and solved problems collaboratively. They explored coding with Sphero robots by programming simple movements, loops and worked together to bring their ideas to life. They designed a maze and navigated their robots through the obstacles. This activity will challenge our children to “ Think Different” and show them how coding can be a launch pad to creating something that can change the world.

Chester County On October 20, 2018, Chester County’s 4th-5th graders participated in an unique educational activity through Young Eagles® Aviation program at New Garden Flying Field. Launched in 1992, it’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation and provide them with a first free airplane ride. On the runway, the children learned what will happen during flight, reviewed an aeronautical chart, and completed a preflight inspection of the airplane. After boarding, the children were educated on the airplane’s interior, operation of the aircraft door, safety belts, and instrument panel. While in the air, the children took the controls and flew the airplane. This activity was the first hands-on flying experience for all children in attendance and piqued an interest in aviation science. We hope that this experience serves as a strong foundation for a life-long love of flying.

Columbia, MD The Junior Teens of the Columbia, MD Chapter spent a productive and enlightening day at Towson State University for their January activity. The theme was Financial Literacy with its event title called, “Rolling in the Money- Teaching Dollars and Sense”.

The morning began with the Junior teens’ participation in a simulated stock market workshop at the T. Rowe Price Finance Lab replicating the operation of Wall Street’s top trading firms, providing an advanced learning environment. The associate director for Maryland Council on Economic Education orchestrated the workshop, which included engaging games and conversations about personal finance.

In the afternoon, the children migrated to the campus dining hall for lunch, followed by a campus tour conducted by a student ambassador of Towson State University. Finally, they watched an exciting basketball game at the university’s SECU Arena. The children also donated financial literacy themed books for the literacy corner of Grass Roots.

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Essex-Hudson Our 3rd and 4th graders spent the day peddling across historical Philadelphia on a 16 person bike where they toured sites that targeted the African American experience. They also spent the second half of their day at the Franklin Institute where they engaged in hands on science, technology and engineering activities as well as a private science experience. Afterward they spent the night at a local hotel where they bonded over dinner, swimming and a movie.

Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter (pre-K) The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Tots (pre-K) age group enjoyed a day at the KID Museum which is an innovative learning space that allowed our children the opportunity to have a hands-on experience that incorporated STE(A)M, art and culture with 21st century skills such as creativity and critical thinking. Our Tots learned about the wind’s effect on objects, how to use a power drill to build and they made hand puppets. Each activity was led by a KID Museum apprentice who helped our Tots work with materials and use their creativity to explore ways to build and create. Our little ones were all smiles during their visit where they donned bright yellow construction hats and let their imagination take hold. This STE(A) M activity successfully blended learning and fun. It is never too soon to expose our youngest age group to the sciences though hands on exploration.

Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Tweens (gr. 6-8) age The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Tweens (gr. 6-8) age group kicked off their program year with their annual Welcome Back 24-hour Lock-in/Slumber Party which is designed to be a fun filled learning and bonding experience.

This activity came in 1st place in the 2018 Eastern Region Best of the Best Programming Award. The program included completion of leadership and financial literacy modules and accountability and responsibility, mental and physical health activities, learning the Black National Anthem, as well as Racial Identity Kit activities. Tweens enjoyed a hands on activity with Archeology in the Community which exposed them to the profession of archeology. Additional fun activities included a pool party, “movie night” (featuring the history of the Negro Baseball League), games and activities, a rooftop dinner BBQ, games, icebreakers and more! The children look forward to this event which successfully executes activities that touch on every programmatic category.

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Montgomery County Maryland During the MLK Holiday weekend in January 2019, the Montgomery County Maryland middle schoolers (grades 6-8) traveled together from Maryland to Memphis, Tennessee for an educational and cultural Civil Rights History Tour experience! It started with a guided tour that included the route of Dr. King’s last march, the Mason Temple, the Mountaintop sculpture, the WC Handy Memphis Home and Museum, the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and much more. A special event featured a fantastic discussion with the kids of a book called An Unseen Light led by co-editors Charles McKinney and Aram Goudsouzian. Each family received an autographed copy of the book. The group socialized with the Jack and Jill Memphis Chapter middle schoolers, visited the National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel and attended a worship service at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. It was a fun, educational and enriching experience for all.

Newton The Newton Chapter middle school students learned what a company stock was, how and why stocks are traded on the global market, and how the news impacted the price or value of the company stock. The key take away was how to use stock investments as another way to make money by knowing when and how to apply the strategy of buying low and selling high.

Philadelphia On Sunday, Nov 4, 2018 the Philadelphia Chapter of Jack and Jill hosted “College Bound 2018”. This was an open event for Jack and Jill teens along with students from surrounding communities. The event was hosted in partnership with Keith Wilkerson, founder of College Thoughts. Students learned about: • Defining “success” in the college process and setting goals accordingly • Challenges and strategies for being admitted to top schools • What colleges really consider in applications • SAT/ACT readiness The session was lively and engaging, and organizers received excellent participant feedback. Given the success and value to the community, the Philadelphia Chapter plans to host this event again in 2019.

College Thoughts is a King of Prussia, PA based company that provides students with tools to increase access to top caliber colleges. Students working with College Thoughts have attended all eight Ivy League schools and selective colleges nationwide.

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Pittsburgh In September 2018, the Pittsburgh Chapter teens kicked off their program year with an overnight retreat designed to satisfy two national thrusts: Education and Social/Recreational.

The agenda included group break-out sessions on Building Credit, Investing Tips, Budgeting, and Taxes & Paystubs. Each group presented what they learned by giving 5 minute presentations. In addition to completing 100% of their required financial literacy modules, they also practiced their public speaking skills. They then held a current events roundtable discussion that included Colin Kaepernick’s protest, the importance of the mid-term elections, women in sports, and their individual experiences in predominantly white private and suburban schools. This was an intense discussion resulting in a connection and bond that has carried over into the program year.

The teens spent the evening fellowshipping and the following day they began working on their plans for the 2019 Eastern Region Teen Conference.

Prince William County The Prince William County, Virginia Chapter partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington Field Office and hosted a timely and interactive workshop that provided guidance to youth and their parents regarding on-line safety with special focus on social media. An FBI Supervisory Special Agent (SSA), with assistance from other FBI staff prepared meaningful exercises that expanded and challenged our understanding of the Internet. We eagerly engaged in “Cyber-Jeopardy”, debated videos depicting various social media scenarios, and shared our own experiences. It was an ideal and safe environment to have an open, honest, enlightening discussion about the benefits and risks associated with the Internet. Ultimately, our Jack and Jillers, along with our community guests, left the seminar educated and empowered, knowing how to make responsible decisions regarding their on-line footprint. We can now more safely leverage the power of the Internet to make a difference!

Queens, NY The Queens Primary children (ages 6-8) met at the Lewis H. Latimer House Museum to learn about the life and scientific contributions of self-taught African American inventor Lewis H. Latimer. The children learned about electrons and circuitry during an activity with a STEAM science teacher. They made two types of currents. They created their own inventions like Lewis Latimer. Everyone agreed that the highlight of the day was creating power and electricity with LED light, wires and a battery. The children were able to create two types of circuits: one with a switch and one without.

This well-received activity also adapted to the learning styles and abilities of all the children in attendance (auditory, visual and kinesthetic) allowing them to think critically and creatively, which is an important qualification for many new technology driven occupations in the current job market. We are preparing our future technology leaders!

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Reston The Reston Virginia Chapter Tiny Tots visited the Children’s Science Center, which had interactive activities for little hands to explore STEM. The first part of the activity was led by a STEM educator and these budding scientists learned how to make magnetic slime. They learned that iron oxide made slime magnetic and the magnet attracts slime by creating a magnetic force. They manipulated the slime with the magnet by placing it in the slime and watching it engulf it in seconds.

The second part was self- exploration which included two areas. The first was the Discovery Zone, which was perfect for exploring and perfecting fine motor skills. The second was the Tinker Shop and they created their own hovercraft. The children enjoyed this activity, which showed us that our smallest tots can appreciate the Power to Make a Difference with the concepts of STEM and Do More with hands-on engagement.

Southern Maryland The youngest Jacks and Jills of the Southern Maryland Chapter explored Oh the Places You Can Go! – Create a Passport. They started with a story circle using age appropriate books especially selected that reflect world cultures. Using a world map, they engaged in a brief discussion of children around the world.

What do they do? What do they wear? How are we alike? Different? They then created “passports” using stamps, stickers and other decorative tools. This experience encouraged curiosity about children across the globe.

Western Maryland The Trailblazers Take Flight!

Our Middle Schoolers—The Trailblzers, took flight at the I-Fly, in Gaithersburg, Maryland followed by a workshop on African Americans in aviation. Trailblzers’ learned about Bessie Coleman, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the trials of flying during segregation.

The Trailblazer’s learned about aviators such as August Martin, who flew rescue missions during the Biafran War and the multiple ways to take flight including being an astronaut. Each Trailblazer read Black Eagles, by Jim Haskins, which highlights the legacy of African Americans in aviation. Students discussed the multiple ways to engage in aviation including working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local aviation clubs. The Trailblazers suggest that “learning to skydive” and “going really high,” were their favorite aspects of the day. They further report that ‘learning the different ways to fly” and about “Ronald McNair and Challenger,” as well as about “Mae Jemison” were some highlights of the event.

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Western Massachusetts The Western Massachusetts Trendsetters participated in #CollegeNext, the chapter’s year-long exploration of colleges and universities. The purpose of the campus visits was to: expose teens to a variety of majors, particularly those affiliated with STEAM and that have low enrollments for black students; explore the historical and modern relevance of HBCUs and the contributions of its graduates to society; interact with JJA alumni; and serve as a grade-level appropriate milestone for college preparations. While the younger Trendsetters have more time to explore, the graduating seniors used the campus visits to influence their decisions about life after high school.

The four graduating seniors--Alanna Alston; Wesley Days, Jr.; Michael Denson, Jr.; and Jerry Moore, III--will formally announce their college choices at the Black Family Day Celebration. Mothers will continue to implement age-appropriate aspects of #CollegeNext into activities for the younger Jacks and Jills.

Greater Suburban Maryland The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Tweens (gr. 6-8) age group kicked off their program year with their annual Welcome Back 24-hour Lock-in/Slumber Party which is designed to be a fun filled learning and bonding experience.

This activity came in 1st place in the 2018 Eastern Region Best of the Best Programming Award. The program included completion of leadership and financial literacy modules and accountability and responsibility, mental and physical health activities, learning the Black National Anthem, as well as Racial Identity Kit activities. Tweens enjoyed a hands on activity with Archeology in the Community which exposed them to the profession of archeology. Additional fun activities included a pool party, “movie night” (featuring the history of the Negro Baseball League), games and activities, a rooftop dinner BBQ, games, icebreakers and more! The children look forward to this event which successfully executes activities that touch on every programmatic category.

FAR WEST Anchorage Anchorage chapter teens organized an informational and fun Halloween safety event for children ages 3-13. The event took place on 10/27/18 at the local VFW Post 9978 in Anchorage, AK. The teens prepared and delivered a presentation on Halloween safety, teaching children about candy safety and stranger danger. The teens displayed leadership in organizing the program and public speaking skills during their presentation to both young children and their parents. Children were informed that they should only ‘trick or treat’ at houses that were familiar to them and their families. The presentation was followed by games that engaged the children and a meal. This community service activity was very rewarding to the teens and contributed to the safety of children in our community. The interactions between the teens and the young children were very positive and the teens modeled great behaviors for the young children.

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Fresno Fresno Chapter also hosted the Boots & Bling and all things Steam Children’s Cluster with an enriching and fun day of STEAM activities on the Fresno State University campus. After being greeted by the First Lady and the Dean of the Library and learning about the importance of higher education, the Jacks and Jills became “surgeons for a day” and performed an operation with the aid of a chapter mother surgeon and her medical team. Our regional youth also learned about the fantastic world of physics by laying on a bed of nails and using nitrogen to make delicious, frosty ice cream. Robotics, 3-D printing and bubble magic were also included in this fun-filled day, thanks to the tireless work of the event co-chairs and chapter members.

Greater Vallejo “Self-esteem is the mainspring that slates every child for success or failure as a human being,” Your Child’s Self Esteem, Dorothy Briggs, Your Child’s Self Esteem. Mother members united to safeguard our youngest children from future onslaughts against their self-image. 15 Group 1 -3 children celebrated their beauty at a workshop on the importance of being proud of who you are with a Storytime Meet and Greet Book Signing with Dr. Thomishia Booker, author of “My Brown Skin”. My Brown Skin bursts with the wonderful things we love most about our children and helps them fully embrace this truth.

Older students helped read “Brown Boy Joy” and “My Brown Skin,” books by Dr. Booker. Children made self-portraits using craft materials enabling them to capture the rich colors and textures of their skin and hair. The children then presented their portraits and shared about themselves. The children later enjoyed a pizza lunch and played together.

Inglewood In conjunction with the Father’s Auxiliary and special guest speakers, the Programming Committee hosted the Chapter’s Inaugural Christmas Tea for Inglewood Chapter Jills and a Christmas Brunch for Chapter Jacks in December. All grade group Jacks and Jills were invited to participate in afternoon seminars centered around social etiquette as they relate to several programming thrusts: health, education, history, and recreation.

Jacks and Jills were then engaged in an interactive presentation on “Bullying” and guidance on combatting this epidemic. Afternoon breakout sessions where younger Jacks and Jills engaged in a discussion on “Good Touch Bad Touch”, subjectively identifying personal physical boundaries. Teens discussed appropriate social media usage and the dangers of sexting. Later in the day, a moderated discussion on the impact of “colorism” among African-Americans in the 21st century. The day of programming ended with cookie decorations, sugar scrub making and learning to “tie” the perfect tie workshops.

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Las Vegas Our Chapter’s Group 4 kids experienced a walk through history on Las Vegas’s Historic Westside which represents the heart of the African American community. It is where African Americans were legally allowed to live and share in revelry during Jim Crow.

They boarded our “shuttle through time” and off they went!

Their first stop was Berkley Square, the first minority built and designed housing development in Nevada. From there, they headed to the Harrison House, home to an amazing sister (Genevieve) who opened her home to weary entertainers and travelers during Jim Crow. The group also toured the Historic Westside School where Native American students from the neighboring Paiute colony first attended. The restored building now houses several businesses and exhibit space where the history of the Las Vegas Black Firefighters Association is currently on display.

At each stop, the group was provided informational notecards and offered feedback.

Long Beach Long Beach, California Jacks and Jills are full “STEAM” ahead.

Combining creativity and technology, they wrote, illustrated and published their own books. The Storymakery in Irvine, California is a unique place for children to have fun while honing their writing skills and learning how books are engineered.

Children are encouraged to be creative, while also building their reading and writing skills. Long Beach Jacks and Jills wrote great stories about monsters, baseball players, President Obama and superheroes. Our children honed grammar and writing style, had a quick course in using computer graphics and printing and binding technology. This activity was a fun and unique opportunity to use technology in a different manner. All great activities always end with friends and ice cream.

This was a great chance to make a memory and a keepsake that will last a lifetime.

Pomona Area Participants from Jack and Jill - Pomona Area Chapter, the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire’s Saturday Academy, and participants from the surrounding community posed for a picture after presenting a great Black History Showcase featuring “A Walk through Time” at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, California on February 24, 2018. The children researched Black historical figures and events, engaged in Socratic Discourse, wrote speeches, and attended weekly rehearsals. The showcase was a culmination of their hard work and dedication over two months. The attendees were moved by the children’s powerful performances and even learned information about our history that they had never been aware of. We also had children whom worked as greeters to warmly welcome our guests, distribute programs, and show the guests to their seats. All the guests were invited to partake of refreshments at the conclusion. There were approximately 25 participants and 100 guests.

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Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley Groups 1-4 of the Santa Clarita Valley Antelope Valley Chapter partnered with David Heredia of The Heroes of Color Animation Series to conduct a 1-day art workshop. David shared his journey from working as an animator with Disney to creating the animation series designed to honor historical people of color. The group was introduced to heroes such as the 369th U.S Army Regiment, also known as “The Harlem Hellfighters” to Dr. Antonia Pantoja, a Puerto Rican educator, and social justice reformer. The group then worked on designing their own custom hats. David led our children through the process of creating to selling. The children learned that any hobby can be turned into a business. They were extremely excited about the prospects of selling their own artwork. At the conclusion of the event, the children had created hats that were ready to market.

MID-ATLANTIC Burlington-Graham STEM is a creative gateway to encourage our youth to become their very own superhero. Some of the biggest Marvel heroes got their powers from science and engineering, or just being born with it. Our grade groups spent time with Dr. Monique Johnson, PhD. encouraging them to get started in the field early, using Marvel superheroes as inspiration. The “chemistry” was AMAZING”! Using safe, everyday household products, they performed hands-on experiments, that were eye opening and mind-blowing for the kids AND parents. After watching a video about laws, who has the power to make/present a law, and why laws are necessary. Each Jack/Jill was challenged to think of something they are passionate about, see as a need for the betterment of all people, give their bill a name, write it up, take it home, and present it before their “house” to get it passed.

Columbia, SC Our Annual Chapter Leadership Conference is a fun and informative day of workshops, seminars, live performances, and guest speakers. Together, we discussed critical topics which included finance, budgeting, updates on HBCUs, the need for good mental health, positive engagement with law enforcement, authorship, health and wellness, and civic engagement. This comprehensive event wouldn’t be possible without our fathers who present workshops and serve as seminar leaders throughout the day. We also had the privilege of welcoming graduates of the chapter who returned to share their expertise in their respective fields, such as a current SC House of Representatives member who discussed the need and importance of community service, political and civic engagement and effective leadership.

This conference was free and open to the community and other sister chapters. It was well attended by mothers, children representing all grade levels, community leaders and proved to be a huge success!

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Eastern North Carolina Consistent with the We Are One national initiative, Eastern NC 3rd-5th graders participated in “I Was Blind but Now I See.” The objective of this program was to have our children experience a competitive sport played by the visually impaired. Prior to the event, children read books about Louis Braille and Helen Keller to familiarize them with some of their struggles. Our Chapter is blessed to have 2 brothers (1 in college, 1 in high school) who are visually impaired, and they led this event. The children learned how to play Goal Ball, an international team sport. Participants compete in teams of 3. The goal is to roll a ball that has bells embedded in it into the opponents’ goal.

The opponents try to stop the ball. The children initially played while being able to see. They then put blindfolds on and quickly learned how challenging the game really is.

Gastonia Piedmont If there is one thing we know to be true about Jack and Jill programming, it’s that “If they see it, they can be it. Even if they don’t see it, they can dream it into existence!” We were thrilled at participation of our Jaguar group (ages 11-13) in our broadcast media activity, “Your Voice, Your Show!” Two of our Dads played a critical role in helping to secure a personal tour of a local radio station, Power 98 WPEG, by on-air personalities B-Note and QCB. After learning about radio, our group recorded a podcast. Our very own Jacob Echevarria, age 13, has been hosting his own podcast, “FPM Play” (along with his father as producer) since he was 5-years-old. He invited his fellow Jaguars on the show as guests, where they talked about the latest in books, TV and movies. The episode (#74) is available for download on iTunes!

Greensboro The Juniors of the Greensboro Chapter participated in a real-world money management simulation. Each Junior was assigned a profile, which described a career, education level, and monthly salary. Throughout the activity, each Junior had to make decisions about expenses related to their profile.

Based on their budget, they visited stations to purchase items such as transportation, cell phone plans, health insurance, clothing, groceries and many more. Throughout the simulation, they balanced their checkbook and learned about the impact of bad credit and credit card interest rates. After the simulation, each Junior was surprised with a $25.00 debit or gift card, which was used to purchase dinner the night of the activity. Children that received a debit card have continued to monitor their spending based on the money that is deposited into their accounts. The lessons from this activity will last for a lifetime. View the video of their experiences: https://youtu. be/8OaTm6jxM0w.

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Portsmouth Virtual Reality (VR) creates an immersive experience that inspires creativity and harnesses technology. Portsmouth Chapter Jacks and Jills were introduced to different VR platforms, created their own VR environment, and made their own cardboard VR headsets using a template and a few supplies during our VR immersion event. Participants were asked to bring devices to use during our workshop. They began creating characters in a VR environment with an online app—VRCoSpaces. This free program allowed them to upload their VR environment to a mobile phone and insert the phone into their personalized DIY cardboard headsets. Students enjoyed building the headsets and walking into their stories inside their virtual 3D world.

Participants were able to take their new DIY VR headsets home to continue working on their VR stories and explore free VR environments available online like the Smithsonian’s site: www. naturalhistory.si.edu/virtual-tour Queen City The Queen City Chapter in Charlotte, NC hosted the 2019 Area-wide Leadership Summit. The cornerstone of the event featured young entrepreneurs from the 5 participating chapters and the community in an interactive “Game of Life”.

The entrepreneurs faced challenges typical of business owners while operating their business as participants learned about their products and services, sampled product, placed orders for future delivery and purchased their products. Participants voted to award most customer friendly, tech savvy, creative and resilient. One participant launched her business at the event.

The summit also featured an Immigration Simulation for 6th12th graders which offered an array of thought-provoking videos and statistics to disrupt myths about the challenges immigrants and refugees face. This session also highlighted the importance of legislative representation and advocacy. Younger participants addressed mental health through an art program. Weaved throughout the program we achieved a number of leadership, financial and legislative module objectives.

South Charlotte South Charlotte Chapter’s Senior Teens took a trip to our nation’s capital to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of our national theme, “The Power to Make a Difference, We Can Do More.” That awareness began with visits to two prestigious universities, Howard and Georgetown, where our Senior Teens toured with university student leaders who shared how they are preparing to use their education in various ways to positively impact their community. Following the tours, the teens spent the remainder of the day at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and learned more about their history and the importance that knowledge plays in creating a better future. The Senior Teens were then able to unwind and socialize during a fun-filled evening at Dave & Busters. As Teen Advisor Kobi Brinson noted, “we worked, we played, and we lived together for a wonderful weekend.”

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Spartanburg The Spectacular Spartanburg, SC Chapter hosted our first annual Youth Leadership Summit on December 16th, 2018. This public event was held at Majority Baptist Church and served age groups K – 12th grade. In attendance with us were perspective new families and neighboring Greenville, SC Chapter, totaling 62 people.

Can Goods were received in support of the regions Souper Bowl Community Service Project. The core of the day’s workshops were targeted modules on Financial Literacy, Leadership, and Mental Health.

The 30 minute workshops were just enough time to complete • 3 Leadership Modules, • 2 Financial Literacy Modules, • PSAT/ SAT-ACT Test Prep Sessions, • Mental Health for Health & Wellness module completion, • Water Safety (what to do out of the water and introduction to CPR), and • the ARTS (Story telling and Arts and crafts).

MID-WESTERN Circle City In our mission to serve all children, we are passing this commitment on to our children. Following that spirit, our K‐2 group worked together to pack donation shoe boxes for children in need. We discussed the importance of serving, giving, and why there are children who are just like “us” who do not have all that they need. Afterward, the children put the “A” in STE[A]M while expressing themselves creatively at Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar, where their canvases were sneakers and they were the designers. Finally, the host children delivered the boxes to A Christmas Child. They were able to see some of the places that the boxes would go and some children that have received boxes in the past. The children were able to see that not all children live as they do and that we don’t all walk the same paths.

Erie Shores The Erie Shores, Ohio Chapter participated in a stellar program to meet the cultural, education, health, and social thrusts.

The “Beacons” 6-8 group spent the day with renowned chef Eric Wells at the Cornucopia community room. The afternoon started with an overview of a healthy diet, kitchen safety rules, and the cultural significance of sharing a meal in the African American community. The group proceeded to choose a lunch menu, gather the ingredients, and work as a team to complete the meal. The children worked with mothers and some fathers to prepare a delicious lunch. Chef Wells directed the group throughout the activity and set a beautiful table for the meal. The children spent time talking around the table about their “favorite” foods. Erie Shores clearly has a few aspiring chefs…but were reminded about the worse part of making a meal…doing the dishes!

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Indianapolis On October 6, 2018 the Prime Time/6th-8th Grade group was introduced to poverty and its effects on families through a simulation exercise. Representatives from The United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) grouped children into “families” and provided actual scenarios of families who have received assistance. The “families” were given a budget and a family structure. Some were faced with homelessness, lack of licensed daycare, and other difficult situations. They learned how UWCI can connect families in need with community resources. The Price Is Right game provided a way for our tweens to guess the price of household and luxury items. Designer boots, athletic shoes, and groceries were available for the children to ask questions about and guess prices of items on a slide show presentation.

The tween who guessed the price closest won the round! This exercise demonstrated the cost of items that they may take for granted.

Lake Shore On MLK Day, Lake Shore Chapter joined Bronzeville Day of Service to help Oakwood Shores, an African American neighborhood in Chicago. Our Educational program focused on Dr. King’s leadership skills, highlighting his move to Chicago to fight for fair housing. Videos of Dr. King’s speech footage spoke volumes on the importance of effective Communications and Public Speaking. Groups 1 and 2 assembled 500 Blessing Bags for the Homeless in conjunction with Project I Am. This Community service project showed our children they are never too little to share their Civic duty and give to those in need. Groups 3 and 4 restored and sanitized over 100 pieces of imagination playground equipment at the Oakwood Shores Community Center.

Groups 5 and Teen showed off their STE{A}M artistic skills while painting an intricate mural at an After School Matters Youth Center in Ellis Park. Lake Shore vows to Keep the Dream Alive.

Milwaukee Our Group Four (Tweens) received hands on training for their Communication Public Speaking module at a local television station. Shannon Sims, Emmy nominated news anchor and President of the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists)-Milwaukee, led them on a behind the scenes tour of TMJ4 Studios. The tweens were excited to view a live broadcast where they had the opportunity to see the complexities of producing the nightly news. One of their favorite parts of this activity was sitting in the anchor chair. During their visit our youth did mock reading of scripts. They also had an opportunity to give each other feedback and coaching based on what they had learned earlier. This overview of public speaking let tweens display what they’ve learned from previous public speaking modules over their time in the Milwaukee Chapter and prepare them for the greater public speaking roles they will assume as JJ Teens.

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North Oakland/Macomb The North Oakland/Macomb Chapter’s Grade Group 3 (2nd and 3rd graders) visited black-owned business, National Popcorn Company, to kick off their year-long Black Economic Empowerment Series and financial literacy program focused on Earning, Saving and Giving. During their visit, they had the chance to learn about supporting black-owned businesses and how those dollars circulate and benefit the black community.

They heard directly from the owner about his journey to becoming an entrepreneur, what it’s like being a business owner, challenges he faces and how he markets to consumers. They also learned how he invests in the black community through employment opportunities and charitable support/sponsorship. The children were truly engaged in his story and had many questions. The highlight was the hands-on activity of learning to make and create different flavored popcorn and being able to sample and purchase popcorn, candy and other goodies at the end of the session.

Oakland County The Teen Group participated in an Active Shooter Awareness activity led by Detective Fountain. They were engaged in a workshop that focused on ways to protect themselves if they are ever involved in an active shooter situation while at a public location. Fountain used videos and interactive discussions to educate the teens on the mentality of the common active shooter and how they can protect themselves. Our teens learned safety tactics to prevent the shooter from getting nto the room. They also learned the best positioning for attacking the shooter, and that hiding is not always best. Detective Fountain had several sample weapons that he used to help familiarize the teens with how a gun looks and feels. The detective used the weapons to perform actual active shooter scenarios with the teens. At the end of the presentation, the teens were taugh valuable wound care that included making tourniquets.

SOUTH CENTRAL Austin Focusing on financial literacy, our Betwixt and Between group (grades 6-8) learned investment strategies from Albert Russell, VP and Senior Resident Officer at Merrill Lynch, last October. Austin’s children participated in an interactive discussion about the power of compound interest, the difference between stocks and bonds, and stock-selection strategies. The children used his laptop to evaluate trends and earnings for different stocks and characteristics to consider when choosing which stock to buy. The children were quizzed on their learnings and awarded lollipops for questions answered correctly.

As part of our emphasis on “We Can Do More,” mothers were encouraged to create a Stockpile brokerage account for their child in advance. Each child was given a $10 Stockpile gift card to apply to their account and purchase stocks of their choosing after the discussion. Mr. Russell was on hand to provide investment advice to the children.

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Dallas Beautillion is a presentation of a prestigious group of male high school seniors. Each Beau is chosen in recognition of his demonstrated achievements.

The 2019 Beautillion Leadership/Development Institute was created to enhance the brotherhood experience among our 25 participants. During two days of activities, they attended the renowned play “Fetch Clay Make Man�. The play highlighted the friendship between Muhammad Ali, and Stepin Fetchit during the Civil Rights Movement. Black manhood in America was discussed in a private post-show dialogue with the actors/cast.

The Morehouse Alumni Association sponsored a discussion on topics including college preparation, relationships, graduate school and their experiences as Black men in Corporate America.

Seminars were led by 25 brilliant speakers. The seminars covered college readiness, legislative and civic growth, spiritual growth/preservation, financial education, entrepreneurialism and the importance of maintaining a healthy village of mentors and peers.

The Beaux described the experience as transformational.

El Paso-Southern New Mexico To kick off our first programming year since being chartered in Sep 2018, our Onxy Grade Group inspired us all with their creative tribute honoring Breast Cancer Survivors. The children used their hands to paint, stencil words onto the pumpkins and add unique designs to each one. They were encouraged to use adjectives that resonated inspiration such as faith, fight, hope, love and brave. They were able to work on hand dexterity, mixing colors and understanding what it means to create something that blesses someone else - being kind. Once their pumpkins were completed they were given to families for a small donation.

The proceeds from the donations will be given to the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. Our Mothers are excited that our children are engaged in educational and civic activities that engage the chapter and community. Fun was had by all participants.

Fort Worth In October, the Fort Worth Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. embarked an educational and legislative journey to Austin, Texas. The children went on a guided tour of the state capital where they learned about their rich Texas history; African Americans were highlighted for their contributions to Texas and the Nation. They also visited the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library where the children learned about his contribution to the Civil Rights Movement, the 1964 Civil Rights Bill, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Get in the Game: Fight for Equality in American Sports exhibit; explored the connection between sport and social justice through American sports. Many great African American athletes were identified as breaking down barriers and speaking out against social injustice and equality throughout our history. This was an amazing trip for the moms and children as they learned about Texas History.

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Houston With the knowledge that “We can do more while making a difference,” we set out to teach financial literacy in a fun and interactive way. This October, our Jack & Jill children ages two to nine were taught economic empowerment through our ROI (Return on Investment) Bazaar at our local Whole Foods.

Host mothers organized four stations to grab the interest at varied levels. The stations included: 1. making a fall frame, 2. decorating cookies, 3. creating Jack & Jill ribbon broaches, and 4. fabricating pink and blue headbands. Before starting, we taught everyone the purpose of buying low and selling high to gain an ROI. Additionally, our children gained extra motivation to fashion beautiful merchandise, because they understood that the sale proceeds from the items they made were all going to Foundation. The best part was watching our older children work with the younger children to achieve their goal.

Humble-Kingwood The Humble-Kingwood Ener-jectics (grades 1-3) were asked to FALL in love with the “A” in STEAM (Science, Technology, ELA, Art and Math). Research has shown that early introduction to art has several positive effects on child development. Art aides in the development of fine motor skills, language refinement, decision making and cultural awareness. For this activity, the children enjoyed an afternoon of canvas painting to truly appreciate the “A” in STEAM. They met at the Atascocita Library where they were each given the name of an African American artist to research and present information on to the group. After the presentations, the children were given paint and brush to create their own masterpieces.

North Suburban Dallas Come get your Lemonade! The Jammin’ J’s (4th-5th) hosted a Lemonade Day learning entrepreneurship and financial literacy while servicing the community. Participants were introduced to the key factors to having an effective lemonade stand and what it takes to maintain the stand throughout the day, including replenishment, advertisement and customer flow.

This stand was non-traditional in that sales were not made from customers but rather from pre-sale orders and donations so the lemonade could then be given away at a community location. What a way to learn finances and give back at the same time!

Pre-sale took place at the Chapter’s Mothers meeting. Products and supplies were then purchased to execute the Lemonade Day at Minnie’s Food Pantry, the Chapter’s community partner. Overall, it was an awesome way for the group to become financially aware of what it takes to have a successful lemonade day, while also benefiting the community.

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North Texas The North Texas Chapter Mavericks (Grades 4-6) enjoyed a STEMulating San Francisco adventure. Mavericks traveled to Silicon Valley to meet with leaders at Facebook, Oath: (Yahoo), and UC Berkeley. They also partnered with a local Oakland chapter for a pop-up food kitchen service project.

At Facebook, the group toured the campus followed by a boardroom meeting with a group of African American leaders. The students were given opportunities to ask questions regarding the company and careers in Science and Technology.

Next, the group proceeded to Oath: where they were met with leaders who discussed the importance of education in order to pursue careers in Science and Technology. They were also able to explore the set of Yahoo Fantasy Sports where they learned the science behind the camera and green screen technology.

They concluded the trip with a fun visit to the Museum of Ice Cream.

San Antonio Our Flying High activity was a big hit with our first- through third-graders. The children met at a local flight school, where they heard inspiring stories from the owner and his colleague, who spoke of their struggles and achievements as young African-American men, aspiring to fly planes. The children were then divided into small groups and taken to the hangar, where they were excited to board Cessna planes, piloted by experienced flight instructors. As engines started and propellers turned, the children were enlightened about how STEAM plays an important role in aviation. They took 20-minute flights around San Antonio to see downtown, theme parks, military bases and the Hill Country. Later, the children were given wooden airplanes to assemble, stressing the Art component of STEAM. Finally, each student underwent the ceremonious cutting of their shirt, signifying their first “solo” flight.

The Woodlands On October 27, 2018, the Elite Teens of The Woodlands Chapter participated in a LIFE SKILLS AMAZING RACE at The Woodlands Mall in The Woodlands, Texas. The chapters’ 6th - 8th graders were divided into two teams that both had the objective of being the first team to reach the finish line. Successful completion of the race required teams to demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills, perform good deeds, and complete basic life skills at various mall destinations. Specific tasks included purchasing a treat for a stranger, introducing group to mall management, making up beds, folding t-shirts, and using proper phone etiquette to make a lunch reservation.

The teens had a great time maneuvering through the mall with the anticipation of meeting up with the entire group for a fun group lunch where they debriefed about their creative learning adventure. This activity allowed our teens to complete several JMB leadership modules.

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SOUTHEASTERN Buckhead Atlanta The Buckhead Atlanta Chapter’s 7th/8th grade group began their journey to financial literacy by playing the game aptly named, ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’. The children started by answering questions pertaining to choices they make at school now and those they may be making in high school, at college, and on the job. They were guided through an exercise to compute their income, savings, and net worth by age 35 based on their selections. If they went to parties, spent extra years in college, did not diligently study, spent too much money on apartments, cars and food, their income and wealth were low. If they made good decisions, their income, savings and wealth could skyrocket. Studying hard, saving and starting their own businesses would boost their wealth. They each left with a workbook on “How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000”

by James McKenna to continue this important journey.

Dunwoody Atlanta The teens of the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter hosted a private movie screening of The Hate You Give, a powerful drama based on Angie Thomas’ 2017 novel which chronicles the life events of a young girl who is drawn to activism after witnessing the police shooting of her childhood friend. Following the movie, dynamic panelists, including a civil rights activist, criminal defense attorneys, diversity officers of prominent Atlanta independent schools, and a Jack and Jill teen that experienced racial profiling in his suburban neighborhood, engaged teens and parents in a lively discussion on racism, code-switching and police interaction with minority youth. The event was well-attended by teens and parents of metro-Atlanta Jack and Jill Chapters. In fact, the event extended to three theaters and was completely sold out. The teens raised over $7,000, and proceeds benefited the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and the Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs, GA. Greater North Atlanta GNAC children in grades 3-12 visited Junior Achievement Biztown and Finance Park. They experienced an interactive and exciting event, focusing on financial literacy, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Children in grades 3-6 visited Biztown, a simulated town with banks, commercial and retail stores. The workshop theme was ‘save first and spend less than you earn’. The children learned banking and entrepreneurial concepts, which they applied in Biztown. This is where they saved, spent ‘money’, and completed their budgets in the banks and retail stores. Leadership and public speaking training were provided by a GNAC teen, the lead 2018 GA S.U.S.O participant.

Simultaneously, teens in Grades 7-12 visited Finance Park and became entrepreneurs, where they developed and presented comprehensive business plans and effective ways to build and run a business. They also attended a session facilitated by a GNAC dad, a successful business owner, who delivered a powerful presentation on entrepreneurship and leadership.

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Greater Tampa During Black History Month, the Infinite Jazzy Jet Sets (grades 3 to 5) took an incredible educational trip to Africa via THE JACKANDA EXPERIENCE at Zoo Tampa. The afternoon started with a surprise visit from Black Panther, as the host children greeted their fellow Jet Sets in traditional African attire. Next, the children participated in African Dancing and Drumming Lessons taught by The Prodigy Group. Our talented junior teen, Ailani Forde, taught the kids to create their own video game in an interactive STEM experience using the Bloxels Builder application. The program concluded with a customized Scavenger Hunt of Africa. Their trip to JACKANDA had a global impact and showcased their civic engagement and philanthropic giving as they brought donations for a Kenyan orphanage, Ethlyns Hope, Inc. A special thank you to our partners, Zoo Tampa and Visit Tampa Bay, for making THE JACKANDA EXPERIENCE a spectacular reality!

Jackson Mississippi STEM Inventors & Engineers Jackson Mississippi Jr. Tweens and Tweens traveled to the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to enjoy an interactive art and science gallery. They explored how polymers behave in an interactive science lab using some common household ingredients to make a slippery, gooey polymers of slime. The STEM project was sponsored by BASF Chemistry Lab. Upon completion of the tour of the museum the Jr. Tweens and Tweens traveled to the Southern University College of Science and Engineer, the largest historically black university in Louisiana, for an informative program presented by the Dean.

This program was designed to prepare the students with and understanding of how to apply laws of basic science while simultaneously stimulating the development of creative thinking and economic judgment. The Jr. Tween and Tweens were able to bring the concept to life by assembling “Take Home Science Project Kit”.

Jacksonville Ecology Adventure!!!

The Q-Tees explored the “S” in STEAM at the Wildlife Sanctuary and Preserve at the University of North Florida. The children started by listening to a story about Ozzie the Osprey, the mascot of UNF and a bird of prey species that only eats fish.

Emphasis in the book is placed on habitats and where different species live. The children played a fun game of “Who Am I?” where they had to guess the name of the animal pictured on a paper taped to their back. After this fun activity the children were given Play-doh and crafted an animal they learned about.

A discussion was led by mothers, about preserving the environment and the role recycling plays in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. They recycled their Play-doh containers into a planting pot for their very own succulent plant. This eco-adventure ended with a scavenger hunt identifying plants and animals.

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Macon “Winter Wonderland- The Jack & Jill Way” included Financial Literacy and Service Opportunities for all age groups. Children were “Construction Workers”, building Gingerbread Houses and using money to purchase “upgrades” to their homes.

This was a fun way to incorporate good spending habits and identifying wants vs. needs. Teens engaged in a Leadership Development Workshop to prepare them for leadership; as well as the Chapter’s Oratorical Contest. They were also engaged in their financial literacy modules and a presentation on the Stock Market and Trade; presented by one of our POPS. Chapter Members brought in non-perishable, healthy food/ snack items and at the close of the program, children were able to pack bags to be donated to a local community organization. Enough food was donated to service over 50 families!

The Children and Teens raved about being able to service the community. This goes to show that they are learning the importance of using their “Power to Make a Difference!”

Mobile On October 27, 2018, the Mobile Chapter Golden Nuggets (ages 6-9) enjoyed a stimulating “fun with science” activity to learn how molecules join to create a polymer. Led by Ms. Heather Lavender, the children participated in an interactive STEM experiment. First, they created a human polymer by linking arms together. Once the children mastered polymers, they created edible water bubble polymers using the process of spherification. Spherification is a culinary process that uses sodium alginate and calcium to shape liquid into spheres. The Golden Nuggets were fascinated by their experiment where they witnessed how a polymer forms and encases water that can be ingested. Each child used food coloring to add a personal touch to their bubbles and the activity concluded with the children eating their edible water bubbles.

Palm Beach It’s not every night that our children have the chance to sleep under a space-flown orbiter. This Overnight Adventure engaged participants’ imaginations in space and science exploration, including STEM-based challenges and hands-on interactive exhibits; all while space shuttle Atlantis floated overhead. As a homage to Atlantis’ missions, the program focused on the International Space Station and sustaining life in orbit. During lunch, our children had questions answered

by African-American NASA astronaut and retired US Navy Captain Winston Scott.

A day of exploring the Kennedy Space Center’s attractions and exhibits kept our children fully engaged. They were granted access to restricted areas, observing operational facilities, witnessing the history and future of American space flight.

Furthermore, they trained in high tech simulators and experienced the thrill of the space race with the launch of Apollo 8 in a Firing Room. This event culminated with a sleepover under a hovering space shuttle Atlantis.

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CENTRAL St. Clair County On January 5, 2019, the Pandas proved you’re never too young to learn how to cook as they participated in a “Cooking with the Panda’s” activity. The Panda’s learned the basics of food preparation and safety in the kitchen. The Pandas learned the importance of hand washing, as well as washing every fruit and vegetable before cooking or eating them.

They were perfect “prep cooks” as they cut various food items in preparation for cooking. They were excited about making healthy food items for their lunches. They made a fruit salad, tamale pie, cauliflower pizza bites. The look of joy on their faces as they witnessed the results of this wonderful hands on and health focused educational activity conveyed expressions of pride, a sense of accomplishment and inspired many to want to rush home and help moms and dad in their kitchens!

EASTERN Greater Hartford Healthy cooking is about recipes and techniques. Our middle school children had an opportunity to team build and learn in a hands-on environment led by professional chef instructors at Sur La Table. The sponsoring mothers worked with the venue to prepare a mature and kid-friendly three-course meal meeting the dietary restrictions of the children attending. Our children each brought with them: 1) an article about good nutrition; 2) an intriguing recipe to make at home with parental supervision after the class, and; 3) socks for the Chapter’s Socktober donation for a local homeless shelter. Upon arrival, the children were led in a discussion by the mothers about healthy choices and nutritional balance. The children then prepared the meal with the instructors that incorporated learning valuable cooking techniques. Each child returned home full from a healthy dinner, better prepared to assist with meal preparation at home, and more aware of healthy food choices.

Greater Suburban Maryland The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Treasures (gr. 3-5) age group focused on healthy food options with their Garden to Table activity. The children began with a discussion about how to garden and the benefits of growing your own food. The children had an opportunity to plant several spices to nurture, cultivate and use at a later time. After the planting exercise, the children transitioned to the kitchen for a presentation by a chef who discussed healthy eating, how to pick the best fruits and vegetables and reading food product labels. Under the direction of the chef, the Treasures prepared a meal consisting of salad with homemade salad dressing, chicken cutlets in a homemade marinara sauce and zucchini noodles. The children received invaluable information that will impact their food decisions and health for years to come.

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Montgomery County PA On November 25, 2018, our pre-school children and their families gathered at Valley Forge Historical Park, the location of the 1777-1778 encampment of the Continental Army. The children were introduced to one of the local trail systems as a way to cultivate their sense of wonder and understanding of how to stay healthy through physical activity.

The 3,500 acres of woodlands served as the backdrop of this afternoon adventure. The children worked hard as they walked, jogged and ran more than a mile. Their mothers used this opportunity to explain how their hearts, lungs and muscles work together to keep them moving. Once the children reached their final destination, a tour guide met the group. She showed them a few important monuments and escorted them through replicas of the houses soldiers lived in during the Revolutionary War. The visit ended with the children and their moms eating a healthy snack.

South Jersey The youngest grade group in our chapter had a GOLF (Great Organizational Leadership & Fitness) activity on January 19th.

It included a tennis & golf lesson, wherein the instructor taught proper grip, form and stroke to the children and parents. This allowed the parents to assist with the lesson and celebrate their child’s success. The instructor also created a contest with a reward system, which exposed the children to heathy competition in a safe environment. Following the lesson, they gathered for pizza and reviewed the book, “Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson”. The story was read aloud and then the children were lead in a discussion about race, discrimination and determination. It was the story of a young girl who, with the help of a mentor was able to go from a girl who thought she would never make it to the first African American to win Wimbledon.

Southern Maryland The 3rd through 5th grade Jacks and Jills had an interactive session to promote our #JJSwims initiative partnership with the American Red Cross to teach water safety. The children and our families spent the weekend in the setting of the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark in Williamsburg, VA. To kick off the weekend’s activities, we started with an interactive water safety lesson that included a video on the do’s and don’ts of water safety, making their own water safety posters, and taking a fun quiz at the end to reinforce what they learned. Following the swim safety lesson, the children spent the rest of the day at the indoor waterpark to practice the swim safety rules they learned.

Following the water fun the children and families fellowshipped over a meal together and movie night.

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Suffolk County On September 30, 2018 our Sensational Suffolk County Chapter embarked on our 4th annual Tanger Fit For A Cure 5K Run/Walk, raising awareness and money to fight breast cancer. Our entire chapter, moms, dads, teens, children and associates embraced the call to action, to use our power to make a difference and do more in our community around health, specifically breast cancer awareness! We registered over 200 walkers/runners, ranging from 2 to 65 years old.

This year’s walk/run was in honor and memory of Magnificent Mom Melodie Laidlow. who lost the battle against breast cancer in August 2018. President Kathryn Simmons, Teen President Aaron Miller and Teen VP John Cummings provided information regarding breast cancer prevention. Proceeds from the event went to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Suffolk County Chapter received recognition for having the largest team. Special thanks to our sister chapters Queens and Nassau for their support!

FAR WEST Los Angeles A positive self-image is fundamental to good mental and physical health, so, Los Angeles’ Group 1B (Kindergarteners and 1st Graders) participated in ‘Sense of Self-ies,’ a self-esteem activity creating self-portraits. Story time opened the activity featuring the books; “I Like Myself” and “I Am Enough.”

These stories encourage children to appreciate their unique characteristics and to name them. Some of our group’s young readers spontaneously took turns reading and this captured the interest and full engagement of the entire group. Next the group made popsicle stick mounted self- portraits using skin toned construction paper, crayons, scissors, stickers and glue.

Everyone used an adjective to describe their selfie and the group selfie tells it all. Our Group 1B selfie parade showcased adjectives like “beautiful”, “creative”, “strong”, “smart”, and even “boss-y.” Above it all this ‘Sense of Self-ies’ activity is a mission accomplished for instilling positive self-identity and good mental health.

San Jose The San Jose Chapter will host the 2019 Children’s Cluster for the Contra Costa, Greater Vallejo and Tri-Valley Chapters on March 23, 2019. The retreat will focus on wellness for children, as well as moms and dads, and will provide participants with alternatives to technology. The planned programming will give the children the opportunity to practice mindfulness and connect with nature through dancing, hikes and ropes courses.

The parents programming will consist of both an educational component -- a showing of SCREENAGERS (a documentary that reveals how extensive screen time impacts our children’s development) -- and active participation in mindfulness and hiking activities. Children’s Cluster will be held at Camp Monte Toyon in Aptos, CA.

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Tucson Tucson Teens take mental health seriously. The holidays can be a depressing time for some. Over the 2018 holidays, Tucson teens intentionally shined a light on mental health. In November, the teens watched “Silence the Shame.” The video emphasized the importance of not being afraid to speak out about mental health concerns. In December, teens prepared and delivered 106 anti-stress kits to a local high school where students recently loss a classmate. To wrap up, host moms invited a mental health professional to speak at the teens December business meeting. Topics included maintaining a healthy lifestyle, how to help a friend and mental health in the context of romantic relationships. From watching the video, to assembling the anti-stress community service kits inspired by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and by learning from the mental health professional, our teens enjoyed a well-rounded experience highlighting the importance of mental health.

MID-ATLANTIC Chesapeake People equate mental health issues with challenges on the far end of the mental health spectrum such as, schizophrenia or clinical depression. We taught our kids that any unhealthy stress on one’s emotions is a mental health challenge.

Chapter Mother and Liscensed Child Therapist, Dr. Sarah Williams Tolliver, talked with our children about mental health and building a growth mindset. She gave them tools do help manage mental health such as, deep breathing, exercise, engaging in fun activities and telling a parent about how you are feeling.

Hostess Mother Arlinda Taylor met with NAMI representatives and gave each attendee a packet materials from NAMI. The rest of the afternoon our kids bowled together to “Strike Out Doubt”. The pins represented things that cause stress and the bowling ball represented the child taking control and knocking down the barriers to healthy mental happiness!

Norfolk Norfolk Chapter walks the talk for prostate cancer awareness Research shows one in six African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his life. Nearly 4,500 black men die from the disease each year. Encouragingly, with early detection, the five-year survival rate is nearly 95%. On November 10, 2018, Norfolk chapter, in collaboration with Norfolk State University, hosted an awareness forum with Charlie Hill, executive director, Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum. Seventh grade “Jill” Gabrielle Rivero introduced the keynote speaker. She paid tribute to her grandfather who lost his battle with prostate cancer earlier that spring. “Sadly, a cure was not found in time for my granddaddy,” she said, “but I believe a cure will come.” On November 18, Norfolk Chapter’s Father’s Auxiliary led a chapterwide walk with Zero Prostate Cancer. Together, we pledge to bring awareness and an end to prostate cancer because we care about the men in our lives.

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MID-WESTERN Southwestern Michigan One of the easiest ways for people to stay healthy, year round, is to remember to wash their hands. The Southwestern Michigan Chapter demonstrated the importance of handwashing your hands as one way to remaining healthy. This educational STE[A]M activity taught about the presence of microorganisms on hands before and after washing. Ebony Kids and Shining Stars grade groups had the chance to explore the presence of microorganisms before and after washing with plating their hands on agar plates. The agar plates were wrapped, storage at room temperature and examined by the children and parents 48 hours later. Many children, as well as their parents, were amazed at the amount, various shapes and colors of microorganism found on their agar plates. The grade groups also explored the world of food microbiology with videos and activity books.

Youngstown Better Environment, Better Me- Under the leadership of Program Leader Trinette Roberson and helper moms, Kareem Ash Holloway and Janiene Taylor-Purdie. Groups I, 2 and 3 gathered October 12, 2018 at Youngstown’s Historic Wick Park to learn about all the health and environmental benefits of trees from the cities local Forester. They learned facts such as trees clean the air, make communities safer and grow any time of the year except when the ground is frozen. To commemorate the occasion, the kids and parents contributed $10 per family to purchase a Red Maple Tree. They planted it in the park where it is now designated as the official Jack and Jill of America Tree. It will remain there for the benefit of the environment and as a symbol of the legacy of the Jack and Jill Youngstown Chapter, growing strong and mighty!

SOUTH CENTRAL Humble-Kingwood The Humble-Kingwood Trendz-setters (grades 6-8) celebrated the end of the year by partying with a healthy purpose. The tweens came together at the Humble city pool for food, fun and education. The activity started with a presentation from the group’s Red Cross Swim Ambassadors on basic swim safety and what to do if you find yourself in trouble in the water.

After enjoying time in the pool, everyone enjoyed a late lunch supporting one of the area’s black owned businesses. After lunch, Dr. Chanda Mayers-Elder spoke to the group about some of the mental health issues facing middle schoolers such as depression and what factors can cause them. She helped the tweens to understand how their actions can be a positive or negative influence on someone. The activity ended with some of the tweens and moms sharing their personal experiences with mental health and how they managed them.

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Red River The Red River Chapter of Jack and Jill is making a difference when it comes to water safety and learning how to swim. They say that the largest factor of unintentional drowning in communities is the lack of access to resources needed for success. In the month of July, our Tots and Tumblers where engaged in a lesson on how to stay safe around water and the importance of knowing how to swim. The lifeguard, Mr.DeAndre Drew, taught the Tots and Tumblers how to use a life preserver and explained what steps to take so that they wouldn’t drown. This activity was a huge success. The Tots and Tumblers had an educational experience while having fun!

Southwest Suburban Dallas The Bloomers’ held a “Be Smart, Eat Smart” grade group activity instructed by a dietitian from Children’s Health-Dallas. The activity focused on healthy foods and beverages. The children learned how making smart choices about what they eat, and drink are important steps in a healthy lifestyle. The bloomers participated in an interactive creating a healthy plate activity.

Each child placed various food models into the correct food group of their MyPlate to make a healthy meal. They also participated in a question and answer session that included a visual display of the amount of sugar in the beverages that the children drink daily.

We ended the activity with the 5-2-1-0 –Principle: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of screen time 1 hour or more of physical activity 0 sugary drink- more water Waco Members of the Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated began the program year with a training within the health thrust targeted to raise awareness concerning child abuse. The mothers and youth came together for education and empowerment through the program Camp Careful. Camp Careful was created by a pediatrician with the mission to reduce and prevent child sexual abuse. This program is not limited to just awareness of “stranger danger,” but also incorporates topics such as social media safety and how to prevent risky situations. The facilitator and youth also discussed how to handle a concern that a friend may be in an unsafe situation. For more information on Camp Careful, please visit the website www. campcareful.com.

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SOUTHEASTERN Greater Chattanooga The Greater Chattanooga Chapter convened with Nature during the Snicker and Smarties October Hiking Event. The kids and their families traveled to Cloudland Canyon State Park to hike the Waterfall Trail and experience the beauty of natural falling waters. Our younger kids were fortunate to experience this non-traditional activity while learning the health benefits of hiking by our resident chapter expert, Dad Travis Withers. In addition, they learned the importance of listening, staying with your partner, staying hydrated, and remaining safe at all times while hiking. This day culminated with the kids having a newfound appreciation for outdoor hiking and the wonderful adventures of nature.

Greater North Central Florida The Bows and Bowties (ages 2-5) of the Greater North Central Florida Chapter kicked off the year with a dual thrust age group activity. The children learned about water safety in a session led by certified swim safety instructor, Cyrus Gibson, (GNCFC Teen President). Drowning rates are highest for children under five years of age and the fatal drowning rate of African-American children is almost three times that of other children. Promoting water safety is a high priority for mothers of children in this age group. After the session, children pledged never to swim alone, to always dive feet first, to always obey pool rules, and never to swim near drains. They all received a certificate after completing the session and taking a pledge. Following water safety class, the Bows and Bowties enjoyed snacks and playing safely in the water by following all of the newly learned rules.

Mississippi Gulf Coast On October 6, 2018, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter hosted the “My Mind Matters” Community Health Fair to raise awareness of mental health in adults and children. The program provided an exciting and interactive time for chapter families and the community to be informed on mental health, self-care, wellness, physical activity, and experts on hand to answer questions. Mental Health screenings, healthy gut and healthy minds (breaking the stigma) workshops, and self-care (exercise and massage therapy) demonstrations were just some of the activities available for those in attendance. The goal was to “break the stigma,” encourage children and empower adults to take responsibility for their mental health and physical wellness. Attendees were encouraged to participate in advocating for and breaking the stigma of mental health by learning more about mental health, resources and collaborating with experts in the community. There was a bounce-house available for children as well as face-painting.

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Suncoast On October 20, 2018 the Suncoast Chapter participated in a community walk to promote mental health awareness through suicide prevention. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of Darkness Walk takes place annually worldwide to raise funds and bring awareness to suicide prevention. The Suncoast Chapter participated in our area’s AFSP Walk at South Straub Park in St. Petersburg. This event provided a platform for individuals to open up about their own struggles with or loss from suicide in an effort to begin conversations and erase the shame surrounding mental health issues and suicide.

Our teens volunteered to assist AFSP organizers to set up for the walk and also made a $200.00 donation on behalf of the Suncoast Chapter to AFSP. This event increased awareness for our children, teens, and moms about the importance of mental health education and suicide prevention among people of color.

West Georgia In an effort to encourage the power to make a difference in our children’s HEALTH and the health of our families, the Pre-K to Kindergarten and 1st– 3rd Grade Groups participated in a fun and educational program exploring medical assistance and first aid techniques. With a goal to develop children that are brave, confident and helpful in the event of a medical emergency, the children received an overview of how to care for injuries like burns, abrasions, and cuts, minor bleeding, and sprains from a Nurse and Certified Health Instructor. They also participated in an interactive lesson on protecting themselves from germs, how to properly apply bandages, how to help someone who is choking, and hands only CPR. Additionally, the children learned about African American pioneers who made significant impacts in the field of medicine, and participated in a discussion about healthy food choices.

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Social/Recreational

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CENTRAL East St. Louis On Saturday, October 20, 2018, the East St. Louis Chapters’ youth and teens attended a youth forum and movie screening of “The Hate you Give”. The story line boasts a 16-year-old girl raised in a poverty-stricken city, who now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she’s torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth. Our children engaged in open dialogue with local leaders. When questions surfaced about police brutality, the police officer was commended on his response. He gave an analogy of how some people are just not a good fit for their respective jobs. After the forum, attendees watched the movie and enjoyed free popcorn. After the screening, our youth and teens fellowshipped and continued the conversation over lunch. This outing was a great experience for our children and all who attended.

Oklahoma City On December 27, 2018, under the leadership of Chaya Fletcher, the Oklahoma City chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted its inaugural Winter Gala and Cotillion at the Gaillardia Country Club. The organization presented seven Oklahoma City youth at this formal event.

During the months long passage program, both Debs and Beaus attended enrichment workshops covering such topics as academic achievement, STEM, careers and employment, self-esteem and motivation, oratorical coaching and etiquette. After a long journey of learning, the Debs and Beaus showcased their achievements to an audience of over 200 in attendance.

We present to you our Debs; Nandi Washington - Classen School of Advanced Studies, Peyton Walter - Casady High School, Ashanti Deloney - Southeast High School and Aaricka Combest - Northeast Academy. Beaus: Gerald Gurley, Jr. - Northeast Academy, Najee Hurte - Carl Albert High School and Anthony Littlepage-Buggs - Classen School of Advanced Studies.

Tulsa For this year’s theme: The Power to Make a Difference: We Can Do More, the Tulsa Chapter Teens participated in a “Module Mania” day full of engaging workshops. Several community guest speakers covered: 1) College: Are You Ready? Addressed questions to consider, testing, admissions process, and negotiating your college offer.

2) Life Skills: focused on success traits, who you are and what you can offer.

3) Dress for Success Fashion Show: runway walk and transforming attire from work to evening.

4) Work Your Money: money habits, investments, and increase wealth potential.

6) Utilizing Your Strengths: focus on individual diverse styles and talents.

5) The Mindful Teen: identified ways to deal with stress and “soft belly” breathing by focusing their thoughts and health benefits through meditation.

They wrapped up the day by boarding a party bus for a progressive dinner by enjoying appetizers at Charleston’s restaurant, a private dinner at Polo Grill and dessert at Pinkitzel.

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EASTERN Greater Poconos The Greater Poconos Chapter held its inaugural annual holiday party, Winter Wonderland, on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at the Whispering Pines Banquet Hall, in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. In attendance were 17 marvelous mothers, 14 phenomenal fathers, 29 captivating children of all ages, as well as invited family guests. The highlight of the event was marked with the showcases of the children. They performed dance routines, piano and violin compositions, and recited poetry. One Mother boasted, “It was a very nice family event. We enjoyed learning more about the principals of Kwanzaa.” Another mother exclaimed,” My family enjoyed the party, and we are looking forward to next year.” The event provided a great opportunity to see the creative magic of the Greater Poconos Chapter. Long live Jack and Jill!

Greater Suburban Maryland The Greater Suburban Maryland Chapter’s Tykes (gr. K-2) age group executed their annual “welcome back” Dare to Dream activity in the beginning of the program year. The children were challenged to create a vision board of their future careers, goals and aspirations. They learned the construction of a vision board is an exercise in goal setting and is the hallmark of a successful leader! Each child was encouraged to be as creative as possible. Once they were finished creating their boards, the children practiced their oratorical skills by presenting and describing their vision boards for the other Tykes and their mothers. This activity was the perfect mix of social fun while planting seeds of leadership and building their confidence in public speaking.

Mercer County A Christmas in Color Celebration. The Mercer County Chapter gathered to kick off the holiday season with a traditional Christmas Party infused with African inspired decorations along with favors that were handmade by Jola House, an organization that helps young Liberian women. Mercer County spent the afternoon on their feet dancing, fellowshipping and playing an interactive Jack and Jill Jeopardy game. The children were surprised by a special guest from the North Pole who passed out goodies to all the Jacks and Jills and took a special Chapter family picture. In the spirit of giving, The Mercer County Chapter collected a variety of baby health care items that were donated to Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. It is through the Chapter’s support of Children’s Home Society and Jola House that the Mercer County Chapter continues to demonstrate how imperative it is to support the local community and communities worldwide.

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Northern Virginia The Northern Virginia Chapter gathered for the annual holiday celebration with an added treat. Along with a luncheon, families enjoyed “NoVa’s Got Talent”, a talent showcase featuring the children from Tiny Tots to Senior Teens. Children sang, played instruments, read poems and, Senior Teen President Chris Craig, recited the spoken word piece he performed at the Southern Mother’s Cluster this past year. The chapter was also able to see view a short film that was created by a graduated teen. The Programming Committee wanted to give the children an outlet to share their talents in a supportive environment, foster their comfort level with public speaking and be inspired by the artistry of their fellow (and former) members. The smiles and applause indicated that this mission was accomplished!

Additionally, the Senior Teens led a community service project to create Christmas cards for veterans and assisted the youngest age groups with cookie decorating. Families also made donations to Toys for Tots.

MID-ATLANTIC Hampton “Living Black Wax Museum” (Winner: Best of the Best National Outstanding Programming Award-Social-Recreational) The Hampton Chapter (partnering with Hampton History Museum) presented “The Living Black Wax Museum”. 500 attendees explored history brought to life through oratory presentations of 40 children from the Hampton Chapter, earning the praise of one museum staffer that he had “never seen such confident children”!

On the museum floor, browsers encountered former Attorney General, Loretta Lynch (pre-schooler, Olivia Lynch). Also present was Union Spy, Mary Elizabeth Bowser (Intermediate, Alexis Hayes). Educator Benjamin Mays (Intermediate Benny Martin) was on hand to greet his former student from Morehouse, Martin Luther King Jr. (Intermediate, Josiah Walston and pre-schooler, Christian Montaque). Misty Copeland (Senior Teen, Peyton Thomas) performed a dance routine! In the Great Hall, Abolitionist Frederick Douglass (portrayed by historical re-enactor, Nathan Richardson) recounted his life as a slave and his commitment to see his people taste freedom.

MID-WESTERN Dayton The Dayton, Ohio chapter of Jack and Jill teens participated in a day where they learn to express themselves and develop lifelong skills. Partnering with the Victoria Theatre – PNC innovative learning center. Our teens participated in a world class interactive Impro program.

The mission of the Improv program was to encourage and nurture our Teens’ innate curiosity, creativity, and ability to make connections with others. Our program created a fun and supportive environment allowing each Teen to work on skills to explore, develop, and succeed in life. While improvisation is best

known for the power to amaze and entertain through hilarious performances, our kids learn the fundamentals of the art and how the creative process leads to support, engagement, trust, and applied risk-taking off-stage as well as on.

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Gary Northwest Indiana The 78 degrees, September 14th summer breeze brought forth over 50 experienced golfers to the Gary Gleason Golf Course.

The Gary NWI Chapter sacrificed their time, talent and sales techniques to execute our largest fundraiser, since 2008. Mother Members connected with a certified golf expert, learned the lingo and researched best practices within the sport. Celebrity basketball player and golfer, Cliff Levingston also hosted a meet and greet and fellowshipped with his fans and friends on the green. The Chapter-Wide event successfully raised money through hole sponsorships and donations. A portion of the proceeds was presented to Caren Jones, Executive Director of YWCA for low to moderate income families who will benefit from child-focused water safety initiatives. This is in alignment with our #JJSwims partnership with the American Red Cross.

The thrusts achieved were social/recreational and civic/community service.

St. Louis Each year, the St. Louis Chapter celebrates Black Family Day with a combined graduation and bridging ceremony. Family and friends gather to celebrate the high school seniors; the mothers whom are graduating out of JJOA; the younger children; and the new inductees as well. The seniors are honored for their scholastic achievements and receive a graduation gift from the chapter. The eighth graders participate in the JJOA Rites of Passage ceremony - then are pinned, with official JJOA pins, as new members of the Teen Group. The younger children celebrate advancing to the next grade group in the Bridging Ceremony, in which they receive Jack & Jill medallions and certificates of achievement. The graduating mothers are recognized and saluted for their service to JJOA, as they receive personalized gifts for their service. The chapter’s new inductees are also recognized at this ceremony. Lastly, the Associates attend to recruit new members.

Western Cook County On Saturday, September 15, 2018, the Western Cook County’s Grade Group 3 hosted a social activity at The Morton Arboretum. This activity incorporated a nature exploration through the perspective of tiny insects, small animals, plants, and trees. The children were taken on a guided tour through The Morton Arboretum to learn which habitat works best for different species and how best to survive in the wild. No stone was left unturned as the children discovered the species that live in our local wetland ecosystems; and identified common wildflowers and woodland trees. It was a beautiful day, exposing the children to exploration, learning, and play among trees, plants and nature. Following the morning of hiking, discovery, and exploration, we convened for lunch in the children’s garden. There the children demonstrated their social and oratorical skills by presenting what they learned during their nature exploration.

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SOUTH CENTRAL Hammond Northshore On December 22, 2018, the Hammond Northshore Chapter enjoyed a night to remember as we joined together to party for a greater purpose. We successfully created a holiday event to give gifts and toys to many boys and girls. This event was so important to the children accepting the gifts because it helped them feel accepted and part of a strong family unit. The Royal teens participated in the program by playing an instrument of choice, performing skits and solo orations. Our prayer was for God to create in each of us a heart that is fulfilled by loving and caring for others. We were compelled to lift Jesus up and share him in a way that would bring all the glory and honor to his name.

New Orleans Vision Board Party, Algiers Regional Library Leadership starts with a Vision and on September 15, 2018, our 4th and 5th grade Spacer group started the program year by meeting to create vision boards. The Spacers were challenged in advance to think about their goals and aspirations for the school year and they ultimately participated in an engaging and fun activity that helped them to focus on how to make those goals a reality. After creating their vision boards, they discussed their goals and objectives with the group. This event was designed as a social activity, but it also provided an opportunity for the Spacers to discuss how leadership starts with being focused on achieving goals. This activity allowed our children to meet the Social/Recreational and Educational thrusts as well as satisfying the JMB Leadership Module criteria.

North Houston Suburban North Houston Suburban Chapter focused on the programmatic thrusts of social and recreational, while paying tribute to the cultural heritage. This was an open event where members could invite Prospective New Mothers and their families. NHS celebrated Jack and Jill Day at the beautiful Galveston Seaside Resort on the island of Galveston, Texas on September 22, 2018.

NHS came together as a family to continue this important day of reflection for Carole Robertson and to educate on the importance of our right to vote. The Father’s Auxiliary released lanterns in remembrance of Carole Robertson and the lives of the four girls that were killed in the 6th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama in September of 1963. NHS partnered with Harris County Aquatics Program and our very own competitive swimmer, Dylan Prophet-Williams presented swim safety tips to incorporate the #JJSWIMS initiative.

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North Suburban Dallas Come get your Lemonade! The Jammin’ J’s (4th-5th) hosted a Lemonade Day learning entrepreneurship and financial literacy while servicing the community. Participants were introduced to the key factors to having an effective lemonade stand and what it takes to maintain the stand throughout the day, including replenishment, advertisement and customer flow.

This stand was non-traditional in that sales were not made from customers but rather from pre-sale orders and donations so the lemonade could then be given away at a community location. What a way to learn finances and give back at the same time!

Pre-sale took place at the Chapter’s Mothers meeting. Products and supplies were then purchased to execute the Lemonade Day at Minnie’s Food Pantry, the Chapter’s community partner. Overall, it was an awesome way for the group to become financially aware of what it takes to have a successful lemonade day, while also benefiting the community.

SOUTHEASTERN Greater Fort Lauderdale The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter celebrated Jack and Jill Day and Carole Robertson Day on September 15, 2018 with a Luau at the Bamboo Gallery in Davie, Florida. More than 200 Jacks, Jills, Moms and Dads gathered at this tropical paradise to kick-off the program year. Guests were greeted with leis, served tropical drinks and indulged in Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. We learned of African-Americans’ influence to the Hawaiian culture and how they use their Power to Make a Difference. As a tribute to the life and legacy of Carole Robertson, an emotional mime-inspired dance was performed by middle-school Jills. Because We Can Do More, donations were collected towards the Carole Robertson Gravesite Beautification Project.

To end the evening, we were treated to a traditional Hawaiian dance and fire-eating show that our children, dads and Southeastern Regional Director Kornisha Brown participated in. Additional special guests included past Eastern Regional Director Gail Dotson.

North Suburban Atlanta Our Jacks and Jills in the PreK-1st Grade Group began the new year with a wonderful Paint & Sip activity that incorporated multiple thrusts. The January activity started with a reading of “I Am Human” by Susan Verde, a book that focuses on empathy, dreaming big, accepting mistakes and being kind to others. The children ate healthy fruit and cheese snacks while discussing topics from the book. Then the children painted a portrait from the book (flower or face) and chose a word to describe themselves. This was followed by a physical fitness activity in the inflatable gymnasium play area with music. This was a great activity that aligned with the Recreational, Educational, Social and Health thrusts.

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National Executive Board

National President Danielle Brown Loudoun County Chapter Eastern Region

National Program Director Lisa Grant-Dawson Greater Vallejo Chapter Far West Region Region

National Vice President Tanya Hand Indianapolis Chapter Mid-Western Region

National Recording Secretary Michelle Gentry Anderson Tulsa Chapter Central Region

National Corresponding Secretary Consuella Guillory-Adams Clear Lake/Bay Area Chapter South Central Region

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National Treasurer Pamela Taylor Raleigh-Wake Chapter Mid-Atlantic Region

National Editor Gina Williams-Jackson Memphis Chapter Southeastern Region

SCOPE

Special Acknowledgement and Thank You This edition of SCOPE includes invited article contributions from the following: Akira Bell-Johnson, Eastern Region Member-At-Large Amanda Johnson, Mid-Atlantic Region Program Chair April Hall-Key, Central Region Member-At-Large Charles Noble, JJOA Foundation President Christyle Russell, Central Region Program Chair Dana Brooks, Far West Region Member-At-Large Danielle Brown, 26th National President Holly Alford, Mid-Atlantic Region Member-At-Large JoAnne Curry, Far West Region Program Chair Latrecia Jordan, Southeastern Region Member-At-Large Paula Ingram-Coleman, Mid-Western Member-At-Large Phoebe Penny, Southeastern Region Program Chair Pier Blake, Executive Director, JJOA Foundation Sativa Leach-Bowen, South Central Region Member-At-Large Tanisa Jeffers-Bernard, South Central Region Program Chair Trian Johnson Sana, Eastern Region Program Chair Ursula Ricketts, Mid-Western Region Program Chair THOSE CHAPTERS WHO HAVE SHARED THEIR BEST CHAPTER PROGRAMS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF Tiffany Rose Consultant Kristjen Renard Special Projects Natasha Johnstone Membership Coordinator Toni Washington Accountant Shalieda Marquez Administrative Coordinator Audrey Watt Intern, Howard University Graphic Design by Executive Virtual Assistance (EVA) Production by Brian Young THIS PUBLICATION WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT EACH OF YOU JACK AND JILLINGLY YOURS Lisa Grant-Dawson, National Program Director 3

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated 1930 l 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20009

www.jackandjillinc.org

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