Greetings from Regional Director, Melinda Alexis-Hayes

Korni sha McGill Brown National President Southeastern Region

Claud ia N . Curtis National Vice President Mid-Atlont ic Region

Nadin e J. Gib son Nationa l Treasurer Mid -Western Region

Shirell A Gross National Program Director Eastern Region

Robin Rice Hodges

National Recording Secretory Central Region

Saliva Leach -Bowen

National Corresponding Secretary South Central Region

Florence Lankford

Nationa l Editor Far West Region Greetings President Eaddy-Alleyne and Mothers of Brooklyn, NY Chapter

First, please allow me to greet our Regional Director Melinda Alexis-Hayes who hails from this great chapter. It is with great honor that I serve as your National Program Director! I am deeply humbled to represent The Mighty Eastern Region! I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your chapter to deliver exemplary programming and community service. I also bring you greetings on behalf of our National Executive Board, National Programming Committee, and the Members at Large. Together, as we also partner with our strategic partners and task forces, we are laser-focused on delivering more tools, resources guidance and unique programming experiences.

Undoubtedly, we had to pivot quickly as we moved from in-person to virtual events. The agility demonstrated by our members has proven that we can and will conquer the challenges that yet still lie ahead of us. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has served children for over82years. Wesimplywouldnothave survived thislong but for the resilience, flexibility, and courage of the mothers in this great organization. While we acknowledge the challenges of virtual programming, let us not forget the incredible opportunity for creativity and innovation. We will take the lessons learned and emerge as an even stronger organization.

As we move into the 2020-2021 program year, I am confident that your chapter, guided by your President, Program Director, and Foundation Chair stands ready to deliver another year of great programming and community service. Programming is the heart and service is the soul of our beloved organization. The contentment of our members and the quality of their membership experience is largely dependent upon the programming conducted at the chapter level. Locally, isalso where familybonding and lifelong friendshipsoccur as we fellowship during group, chapter, and community service activities. We are in challenging times, and It is more important than ever that we focus on our families and lean into each other as sister moms for a source of strength. We need each other.

In closing, I look forward to partnering with you to support your chapter with your programming, community service, and fundraising goals. I know you too will be focused on our mission, our strategic priorities, our programmatic thrusts, and our service to underserved communities. On Mission. On Purpose.

Shirell A Gross National Program Director 2020-2022