About Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc (Jack and Jill) is the oldest African American family organization in the United States. The core of the Jack and Jill philosophy is that every child - if given the proper guidance and opportunity - can be developed into a leader. It is this commitment to youth that drives the organization and its growing roster of members in communities from coast to coast
Passionate about its mission, Jack and Jill dedicates its resources to improving the quality of life for children Unique opportunities for youth leadership development and exposure are offered by the chapters, regions, and the national organization under a national theme in adherence to fulfillment of the organizational goals.
Our objectives and aims are:
• To create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate growth and development.
• To provide children a constructive educational, cultural, health, recreational and social program
• To aid mothers in learning more about their children by careful study.
• To seek for all children the same advantages which we desire for our own.
• To support all national legislation aimed at bettering the conditions of all children
Since its inception, Jack and Jill has evolved into a strong national organization as a result of dynamic and innovative programming Our founder, Marion Stubbs Thomas, had a simple idea of bringing together children in social and cultural relationships and this idea avalanched into a vigorous national organization. Our story of growth is one of amity and felicity. As new members are welcomed and new chapters are formed, the aims and ideals of Jack and Jill have strengthened, always with our children and civic service as the focal points. We are committed to mobilizing and making a difference. We believe that all children matter.
Today, Jack and Jill boasts of 272 chapters in 38 states and the District of Columbia, representing more than 50,000 family members making a difference in communities nationwide and world. The largest concentrations of members are in five metropolitan areas surrounding Washington DC, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, and Chicago.
Jack and Jill of America Foundation was established in 1968 as the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America,Inc. Our mission is to invest in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe and nurturing environment
MISSION
Our mission is to address issues affecting African American children and families, by investing in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term
VISION IMPACT
Our vision is to transform African American communities, one child at a time
We invest in services, programs and organizations that focus on impacting the underlying issues affecting African American children and families
Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc.
Our Philanthropic Focus Areas prioritize three critical areas that require immediate attention: African American Families • Education • Health & Wellness
As an organization, we recognize that the African American community faces unique challenges that require targeted solutions. We understand that investing in the well-being of African American families is crucial to building strong communities This is why we support programs and services that address the root causes affecting long-term outcomes for African American children Education is also a key focus area for us. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or zip code Finally, we recognize that health and wellness are essential to the overall well-being of individuals and communities We support programs that promote healthy lifestyles, increase access to healthcare services, and address health disparities that disproportionately affect African Americans
About South Central Region
The South Central Region is steeped in a rich heritage of service and leadership The idea of the regional structure was introduced in 1948 at the Third Annual Meeting of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, held in Washington, D.C. While various national committees were debating the suitability of restructuring the organization, the South Central Region was already at work In 1952, two chapters west of the Mississippi were established. Initially, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, had no plans to establish chapters west of the Mississippi. Sponsored by the Buffalo, New York Chapter, New Orleans was granted a charter, and on March 27, 1952 was installed, becoming the first chapter in Louisiana. In Houston, Texas, mothers were vigilant in their desire to bring a chapter there.
On September 24, 1952, after two years of efforts, the Houston Chapter became the first chapter established in Texas. Thus, these two were the first chapters established in what would become the South Central Region five years later Today, we proudly serve over 1,768 mothers, 965 associates and life members, 1,138 fathers, 1,570 children and 1,368 teens. Our thirty-eight (38) chapters are located in the states of Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas. Growing and sustaining the Region is one of the current operational priorities Currently, efforts are underway to explore and establish the first chapter in New Mexico and further expansion in Louisiana and Texas.
OUR SERVICE AREA
OUR COMMITMENT
We are committed to empowering our children and teens to make a difference in their communities and in the world. One of the hallmarks of Jack and Jill is its emphasis on youth development with our youth leadership programs Through preeminent programming in educational, cultural, civic, recreational and health related subject matter, we “create a medium of contact for children that stimulates growth and development.” Jack and Jill has become a national model for creating effective programs e child at a time.
About Northeast Dallas
OUR BEGINNING
The Northeast Dallas Provisional Chapter was born of pure determination. The journey began in 2009 with one mother, Danielle Wesley, whose goal was to continue to enrich the lives of children in the northeastern suburbs of Dallas, Texas An invitational and awareness campaign were launched, informing other mothers of how Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated (Jack and Jill) could serve as a cultural bridge to expose the northeastern suburban children to opportunities and experiences in preparation for today’s global society Mothers represented Murphy, Wylie, Sachse, Garland, Plano, Rowlett, Rockwall and parts of Allen, Texas. An interest group was formed because they saw the opportunity to develop a systematic approach to service and leadership excellence for their own children and wanted to reach and reproduce in our own backyards After meeting requirements of a year-long program and periodic evaluations, the Northeast Dallas Provisional Group was approved to proceed to the 2012 National Convention to receive a formal vote from the National body of mothers of Jack and Jill.
As the organization celebrated the hallmark year of the 75th anniversary of Jack and Jill, the Northeast Dallas Provisional Group received a unanimous vote and became a Provisional Chapter It was an amazing experience for the Northeast Dallas Chapter to be a part of the historic celebration. On September 29, 2012, the Northeast Dallas Chapter was installed as the 227th Chapter of Jack and Jill and became the 29th Chapter of the South Central Region.
In 2022, the Northeast Dallas Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary of our chapter, and we were honored to have more than 350 guests attend to join us to commemorate the occasion at A Night of Elegance gala We are so very proud of our traditions and accomplishments and eager to continue the legacy of Jack and Jill.
OUR CURRENT
Now in our 12th year, our chapter has grown tremendously with a total of 114 children and 80 mothers. We have invested in our community by building a Reading Corner to teach financial literacy to children in underserved areas in Garland, and we’ve provided more than $1000,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in schools within our boundaries.
About TEEN CONFERENCE
The Northeast Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is thrilled to host the South Central Region’s (SCR’s) 71 st Annual Teen Leadership Conference. We will welcome more than 1,000 teens and adult chaperones across Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas to gather for four days of leadership development, community service projects, team and individual sporting and academic competitions, and a formal senior gala. This conference is designed to educate, motivate and activate teens through leadership and service. The SCR Teen Leadership Conference will be held June 4-8, 2025 at the newly built Lowe’s Hotel and Convention Center located in the center of the sports complex in Arlington, TX. As a valuable member of the community, we invite you to support this youth leadership development program and experience through the attached sponsorship opportunities
WATCH THE VIDEO
For seven decades, annually, teens in the South Central Region have gathered for a four-day forum to exchange ideas and build long-lasting bonds that will extend beyond the conference. More than 1,200 teens will be empowered to make a difference in their communities and their world The teens interact in a self-governing environment, strategically aligned with the mothers’ program, aimed to develop and nurture leadership skills. Among the events planned are leadership-development activities, volunteer service projects,civic involvement undertakings, financial literacy workshops, as well as, academic and athletic competitions,social activities, and a reception and gala. Additionally, teens are encouraged to hold elected offices, chair committees, and further develop their understanding of the value of community service anphilanthropic giving This is the teens opportunity to transform society and themselves, consciously and collectively using their expertpower, their voting power, and their people power to move us visibly towards a world that works for all. The conference inspires the future before them, as they continue to hold on to the traditions and values of the Jack and Jill family and emerge as true world leaders.
The old proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” also applies to developing leaders for the next generation.Sponsoring youth leadership is a “win” for your company, the teens, and our communities The goal of our sponsorship program is to facilitate a campaign wherein you market your business in a unique way to tomorrow’s emerging leaders If your company’s value aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of leaders, we would be honored to have your support Together, we can make a positive impact in our communities and help shape the future of our youth.
sponsorship opportunities
As a sponsor of the 2025 Regional Teen Conference, your company will have the opportunity to:
Payments are due by March 31, 2025
CONTACT US
south central region leadership
LaShanda Reed-Larry, Regional Director South Central Region scrdreedlarry@gmail com
Jennifer Jackson, Regional Treasurer South Central Region scrtjenniferjackson@gmail com
Aziza Mims, Regional Secretary South Central Region scrsmims@gmail.com
Michon King, Regional Member-At-Large South Central Region scrmalking@gmail com
Vanessa Caston LaFleur, National Corresponding Secretary South Central Region jjnvpsativa@gmail com
northeast dallas leadership
In 2022, the Northeast Dallas Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary of our chapter, and we were honored to have more than 350 guests attend to join us to commemorate the occasion at A Night of Elegance gala We are so very proud of our traditions and accomplishments and eager to continue the legacy of Jack and Jill.
Kristyn Senters, Chapter President jjnedpresident@gmail com
Tomeka Herod, Chapter Vice President nedallasvp@gmail com
Catrina Mays, Chapter Treasurer northeastdallastreasurer@gmail com
Shantell Dennis, Chatper Program Director nedprogramming@gmail com
Ebonii Bell, Chapter Financial Secretary northeastdallasfs@gmail com
teen conference chairs
Kelli Wright, Teen Conference Chair klhills@aol com
Brea Griffith, Teen Conference Co-chair nedtwinmom@gmail com
LaToya Randle, Teen Conference Co-chair jjrandle29@gmail com
Brea Griffith, Chapter Corresponding Secretary nedtwinmom@gmail com
Dana Lester, Chapter Editor danalester14@gmail com
Cystal Vincent, Chapter Historian crystaljvincent@gmail com
70TH SCR TEEN CONFERENCE
Hosted By: Northeast DallasChapter JUNE 4-8, 2025
Lowe's
1000 W Arbrook Blvd, Arlington, TX 76015
Thank you for your consideration!