Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Local Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Nan Bauroth | Photos courtesy of the South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
The South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., an organization of mothers dedicated to nurturing African American children, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Granted official chapter status in 2010 with 63 mothers led by chapter charter president Sonja Nichols, today the chapter has 130 families comprising more than 400 mothers, children and fathers. Most of the members live in the greater Ballantyne area.
“Youth leadership and development is the heart and soul of everything we do, from our programming to our philanthropic giving and service to the community,” explains current chapter president Kim Richards.
In the last 10 years, the chapter has been actively involved in fundraising and community service efforts throughout greater Charlotte, partnering with many nonprofits that include the Junior League of Charlotte and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The chapter has been a top national fundraising chapter since its inception.
Safe Space to Grow
Teens get hands-on leadership experience through participation in chapter activities. “It’s a safe space to grow as a young leader,” says Yolanda Lindsay, who served as chapter president from 2018 to 2020. “Our teens are encouraged to demonstrate leadership by running their own business meetings and planning their own programs.”
Last fall, Teen Foundation chair Bryce Lindsay led the teens in a chapter-wide project, “Shoes Across Charlotte.” It raised more than $10,000 and collected 1,200 pairs of shoes. The teens also launched a letter-writing and video campaign to secure sponsorships from Arcadia Homes, Winston and Strawn and Vintage Wealth Management Group. Chapter teens were recently awarded first place for their community service efforts and fundraising at Jack and Jill’s Mid-Atlantic Teen Leadership Conference.
“As teens, we know that other children can be bullied emotionally and physically due to the condition of their shoes, and some are simply in need,” Bryce says. The teens voted to donate the funds to The Relatives, Urban Ministry Center and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. They gave the shoes they collected to Renaissance West Community Initiative and Dress for Success.
Membership
Established in 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. now has 250 chapters throughout the country. Mothers serve as the organization’s official members and are responsible for ensuring their children are actively involved and engaged. Membership is by invitation or referral.
“Jack and Jill is ideal for mothers interested in enriching their children through collaborative efforts with other great women in our community,” Richards notes. She suggests anyone interested in learning more contact her at scjj2020president@gmail.com.