Jack and Jill of America was founded January 24, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from a meeting of 20 mothers under the leadership of Marion Stubbs Thomas with the idea of bringing children together in a social and cultural environment. From the beginning, Jack and Jill of America focused on instilling the values and leadership skills that would serve each child well into adulthood. The concept was so inspiring that it soon spread to other cities and other states. In 1947 Jack and Jill of America was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as a non-profit organization. Today, Jack and Jill of America is a nationwide organization with over 225 chapters in seven georgraphic regions encompassing thirty-five states and the District of Columbia. Membership has grown to over 9,500 mothers and associates, and more than 30,000 family members.

 

 

 

OUR GOALS

The goals, found primarily in the objectives of Jack and Jill of America, serve as our constant guides. They are as follows:

• To create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate their growth and development.
• To provide constructive educational, cultrual, civic, recreational, social and service programs for children.
• To aid mothers in learning more about their children and childcare through educational conferences and workshops
• To seek for ALL children the same advantages we desire for our own.
• To support all national legislation aimed at bettering conditions for all children
• Develop and disseminate childcare and child development educational material.

 

Each year, chapter programming activities are guided under a national theme in adherence to fulfillment of our organizational goals. Individual chapters embrace a plan of action geared toward a united commitment to address and help alleviate disturbing community problems that affect children.

At Jack and Jill of America, we have taken our goals and objectives seriously. We are taking bold new steps, not only in raising awareness of children’s needs and concerns in our communities, but actually doing something about them. Through national incentives such as the Million-Point Health Plan and through collaboratives with organizations such as the Links and Children's Defense Foundation. Jack and Jill  of America chapters across the nation are making a difference in the lives of their families and those in the communities we serve.