Chapter History
The prominent non-profit organization Jack and Jill of America made its presence known in Flint, Michigan on July 15, 1960. The first Officers for the Flint Chapter of Jack and Jill were installed by the National Treasurer of the organization, Margaret Simms, of St. Louis, Mo. The Flint Chapter had the honor of being the first installed after the National Convention held in Boston, Mass. Just as the twelve (12) charter members embraced the objective of Jack and Jill in 1960, the chapter currently strives to create a medium of contact for children; provide constructive educational, recreational and social programs for our children.
On a national level, The Foundation of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., awarded the Flint Chapter with a grant for the Kumon Math Program (2008). This grant allowed the Flint Chapter to provide additional math assistance to students from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint. In 2013, one of our teens won first place in the national oratorical competition. Regionally, the Teens have placed in the skit and other competitions. In 2015, the Flint Chapter served as host chapter for the Michigan Children and Tween Cluster, while partnering with Hurley Children’s Hospital Child Life Department in collecting hundreds of items needed to distract children while hospitalized.
The youth of the Flint Chapter have received several community service awards, surpassing the minimum requirement of 25 hours necessary to receive the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Youth Volunteer Service Recognition certificate and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Over the years, the Flint Chapter has volunteered for the Salvation Army, Genesys Hospice Center, Michigan Aids Walk, North End Soup Kitchen, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, holiday food basket distributions, hat and glove drives, and Genesee County Humane Society. Our chapter has sustained its commitment to participate in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk in honor of our own mother members who are breast cancer survivors. Already for the 2015-16 program year, both age groups have completed hours by decorating and sending “Grandparents and Grandfriends” cards to Kith Haven Assisted Living/Nursing Home, managed the children’s activity zone at the Crim Festival of Races, and supervised the games areas for the local “Autism Walk and Family Fun Day”.
The Chapter’s fundraising efforts continue to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduates. The Flint Chapter is privileged to offer a scholarship named in honor of the late Sandra Bunton-Calloway, who served as President of the Flint Chapter. Our chapter has successfully hosted scholarship fundraisers including an Old School Dance, a formal "Snowball Swirl" and a Brunch/Silent Auction. This year will mark the third anniversary of our fundraising partnership with Barnes and Noble. Mothers of the Flint Chapter are excited to again host a “Kentucky Derby” themed fundraiser in May 2016. The chapter embraces its relationship with other community organizations who recognize academic achievement including NAACP, UNCF, Urban League Black Scholars Program, and the Quinn Chapel Debutante Program.
In the 2015-16 Program Year the Flint Chapter will continue to focus on community outreach and the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., National Programming Thrusts. The Flint Chapter has been moved to work alongside the Flint Community Schools and neighborhood senior centers to provide water during the Flint water emergency. Our children, Mother Members and Father Auxiliary have committed to contacting our legislative officials to highlight the importance of early education, even more so given the lead that has leached into the Flint water supply. The Flint Chapter will partner with the Michigan Centers of Excellence to help advocate for our children and all children while carrying out the National Thrusts.
The Flint Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., currently has 24 children between the ages of 2 to 19. The chapter continues its commitment to all children, expands its community service, and answers the call to build legislative awareness among its members and will celebrate its 55th Anniversary this year. The Flint Chapter embraces the idea that “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence”. We are eager to continue to embrace the National Theme- “The Power to Make a Difference.”
On a national level, The Foundation of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., awarded the Flint Chapter with a grant for the Kumon Math Program (2008). This grant allowed the Flint Chapter to provide additional math assistance to students from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint. In 2013, one of our teens won first place in the national oratorical competition. Regionally, the Teens have placed in the skit and other competitions. In 2015, the Flint Chapter served as host chapter for the Michigan Children and Tween Cluster, while partnering with Hurley Children’s Hospital Child Life Department in collecting hundreds of items needed to distract children while hospitalized.
The youth of the Flint Chapter have received several community service awards, surpassing the minimum requirement of 25 hours necessary to receive the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Youth Volunteer Service Recognition certificate and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Over the years, the Flint Chapter has volunteered for the Salvation Army, Genesys Hospice Center, Michigan Aids Walk, North End Soup Kitchen, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, holiday food basket distributions, hat and glove drives, and Genesee County Humane Society. Our chapter has sustained its commitment to participate in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk in honor of our own mother members who are breast cancer survivors. Already for the 2015-16 program year, both age groups have completed hours by decorating and sending “Grandparents and Grandfriends” cards to Kith Haven Assisted Living/Nursing Home, managed the children’s activity zone at the Crim Festival of Races, and supervised the games areas for the local “Autism Walk and Family Fun Day”.
The Chapter’s fundraising efforts continue to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduates. The Flint Chapter is privileged to offer a scholarship named in honor of the late Sandra Bunton-Calloway, who served as President of the Flint Chapter. Our chapter has successfully hosted scholarship fundraisers including an Old School Dance, a formal "Snowball Swirl" and a Brunch/Silent Auction. This year will mark the third anniversary of our fundraising partnership with Barnes and Noble. Mothers of the Flint Chapter are excited to again host a “Kentucky Derby” themed fundraiser in May 2016. The chapter embraces its relationship with other community organizations who recognize academic achievement including NAACP, UNCF, Urban League Black Scholars Program, and the Quinn Chapel Debutante Program.
In the 2015-16 Program Year the Flint Chapter will continue to focus on community outreach and the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., National Programming Thrusts. The Flint Chapter has been moved to work alongside the Flint Community Schools and neighborhood senior centers to provide water during the Flint water emergency. Our children, Mother Members and Father Auxiliary have committed to contacting our legislative officials to highlight the importance of early education, even more so given the lead that has leached into the Flint water supply. The Flint Chapter will partner with the Michigan Centers of Excellence to help advocate for our children and all children while carrying out the National Thrusts.
The Flint Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., currently has 24 children between the ages of 2 to 19. The chapter continues its commitment to all children, expands its community service, and answers the call to build legislative awareness among its members and will celebrate its 55th Anniversary this year. The Flint Chapter embraces the idea that “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence”. We are eager to continue to embrace the National Theme- “The Power to Make a Difference.”