Jack and Jill of America facts for kids
| Formation | 1938 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit corporation |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
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Region served
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United States |
| Website | jackandjillinc.org |
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Jack and Jill of America is an organization started by African American mothers. It began in 1938 during a tough time called the Great Depression. These mothers wanted to create a special place for their children to learn and grow together.
The main goal of Jack and Jill is to help children, especially African-American children, have better lives. The organization's main office is in Washington, D.C.. Today, there are over 230 Jack and Jill groups, called chapters. These chapters are spread across 35 states in the United States. More than 10,000 mothers are members, and over 40,000 parents and children are part of this big family.
Contents
The Story of Jack and Jill
How Jack and Jill Began
In January 1938, a woman named Marion Stubbs Thomas had a great idea. She brought together 21 mothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They wanted to create a social and cultural group for their children. This was the very first step in forming Jack and Jill of America.
Growing Across the Country
The idea quickly spread! The second Jack and Jill chapter started in New York City in 1939. A third chapter opened in Washington, D.C. in 1940.
By 1946, the group had grown a lot. It expanded to many other cities, including:
On June 1, 1946, all these local groups officially joined together to form the national organization we know today.
Helping Others Through the Foundation
In 1968, Jack and Jill of America created a special part of their organization called the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. This foundation helps raise money for good causes. It supports many educational and charity projects. These projects help children and families in communities all over the United States.
The Jack and Jill of America Foundation has also given money to other important organizations. These include groups like:
- Africare
- The United Negro College Fund
- Rainbow/PUSH
- The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change
- The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- The March of Dimes (which helps babies and mothers)
- The Children's Defense Fund
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of America
