Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Welcome
Kelly Johnson, Chapter President
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the website of the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Inc. I am honored to serve as the 5th president of this exceptional chapter made up of 118 remarkable mothers. Mothers that are dedicated to excellence in raising the next generation of African American leaders while enhancing the lives of all children.
About GNAC
2023-2025 GNAC Executive Board
(bottom, left to right) Editor, Ursula Reynolds; Corresponding Secretary, Tera Peterson; Lead Program Director, Porsche Williams; Vice President, Genora Harrell; President, Kelly Johnson; Treasurer, Tracy Jimerson; Recording Secretary, Sonya Windham-Wilder; and Financial Secretary, Dayna R. Jones.
(top, left to right) Timekeeper, Keisha Shaw; Protocol Chair, Erica Griffin; Foundation Chair, Catrecia Bryan; Lead Teen Sponsor, Ladessa Y. Mitchell; Co-Programming Director, Taunshae Bryant; Historian, Jennifer Reed-Askey; Co-Programming Director, Chantal Moore; Parliamentarian, Rhonda Briggins; Chaplain, Candace Johnson; and Sergeant at Arms, Nkeisha Smith.
The Greater North Atlanta Chapter continues to blaze new trails of excellence as we enter into our 13th year of existence. We are proud of Jack and Jill’s and GNAC’s rich legacy. We are committed to raising the next generation of fearless African-American leaders and enhancing the lives of all children.
Our chapter has participated in numerous community service events, including, Operation Christmas Child, volunteering at North Fulton Community Services, supporting Rainbow Village, participating in the Rebuild America Campaign, Hosea Feed the Hungry, and supporting the March of Dimes – just to name a few. We have forged partnerships with community organizations to strengthen our community impact. We have nurtured our children with robust Black Family Day programs and events, oratorical contests, excellent programming, exposure to volunteerism and philanthropy.
We have continued the path of excellence that was forged by our Charter President, Executive Board and Charter Members with achievement of 5 Star Chapter of Excellence being awarded at the 43rd Biennial National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri in July, 2018, at the 44th Biennial National Convention in 2020, and at the 45th Biennial National Convention in Orlando, FL in July 2022. The accomplishment of 5 Star status in 2022 was extremely special because it highlights the chapter’s resilience and determination to uphold the organization's aims and mission during an incredibly challenging time.
We are steadfast in setting a standard of excellence through meaningful experiences for our children, families and our community. We are proud of all we have accomplished thus far, and we look forward to the road ahead!
About Jack & Jill Of america, Inc.
The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.
Today, Jack and Jill boasts 262 chapters nationwide, representing more than 50,000 family members.
Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under our five point programmatic thrusts:
1
Cultural Awareness
We remember the ways of living developed by communities and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values. Through our cultural heritage we honor and preserve those who are making a difference in our community by teaching our children to cherish their past and be excited about the future.
2
Educational Development
The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child – if given the proper guidance and opportunity – can be developed into a leader. Whether it is through skill enhancement or understanding the concepts of integrity, Jack and Jill has become a national icon in creating effective leaders.
3
Social/Recreational
We are social beings with a need for balance to function and maintain healthy lives. We believe it is necessary to engage our children both socially and recreationally, learning to interact with peers and others in a healthy, positive and productive manner. These activities promote processes that help to refresh and reinvigorate both the mind and body.
4
Health
Chapters continue to embrace the importance of being more aware of health issues that impact our communities, resulting in an organization that is more health conscious. We are committed to providing healthy behaviors and personal empowerment programming and training for families to live healthy lifestyles.
5
Civic
Since our inception, we have been committed to legislation aimed at bettering the lives of all children. Past and present legislative advocacy focus has been on violence in the media, health and wellness initiatives, voter registration, responsible gun laws, and equal access to quality education.
Our Partners
Contact us
Greater North Atlanta Chapter
1000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suite 6-163
Suwanee, GA 30024