Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 – 19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. 

 

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 more than 245 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members. 

 

On December 20, 2008, 115 mothers interested in forming their own chapter of Jack and Jill were invited to Sugarloaf Country Club located in Duluth, GA for a luncheon to learn more about the organization. This was the first footstep on the path of forming our own chapter. 

  

On March 12, 2009, the first Mother's Organizational Meeting was held where the group's name (Greater Northeast Atlanta Provisional Group) was approved.  The Group held elections and Sharron Bassil was elected as President of the Provisional Group along with additional officers. 

  

As a  Provisional Group, many activities and programs were scheduled with one goal in mind, "to create a medium of contact for our children that would stimulate growth and development in educational, cultural, civic, recreational and social programs and activities."  This is the objective of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.  As a Provisional group, we sponsored a broad array of programming and services activities that have ranged from donating items to the Drake House, making cards for senior citizens, participating in a Toastmasters Speech workshop and raising money for the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities to volunteer and tutoring at a local elementary school in need of assistance.  

  

The Provisional Group was  presented at the 39th National Convention in Chicago, Illinois on July 30, 2010 and received the vote to become a Provisional Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. On September 12th, 2010 we achieved a significant milestone. We were chartered as a chapter and our officers were installed under the esteemed leadership of our Charter President Sharron Bassil. She, along with 65 Mothers, representing 122 children, were installed, setting straight the path forever of the Greater North Atlanta Chapter.   

 

For almost a decade, the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill has been steadfast and dedicated to the goals of Jack and Jill.  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 and at the 44th Biennial National Convention in 2020.  The accomplishment of 5 Star status in 2020 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.    

 

The Greater North Atlanta Chapter continues to blaze new trails of excellence as we enter into our 10th 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.  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.