www.jackandjillinc.org

Brilliant Burlington County Chapter

Welcome to the “Brilliant” Burlington County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated website! Our mothers are dedicated to the National Mission and Vision of Jack and Jill and committed to the goals for our chapter, which allow us to focus on serving our community and developing leaders within our children. We hope that you learn about our national organization, local chapter and community events and are encouraged to get involved.

The Burlington County Chapter, previously known as the Burlington-Willingboro Chapter, was conceived and established by our organizer and advisor, Mrs. Marie V. Akins, who was a member of the South Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated for many years. Through her efforts and diligence, the Burlington-Willingboro Chapter was founded on October 13, 1973. The installation was conducted at the Ft. Dix Officer’s Club in Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Dr. Perl Watson BosChulte, the Installing Officer, who was also the National President of Jack and Jill at that time, honored the occasion. Mrs. LaRuth Steward served as our Interest Group President and Mrs. Edna Lewis was installed as the first President of the then Burlington-Willingboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. During that time, our chapter consisted of forty (40) mothers and their families.

Our mothers have been working in the community for over 45 years, with such Service programs like: Supporting and serving at the Ronald McDonald House, Adopt-A-Family, participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, working with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization, making and providing supplies and materials for homeless shelters via Birthday Boxes, back to school book bag drives as well as volunteering at SisterHood, Inc., Mothers Helping Mothers and Tabernacle Baptist Church Food Bank

We also conduct a biennial Children and Youth Tolerance and Leadership Development Conference, in honor of Carole Robertson, one of the 4 young girls slain in the Alabama church bombing, who herself and family were members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. This community based conference is focused on teaching tolerance and understanding our differences to children of all ages. Some of our Philanthropic Beneficiaries have been: Jack and Jill Foundation, Inc., SisterHood, Inc., Providence House, Youth Achievers, Tabernacle Baptist Church Food Bank, The Good Counsel Home, the March of Dimes and All Things Are Possible Foundation.

For more information about the Brilliant Burlington County Chapter, please send us an email.

About Jack and Jill of America

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 thrust:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Membership

We are a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19, dedicated to nurturing future Leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Jack and Jill has 262 local chapters within 7 geographical regions in the United States.

Become a Member

If you are interested in becoming a member of this chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., you must be sponsored by a member(s) of the chapter. You will be invited to attend a meeting where pertinent information, such as the qualifications, cost, selection process, and other information will be discussed

An individual meeting all requirements and qualifications must then be approved by chapter vote to complete the selection process. Each chapter is autonomous and has specific criteria for sponsoring new members.

Legacy Membership

If you are a child or the spouse of a child whose mother graduated from a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in good standing and you meet the other criteria for membership, you are eligible for membership as a Legacy Member. Legacy forms can be obtained from our National Office.