MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Welcome to the James River Virginia (JRVA) Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

We are so glad you stopped by to learn more about who we are and what we do. Our chapter is dedicated to nurturing future leaders through leadership development, service to our community, and giving back through philanthropy.

This year is especially meaningful as the James River Virginia Chapter celebrates 20 years of Black excellence. For two decades, our families have come together to create opportunities that uplift our children, strengthen our community, and honor the legacy of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

JRVA is more than an organization—it’s a family dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for our children and fostering lifelong bonds. Each year, our teens attend leadership conferences where they grow through workshops and advocacy. We host a middle school cotillion that is open to the community, giving children the chance to learn etiquette, dance, teamwork, and leadership skills. Even our youngest children enjoy fun, hands-on activities that build friendships and life skills. Watching children’s confidence and talents grow is one of the best parts of what we do.

As you look through our website, we invite you to explore our programs and events. From cultural outings to service projects, every experience is designed to inspire, encourage, and empower our children.

Thank you for visiting! Be sure to follow us on Instagram at James River (VA) Chapter for updates on our events.

To learn more about Jack and Jill of America, Inc., please visit https://www.jackandjillinc.org.

Warmest regards,

Elan D. Taylor

President, James River Virginia Chapter

Jack and Jill of America, Inc

JRVA CHAPTER & NATIONAL HISTORY

The James River Virginia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was chartered in 2005 with 17 mothers and 23 children. The group was excited about serving a more focused and community-minded purpose. Membership included a diverse group of mothers who were visionaries, role models, servant leaders and community builders. In the last ten years we have nearly doubled in membership and continue to achieve high levels of success in programming activities and community service.

The James River Chapter created the Teen Leadership Institute in collaboration with the University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership and Leadership Metro Richmond which was nominated to become the national program for all Jack and Jill Chapters in 2006.

Our signature event, beginning its seventh year is the Richmond Renaissance Junior Cotillion. This event builds social self-confidence, teach social graces and manners, and provides the opportunity socialize with peers in a constructive environment.

Additionally, our families participate in activities like the CASA Superhero 5K walk/run as volunteers and participants, and Virginia Legislative Day.

The chapter’s vision and purpose continues to be driven by a shared passion to create opportunities to positively impact the lives of others in the Metro Richmond community, especially children.

National Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Founded in 1938 Jack and Jill is a nationwide organization with over 220 chapters in 35 states and the District of Columbia, representing over 30,000 family members. 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. + Read more about our National organization

To learn more about our national organization click here:

Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc.

The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Since its inception in 1968, the Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to communities all across America. + Read more

WHAT WE DO | OUR PROGRAMS

We have evolved into a strong organization as a result of strong programming. Our founder, Marion Stubbs Thomas had a simple idea of bringing together children in social and cultural relationships and this idea has catapulted our organization.The James River Virginia chapter continues to grow, and the aims and ideals of Jack and Jill continue to strengthen, always with our children as the focal point. Our 2020-2022 National theme is "The Power of a Dream, On Mission. On Purpose. For All Children."

The aims of the organization are:

To aid mothers in learning more about their children by careful study
To seek for all children the same advantages which we desire for our own
To support all national legislation aimed at bettering the conditions of all

Our program director leads a well balanced and organized program of activities throughout the school calendar year. Our local initiatives are directly tied to our national goals including creating a medium of contact for children that will stimulate growth and development, and providing children constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, and social programs. Children are placed in age-appropriate groups and enjoy activities appropriate for their age and interests.

ARTISANS (Preschool) Ages 2- Kindergarten

SCRIBES (Lower Elementary) Grades 1-2

NOBLES (Upper Elementary) Grades 3-5

GOVERNORS (Middle School) Grades 6-8

PHARAOHS (Teens) Ages 13-17

Some of the fun, exciting and stimulating activities the children participate in include: theater outings; holiday and seasonal events; Sickle Cell, March of Dimes, feeding the homeless community service projects; volunteering at nursing homes and health fairs; farm trips to pick fresh fruit and vegetables, scientist programs; finance education programs; college tours; participate in HBCU college activities; amusement park outings, and so much more.

JRVA CHAPTER OFFICERS

Chapter President Elan Taylor

Chapter Vice President- Anisha Walker

Program Director- Anita Taylor

Treasure- Shauntelle Cox

Recording Secretary- Tammy Lawson

Corresponding Secretary- Alexis Banks

Historian- Pam Thomas

Editor- Candice Harris

President- Lauren Taylor

Vice President- Dayna Walker

Secretary- Alex Snead- Pegram

Treasure- Kennedy Sloan

Editor- London Hearn

JRVA CHAPTER MEMBERS

BECOME A MEMBER

By uniting individual member’s efforts, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has built a strong, cohesive organization that positively impacts the lives of children, families and communities. Jack and Jill success is based on the depth of commitment, vision and confidence of its members.

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 is divided into 233 local chapters within 7 geographical regions in the United States.

Membership can be obtained via legacy status or via invitation.

Membership via invitation. We appreciate your desire to join our organization. Prospective members must be sponsored by a current member in good standing of the chapter in which they are seeking membership. We encourage interested mothers to make contact with Jack and Jill members in their local communities to learn about specific membership guidelines and procedures. If you are unfamiliar with any current members of your local chapter you may choose to network with others in your community to gain contact with a chapter member. Please be aware that membership intake is at the sole discretion of each chapter. Obtaining a sponsor does not guarantee intake into the organization.

Legacy Membership. Legacy status is granted to each child (male or female) who graduates from a Jack and Jill Chapter and whose mother is a member in good standing at the time of the child’s graduation from the chapter. Once the child desires to enter Jack and Jill through their Legacy Status the legacy will be verified through the chapter by completing and submitting the legacy application.

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