Greetings on behalf of the Mothers and Families of the Wonderful Western Maryland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is an organization of mothers dedicated to raising the next generation of African American leaders while enhancing the development of all children. We work to accomplish our mission through diverse programs focused on leadership development, cultural exposure, community service, legislative advocacy, and philanthropic giving.
“We Do It for the Children”
We are so proud of our very own Immediate Past President, Niya Yeboah, who has been appointed Eastern Regional Secretary. We know that she will serve the region with excellence.
The Western Maryland Chapter had a fantastic 2021-2022 program year filled with milestones.
Our Chapter’s Associate Group was installed in a ceremony that was presided over by Immediate Past National Program Director Shirell Gross. We were also honored to have in attendance Eastern Regional Director Melinda Alexis Hayes and distinguished guests from other Chapters. Our Associate Jewels will continue the work of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the Western Maryland Chapter with outreach programs to help children in Frederick and Washington Counties.
We had dynamic programming from all our grade groups. Some of our activities were “Growing and Grooving”- living a healthy life through exercise, “Living in Nature”- adventures at the Catoctin Creek Nature Center, “African Americans in Aviation” – scavenger hunt and tour of the College Park Aviation Museum, “Blood Drive” – the inaugural blood drive of the Western Maryland Chapter, and “Life After Jack and Jill”, where our Jack and Jill graduates shared insights with current Umoja Movement Teens.
Our Teens also attended the Eastern Regional Teen Conference, the theme of which was “Together at Last”. In addition, our Umoja Movement Teens’ public service announcement in support of the “We Down with Low BP” initiative to spread the word about hypertension prevention won first place.
The Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 45th National Convention, “The Power of a Dream on Mission on Purpose, For All Children”, was a wonderful event with 252 chapters represented and 1500 Mothers, Fathers, Associate Jewels, Teens, and Children in attendance. We honored our past, celebrated our present, and empowered our future. Our chapter was also honored with multiple awards including the first-place Treasurer Award, first-place Editorial Award for the Chapter Newsletter, and the “Superior” rating for the Program Handbook.
Our theme for the 2022-2023 program year is:
“One Accord - Unity in Sisterhood, Community and Purpose”
We will continue to put our children first in all we do. We will strengthen our relationships with the community through strategic partnerships and volunteer efforts. We will ensure that our Sisterhood stands strong and tall for our kids.
I look forward to serving as your Chapter President and working with all of you to provide life-long memories and experiences for our Children and Mothers. In remembering that our time as Mothers in Jack and Jill is finite, I would like for all Mother Members to have a positive, peaceful, rewarding, and purposeful experience.
Long Live Jack and Jill!
President Nekesha Williams
2021-2023
Western Maryland Chapter
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated