About the Detroit Chapter

A Long Legacy of Embracing Children!
The Detroit Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. begain it history in 1953 with Frances Polk as its first chapter president.

As one of the Mid Western Regions largest chapters, we pride ourselves on keeping the legacy alive in our youth. Our chapter has a long legacy of community involvement, educational children's programming, exciting cultural activities and enjoying the company of women in the club as we prepare our children to become future leaders.

2007-2008 Executive Board

Benay Dabney-President, Shauna Vercher-Morrow-Vice President, Elizabeth Stafford-Children's Activity Director, Karen Heidelberg Barnwell-Program Director, Avia Pinchon Cosey-Financial Secretary, LaShanda Thomas-Treasurer, Margaret Keyes Howard-Foundation Liaison, Alice Coleman-Editor, Nicole Lamb-Hale-Parliamentarian, Angela Spencer-Ford- Corresponding Secretary, Michelle Davis Munn-Recording Secretary, Phyllis Golden-Morey-Legislative Liaison, Sherri Pierce-Sergeant-at-Arms, Deborah O’Neal-Chaplain

Our History

The Detroit Chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc. was founded in January 1953 with a group of 15 mothers. The first president of the Detroit chapter was Frances Polk.  Interest in membership to the newly founded Detroit chapter was electric. At the installation of new members in September 1953, 42 mothers were installed. In 1953, the national organization increased the age of children who could participate to 19.  The Detroit chapter stood fast and decided not to include teens. Initially, there were only two groups of children, ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 12 in Detroit’s chapter. By 1956, with the continued annual installation of new members, Detroit expanded their age groups to five with a maximum of 20 children in each age group, which now included a teen group.

In 1956, Detroit was one of 16 chapters nationwide. In the early years, the monthly mother’s meetings rotated among the homes of members. Civic activities were an integral part of the mission for the Detroit chapter. For example, in the 50’s with the rise of polio the Detroit chapter along with the other nationwide chapters donated $10, 000 to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.

The National Teen convention was first held in 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio. In those days, before the civil rights movement opened up housing accommodations, the teens that participated in the conventions resided in the homes of hosting chapters. Activities during conventions were held at local schools or churches. By the late sixties, the growth of the teen convention resulted in the hosting chapter also utilizing dorm rooks at local universities to house the participants and their chaperones for the three-day event.  Today, most teen conventions are held in hotels and convention facilities. There has always been a friendly rivalry between the teens from the different chapters as they compete for various awards. When the graduating seniors move on to college, they frequently meet other students who were also in Jack & Jill and discover valuable mentors and forge instant friendships.

As of 2007, the Detroit Chapter now boasts a membership of 78 mothers and 126 children. We are proud to be among the oldest of the chapters throughout the USA, Europe, and Africa. The Detroit Chapter of Jack & Jill, like all of the other chapters of this respected organization has attracted to their membership, a variety of outstanding professional and prominent people. It’s the dedication of these mothers to enriching the lives of their children and the creation of lifelong friendships that has been the ties that bind us. For this reason, legacies return, new members join and the Detroit Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. lives on.

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Becoming a Member

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Detroit 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.

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.

Mid-Western Regional Office Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

National Office Jack & Jill of America, Inc.