Greater Peoria, Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Nurtures Tomorrow’s Leaders
On November 9, 2015, the Greater Peoria, Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill celebrated its first year in Peoria. Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is a national membership organization of mothers, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Founded in 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the organization has over 230 chapters nationwide, and represents 40,000+ family members. The Greater Peoria, Illinois Chapter’s current membership consists of 26 mothers and 52 children, ages 2 to 18.
“By reviving Jack and Jill here in Peoria, we are continuing where mothers before us left off,” says chapter president, Thembi Conner-Garcia. “In 1976, a Peoria chapter was chartered, and although it was a dynamic part of the community, it became inactive, after a time. With the chartering of a new chapter, we’re continuing the focus of preparing our children and teens to be tomorrow’s leaders. We do this through monthly exposure to activities with cultural heritage, leadership, educational, social, health, legislative, financial and recreational components.”
Jack and Jill’s national programming theme is “The Power to Make a Difference.” The Greater Peoria, Illinois Chapter takes this directive very seriously. “We want to make a positive impact on the Peoria area community. Reaching out to others through community service will be our main vehicle to make our impact”, says Conner-Garcia. The chapter’s children and families’ volunteer service has included The Crittenton Centers, Neighborhood House, the Pentecostal Church of Christ’s Love in Action Food Bank, the Salvation Army and the Midwest Food Bank.
The Greater Peoria, Illinois Chapter is looking forward to continued growth and advancement, always with the children and civic service as the focal points.
For more information about the Greater Peoria, Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., please inquire to jackandjillpeoria@gmail.com.
The Traveler Weekly 