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Section 1C: Chapter History
Oakland County Chapter H I S T O R Y
History of Our Beginning
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In early 1976, Robbie Johnson and Bobbye Wilhite discussed starting an interest group of mothers residing in the Oakland County area. The goal of the group was to promote social, cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for their children. Recognizing their goals were compatible with Jack and Jill of America, Inc., these mothers organized a provisional chapter in late 1976.
On September 10, 1978, the installation of the Oakland County Chapter into Jack and Jill of America, Inc., was a celebrated event at the Wabeek Country Club. Thirty-nine mothers became charter members committed to the common goal of promoting social, cultural, educational, recreational, and community service opportunities for their children.
Our founding mothers were Mattie Allen, Kay Armstrong, Juanita Baker, Barbara Benford, Janice Bowdre Edna Brown, Delores Calhoun, Diane Crear, Mae Farr, Ellen Ferguson, Bobbye Galloway, Reida Gardiner, Cynthia Gayles, Katherine Generatte, Gail Harper, Julia Harrold, Clorinda Isacc, Jean Johnson, LeBertha Johnson, Robbie Johnson, Ruth Keel, Sandra McClandon, Carole McCollough, Francine McRipley, Marva Morris, Betty Nails , Rita O’Reilly, Patricia Parker, Theresa Preston, Paula Ross, Theda Rucker, Jane Savoy, Barbara Scott, Marye Tisdale, Ruth Tucker, Deirdre Waterman, JoAnn Washington, Bobbye Wilhite, and Jackie Williams.
Since 1978, the Oakland County Chapter has actively supported the community and fostered opportunities for young people to be successful. The focus and goals of our chapter have not changed. Each mother is dedicated to the cause of enriching the lives of all youth.
Oakland County Chapter H I S T O R Y
A History of Service
The Oakland County Chapter has submitted and received grants awarded from the Jack and Jill Foundation to impact our community including supporting Calebs Kids an organization that works to create a nurturing environment for 6th-12th graders to heal from trauma and to have a safe space to discuss and embrace the topics of suicide and mental health; facilitating an ACT Prep Course for the Boys & Girls Club of Pontiac as well as providing the Pontiac Public Library with computers, printers, educational materials, books and videos resulting in a room dedicated by the Oakland County Chapter.
Our Teens and Children have engaged in community service projects throughout Oakland County including: cleaning, sanitizing, painting, garden and creating family support packets for Care House of Oakland County; Baldwin Center donations of children and youth books, interactive specialized books for children with special needs, educational games and videos; Kid’s Helping Kids Wrap Party and Toy Drive for pediatric cancer patients; VA Hospital Drive; Voter Registration Campaign at the Detroit Eastern Market; and Christ Church Forgotten Harvest; partnering with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America for our MLK DAY Community Service Celebration; collection and contribution to the Midwest Region Teen Mask Community Service Project. The original teen group goal was 50 masks and over 150 masks were sponsored and provided to black entrepreneurs in need of PPE as well as essential workers and medical offices.
Plans for 2022, our chapter will continue to partner with the Annual Sickle Cell Disease Association of America by participating in raising funds during the Annual Sickle Cell Awareness Walk for the month of September; partnership with Make a Blanket Day: Oakland County where our chapter will contribute to the goal of making 2,022 blankets for future kiddos in hospitals across Michigan for the month of October; support our Teens with donations and/or walking as they have selected to contribute to the American Cancer Society: Making Strides Oakland and Macomb Counties Annual Cancer Walk for the month of October; participation in activities for the Annual MLK DAY Community Service Celebration in January 2023; collection of both food and monetary donations to reach the goal of $15 per person (2500 pounds of food) 61 pounds for the Grace Centers of Hope organization.
JJOC Chapter-wide MLK Weekend of Service Event- January 14-16, 2023 (JJOA National Day of Service – MLK Day)
Oakland County Chapter H I S T O R Y
A History of Giving
For 43 years, the Oakland County Chapter has awarded college scholarships to Oakland County high school graduates with a total surpassing $300,000.
For 2021, $11,723 was donated to the JJOA Foundation and $22,273 was awarded in student college
scholarships with a shift from our usual high graduate recipients to supporting freshman and sophomore students affected by the pandemic. Our JJOC Scholarships for Success Family Fun 5k Walk/Run was led by Chair Kishna Tarver. Each mother member set up their individual fundraising page and raised a minimum $250. Several moms raised over $1,000 and the highest amount raised was $3,170 by Mother Verlonda Thompson. On April 17th, 2021 mothers, teens, and children participated in the walkathon both virtually and at the Detroit Riverfront / Dequindre Cut.
In 2022, Jack and Jill Oakland County received more than 25 applications and awarded 15 incentives totaling $12,000. Jack and Jill Oakland County continues to be committed to the ongoing positive development of African American youth and the development of future leaders. As we continue to partner with our mother members, our goal is to fundraise $50,000 for the 2022-2023 program year. Mother Members will have an opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful fundraising events that may include but are not limited to our signature walkathon, merchandise sales, a private movie screening, Super Bowl and Mardi Gras celebrations just to name a few.
Oakland County Chapter H I S T O R Y
A History of Oratorical Excellence
For many years, the Oakland County Chapter has encouraged participation in the Oratorical competition. We have consistently placed at the regional level.
For the 2021-2022 programming year, 3 teens competed and 3 placed at the MI/OH Cluster.
For the 2022-2023 programming year, 2 teens competed and placed 1st and 2nd at the 2022 MI/OH AWD allowing them to move forward to regional competition.
Alexa Thomas
