HISTORY

On January 8, 1993, Catherine Joseph and Patricia Dupont-Norton facilitated the first meeting of San Diego Jack and Jill Mothers who resided in the northern part of San Diego County, California. Other mothers present that were supportive and instrumental in this endeavor were Shirley Hall, Phyllis Collins, Charlotte Houston, Pamela Sanford, Angela Ashwood and Layurne Carey. Two members of the existing San Diego Chapter, Ingrid Chapman and Dayle Veasey, were also in attendance to lend their support to the group.

The purpose of the first meeting was to determine the level of interest among families with respect to establishing a new Jack and Jill Chapter in North County. The idea was met with great enthusiasm, and all present felt that the need to build a sense of community in the Northern inland segment of the County was of paramount importance.  

Following a series of meetings, the group formed an interim Executive Board on April 25, 1993 and hosted an orientation tea at the home of Phyllis Collins. This event sparked the interest of thirty-four guests consisting of prospective members from the community, and mothers from the local sponsor chapter, San Diego Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. The agenda focused on sharing information about the national organization, its goals, and expectations of membership participants. Mothers active in the organization were invited to discuss personal experiences of their children as a result of being involved with Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. The meeting closed with positive feedback from all who attended.

By early June 1993, the North County group began to see evidence of sustained interest in establishing a new chapter, and felt confident that the goal could be realistically achieved. Next, an invitation was extended to Jacqueline Scott, National Program Director, to provide an overview of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, from a national perspective. Mothers and fathers were invited to this event and all enjoyed the evening.

In mid-August 1993, the Alliance: African-American Families of North County sought and received Interest Group status from the National Executive Board of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. The North County Group, consisting of twenty-five dedicated mothers, successfully completed the required probationary period and was voted in at the National Convention in Austin, Texas, in July 1994. The installation reception of the North County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated was held on October 16, 1994 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, California with Jacqueline Scott, National Program Director, serving as the Installing Officer. Today, the organization continues to thrive and maintain excellence in its dedication to enhance the quality of life for all children.