The first group of Jack and Jill of America was established in January 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the purpose of creating a medium of contact for the children of members; and to provide a constructive, educational, recreational and cultural program for the children and their parents. Membership in the organization consists of parents with children between the ages of 2 and 20 years. The foremost aims of the organization are: To aid in the development of a fully integrated child along educational, emotional, physical, recreational and social lines; to aid mothers in learning more about their children; to provide better opportunities for all children; and to support national legislation aimed at bettering the condition of children. Community service is a major emphasis of the organization. There are 187 chapters and more than 35,000 members in 36 states. The Metropolitan Chapter pertains to the organization located in Manhattan.
The Jack and Jill of America Foundation was established in 1968. The Foundation targets underachievers in the educational system and funds projects to aid children from pre-school through college. Grants are made to communities in cities across the United States.
From the guide to the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Metropolitan Chapter records, 1940-1991, (The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.)
