The Treasure Coast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was organized in the Spring of 1985 by Claudette Smith and Keilier Baker-Dixon when they saw a need for a chapter in the community. The Treasure Coast Group of “Friends” met to share information about Jack and Jill at the homes of Keilier and Claudette. They later developed a constitution and organized activities.
By the summer of 1986, the chapter of 38 mothers eagerly awaited to be formally accepted at the 27th National Convention. On the morning of October 4, 1986, the Treasure Coast Provisional Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was formally inducted as the Treasure Coast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., by Dr. Eva C. Wanton, National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Dr. Lynda P. Jollivette, Southeastern Regional Director. There were thirty charter members, namely: Claudette Smith, President, Keilier Baker-Dixon, Vice-President; Frances Barnes, Janet Brown, Taunya Bryant, Lois Clark, Hortense Clark-Noble, Parliamentarian; Bernadette Floyd, Corresponding Secretary; Gloria Gary,Ernestine Goodwin, Sylvia Grier, Annette Hawkins, Marva Hayling, Cassandra Hendley, Gwendolyn Hendley, Liz Jackson, Journalist; Polly James, Yvonne Johnson, Bobbie Lampkin, Alice Lee, Recording Secretary; Marjorie Minus, Audrey Noble, Chaplain; Sandra Reddick-Alexander, Treasurer; Grace Robinson, Sharon Walker, Bobbie White, Bonita Williams, Yvonne Williams, Lillie Worthen and Jovita Williams, Financial Secretary.
The Treasure Coast Chapter has been actively involved in the community since its chartering. The Chapter held a “Drug Awareness Day” for the community on September 26, 1987. The Teens of Jack and Jill sponsored an “Adopt a Grandparent” month and presented the recipients with food baskets. The members of Jack and Jill and their children participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr.’s annual celebration by participating in the parade, and won 3rd place in 1987 for group participation. We have also donated toys and food for families during the holiday season. Our teens also assisted with serving refreshments to youth during the summer programs. Our annual fundraiser, the Beautillion Militaire presents young men from the Tri-County area to society in a “state of the art” affair. One of the teens past service projects included assisting Friendship M.B.Church in their “Feed the Hungry” project. Our most rewarding activity is the celebration of “Black Family Day” held annually the first Saturday in May. The chapter is indeed proud of its groups: Humpty Dumpty, Masters of the Universe, Youth Express and Jr./Sr. Teen Groups, for they are our most precious jewels and we revel in their growth and maturity.
