Chapter History

Jane P. Brown and Gloria Simms organized the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Both Jane and Gloria moved to Homewood, Illinois in 1973 and had been active members of the Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill for many years. Moving to the South Suburbs meant constant travel for Jane and Gloria to attend meetings and to take the children to their activities. By 1974, they had decided there would have to be a Chapter closer to home. At that time, the African American families in the South Suburbs were few and they were scattered throughout the various South Suburban communities.

A meeting was arranged at Georgia Blackstone’s home in Homewood, Illinois. Georgia Williams of the Chicago Chapter, serving as the Regional Chairperson in charge of membership, met and assisted with the formation of the new group. Interested residents from various South Suburban communities were invited to attend the meeting.

After many months of meetings, organizing, collecting information and pulling it all together the interest group finally became a Chapter in 1976.

The Organizers

Jane Prescott Brown and Gloria Wells Simms

Today, the South Suburban Chicago Chapter has 71 families participating in Jack and Jill activities. These families live in the south suburbs of Cook and Will Counties, Illinois. We are a three-time, Five Star chapter, which is the highest honor a chapter can receive, and is awarded to chapters that demonstrate leadership and operational excellence.