In this Edition Letter from the President

Intercom
Spring 2012 Newsletter
Letter from the President
A
Contact Us
1930 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
p (202) 232-5290
f (202) 232-1747
jackandjillfoundation.org
In this Edition
1 Letter from the President
Erik Cliette
2 Donor Spotlight
Darrius Heyward-Bey
3 Student Scholars
Kiara Health
Tempestt Burel
Ashton Green
4 Teen Service Projects
2011 Regional Projects
6 Independent Grants
9 A Message from the
Executive Director
Pier Blake
s Jack
and Jill of
America, Inc.
celebrates their
75th anniversary,
I am excited to
share the good
works of the
Foundation.
This year we launched our “Salon
Fundraisers” and have had three
successful events. The first was in the
Southeastern Region at the home of
Trustee Adrienne Johnson; the second
one was at the home of National
President Tara Joseph Labrie in the
Central Region and the third was in the
Far West region at the home of National
Editor Brenda Lacy Davis. Thank you
to our current and past trustee members
for supporting these events with their
contributions and attendance.
This is the very spirit that has strengthen
the Foundation to continue to serve
and develop our most eager young
minds. Whether we are developing
skills in Pensacola, Florida with the Boys
and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast;
mentoring youth with the Big Brothers
and Big Sisters in Denver, Colorado;
building healthier communities with the
Fresno California chapter, and with the
Sande Youth Project in Austin, Texas.
The Foundation strives to be just what
our founding members promised…
nurturing and developing tomorrow’s
leaders TODAY.
This is my last INTERCOM letter to
you. It has been a pleasure serving as
your Foundation President and I know
that you will continue your support
to America’s leading Foundation in
developing children. So much has been
accomplished and there is still so much
more to be done. My sincere thanks go
to my fellow trustee members for their
dedicated service and to the Foundation
staff for your tireless efforts and support.
I will continue to promote the
Foundation and hope that each of you
will continue to work to ensure that
every child has the resources and tools
necessary to be the next generation of
leaders.
Sincerely,
Erik A. Cliette
President, Board of Trustees
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Kiara Heath
Darrius Heyward-Bey
J
ack and Jill
of America
Foundation thanks
Darrius HeywardBey of the Oakland
Raiders for his
donation of $2,000
to support at-risk
children across this
country! In his early
years, HeywardBey attended
McDonough School
in Owings Mills,
Maryland, where he
played football as a
wide receiver and
linebacker. He was
recruited by Alabama,
Boston College,
Michigan State,
Pittsburg, Virginia
and Maryland. He
ultimately chose
University of
Maryland and led the Terps with 45 receptions, and
set a school record for a freshman with 694 receiving
yards in 2006. On January 7, 2009, HeywardBey entered the NFL Draft, finishing his career at
Maryland second in school history in career receiving
yards with 2,089, third in receptions with 138 and tied
for third in touchdown catches with 13.
In the NFL draft he was selected by the Oakland
Raiders as the seventh overall pick. The first wide
receiver selected, he was picked earlier than most
analyst projected.
Congratulations to the Oakland Raiders and HeywardBey for an outstanding 2011 season!
Darrius Heyward-Bey a philanthropist and someone
to watch on and off the field. Thank you for this
meaningful partnership!
2
T
o say that my
first term was
an adjustment
would be an extreme
understatement. As
exciting as I was to
be off on my own,
once released I
was overcome with
homesickness. I
hated everything:
the food, my dorm,
my classes, and the school in general. Those first few
months I was convinced that I had made the wrong
decision. On top of it all, I missed my mom like crazy.
It wasn’t until homecoming weekend that I started
believing that Dartmouth was the place for me. Being
part of a tradition made me feel like I belonged,
so I got more involved in the school. I am involved
in a Christian leadership group called Christian
Union, the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir and
I do community service at a childcare center. I have
had the privilege to go on two tours with the choir
to Chicago and Washington DC. In the beginning
classes overwhelmed me a little because I wasn’t used
to having so much free time. Now that I have gotten
used to the way things run, and learned how to study, I
am really starting to enjoy my classes and I have taken
an interest in sociology and government.
2011-2012 Scholars
Kandyce Anderson
Indiana University
Psychology
Demarttice Tunstall
Columbia University
International Studies
Student Scholars
Tempestt Burel
Ashton Green
W
ith the
extraordinary
support from the Jack
and Jill of America
Foundation I was able to
have not only a successful
first semester but also an
enjoyable first semester.
College is truly a mind
blowing experience that
involves determination
and self-discipline.
As a freshman at the University of Missouri-St.Louis
studying graphic design I was able to master these two
skills and I also learned a lot of information about my
field of study. My art skills have dramatically improved
and I am developing what one would call the “artist eye”.
College has enabled me to become the independent
young lady that I am today. I am more than focused on
my studies and maintaining a sense of motivation by my
future dreams and aspirations. I am currently learning
to network as I am meeting new people of different
shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Although college is a lot
of fun it also comes with a lot of responsibility and hard
work. Overall the first semester of my college experience
was great. I was able to step out of my comfort zone to
defeat the challenge that it college has brought upon me.
My success from the first semester is only making me
strive to achieve the same type of success for the Spring
2012 second semester. The first semester of college
was officially the first stepping stone down the path of
receiving my college degree, a path a will continue to
follow until the very end.
Ashton Green
Hampton University
Biology
Kiara Heath
Dartmouth College
Pre-Law
W
ell I can get started
by honestly saying
that this first year has
been very enlightening.
Being placed in an
unfamiliar place on my
own for the first time
has had both its ups and
downs. I have met some
amazing people from
all walks of life and I’m
pretty sure they’ll be
there throughout the rest of my lifetime. Now another
person I became well acquainted with this semester was
Stress. Procrastination is killer; if you let things pile up
you will be staying in the dorm and working to get it all
done when everyone is going out and having a good time.
School comes first is also something that repeated over
and over again in my head. There is so much to do that
you don’t always have time for it and if the choice comes
down to going to a Block Party or choosing to do Calculus
homework that’s due at 11:59 that night, it’s really hard
to sit there and get that Calculus done. It’s completely
different than being at home where if I ever got stressed
I could go and talk to one of my parents for some sort of
advice, but here it’s a different support system composed
of friends and co-workers who care. Sometimes they are
really helpful and other times its more of why did I even
ask them, but a good majority I was just happy to have
someone to vent to. I’m almost positive without them I
would probably have gone crazy by now. All in all I’m glad
to be here at Hampton University and I wouldn’t change
a thing.
Tempestt Burel
University of Missouri
St. Louis
Graphic Design
Britney Davis
Villanova University
Chemical Engineering
Intercom Spring 2012
3
2011 Lucille Hadley
Teen
Central Region
The Des Moines Chapter of Jack and Jill of America,
Inc. partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of
Central Iowa and held a “Spring Olympics” contest
for the children of George Washington Carver
Elementary School – Ellis I. Levitt Community
Club. Recreational equipment was collected and
presented to the children of Levitt Community
Club. Recreational equipment was collected and
presented to the children. Athletic competitions
consisted of ping pong, jump rope, hula hoop and
basketball tournaments. Karlos Kirby, native Iowan
“bobsledder” who, during the 1990’s, competed in
the Winter Olympic Games was a guest speaker.
Project Date: June 24, 2011
Eastern Region
Over 500 Teens from the Eastern Region, led by
Foundation Officer John-Tod Surgeon and in
partnership with Greater DC Cares, gathered to
build 100 bikes and trikes for children in the Greater
Washington DC area. After assembling the bikes
and trikes, each teen wrote a message of inspiration
on a postcard to be delivered to the lucky recipients.
These bikes and trikes were donated to the YMCA
and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Project Date: March 2011
Service Projects
Far West Region
Mid-Western Region
The Far West Region’s 2011 Teen
Conference was hosted by the oldest
and largest chapter in Northern
California and the Central Cluster –
the Oakland Bay Area Chapter. Over
200 teens from 27 chapters throughout
the region attended this event, which
was themed: Save Our Planet, Save Our
Children. For this event, the teens
beautified the inside and outside of
Lakeview Elementary School. Indoors,
the teens removed the previous school
year’s teacher displays, cleaned out
the staff lounge and stacked books
in preparation for summer break.
Outdoors, the teens worked in the
school garden and grounds pulling
weeds, raking leaves, removing
cardboard and debris and replacing
tanbark in an effort to rejuvenate the
landscape of the school. This project
allowed the Far West Region teens to
see firsthand the environment that
many children experience on a daily
basis, and provided an opportunity
to improve the conditions of children
attending a school that has fewer
resources than themselves.
The theme for the Mid West Region day of service was “Be the
Change, Be Greener, Be Healthier, Be Innovative, Be You.”
Each project was developed with a partnering organization
and enabled the participating teens to focus on manifesting
one of the components of the conference theme through their
service activities for the day. Some activities included sorting
and restocking the clothing closet at God’s Helping Hand;
assembling book covers at Oakland University; prepping and
serving meals to the homeless at Grace Centers of Hope;
tutoring and craft-making with the Baldwin Soup Kitchen; and
beautification projects with The Salvation Army, Boys and Girls
Club and Gleaners Oakland Distribution Center.
Project Dates: June 22 – 26, 2011
Project Date: June 10, 2011
Project Date: June 23, 2011
South Central Region
During this day of service, the Jack and Jill Houston Chapter
partnered with the Houston Area Urban League and Habitat
for Humanity-Houston. Activities included the Jack and Jill
Teens packing reusable containers with environmentally-friendly
cleaning products, brushes, sponges, healthy non-perishable
foods and exercise/active play equipment suitable for use in
small living spaces. Regional Teen Officers and a representative
from each Chapter participating in the day of service
volunteered to build walls and take part in other construction
efforts to benefit Houston Habitat.
5
Independent Grants
2011
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Pensacola, Florida | Grant Award: $4,000 | Project Dates: May 1, 2011 – May 1, 2012
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast began empowering kids over 40 years ago;
founded with vision, hope and help from the community. Jack and Jill of America Foundation,
Inc. supports the “Future Leaders” program that teaches leadership and character development
to thirty-five “at risk” youth from ages 13-18. Middle and High school students that fall below
in reading and math. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is position to offer alternatives to unhealthy and destructive behaviors at the most crucial time of the day for students –
between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Project RISE – Aim High Program
St. Louis, Missouri | Grant Award: $4,000 | Project Dates: Jun 1, 2011 – Nov 1, 2011
The purpose of AIM High is to “reach students at this critical (middle school) crossroad and
propel them towards success in high school and college. Research has shown that sustained
intervention during the middle school years goes a long way to keeping students engaged in
their education, resulting in lower high school drop-out rates and higher rates of college matriculation. AIM High St. Louis operates on two prestigious school campuses in West St. Louis
County: The John Burroughs School and the St. Louis Priory School. Participants attend
programs on either of the two campuses.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Inc.
Aurora, Colorado | Grant Award: $4,000 | Project Dates: Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2011
This project supports 341 one-to-one mentoring relationships between at-risk youth and adult
volunteers in Auora, Colorado, a region of metro Denver with a high percentage of low-income,
underserved children. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring relationships support youth to reach
their full potential by healping them improve their school performance, improve their sense of
themselves and sense of future, form positive relationships, and avoid negative or delinquent
behavior.
6
Young Scholars’ Institute
Trenton, New Jersey | Grant Award $4,000 | Project Dates: Feb 15, 2011 – Dec 8, 2012
The Youth Scholars’ Institute college preparation program consists of four components. They
include the College Admissions Workshop, semi-annual college tours, pre-professional clubs
and the SAT Preparation Course. The primary objective of College Prep is to instill a strong
sense of pride in the participants, proving them with the tools needed to develop into self-sufficient, confident and productive citizens. Many urban children lack the financial, emotional
and academic support needed to prepare for college or a career. YSI students are often the first
in their families to pursue a college degree. College Prep’s comprehensive approach guides
student who are committed to personal improvement, attending college and becoming leaders
in their community.
African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation School Program
Austin, TX | Grant Award: $4,000 | Project Dates: Oct 1, 2011 – May 30, 2012
The African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation (AAMBHF) has initiated a mentoring, tutoring and multi-media development program to enhance the quality of life for African
American youth hand families in Central Texas. AAMBHF accomplishes this by paring these
youth with mentors, schools and community-based resources to provide multiple levels of support towards overcoming the barriers that impede academic and social progress. The focus of
this leadership training initiative is to support the on-going efforts of the AAMBHF’s aim to
turn around low-performing and often minority youth in Central Texas. The approach is to deliver a weekly school and community-based leadership program to 10 – 15 hard-to-serve African
American youth to develop academic, leadership and multi-media skills.
The 3 E’s of Healthy Living
Fresno, CA | Grant Award: $4,000 | Project Dates: Sep 15, 2011 - Feb 25, 2012
Through The 3 E’s of Healthy Living program, the Jack and Jill of America Inc., Fresno Chapter focuses on reducing childhood and adolescent obesity through empowering young people to
make positive healthy choices. The program targets youth ages 5 to 18 and their parents. The
Fresno Chapter partners with community organizations and groups to implement a Fun Health
& Fitness Program, the Get Up & Move Fitness Challenge, and a teen-driven health forum.
Through these initiatives, the Fresno Chapter and its partners affect a positive change in attitudes and educate the participants and their parents of the benefits of making healthy choices
and living a healthy lifestyle.
Jacqueline Robinson Grant
Birthday Bash Literacy Program
James River, Virginia | Grant Award: $3,000
The “Birthday Bash” program provided 108 youth between the ages of 8 and 18 with birthday
cake, punch and a book in celebration on their respective birthdays. Birthday celebrations
will be held in conjunction with the Peter Paul Development Center After School Program
and Summer Enrichment Program. One birthday celebration will be held each month of the
year from January through December. Birthday recipients will be given a wrapped birthday
gift in the form of an age appropriate Afrocentric book. The goal is to help students know the
importance of reading and increase their vocabulary so they can improve their reading comprehension.
Intercom Spring 2012
7
A Message from the the Executive Director
J
ack and Jill
of America
Foundation,
is the oldest
African American
Foundation.
Founded in 1968
to serve health
issues that faced the
African American
community, the
Foundation has
given out more
than $3,000,000
in financial grants all across this county. It is truly a
humbling experience to see the faces of the children
that are directly impacted by your contributions. So I
think it is important that you know the Foundation
is still relevant and serving the needs of our future
leaders.
I hope that you had a chance to read the
“testimonials” from our 2011-2012 student scholars.
These are some remarkable young people. This
is their first year in college and Foundation has
granted them a $2,500 scholarship for up to 4
years. Through our partnership with UNCF, these
scholars have maintained a 3.0 GPA in many different
concentrations, from graphic design to chemical
engineering. Foundation also is continuing the
scholarships for 18 students.
Over the past few years, we have seen the national and
local economy face tremendous challenges. Similarly,
the Foundation has had its own trials and tribulations,
all the while continuing to be a strong advocate for
developing children to become tomorrow’s leaders.
I am happy to report that, through the efforts of the
Foundation staff, the Trustees and Advisory Council,
the Foundation is still able to support over 60 projects
with a total of $232,000 in funding this year.
I would like to thank all of the Trustees, especially
our Foundation President Erik A. Cliette and our
National Jack and Jill Officers that are rolling off
the board. You have been outstanding guidance
and mentors to me over the course of your tenure.
President Cliette has always been available, whether
to answer a question or offer his opinion, and to lend
his support. Likewise, I would like to thank National
President Tara Joseph-Labrie, for your support of
our “Salon Fundraisers” and the Rebuild America
Campaign with the first home in New Orleans.
Working together with these Trustees, we have been
able to accomplish several of our goals, and I look
forward to seeing our Foundation continue to grow.
My desire is that you continue to support our
Foundation with bigger contributions, more
partnerships and more grantees to serve our most
vulnerable youth to become the best and the brightest.
I would like to thank you, our donors, for your past,
present and future support. Thanks to you, the
Foundation will continue to Do Great Things for
Kids!
Sincerely,
Pier A.H. Blake
Executive Director
8
Jack and Jill of America
Foundation Trustees
Executive Committee
Erik A. Cliette
President
Jacqueline Moore Bowles
Vice President
Christina Govan
Treasurer
Paulette Keys
Secretary
Tara Joseph Labrie
National President
Tamara Robinson
National Vice President
Terri Parker
National Treasurer
Gladys Henderson
MAL Liaison
Board of Trustees
Cheryl Beal Anderson
National Program Director
Pamela Askew
Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic Region
Karen Chaplin
MAL, Eastern Region
Valerie Dillard
MAL, Mid-Atlantic Region
Advisory Council
Lucille Allen Hadley
Sharon Bourges-Jones
Tanya Hand
MAL, Mid-Western Region
Shirley Mathis Carter
Gwen Hewitt
MAL, Southeastern Region
Mavis James
Adrienne Booth Johnson
Albert Dotson, Jr.
Tracie Muldrow
MAL, Far West Region
Tamela Franks
MAL, Central Region
Linda Murrain
Bryant Robinson, III
Rachelle Hill Cooper
Barbara Martin
Helen Mitchell
Andrea Neely
Ann Pope
Rufus Sadler
Intercom Spring 2012
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