Featured AAYLC Partner:  Jack & Jill of America. Inc. 

Interview by Brittany Nash, AAYLC Marketing Chair, with Joanna Bowie-Pruitt, Greater Pikes Peak Chapter President 

 
Tell me a bit about the Greater Pikes Peak Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. 

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is an organization of mothers dedicated to raising the next generation of African American leaders while enhancing the lives of all children. We work to accomplish our mission through diverse programs focused on leadership development, cultural exposure, community service, legislative advocacy, and philanthropic giving. 

 
The organization was founded in 1938 and today boasts 262 chapters, representing more than 40,000 family members and making a difference in communities nationwide. 

 
The Greater Pikes Peak Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc, in Colorado Springs, was chartered in 2016. This local Chapter provides an opportunity for Mother Members in the community to build leaders in ALL children. The chapter members and their children seek opportunities that make an impact in the community through many hours of volunteer service and philanthropic giving. 

 
What was an event that Jack & Jill hosted in 2022 that impacted Colorado Springs youth?  

The Greater Pikes Peak Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted our West Regional Children’s Cluster in partnership with AAYLC, Natural Grocers, BOKS (Reebok/Adidas) and a local Investment Firm in April 2022. The children attended workshops in Financial Literacy, STEAM, Fitness, Oratorical Competitions and purchased donations which were provided to TESSA (a local non- profit supporting women and children). The children learned in the workshops about budgeting, saving and the importance of setting financial goals. The fitness workshop discussed the importance for kids to integrate movement and exercise into their day. We all know there is a significant fear of public speaking therefore, the cluster provided an opportunity for children to gain confidence by developing a speech on a specific topic and presenting amongst their peers. Their speeches were scored, and feedback provided by AAYLC staff. Here is a testimonial from one of our children - “Children’s Cluster was great because we had the opportunity to meet people, make new friends, and hear about interesting careers! The oratorical topic was interesting, and I enjoyed hearing how everyone interpreted their various responses to it.”-Sy 

 
What events does your chapter have planned for 2023? 

In November, our chapter will host a financial literacy event in partnership with a local nonprofit, Brotherhood Haven, which will be held on location of our National Partner, the Pikes Peak Region of the Boys and Girls Club. Our high school teens will also host a Module Mania, which entails a deeper immersion into leadership skills through workshops such as Goal & Vision Setting, Legislative Advocacy, Public Speaking & Listening Skills, Confidence Building and many others.  
 

During the month of January, we will celebrate our Founders Day and the Jack and Jill Day of Service. We have partnered with Souper Bowl of Care for many years to collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Our families will shop and donate nutritious goods to these pantries in order to help combat food insecurity in our communities. The local numbers have increased since the pandemic to one in six residents who are food insecure on a regular basis.  

 
In March, we will host a Nutrition 4 the Win and Mental Health event with Natural Grocers.  The kids and parents will discover how the food you eat feeds your muscles, heart, bones, and brain. They will learn to build a better plate with tasty treats and fun activities! Speaking of the brain, we will have a special guest therapist who will provide tools on staying mentally healthy.  

 
Our theme for the Nov. newsletter is "Gratitude & Kindness".  What are some ways you have seen members of your chapter use gratitude and kindness to help nurture youth to be future leaders?  

                         

One of our organization’s guiding principles is a commitment to being kind. The Greater Pikes Peak chapter always emphasizes the importance of kindness in our actions. Our members have volunteered their time, talents, and philanthropic giving to make impactful changes within our community. We have held volunteer events at the Care & Share Food Bank, Crossfire Ministries, Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Springs Rescue Mission, NAMI, and many other organizations and schools.   For example, last winter we hosted a Warmth for the Winter event on Giving Tuesday for Fox Meadows Middle School. The students received new winter gear in coats, hats and gloves donated by our children who focused on giving to others in need.  

 
In building leaders that will continue to impact this world, I think it’s simple; teach them it’s better to give than to receive.  We are committed to instilling in our children and all children that what you put into this world, is what you will get back in return. They are learning to see the world through a lens of kindness and grace. Our children experience first-hand the rewards that come from focusing on something bigger than themselves. 

  

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share about an organization that is very dear to my heart and the hearts of all our Mother Members. We are happy to share the significant impact that we are making in the lives of ALL children in this community one step at a time.  

 
 

Joanna Bowie-Pruitt 

Chapter President 

Regional Bylaws Chair 

Greater Pikes Peak Chapter  

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.