Chapter History

The Spectacular Stone Mountain Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. began with a group of nine dynamic women seeking to continue the rich legacy of Jack and Jill of America with their children. The mothers sought to provide their children with an opportunity to learn about their heritage, make lasting friendships, and share wholesome and enriching experiences. These mothers first convened on February 2, 1985, at the home of Mother Imogene Alexander, for the purpose of establishing a new chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Following the first meeting, the North Suburban Atlanta Chapter accepted the request of becoming the official sponsor of the newly organized Stone Mountain Interest Group. Under the leadership of Mother Dee Taylor, additional members were solicited to achieve a required quota to establish an Interest Group; formal committees were organized, and commitment statements were signed.

In March 1986, Mother Dee Taylor was elected the 1st Chapter President, and 12 officers were elected to provide leadership for the Interest Group and Chartered Chapter. Twenty-six mothers carried the Stone Mountain Interest Group through its first year. The Interest Group earned provisional status on July 23, 1986, and received a unanimous vote at the National Convention in Norfolk, VA, that same year. Following over a year of dedication as an official interest group, the Stone Mountain Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was installed on September 20, 1986, becoming the third chapter established in the metropolitan Atlanta area.  In 1991, under the leadership of Chapter President Mother Ollisteen (Steen) “News-Lady” Miles, the Stone Mountain Chapter adopted The Nicholas House, a center that provides transitional housing and support services for homeless families. The Stone Mountain Chapter became the first African American organization to affiliate with The Nicholas House. 

In 1995, during the chapter’s short nine-year history and under the leadership of Chapter President Ruth Wilson, the Chapter’s membership doubled to 51 mother members. On November 2, 1996,  the Stone Mountain Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary with a formal gala, A Night at the Ritz, at the Ritz Carlton, with the proceeds benefiting Families First, Inc. The chapter then formed the Fathers’ Auxiliary in June 1997, with Eli Phillips as Chair and Vinson Moran as Vice Chair.

In 1999, the Stone Mountain Chapter began hosting the African-American Read-In, a public program aimed at increasing literacy, reading, and a love of books in the African American community within and beyond the Chapter’s service area. For the next several years, the Chapter continued its philanthropic legacy within the community. In October 2006, the Chapter celebrated its 20th Anniversary, by hosting an Enchanted Evening Celebration at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. The Chapter donated the proceeds from the event to the Jack and Jill Foundation, The United Negro College Fund, Inc., the Interfaith Outreach Home, Nicholas House, St. Paul AME Church, and the Arts Council of Newton County.

On February 7, 2015, under the leadership of Chapter President Yvette Daniels, and with the support of Associate Jewels Terry Williams and Michelle Johnson, the Stone Mountain Chapter made its first visit to the newly established National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. This museum is dedicated to connecting America’s Civil Rights movement to global Human Rights issues. Joined by several other Metro Atlanta chapters, the Stone Mountain Chapter collectively donated $25,000 over five years to support the museum's continued emphasis on the cultural significance of African Americans in these movements.

On May 6, 2017, under the leadership of Chapter President Adria Welcher, the Stone Mountain Chapter celebrated 30 years of partnering with the community with a jazz soiree at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort in Stone Mountain. Our Mothers made a commitment to continue to work hand in hand with the community to seek for all children, the same advantages which we desire for our own. The chapter also pledged to work diligently with our mother members, fathers, and associate members to give of ourselves so that children may work, play, and render impactful service to others.

During 2018, the Chapter continued several of its traditions including Breakfast with Santa hosted at the Boys and Girls Club of East DeKalb, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service held at The Nicholas House, March of Dimes, the NAMI Walk, and a variety of grade group activities. It was also during this year that the Fundraising Committee, under the leadership of Foundation Chair Mother Janice Gardner-Thomas, presented its inaugural fundraiser, Masked ‘til Midnight on March 10, 2018. To date, the chapter had never sponsored an event of this magnitude which yielded a profit of $30,000.  In addition to the national Jack and Jill Foundation, two local charities, Students Without Mothers and The Nicholas House were beneficiaries. 

On April 21, 2018, the Membership Committee facilitated the initiation ceremony for 23 new mothers, marking a record number of new members for the Chapter. These mothers, with children of all ages and a wide range of professional backgrounds and skills, infused the Chapter with fresh energy. As a result, the 2018-2019 Program Year began with an enhanced spirit of enthusiasm. The Membership Committee worked diligently to foster unity between the newly initiated and more seasoned mothers, while the Service Committee led several impactful community service initiatives. These initiatives included distributing lunches and snacks to underprivileged children during Thanksgiving break, participating in the Clark Howard Christmas Kids program, spending Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at a local school to complete various tasks around the building, and returning in the spring to assist with the school’s annual fair.

In 2019, Chapter President Sabrina McCorvey launched a contest among the Chapter’s families to design a new logo, which would be unveiled at the start of the new program year. Mother Terra Smiley and her family created the winning design. Thanks to the creativity of Mother Tiffany Cochran Edwards, the Chapter also renamed its weekly newsletter to the Granite Gazette: Pink and Blue Edition. On March 9, 2019, the Chapter hosted Masked ‘til Midnight at the Stone Ridge Event Center, with special guests National President Danielle Brown and the 21st Past National President Jacqueline Moore Bowles in attendance. The event was a tremendous success, generating a net profit of $43,000, which benefited the Jack and Jill Foundation, The Nicholas House, and Students Without Mothers.

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Chapter transitioned all meetings and activities to a virtual platform. Despite the inability to gather in person, members remained committed to staying connected. On May 15, 2020, the Chapter held a virtual March of Dimes Walk, raising over $10,000. The following day, May 16, 2020, the Chapter initiated 14 new mother members in its first-ever virtual ceremony.

Under the leadership of Chapter President Marissa Key, the Chapter’s administration embodied the resilience and determination of the Chapter to persevere in the face of adversity. During the beginning of her presidency, the Chapter continued having virtual meetings and activities due to the pandemic. A COVID Committee Chair was appointed to monitor COVID exposure trends in our service area to assist in making the most informed decisions regarding meetings and activities for our children and mother members. On June 7, 2021, several families participated in a Silent March for Justice sponsored by the Chapter’s Legislative Committee in honor of innocent lives lost to violence. 

In September 2021, the Chapter hosted the first regional in-person Mothers’ Work Day in the nation following the pandemic. Under the leadership of Regional Director Darlene McGhee Whittington, the Stone Mountain Chapter, in collaboration with the East Suburban Atlanta Chapter, hosted Mothers' Work Day and welcomed over 500 mothers to The Hotel at Avalon. The conference theme “Educate to Elevate Your Experience” came to life through workshops and sisterly bonding with an emphasis on mental wellness. 

Although the global pandemic delayed the Stone Mountain Chapter’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, charter members, mothers, and associate members gathered in grand fashion on Sunday, May 1, 2022 to celebrate this significant milestone in the Chapter's history. Additionally, in May 2022, four legacy members were installed as new mother members of our beloved Chapter. In recognition of the commitment and dedication of our mother members to chapter excellence, the Chapter initiated mother recognitions and honored Mother Nicole Ross as the 2022 Mother of the Year. The celebrations continued at the 45th National Conference where the Chapter was awarded the prestigious 5 STAR Chapter of Excellence 2.2 Recognition!

In January 2023, chapter mothers and associates, celebrated Founders’ Day with Past National President Tamara Turnley Robinson as she inspired all in attendance and led an emotional Rededication Ceremony. In May 2023, the Chapter welcomed 16 new mother members and three legacy mothers to the Stone Mountain Chapter and also installed new officers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. During the event, Mother Melvina Norwood was named the newly installed Chapter President and honored as Mother of the Year.

In August 2023, Chapter President Melvina Norwood hosted a mothers’ retreat at Chateau Elan to kick off the year with the theme “Elevating Through Excellence.” In October 2023, the Stone Mountain and Athens chapters co-hosted the Metro Atlanta Teen Lock-Out, where teens from across the state gathered at Your 3rd Spot for a day of bonding, fun, and service; over 150 coats were collected for local children and youth in need. The Stone Mountain Chapter made Southeastern Region history by having three elected Regional officers: Regional Secretary Adria Welcher, Regional Teen Vice President Richard “RJ” Washington, and Regional Nominating Chair Hailey Smith. These leaders were honored at the Chapter’s Holiday Extravaganza, where members participated in community service by wrapping toys and gifts for families of the East DeKalb Boys and Girls Club.

In February 2024, the Chapter's Black History program entitled, "Back to Our Roots," provided an immersive experience of the African heritage diaspora. The event featured interactive cultural workshops, dancing, art, storytelling, and a fashion show, culminating in the Chapter's oratorical contest. In May 2024, the Chapter celebrated the induction of four legacy members and honored Mother Tonya Raines as the 2024 Chapter Mother of the Year. At the 68th Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference in June 2024, the Chapter made history once again when Richard “RJ” Washington was elected as Regional Teen President. Additionally, at the 46th National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Chapter achieved its second 5 Star Chapter of Excellence 2.3 Recognition, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the mission of bettering the condition of all children.

Today, the Stone Mountain Chapter is a dynamic force in the east Metro Atlanta area, boasting over 80 members who are leaders in various industries and communities, including educators, psychologists, physicians, judges, executives, scientists, lawyers, and more. We remain committed to working together to implement impactful programming and uphold our charge: “The Power of Us: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

The Stone Mountain Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. consistently supports and promotes National and Regional initiatives. Our members, both mothers and teens, actively participate in leadership roles and regional activities. Below are key accomplishments and milestones:

National Leadership 

  • 2022-2023: Adria Welcher Appointed as National Chair, National Strategic Partnerships Task Force.

  • 2022-2023: Adria Welcher Appointed as National Chair, Ad-Hoc Sponsorship Committee.

  • 2020-2022: Adria Welcher Appointed as Southeastern Region Chair, National Strategic Partnerships Task Force.

Regional Leadership

  • 2024-2025: Richard Washington, Jr. Elected as Regional Teen President at the 68th Southeastern Region (SER) Teen Leadership Conference.

  • 2023-2025: Adria Welcher Elected as Regional Secretary at the 32nd Southeastern Region Mother’s Conference.

  • 2023-2024: Richard Washington Elected as Regional Teen Vice President at the 67th Southeastern Region (SER) Teen Leadership Conference.

  • 2023-2024: Hailey SmithElected as Regional Teen Nominating Chair at the 67th Southeastern Region (SER) Teen Leadership Conference.

  • 2022: Adria Welcher Appointed as Chair, Southeastern Region Oratorical Competition.

  • 2022: Adria Welcher Appointed as Co-Chair, Southeastern Region Cluster Committee.

  • 2021: Adria Welcher Appointed as Chair, SER Mothers Work Day.

  • 2021-2022: Miles Norwood Appointed as Regional Teen Chaplain, Southeastern Region Teen Executive Board. 

  • 2014 – 2015: Jacob Jordan Elected as Regional Teen Treasurer at the 59th Southeastern Region (SER) Teen Leadership Conference.

  • 1997-1999: Ruth Wilson Elected as Southeastern Regional Director.

  • 1991-1992: Stephen Allwood Elected as Regional Teen President at the 36th Southeastern Region (SER) Teen Leadership Conference.

2023/2024 Program Year: Senior Teen Awards & Milestones

  • 68th SER Teen Leadership Conference - Chapter Awards

    • StoMo Step Team (22 teens): 1st Place in the Regional Step Team competition.

    • Senior Teens: 2nd Place in the SER Double Good Popcorn fundraiser, raising over $28,000.

  • 68th SER Teen Leadership Conference - Individual Teen Awards

    • Luke Harris: Recognized for the Power of Kindness Award.

    • Tyler Raines: Recognized with the Chapter Community Service Award. 

    • Caitlin Miller: Awarded Best Logo in the Teen Mogul Business Competition.

    • Hailey Smith: Earned Excellent Blue Seal for Outstanding Artist, Division II.

    • Sara Villavasso: Earned Excellent Blue Seal for Outstanding Athlete, Division II.

    • Dylan Carswell: Earned Merit Bronze Seal for Outstanding Leadership, Division II.

    • Crawford Butts: Earned Merit Bronze Seal for Outstanding Athlete, Division I.

    • Cameron Frazier: Recognized for Outstanding Athlete, Division II.

    • Morgan Harris: Recognized for Outstanding Leadership, Division I. 

    • Madison Norwood (Senior Teen VP): Recognized as a VIP Vice President for hosting three teen activities with Stone Mountain’s sister chapters.

  • Southeastern Region Service Awards

    • Sara Villavasso and Madison Norwood: Each completed over 250 service hours and were recognized by the SER.

  • 2024 Jacqueline Moore Bowles Teen Leadership Summit

    • Dylan Carswell: Attended the invitation-only event during the 46th National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for completing 22 leadership curriculum and financial literacy modules during the 2023/2024 program year.

  • Jacqueline Moore Bowles (JMB) Financial and Leadership Modules

    • 23 Chapter Teens earned Certificates of Recognition for completing 16 leadership curriculum and financial literacy modules during the 2023/2024 program year.

Regional and National Hosted Events:

  • 2025 Georgia SuperCluster

  • 2021 Southeastern Region Mothers’ Work Day

  • 2011 Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference

  • 2001 Southeastern Region Mothers’ Conference

  • 1992 Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference

Additional National and Regional Accolades:

  • 2024: Earned Five Star Recognition at the 46th National Convention.

  • 2022: Earned Five Star Recognition at the 45th National Convention.

  • 2021 On the Hill Legislative Summit:

    • First Place for Legislative Advocacy related to passing Jaye’s Law and developing a GA House Resolution in honor of Dearly Departed Mother Jaye Mia Sanford. The award was accepted by Regional Director Darlene Whittington and Senior Teen Skyler Sanford.

  • 2017 On the Hill Legislative Summit:

    • Awarded Second Place in the nation for Legislative Programming.

    • 2014 National Convention:

      • Recognized with a Certificate of Excellence in Legislative Programming.

      • Awarded 1 Star for Excellence in Chapter Programming.

    • 2010: Awarded National Leadership Grant Award.

    • 2005-2006:

      • Southeastern Region’s Above and Beyond Programming Award.

      • National Convention Awards:

        • Outstanding Overall Programming

        • Outstanding Cultural Programming (for Black History Program)

        • Best Legislative Practices

    • 2003-2004: Awarded National Outstanding Chapter Programming Award.

    • 1997: Granted $2,300 by the Jack and Jill Foundation for the "Technology 2000" project (American Leader Foundation).

    • 1993: Awarded $2,000 by the Jack and Jill Foundation for the project “Mother-to-Mother: A Positive Outlook Conference,” coordinated by Doris Jackson and Dee Taylor.

      The Stone Mountain Chapter continues to “Elevate through Excellence,” contributing significantly to both the local community and the broader initiatives of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.