The Baton Rouge chapter of Jack and Jill of America are creating a brighter future for the children of the community
The Baton Rouge chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., has been supporting African American youth for over 60 years. The national organization is made up of over 250 chapters, with mothers volunteering alongside their children. Through leadership development, philanthropic giving, volunteering and more, the focus of the group is to nurture the community’s children and teach them real skills that allow them to flourish personally and enrich the city around them.
Evon LaRae Roquemore, newly elected president of the Baton Rouge chapter, says she first became a member in 2021 when her children were in middle school. “I was looking for a way to expose them to more leadership opportunities,” she says. “Jack and Jill was, and still is, a great way for me to help build that for them.”
The organization is rooted in service. Child membership ranges from kids as young as three to as old as 18. Alongside their mothers, even the youngest kids are able to learn that little acts can have a big impact.
“We have unique community service initiatives each month where the children can give back, creating lasting impacts,” she says. For example, last year, Jack and Jill children hosted a lemonade stand at Electric Depot, teaching them essential life skills like financial literacy and the value of even a small, fun act, with the funds raised from the stand contributing to Jack and Jill’s initiatives in the community.
Partnering with organizations like the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Boys & Girls Clubs and more, Jack and Jill supports a variety of nonprofits through annual events throughout the year. The local chapter also partners with Mary
Bird Perkins to support cancer patients and care, as well as teaming up with a number of East Baton Rouge Parish schools for an annual Breakfast with Santa event.
“We had hundreds of children who came out,” Roquemore says of the holiday party. “They were able to receive toys, books, ride carnival rides, take pictures with Santa, and eat breakfast, of course.”
Roquemore says the foundation of the organization and its events is fostering a strong connection to the community, emphasizing to children, and their families, the importance of investing in the city and its people.
“Baton Rouge is a growing city, but having a connection with the community helps our children to understand the city and stay engaged with what’s going on around them,” she says. “We can all get caught up in our own lives, but this allows our children to stay connected to the city.”
Since 1964, the mothers behind the organization have been providing children with leadership skills, local volunteer opportunities and more, all with an emphasis on focusing on others. A mother’s love knows no bounds, and for the Baton Rouge chapter of Jack and Jill, carrying on this mission to give back to the community alongside their children shows the importance of investing in the future.
If you want to learn more about the Baton Rouge chapter of Jack and Jill of America, the group is hosting an informational event on September 13. Keep up with the organization on Instagram at @jackandjill_batonrouge.
