October 20, 2008

Dear Members,
When we review our accomplishments during our 2007-2008-program year, it takes my breath away!

We Walked it, Talked it and Lived it 24x7 as only Loudoun County Virginia can.  We started off the year giving to those in need providing new coats, hats and gloves to each child in the Loudoun transitional and emergency facilities.  Winter came early and we were there providing warmth and comfort to those in need. God blessed us with the presentation of our debs and beaus in our Signature Program, the 2007 Brilliant Diamonds, Perfecting Every Facet Cotillion-Beautillion program in November.  This chapter-wide event was well received in our community and we were able to take some proceeds and do good works for the mothers and children in the system. 

We then brought the Duke Ellington School Story Choir to Loudoun as we recognized a Loudoun-based author during our Black History Program. What an education in living history we provided through song, reading and interview to our community.  Our children sang the Black National Anthem like angels and our Teens were wonderful hosts and hostesses.  We Empowered our Youth to Excel through Leadership and Service in our Community. With innovative programming, dedicated and committed membership, we were successful in REaching the Next Level.

That was then and this is now.  We must not rest on our laurels. We are strong and creative and have found that “Service to the Children in our Community” is our niche. We are beginning to “Be the Change we Want to See in the World.”  We kicked off this year in service of these children by hosting the Precious Gifts Boutique where these families shopped for new and nearly new clothing we provided and as we move into the holidays, we know that God will continue to bless us so that we can continue to bless others. In these uncertain times, we move to elect a new president of our great nation. We are working to ensure our children know the power of a vote through an organization-wide Mock Election process. 

Our charge remains the same, provide the A,B,C’s to our children.

Children – The A, B, C’s

• Activities – Creative and fun programming for our children!

• Bonding/Role modeling – Encourage our Teens to give back to the community and the children in the chapter. Ensuring a healthy chapter with bonding/social activities for moms and dads.

• Cultivating Leadership - A teen representative on every family activity planned by the chapter. Leadership development beginning in Umoja Unlimited. Provide real opportunities to develop leadership and teach our children about financial literacy. Cultivate the holistic citizen through the short time in Jack and Jill.

Serving all children & our community,
Clarine S. Vaughn
President
Loudoun County Virginia Chapter
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
 
Be the change you want to see in the world!