Jeannine A. Corbin

The New York Chapter Chums, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, was chartered on July 28, 1956, under the sponsorship of the Norfolk, VA, mother chapter. Since its inception, the New York Chapter has led numerous projects aligned with the National Chums’ motto, “Listen to the Children... enrich their lives.” Initially serving communities in New York City, Westchester County, and Rockland County, the chapter expanded its reach in 1991 to include Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. The New York chapter has become a community pillar, offering various free programs and volunteer initiatives that promote health, wellness, & education. These efforts include workshops, reading programs, and distributions of free hygiene products and fresh produce grown by chapter members. The chapter also organizes annual Toys & Turkey drives, mentorship programs, cultural plays, and civic support efforts nationwide. A few of its flagship initiatives include the annual High School Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to graduating high school students aspiring to attend college, university, or trade school. The “Connect for Success” program helps college students build resumes, hone negotiation skills, & prepare for successful careers. The New York Chapter’s commitment to service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Chums, Inc. Presidential Award for National Projects, in recognition of its ongoing dedication to the organization’s core values. The chapter’s membership spans generations, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, reflecting a commitment to diversity and intergenerational collaboration. This diverse membership enables the chapter to effectively address the evolving needs of its community, with a particular focus on the well-being and empowerment of children. Through its decades of service, the New York Chapter Chums, Inc. continues to embody the spirit of friendship & community improvement that inspired its founding, staying true to its mission.