North Atlantic Region Chapter Programs
Mardi Gras Book Fair Provides Bonding Opportunity for NYC's Homeless
New York's Pi Kappa Omega Chapter responded to Platform # 3, Economic Growth of the Black Family, by partnering with Women In Need, Inc., (WIN) to host a book fair in the heart of Harlem.
The Mardi Gras-themed book fair was a perfect opportunity for parents and their children to explore a carnival of books while bonding.
Chapter members helped distribute 250 donated books and Mardi Gras-inspired masks and beads to about 30 children ages 4-10. It also hosted an After Party Story Time, where chapter members and their guests, including members from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., read to the children while they snacked on cookies and juice.
The event was a huge success. The feedback from the kids and teachers was phenomenal. The children learned about independence by selecting and purchasing their own books with play money. Each child received a book bag and an educational toy for future development.
Founded in 1983, WIN is a New York City-based nonprofit and one of the city's largest shelter providers. Its eight transitional shelters houseapproximately 2,500 people, of which 1,500 are reportedly children.
Hartford Chapter Program Lets Black Women Take Control of Breast Health Education
Using the theme "Pearls of Wellness," Epsilon Omicron Omega Chapter, in Hartford, CT, has launched an initiative to bring attention to health concerns in the minority community and close the gap of health disparities that exists between cultures. With Gov. M. Jodi Rell as honorary chairman, the first forum focused on "Breast Health Education for Everyone."
The keynote speaker, Dr. Lori Wilson, Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Connecticut Health Center, has conducted significant cancer research and addressed the importance of combining research with personal responsibility to improve breast cancer statistics among Black women.
The objective of "Pearls of Wellness" is to use Platform V—Health Resource Management and Economics—to educate, encourage and empower the community to improve their quality of life by living and leading healthier lifestyles. Each year, the intent is to focus on a public health topic that has a significant impact on communities of color.
Chapter member Dannie Kennedy, a retired nurse and cancer survivor, expresses appreciation for a $2,500 chapter donation to the Dannie Kennedy Scholarship Fund at Capitol Community College in Hartford.
"By tapping into a network of 'trusted advisors' in our community, we hope to improve both access and utilization," said Gwendolyn Smith Iloani, co-chair of the event. That community network will highlight partnerships with local, regional and national cancer prevention advocates who have provided educational resources and other support in addition to giving groups a forum to share resources and the Sorority an opportunity to establish on-going outreach programs in Greater Hartford.
The program was co-sponsored by the Foundation for Educational Opportunity, Inc. Proceeds from the event help underwrite the Chapter's commitment to scholarships and health education initiatives.
Annapolis, MD Chapter Adopts Family
With a focus on strengthening the Black Family, the Annapolis, MD chapter has become a major advocate in helping to nourish families in their area, with an Extra Special Particular focus on Black males.
Members of Delta Pi Omega Chapter collaborated with the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to host a young men's youth breakfast. During the event, the group discussed topics such as "Youth & Rap Language," "The Imus Incident" and "How to Treat a Woman." Speakers included members of the Sorority and the Fraternity.
The Chapter also secured a grant to provide $9,000 in scholarships specifically for Black male students who reside in Anne Arundel County and were in college or headed to college and needed financial assistance.
Furthering their reach, the Chapter’s Economic Growth of the Black Family Committee also adopted one struggling family in their community. The Garrett family, which includes two boys and one girl, live in temporary housing. Dad is unable to work fulltime because of health problems. George Garrett recently suffered a heart attack and has several other health problems.
"Our main thrust has been to encourage them to become healthy and independent so that they can maintain their family. Mr. Garrett has been unable to work because of health problems, consequently Mrs. Garrett is the family's sole financial provider," said the Chapter's former vice president, Ramona Long.
Members of the Chapter's Health Committee regularly send information/newsletters on health topics to keep mom and dad informed about healthy living practices.
As the Garretts struggle to find affordable housing—a problem that plagues millions of low-income people around the country—they are getting help from Delta Pi Omega. The Chapter is trying to help the family locate permanent housing and has enlisted assistance from local realtors and contractors.
The Chapter collaborated with a local service organization to get the children school supplies/backpacks for the 2007-08 school year. The family also receives information/tickets to upcoming community events from the Chapter, and the children have been engaged in wholesome activities.
For example, eldest son Brandon, age 11, attended the "In Your Name" ("IYN") camp for young men. The program concentrated on Rites of Passage, education and spiritual living. Chapter members served as mentors and volunteers during part of the camp, and the Chapter donated money and supplies toward the camp operating expenses.
Chapter members present donation to Mr. Renault McHenry, founder of the Summer Explosion Day Camp for young boys.
Charis Jones teaches a health lesson to a Parole Park Elementary School student during the IYN summer camp in Annapolis.