Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate – Nashville, TN

AFFILIATE NEWS

Delta Nu Sigma Philo Affiliate Mt. Vernon, NY

The Delta Nu Sigma Philo Affiliate continues to thrive. Since its reactivation in March 2019 with three members, the affiliate has focused on growth and community service. In the fall of 2021, the Philos welcomed two new members and one reactivating member – expanding their membership to nine phenomenal women. The Delta Nu Sigma Philos have participated in programs such as the St. Jude Walk/Run and the annual Youth Symposium. They also served as presenters at a wellness webinar. In May of 2021, the Philos published on social media, a fivepart video series on mental health. During the summer of 2021, as part of Project CRADLE Care, they donated baby blankets and supplies to young mothers at a neighborhood health clinic. During the last two holiday seasons, the Philos sent more than 120 cards to residents at a nursing facility. Their most current project was reading books written by women of color on social media during Black History Month and Women’s History Month. This project was in partnership with the alumnae chapter. The Delta Nu Sigma Philo Affiliate continues to seek ways to support the community despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate Nashville, TN

Upsilon Sigma Philos Sisterhood Retreat at Penuel Ridge - Ashland City, TN

Upsilon Sigma Philos: Interim President Carolyn Ewing, Vice President Deborah Anderson, Chaplin/Recording Secretary Anne Figgins, Historian Nannette Wright, Treasurer Toni Scruggs, Brenda Farr, Faye Jackson, Monica Clark, Murrell Hubbard

Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate Plano, TX

Members of Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate supported one of Sigma Gamma Rho’s essential programs by hosting Project CRADLE Care. The program was held at Rockfish restaurant in Dallas, Texas. The keynote speaker was Soror Tiffany Wicks, a member of Lambda Upsilon Sigma Chapter, owner of Push Counseling and Coaching PLLC, and a published author. Soror Wicks spoke of the importance of prenatal mental health and available resources. Prenatal mental health is a problem that occurs during pregnancy or in the first year following birth affecting up to 20% of new and expectant mothers and covers a wide range of conditions. The most common is depression. Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate provided diapers and other gifts to a young couple expecting their first child. Lambda Upsilon Sigma Philo Affiliate members are Catrina Johnson – President, Shounda Rimes – VP, Silk Bouldin, Rayjene Craft, Joycelyn Grant, Melonie Henderson, Marchella Hopwood, Cordelia Levi, Genetia Thomas, and Jennifer White.

106 | THE AURORA Zeta Phi Sigma Rhoer Club Tacoma, WA

Members of Zeta Phi Sigma’s Rhoer Club completed their 3rd annual Sleepout for Homeless Youth Campaign. The Rhoers spent the night in tents bringing awareness to the condition of unaccompanied youth by delivering their message on social media. The group packed toiletry items and prepared the items for Comprehensive Life Resource Center. The Rhoer Club raised $1,100 and received $2,500 in-kind donations. A grant was written to purchase toiletry items and a generous business provided pallets of Gatorade, snacks, and water. The Comprehensive Life Resource Center provides services, meals, and housing for homeless youth ages 16 to 24.

Lambda Gamma Sigma Rhoer Club Pomona, CA

Lambda Gamma Sigma (LGS) Rhoers had a great start for the 2021-22 Sorority Year! For Operation BigBookBag, they donated school supplies to homeless youth at Foothill Family Shelter, a nonprofit organization that houses homeless families with children for up to 120 days free of rent and utilities. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LGS Rhoers gathered at a park to paint and decorate pink pumpkins. They also participated in several bonding activities. For Thanksgiving, LGS Rhoers volunteered at the Pomona Valley Food Bank, which provides healthy food packages to families and social service organizations. They created food packages and delivered them to clients’ cars. In partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (Pomona Field Office), Rhoers raised $700 for Christmas gifts to give to a foster family in need. Additionally, LGS Rhoers participated with Lambda Gamma Sigma at the Downtown Pomona Christmas Parade. They walked the parade route and handed out candy canes to onlookers. Congratulations to LGS Rhoer Mia Gamble who signed up to participate in the National Rhoer Club’s St. Jude Leadership Society! Here’s wishing Rhoer Mia success in taking on this leadership role. Finally, Rhoers assisted members of Lambda Gamma Sigma Chapter with Project CRADLE Care by providing snack crates to over 125 NICU hospital staff at Pomona Valley and Loma Linda University Hospitals. The NICU hospital staff were very appreciative.

Iota Omicron Sigma Rhoer Club West Columbia, SC

The Iota Omicron Sigma Rhoer Club in West Columbia, South Carolina launched a four-month pilot project designed to help Rhoers develop advocacy skills to support the national programs and partners of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “Lift Every Voice” was selected as the title of the project to encourage the girls to lend their voices to matters that will directly impact their future. The March of Dimes’ work to promote black maternal health was selected as the first national partner and program for the project. During the first three months, the Rhoer Club Committee supported Rhoers as they learned more about the black maternal health crisis and the power of advocacy. During training sessions, Rhoers were afforded opportunities to enhance public speaking skills and improve self-esteem. The first training cycle ended with the “Mission: Health Baby” Virtual Baby Shower held in Sumter, South Carolina at Shaw Air Force Base. The South Carolina March of Dimes invited the Rhoers to create four diaper cakes for expecting Air Force moms. The organization donated over 200 diapers. To decorate the cakes, the chapter donated rattles, pacifiers and other small baby items and more importantly, “Baby’s First Book”, to honor our Seven Illustrious Founders. Plans are underway to develop a train the trainer component where Rhoers will encourage their peers to lift their voices, participate in civic engagement and actively participate in matters that impact their future.

Eta Nu Sigma Rhoer Club Brooklyn, NY

Eta Nu Sigma’s Rhoer Club, under the direction of Advisor Soror Felicia Richards, has made its presence known through Brooklyn and has no plans to slow down anytime soon. The Rhoers celebrated the holiday season by giving back to their community and spent time bonding with sorors at a special holiday luncheon. Two members of the club represented the Rhoers at an HBCU Night on Feb. 24, 2022. “They were so excited to know that sorors would be performing at halftime. They got a small glimpse of the excitement,” said Hampton Alum Chivon Anderson, who accompanied them. While attending the event, the Rhoers learned about the application process of attending an HBCU, successfully navigating through the sports industry and gaining insight on the scholarship opportunities from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund.