North Atlantic Region Chapter Programs
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.