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Summer 2007
By Jo Ann Stewart

The Shreveport and Minden Alumnae Chapters were the host for the 41ST Southwest Regional Conference of the Blazing Southwest Region. The Regional Social Action Committee planned a community service project for the women of the Providence House (a homeless shelter), YWCA Crises Center (a shelter for women in challenging relationships), and the Philadelphia Center (an outreach center serving the needs of clients and families affected by HIV/AIDS).

Theme: DELTA WOMEN REACHING OUT TO OUR SISTERS WITH “PPP” “PAMPERED PRETTY PACKAGES”

Throughout Delta’s history, the sorority has initiated and promoted service programs and projects addressing critical needs in education, economic development, international awareness, and Physical and mental health. The project’s design was to reach out to battered and challenged women with love and support. It was a “Women’s Day Out” filled with fun activities, games, information, entertainment and sisterly sharing.

The sorority works with the Providence house during the Delta Debutante season. A service project is planned to include toys, games, clothing and food for each child. We have participated in the past with after-school tutoring and “Clothing for Success”.

A similar program with the Philadelphia Center is done during the Christmas holidays: THE PHILADELPHIA CENTER WISH LIST. Sorors, our five Girl Scout troops, Delta Academy, and Delta Gems fulfill the wishes of the children from this Center with toys, clothing (for the children) and money donated to the Medicine Fund. Over 300 families were served last year.

The “PPP” Program provided for the physical and mental health needs of the women. We wanted them to look good and feel good about themselves. We wanted them to know they could rise above whatever circumstances they were involved in to be successful.

Soror G. Jean Nichols, ED. D gave a motivational message. Soror Nichols is a retired educator/Delta Dear with 53+ years in the sisterhood. She spoke on the theme: “HELP, HOPE, AND HEALING WHEN FACING CHALLENGES”. ‘Sisters, reach out and touch somebody’s hand and make this world a better place if you can’; ‘Sister, you can lean on me when you are alone, lean on me’; ‘Just feel good about the skin you are in’; and more were positive attitudes delivered in a way that encouraged audience participation and woven into a message the ladies will never forget.

Health issues impacting women was a segment of the program dealing with general health guidelines; hypertension; diabetes; stroke; heart disease; breast, cervical and ovarian cancer; and mental health needs. Health care professionals who shared this information were: Betty Woods, RN; Debra Jackson, RN; Sharon Downey, RN; Jo Ann Stewart, RN; and Linda Hartwell, Ph.D. The women were given statistical information about the diseases that cause increased mortality rates in our community. A demonstration of the correct way to do self-breast exam was shown. Prevention as a key element was emphasized during the presentation.

A healthy drill of exercises was led by Soror Bonita Douzart. The self defense demonstration led by Corporal Jackson from the Caddo Sheriff’s Department was dynamic. The women were encouraged to pay attention to their surroundings at all times. The highlight of the day was the relaxation clinic. This began with a belly dancing demonstration by Ms. Cynthia Franklin. All of the participants had fun joining this activity. The pampering session of neck messages, pedicures, manicures, facials and back messages continued until time ran out. The women were truly excited and stated, “we are having a great time”. Refreshments were served before the program ended. Throughout the program large baskets of personal pampering items, personal make-up kits, and two (2) $50.00 shopping gift cards were given as door prizes. What a wonderful day of caring and sharing with our sisters. The committee members and all sorors were magnificent.

The Project Cherish Historical Tour was the last event of the day. The tour departed by chartered bus from the Hilton Hotel at 4:00 p.m. Project Cherish is a national identification, preservation and beautification of African-American landmarks, monuments and historic sites activity.

The sites visited in Shreveport allowed time to journey back and reflect on historic sites and the people who helped shape our culture. These sites and others like them are reflections of the past; reflections of a time when struggles were hard and fighting for your rights were very important. Our tour guide was Mr. Willie Burton, local historian, author, Associate Professor of History-Southern University Shreveport and Caddo Parish School Board Representative-District 3.

The tour also included a visit to the Shreveport Alumnae Delta Life Development Center. Soror Carol Lynch, Shreveport Alumnae historian, shared its history and answered questions.




PO Box 3265 Shreveport, Louisiana 71118 318-424-4728


Last updated: 7-8-2007