Making a Better World Program 2023

Alpha Delta Kappa 2023 MBWI Recognitions An annual recognition program designed to promote and recognize Alpha Delta Kappa members, chapters and states/provinces/nations who make outstanding contributions by advancing cross-cultural learning and relationships and/or increasing awareness and involvement in global issues.

Georgia Gamma Epsilon- Build A Dream, a long-term commitment to support education through the secondary and advanced degree levels in El Vaquero, Mexico.

Build a Dream became an altruistic project for GA Gamma Epsilon Chapter at least ten years ago. Past chapter president Joan Jachino’s brother, Wayne Prindiville, had begun helping to improve conditions in tiny El Vaquero, Mexico, (great story here!) from his home in Illinois. Due to poverty and poor conditions, the children there were unable to attend school after the primary grades. This was the beginning of Build a Dream, a small charity organization enabling children in the community of El Vaquero, Mexico to receive the necessary education to rise out of the poverty that surrounds them. Our chapter immediately agreed to collect and donate money toward his efforts.

From that one time collection, our chapter has continued to support Build a Dream’s various efforts to improve conditions in this small village by sending monetary donations several times every year. We have been able to celebrate with the people of El Vaquero through letters from Wayne and even from the children: school supplies /clothes, a breakfast program, a high school building, a college graduate. In 2011, Build a Dream became a 501 {c}{3}. Twice, we applied to AΔK for consideration of Build a Dream to be the World Understanding Project. Once, Build a Dream was in the final choices offered to international membership.

Unfortunately, it was not selected, but GA Gamma Epsilon continues to support the children of this small village, our own world understanding project.

Arkansas Nu- the New Vision Children ES Project in El Salvador, which helps provide eye care to underserved children, was founded in 2019 by Arkansas Nu sister, June Williams and Dr. Samuel Tejada in El Salvador Since 2019, with time off for the pandemic, New Vision has tested more than 400 children and provided glasses for 275. Dr. Jose Mena, eye specialist, and Marce Santos work for San Pedro Optical and New Vision. The clinic has state-of-the-art equipment donated to New Vision. Marce plans off-site visits to parks, churches, and schools where Dr. Mena uses his portable equipment, and more children are reached.

June has traveled to El Salvador four times and has seen firsthand how New Vision is making a difference in children’s lives. She has distributed donated books to children waiting to have their eyes examined and heard “thank you” from grateful parents and children.

New Vision is sustained through donations. June speaks to church groups and clubs and organizations around the state, including her very supportive Nu chapter. She donates all proceeds from sales of her book, A NEW VISION, and her popular rum cake. She uses social media to spread the good news about how New Vision is truly giving Salvadoran children a “new vision”.

Ohio Sigma- the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Project, which offers support to immigrant families, particularly from Ukraine and Afghanistan Ohio Sigma chapter is comprised of members mainly from the Parma, Ohio area and surrounding communities where a great number of Ukrainian and Afghan people reside. Our members wanted to help them feel welcome, especially since they had already been through so much in their home countries. With input from our members, our executive board decided we would make nosew blankets for the newcomers, although we’ve never done this before. Through a grassroots effort and using social media as a platform, we were able to collect over $400 in fleece from friends and family members along with another $1400 of fleece donated from JOANN Fabrics. In addition, we scrounged up rotary cutters and mats so we could turn ourselves into “Elves and the Shoemakers. We spent several days at a member’s house as well as at our February meeting cutting and tying knots in the nosew blankets. Young and old, active members and prospective members worked diligently until we surpassed our goal. As we were finishing up our project, we listened to Graham Ball, from the USCRI (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) speak to us about who they are and what services they offer in the Greater Cleveland area. His presentation was not only educational, but he also shared with us other volunteer opportunities we can get involved in.

Washington Alpha Chi- the Piecemakers Project shares love by quilting with the hope that each quilt brings support and joy to displaced youth in nursing homes and shelters for battered women Members from Alpha Chi in Toppenish have joined a group of quilters called “Piecemakers” to make over 100 quilts in a year. These quilts are given to DSHS for foster kids, Rod’s House supporting displaced youth, Toppenish Nursing Home, Triumph House for battered women and several other groups serving those in need. These colorful quilts bring joy to those who receive them. For those who are in a displaced home situation, the quilt becomes a comforting possession they may call their own. For those in nursing care, the lap quilts provide warmth and a personal gift. Very functional blankets are also made for the homeless in our community. These quilts are made from donated fabric. The batting is purchased with grant money and financial donations. Funding for needed supplies sometimes comes through the sale of a quilt.

“Piecemakers” was started thirty years ago by a group of quilters from several different Toppenish churches. Through this group, we have been able to share our love of quilting with those in need with the hope that each quilt brings joy and comfort to the person who is the recipient.

Washington Pi- the Eden International Inc. Project, gives adults with special needs dignity, community, employment and societal leadership in Antigua, Guatemala by opening entrepreneurial opportunities to them.

Eden’s goal is to create sustainable, long-term employment with high wages to disabled adults around Guatemala. In order to do this, Eden employees Handcraft candles and organic, plasticfree wellness products for pain management and relaxation, which are sold in stores and online.

All profits return to the disabled employees to cover their salaries. Currently, Eden employees are earning three times the national minimum wage for their hourly work, and provide10% of their family income. This is directly impacting families by providing activities, socialization, community, and income, which is phenomenally impactful. Eden has a goal of expanding working hours for the current employees and to employ twenty-five disabled adults by 2030. Eden also serves the general community of Antigua, Guatemala by providing education in schools, orphanages, and markets about inclusion, disability rights, and accessibility issues.

Washington Pi has supported the Eden founders with individual donations and educational leadership since 2019, and since then Eden has been able to more than double their number of employees from four to nine current disabled employees.