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The Ebony 2012 Founders Double Issue Convention Special
pearl
2012
THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP
In
Springing forth in service Begins on Page 12 | Chapter News
Mid-South Grad Pampers Mothers Who are working towards a fresh start By Sis. Melonee Griggs, Mid-South Graduate Chapter
The Mid-South Grad Chapter proves supporting women in need of growth begins with self care with re-launched initiative. Sisters Leketha Collins (left) and April Foxx (right) show a sampling of school supplies for the children at the Memphis Family Shelter.
The Mid-South Graduate Chapter has a long-standing history in supporting women in need of growth across the Memphis metropolitan area. Never a chapter that doesn’t mind working hard alongside communities, the chapter put together a pamper night for mothers living in the Memphis Family Shelter. It’s the only shelter in Memphis that provides transitional housing for homeless mothers and their children. "Working with the Memphis Family Shelter was one of the first service projects we completed as a newly chartered chapter 8 years ago, so it is wonderful that we have been able to establish a long term relationship with this worthwhile organization. The idea for this event came out of a brainstorming session few years ago and seeing the idea realized was an awe-
some and rewarding experience that we could tell was appreciated not only by the moms, but the staff, the children, and by us as members," states Chapter President, Sis. Lasandra Barksdale. While the mothers were treated to massages and spa treatments by Sis. Darlene Richardson, owner of Exhale Spa Escapes, chapter Sisters played games with and cared for their children. The mothers were silent as they watched the first woman go to the massage table. Many were reluctant to participate in the spa night. “It only took one brave soul,” says Melonee Griggs, Chapter Community Relations Officer, “but once they were reassured that we were sincere in taking care of them, many of the women put their guard down. It was humbling to be of service to women who have endured so much but still persevere in spite of it all.” The women of the Memphis Family Shelter come from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances, but they had one thing in common: they are hard workers. “This group of women is accustomed to hard work. Simply getting them to talk about their day helped to break down barriers. There is a testimony is every woman’s story” says Sis. Griggs. Many of the women admitted that they do not have the opportunity to sit down together and actually talk amongst themselves. Having this night together helped some women get to know one another - even women they walk past every day and never speak to. Eventually, the room was filled with talking and laughter. The Mid-South Graduate Chapter will continue to support the shelter every quarter. In the past, the chapter has contributed 200 brand new books to their planned library (the next collaborative project) and, during the 2010 Four Women Pearl Awards, donations to provide assistance to the mothers. Φ