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Sophia Farriella, GY

The Theta Phi Alpha Relief Fund, created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, provides grants to sisters affected by a federally declared emergency. These declarations, made by the President of the United States, are something noted when a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, mudslide, or wildfire strikes – but declarations are regularly made on a smaller scale to address an impactful event. The federal declaration not only provides help from FEMA to affected areas, but also allows charitable organizations, such as Theta Phi Alpha Foundation, to provide support within our IRS tax status. Grants from the Relief Fund help a sister to recover from the devastating impact that a disaster can have on her life and her home. From the inception of the fund through 2020, grants had primarily been provided to sisters recovering from flooding events or hurricanes, due to the major impacts experienced by sisters. Survivors of these events are often so resilient that they are reluctant to apply for the grants, expressing that the funds should be made available to others in need. In one situation, a sister and many members of her family relocated to another state after their homes and belongings were destroyed. During a follow-up contact, she was in the process of saving to replace the refrigerator and her bed. Rather than having to prioritize one over the other, she was able to use her grant funds to acquire both of them. By working together, we were able to help a sister on her road to recovery. During March and April 2020, the federal government declared disasters in all fifty states as the COVID-19 virus spread across the country. The impacts of the pandemic are well-known with the suspension of normal activities, that include increases in unemployment, isolation, and housing/food insecurity. Additionally, the nature of this declaration differs from the typical emergencies as the situation continues to be ongoing, with declarations currently extended through September 2021 – eighteen months after the original one. Theta Phi Alpha collegians have been particularly impacted. Their lives were disrupted as campuses were evacuated often with as little as 24- to 48-hours notice to move out of dormitories. Many of our working collegians lost their jobs that often funded not only their education but their living expenses. Collegians’ jobs are often held in industries that have been more impacted with pandemicrelated job losses. The grants that Theta Phi Alpha Foundation has given to these sisters are making a difference in their lives. One of our Relief Grant recipients, Sophia Farriella, GY, shares her story: “The Theta Phi Alpha Relief Grant was truly a blessing at one of the most difficult times of my life. When the pandemic began, I was a full-time college student, living on my own, paying my own bills, while also working two part-time positions: as a student worker at the campus health center and as a medical scribe at a pain management office. Unfortunately, I lost both of these jobs due to the unknowns of the pandemic, and therefore lost all of my sources of financial income. I was already living paycheck to paycheck since both of these positions were only part-time. I was terrified thinking about how I would make ends meet to afford my next rent payment, my utilities, gas, and groceries during this tragic crisis. I was also enrolled and preparing to continue my education in an accelerated nursing program, which was set to begin in two short months. My school expenses needed to be paid prior to beginning the program and again, was unsure how this would be possible without financial support. I was also unable to turn to my family during this time; my single mother was on work-leave due to the pandemic and had become extremely ill. I was also fearful of how we could even afford her medical expenses. Fortunately, I was able to turn to my Gamma Psi Chapter for help and resources during one of the lowest points of my life. Our executive board was informed about the Relief Fund and shared this information with our chapter to help other sisters who were drastically affected by the pandemic. I applied for a grant, although unsure if I qualified. Although my situation was difficult, I knew that others experienced much worse consequences. When I learned that I would receive financial assistance from the Theta Phi Alpha Relief Fund, I sobbed with gratitude. I couldn’t believe I was fortunate enough to receive the help that I desperately needed. I could afford my bills and buy groceries for at least enough time to figure out how to adapt to my pandemic circumstances. I was also able to fund my upcoming school expenses; fast forward to today, I am about to complete my accelerated nursing program. I did not think that I would make it this far. By becoming a nurse, especially during the pandemic, I have been able to give back by actually helping those still affected by this tragedy. I am grateful that I was given this opportunity and I most definitely will never forget it.” The application and details on the Theta Phi Alpha Relief Grants are available online at https://www.thetaphialpha.org/

foundation-programs/disaster-relief,

while contributions to the Relief Fund may be made at thetaphialpha.org/donate.