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Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Launches Statewide Community Impact Activations, Starting in Longview, Texas

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The Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has kicked off a series of impactful statewide community outreach efforts under the Sorority’s national program focus—Essential Programs. Each state within the Region, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and our chapter in Belize, will host one of these transformative programs. Guided by Southwestern Region Programs Coordinator Ashlee McGhee, chapters and affiliates are working to identify cities within their states to host these programs, amplifying their impact.

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On Friday, August 23, 2024, the Southwestern Region launched this initiative with Area IV, led by Area IV Coordinator Amanda Wilson, by delivering a joint Operation BigBookBag program. This collaborative effort brought together chapters from North Texas and North Louisiana to support the students of Bramlette STEAM Academy in Longview, Texas. Operation BigBookBag provides invaluable resources for children, including quick access to reference materials and study aids, ensuring students are well-equipped for a successful school year.

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In discussions with Communities in Schools Representative Kim Morris and Bramlette Principal Julie Hope, it was revealed that the district planned to launch a clothing closet on campus this Fall. With approximately 493 students, 90% of whom are socioeconomically disadvantaged, Bramlette STEAM Academy also has over half of its student population relying on Feeding America’s Backpack Food Program, which provides free, healthy, easy-to-prepare food for weekends and school breaks.

Thanks to the support of the Southwestern Region and Area IV, nearly $6,000 was raised to meet these needs. Essential items, including uniform tops, bottoms, socks, underwear, hygiene products, and school supplies, were donated. Additionally, the Region’s donation of nonperishable food items will support the Backpack Food Program for the entire month of September.

 

The Southwestern Region Leadership Team, including Regional Director/Syntaktes LaTisha Brandon, the Southwestern Region National Programs Committee, and members of Area IV were on-site to deliver donations, assemble shelves donated by The Container Store, and organize the space for future use. The local alumnae chapter, Alpha Gamma Sigma, led by President/Basileus Jasmine Anderson, will maintain the new clothes closet, ensuring it continues to serve the community effectively.

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This successful activation is just the beginning for the Southwestern Region’s Community Impact initiatives, which will reach across all states and territories within the Region. The upcoming Essential Programs include:

  • The Women’s Wellness Initiative: Taking place in Louisiana in October 2024, this program focuses on critical health issues affecting women, particularly women of color. It addresses Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence, Heart Health, Diabetes Health, Mental Health, and other related concerns.

  • Project Cradle Care: Scheduled for January 2025 in Oklahoma, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the disparate maternal and infant health outcomes faced by Black women. The program will include outreach, advocacy, education, and implicit bias training.

  • Youth Symposium: Happening in Arkansas in March 2025, this program will tackle pressing issues impacting youth, such as drug abuse, teen violence, neglect, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, and human trafficking.

  • Swim 1922: Set for May 2025 in South Texas, this partnership with USA Swimming seeks to increase swim participation and reduce drowning rates in the community.

 

The Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is dedicated to serving communities and creating lasting change through these strategic and meaningful programs.

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