Our Programs
Since its founding in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have evolved. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. For more information, visit https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/public-service-sisterhood/.
See below for current and prior Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Alumnae Chapter programs that support each thrust.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Canned Food Donation Drive* to benefit local food pantries and combat food insecurity in our community
Veteran’s Day Donation Drive* of toiletries and winter essentials to benefit patrons of the Benton Harbor Veterans Affairs Clinic
Department of Health and Human Services Foster Care donations*
Financial Fortitude initiative, which assists chapter members and the local community in realizing the overarching goal of personal wealth and financial security
Financial Symposium and educational workshops for chapter members and the community covering topics like investing
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Annual scholarship program*, which has awarded more than $100,000 since 1970
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy*, designed to enhance or spark interest in math, science, technology and/or careers where minority women are scarcely represented
EMBODI—Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence
Delta GEMS—Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully
INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT
Coupon Initiative to collect current and/or expired coupons and send them overseas to U.S. soldiers
Donations of female hygiene products to the local Safe Shelter
Little Dresses for Little Kids in Africa Project—sewing dresses out of pillowcases and decorated them with ribbon, lace, buttons, etc., for children living with AIDS in Africa
World Aids Day event in partnership with C.A.R.E.S.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Go Red: Heart Health Awareness workshop* in partnership with Corewell Health
Purple Ribbon Walk* in partnership with Caring Connection Empowerment Center to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence
HIV/AIDS awareness webinars* focusing on myths and stigmas as well as the impact of the epidemic on the Black community
Black Family Health Forum covering topics including heart health, dental health, exercise, domestic violence, diabetes, and depression
Fighting Obesity IMPACT Day of Service event
Go Red for Women Luncheon in partnership with the American Heart Association
Monthly fitness fellowships
POLITICAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT
Voter registration drive* in partnership with the League of Women Voters
Volunteerism at Berrien Forward Commissioners-at-Large Candidates Forum*
Voter education awareness campaigns and programs*
Federal Funding Cuts at the Local Level, in partnership with the League of Women Voters
Social action activities,* including attending Benton Harbor City Commission meetings
Delta Days at the State Capital*
Delta Days at the Nation's Capital*
Participation in the centennial re-enactment of the 1913 Suffrage March in Washington, D.C.
Host of School Board Candidate Forums
Partnership with East Main Street Church of Christ on the No Bullying in Benton Harbor campaign
*Denotes current sorority year initiatives