Dressed in brilliant royal blue, the ladies of international sorority Zeta Phi Beta are easy to recognize around SOAR365. And it’s not just their style making an impact!
You may have spotted Zeta Phi Beta at multiple locations over the past two years: delivering much-appreciated masks and snacks to our mobile crew workers at Westwood, wrapping over 100 books at Saunders for the Pediatric Therapy Drive-Thru Holiday Party, or providing 120 snack packs for our summer campers at Camp Baker.
But when local chapter president Tiffany Coleman recently arrived at Saunders, wearing bright blue and pearls, it was for an extra special mission: delivering a gift of $10,000 to SOAR365, as the 2022 Z-HOPE Beneficiary.
After presenting Zeta Phi Beta’s gift to SOAR365, sorority member Tiffany Coleman (center) poses for a photo with President & CEO John Walkers (left) and Volunteer Engagement Manger Alison Jones-Nassar (right).
SHARED MISSIONS, SHARED SUCCESS
Z-HOPE (which stands for Zetas Helping Other People Excel) sets Zeta Phi Beta apart from its fellow Black Greek letter sororities by creating a structured community service framework. This helps ensure that Zeta Phi Beta serves multiple groups each year, including men, women, infants, children, elders and those with autism.
Likewise, one of the things that makes SOAR365 unique is that our nonprofit serves individuals with disabilities of all genders and ages — from tiny infants in Pediatric Therapy to seniors in Adult Day Support.
“We love our partnership with y’all because there is so much we can do to meet those Z-HOPE requirements,” explains Tiffany.
This year, the Alpha Phi Zeta chapter, which serves the local Richmond area, was pleased to host the 77th Eastern Regional Leadership Conference from April 7-10. As a result, they got to choose this year’s Z-HOPE Beneficiary. “We immediately said, ‘SOAR365!’” Tiffany says with a smile.
“Your mission of SOAR365 aligns with our mission for Z-HOPE, with mind-body-spirit and being able to help and be of service,” Tiffany adds. “I know you all will put it to great use to serve families and the community.”
Successful partnerships like the one between SOAR365 and Zeta Phi Beta help everyone achieve their goals — as Tiffany says, “We’re all growing together!”
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning how your organization can partner with SOAR365?
Zeta Phi Beta knows that there are multiple ways to help out at SOAR365! We are always grateful for monetary donations, which directly support our programs and help us close the gap between the cost to provide services and the payment we receive. But we also have a variety of rewarding group volunteer opportunities available year-round for businesses, civic clubs, churches, schools or other organizations.
“We encourage any organization that promotes community service to partner with SOAR365; the rewards are endless,” says Shelia. “You never know who you are helping with your service, time and talent. The families of SOAR365 welcome your support.”
To get started, visit https://soar365.org/volunteer-overview or contact Alison Jones-Nassar at (804) 665-1214 or [email protected].
Want to learn more about Zeta Phi Beta?
Founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. prioritizes community service. And just as the organization serves many different groups throughout the community, they also have auxiliary groups for youth, men, and women without college degrees who want to support the work of Zeta Phi Beta.
As Shelia says, “If you are looking to join a historical Greek sorority, do your research. We are the Richmond chapter with over 80 members, chartered in 1942. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has over 100 years of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood and is the only sorority that is conditionally bound to the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.”
Want to learn more about Zeta Phi Beta? Check out their website at https://www.rvazetas.org/
SOAR365 is a Richmond-based not-for-profit organization created in 1954 by area families who were determined to find a better way of caring for their loved ones with disabilities. We employ nearly 250 individuals, including approximately 130 who have a disability. Our wide range of programs and services are designed for individuals and families who are coping with the daily “real world” challenges of living with a disability. We have a profound impact on nearly 1,150 individuals and families who receive our help each year. For more information, please visit www.SOAR365.org and our social media channels.
As Shelia Jones-Williams, local chapter second vice president, notes, “Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is a community-conscious, action-oriented organization. We don’t just wear our colors and letters. We do the work by serving our community.”