| During the Spring of 2002, several sorors formalized a new interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Tallahassee, Florida. This group consisted of sorors who embraced the Alpha Kappa Alpha vision of reclamation. The foundation was built on outreach to other sorors to reactivate, rejuvenate, and become a part of this effort. A central group solidified into the Ivy Connection Group and a proposal to form an additional chapter in Tallahassee was submitted to the South Atlantic Regional Director, Mrs. Irene W. McCollom.
Upon approval of the proposal from the Regional Director, this group of sorors focused their rejuvenation toward Alpha Kappa Alpha's primary purpose - service to the surrounding community. Service projects in the untapped areas of Leon and Jefferson counties were targeted. In Leon County, Leonard Wesson Elementary School was adopted. Just within that school community, the Ivy Connection found numerous needs which connect directly to Alpha Kappa Alpha's programs. Thanksgiving and Christmas have presented opportunities to fulfill wishes of adopted Black families. The new school year provided the opportunity to start the academic year off right with needed school supplies as the Ivy Connection tackled educational support in the community. A Black History Essay Contest was sponsored and gift cards issued to the winners in each category as we celebrated the students' efforts to communicate “What Black History Month Means to You”. |
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Supplies for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) were provided to support the testing environment to encourage our children and at the end of the year. The Ivy Connection joined the year-end community celebration by assisting with the tradition of graduation for the 5th grade class!
Also within Leon County, the Ivy Connection has also begun a partnering process with the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO). At the beginning of the school year for 2004, sorors partnered up with each other to adopt community children from ECHO's Bethany Family Apartments. This arm of ECHO offers short-term housing and long-term hope for families in crisis. Their goal is to assist families in becoming stable in order that they may move into permanent housing. Back packs were organized and school clothes purchased and delivered to all Bethany Family Apartment children who had missed an earlier community drive. Other projects, such a Coat Drive and Holiday Party are in the making.
In Jefferson County, Brynwood Nursing Home was adopted and trips have been made to the nursing home to visit and entertain the residents. The Ivy Connection has also begun working on its mentoring initiative with a group of young ladies from the surrounding areas. The group has been incorporated into the Brynwood Nursing Home service project - helping the residents to play bingo, handing out prizes, joking, encouraging, reading scripture, singing, and dancing.
At its November 2004 meeting, the 2002-2004 Directorate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated approved The Ivy Connection Interest Group's petition for chapter status. On December 18, 2004, the Ivy Connection was chartered as Chi Upsilon Omega. The history of Chi Upsilon Omega already centers on the need of the surrounding areas of Leon and Jefferson counties in particular. Serving all mankind continues to be a primary focus.
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