Daughters of Penelope
The Daughters of Penelope is the largest international Christian women's organization. It is the women's Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence. In addition to AHEPA and Daughters, the AHEPA Family also includes the Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athena.
The focus of the Daughters of Penelope has expanded in recent years to all issues involving women, especially those involving domestic violence. As a result, Penelope House in Alabama (a first for Alabama) and Penelope's Place in Massachusetts were established to aid abused women. In addition, many chapters provide housing for abused women in their local communities. The Daughters support legislation that benefits women at all levels of government. Women are encouraged to become involved in all apects of citizenry in their respective communities, to cultivate the ideals and traditions of Hellenism and to promote education. The Daughters are members of the General Federation of Women's Clubs.
The Daughters of Penelope was founded on November 16,1929 by Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld in San Francisco, California. She became the first Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope in 1931. Penelope was selected as the name of the organization as Penelope symoblizes friendship and womanhood, and is significant of the very foundation of life, home and country.
Calypso, our local chapter, is the thirteenth chapter of the 300 Daughters chapters, to be established. We are fortunate to have had many of our sisters elected as District Governors. At the present time we have five living Past District Governors. We also have a District Penelope of the Year which is the highest award that can be bestowed on a member at the District level.
Education opens many doors and to that end, Daughters award scholarships at the local, state and national levels to deserving applicants. Numerous scholarships totalling up to $35,000 are awarded each year through District #11 Buckeye Scholarship Foundation. In addition, scholarships are awarded at the national levels of both Daughters and AHEPA.
Officers
Melody Dargis - President
Stacey Lysco - Vice-President
Tina Poulos Kasidonis - Secretary
Irene Zigoras - Treasurer
Sponsored Charities
Penelope House for Abused Women in Alabama. Penelope's Place in Massachusetts. St. Basil's Children's Orphanage. Buckeye Scholarship Foundation. University Children's Hospital Cincinnati. Holy-Trinity St. Nicholas Church. Cystic Fibrosis. Sylvester Cancer Center. NAMI. Lerner Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine. Sjogren's. Disaster Relief. I.O.C.C. Dress for Success. Youth & Shelter Services. W.I.N. HELLAS. Maids of Athena. Penelopean Day Care Center. DOP Foundation. Fredreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. Mathew 25 Ministries. St. Nicholas National Shrine. And numerous others.
Contact us at daughters.penelope13@gmail.com for more information.
