( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter (Brooklyn, NY) Comes Together to Help Their Community
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., was founded in 1920 and stands on four principles of Service, Scholarship, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Together, they charge to be a community-conscious, action-oriented organization. Sigma Kappa Zeta chapter was chartered in 2011 and takes that charge quite literally. Simply put: they are here to serve. The pride and joy they put into serving their community is something to talk about.
As we are all keenly aware, New York City is at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports have shown that African-Americans are disproportionately affected by this virus and Mayor de Blasio has identified East New York as a high-risk area. Brookdale Hospital has been packed with both those who have contracted COVID-19 as well as those who are highly symptomatic. Sigma Kappa Zeta regularly partners with the hospital and with the news not being hopeful, we started thinking of ways we could assist them that would directly benefit those on the front lines.
The Sigma Kappa Zeta chapter serves the entire borough of Brooklyn, specifically target underserved neighborhoods such as Brownsville and East New York. They discuss the needs of the community with both local officials as well as organizations and come up with meaningful programming that will have a direct, positive impact on the residents.
Sigma Kappa Zeta chapter has had a wonderful relationship with Brookdale Hospital for almost two years. It serves the people in more underserved communities and has partnered with them in programs such as their sorority’s national Stork’s Nest initiative which provides educational classes to expectant mothers and hosted health panels amongst other events. With such trust and respect for each other, they know they can reach out to Sigma Kappa Zeta and they will do our best to help. Their Vice President for External Affairs, Khari Edwards, informs them of exactly what they needed and the sorority used their resources to provide as much as possible.
Healthcare professionals have been very vocal about their needs. Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter is encouraging others to reach out to local hospitals and smaller medical facilities to find out what’s most urgent for them. There are non-profits who are looking for volunteers to pack meals for those who’ve been financially impacted by this virus. Don’t forget the seniors in your neighborhood – they need our help and our love! Every little bit counts so do what you can and do it from the heart. We are in this together!
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Kappa Zeta chapter looks forward to continuing to do their part in strengthening their community through educational initiatives, grassroots volunteerism, and more. The years since Sigma Kappa Zeta’s existence have been busy and prosperous. The organizations pledge to remain diligent in their efforts to carry out the work of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
The health care professionals are working TIRELESSLY and we all know that a good meal can help keep you going. The doctors and nurses don’t have time to make their own meals but wanted something that felt like home; so, we reached out to our friend Chef Premo and he helped whip up an amazing meal. -Drenna Armstrong of Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter (Brooklyn, NY)
Follow Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc @zphibskz on Instagram and for anyone interested in supporting Brookdale Hospital contact VP of Operations Diana Sullivan (718) 240-5000.
