The Full Story
PPO Roses
In 2017, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Phi Psi Omega Chapter, under the leadership of LaTonya Denson (President), Tracy Turney-Smith (Vice President), and Kimberly Saxon (The Black Family Target 3 Chair), it was determined that single mothers in our community needed extra assistance and pampering. The sorority decided to address this need through “The Black Family” initiative, leading to the creation of The Roses of PPO.
Roses
The name "Roses" was chosen because it symbolizes power, love, and beauty, and is known as the "queen of flowers." "PPO" stands for Phi Psi Omega. We began with five mothers who were nominated by chapter members, with the only requirement being that they were single and had school-age children. The inaugural group even included a grandmother, prompting us to expand the program to include grandmothers as well.
History
The first Roses cohort started on May 6, 2017, at Troy’s Cafe in West Chester, Ohio. Throughout the rest of the year, the mothers received encouraging cards of support. In August, their children received backpacks filled with school supplies. In October, the families received boxes of healthy snacks and help with Thanksgiving Day dinner preparations. In December, the mothers and children received gifts from their wish lists. The program concluded with a holiday luncheon at the Springdale Recreation Center, featuring a mindfulness session on stress relief.
Moving Forward
To ensure the program’s continuity, the chapter decided to incorporate it into the Twenty Cultured Pearls Foundation, Inc. Over the past seven years, the program has grown, with a focus on pampering mothers. The Christmas Wish List for the children remains a highlight each year. To maintain a sense of exclusivity and ensure each mother feels special, we limit the number of participants each year.
“I wish I could be a Rose forever.”
PPO Rose member
