.png)
Chapter of the Year
Award Submission
MIDDLETOWN (DE) ALUMNAE CHAPTER | EASTERN REGION AWARD SUBMISSION 2025-2026
National/Regional Programs & Initiatives Implemented by the chapter
Frames of Truth:
Documentary Screening & Community Conversation
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To foster successful transitions from collegiate to alumnae chapters as well as foster sisterly fellowship support between collegiate and alumnae sorors.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Collegiate sorors expressed ongoing need for emotional and financial support as they transition into alumnae chapters as well as opportunities to attend and participate in chapter meetings and events prior to the transition to more smoothly acclimate and build familiarity. The organization has identified the need for mentorship and professional development.
-
Chapter Participants: 32 MAC, 5 Mu Pi
-
Visiting Sorors: 8
-
Community Participants: 4
Program & Partnerships
Through our Collegiate Connection, Middletown (DE) Alumnae and Mu Pi came together for Frames of Truth. From Relentless Ground: The Untold Story of Mount Olive to Return to Hockessin, each film pushed us to listen deeper and think critically about the histories that shape our communities. This event was an exclusive members-only screening and facilitated conversation featuring the award-winning documentaries Return to Hockessin #107C and Restless Ground: The Untold Story of Mount Olive. These powerful films illuminate overlooked histories, land, legacy and the enduring impact of community resilience. We were especially proud to celebrate Soror Vanessa S. Phillips, Esq., who serves as an executive producer behind these masterful documentaries. Soror Phillips was initiated at Mu Pi and continues her legacy of service as a charter and active member of Middletown (DE) Alumnae.
Collaborative side-by-side planning and execution allowed for mentoring and professional development within programming for our collegiate sorors where they could both learn and contribute.
Internal Partnerships
This program was a partnership of the Middletown (DE) Alumnae and Mu PI Chapters. Local alumna of the Mu Pi Chapter were also invited as well as members of WIlmington (DE) Alumnae Chapter whose service area includes the two historical landmarks discussed in the documentaries.
We were especially proud to celebrate Soror Vanessa S. Phillips, Esq., who serves as an executive producer behind these masterful documentaries.
Soror Phillips was initiated at Mu Pi and continues her legacy of service as a charter and active member of Middletown (DE) Alumnae.
Arts & Letters: Screenings & Tours
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To highlight and preserve African-American cultural contributions by supporting creative expressions in visual, literary, performing and cultural arts.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
The Arts and Letters Commission established in 1973 marks the ongoing need to intentionally preserve and celebrate African American arts and culture.
-
Chapter Participants: 46 MAC
-
Visiting Sorors: 2
Program & Partnerships
The Arts and Letters Committee hosted a number of screenings and/or attended events highlighting Black creative expression and talent:
-
Michael movie screening
-
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone show
-
The Chequerboard Watch musical
-
NPHC Night at the Delaware Opera
-
You, Me, Tuscany movie showing (with MOM Sister Circle)
-
Book Signing with Victoria Christopher Murray
Internal Partnerships
The MOMS Sister Circle partnered with Arts and Letters for a Moms at the Movies afternoon to see You, Me, Tuscany.
_edited.jpg)
This initiative addressed the need for greater exposure to high-quality performing arts experiences that center Black voices, history, and cultural narratives.
Arts & Letters:
Creative Connections
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal: Enrich the lives of seniors through the power of creativity, encouraging self-expression, strengthening community bonds, and honoring the role of the arts as a unifying and uplifting force across generations.
Objective: Host activities every other month that are designed to engage seniors in meaningful, creative experiences that celebrate the arts-visual, performing, literary, and musical. This initiative fosters community connection, lifelong learning, and intergenerational exchange by providing opportunities for participants to create, share, and experience art in various forms.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Resources at local nursing home and rehabilitation facilities have been increasingly stretched in this economy with volunteers welcomed.
-
Chapter Participants: 12
-
Community Participants: 17
Program & Partnerships
Creative Connections was a bi-monthly program (every other month) designed to engage participants in meaningful, creative experiences that celebrate the arts—visual, performing, literary, and musical. This initiative fosters community connection, lifelong learning, and intergenerational exchange by providing opportunities for participants to create, share, and experience art in various forms. Over three sessions, participants designed floral arrangements, completed crafts and painted community rocks.
Internal Partnerships
Delta GEMS participants made Valentine’s Day cards to be delivered to session participants.
External Partnerships
The Arts and Letters Committee conducted sessions at nursing home and rehabilitation facilities in our service area: Serenity Gardens (Black-owned) and Cadia Broadmeadow.
Arts & Letters:
Cookie Swap
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To engage sorors in various aspects of the culinary arts including designing, decorating, and capitalizing on the legacy of past and present cookie recipes and to exchange cookies. Sisterly bonding and engagement is also an objective of this program.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Last year’s competiton and swap were well received with favorable evaluations. The organization’s inclusion and highlight of culinary arts as part of Arts and Letters solidified doing the program again.
-
Chapter Participants: 15
-
Visiting Sorors: 1
Program
Participants engaged in a fun, instructional, hands-on session where they learned various decorating techniques. A prize was awarded for the best decorated gingerbread house. Afterward, sorors engaged in a cookie swap, sharing their creations while enjoying fellowship with one another and taking home a variety of delicious cookies.
Collegiate Connection: Her Haven Table
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To foster successful transitions from collegiate to alumnae chapters as well as foster sisterly fellowship support between collegiate and alumnae sorors.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Collegiate sorors expressed ongoing need for emotional and financial support as they transition into alumnae chapters as well as opportunities to attend and participate in chapter meetings prior to the transition to more smoothly acclimate and build familiarity. The organization has also identified the need for professional development and mentoring.
-
Chapter Participants: 72
-
Community Participants: 2
Program & Partnerships
Soror Madison Gee (Mu Pi, Spring 2025) had a table to share information about Her Haven Empowerment Essentials, a community service project where she is creating care kits for women in need within the community. She will also collect online donations and self-care items for the kits. A flyer with information, donation links, and needed items is below.
Internal Partnerships
Our Membership Services Chair/2nd VP worked to secure a place for Soror Madison Gee to display at our June chapter meeting as per chapter approval at our May meeting. Soror Regina Smith, Physical and Mental Health Co-Chair, served as her mentor for the project both internally within our organization and externally.
External Partnerships
Soror Madison Gee partnered with the YWCA of Delaware for this initiative whose mission is empowering women and eliminating racism; they serve women in the community by providing emergency shelter and housing, along with other supportive services.
.png)
Collegiate Connection: Frames of Truth
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To foster successful transitions from collegiate to alumnae chapters as well as foster sisterly fellowship support between collegiate and alumnae sorors.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Collegiate sorors expressed ongoing need for emotional and financial support as they transition into alumnae chapters as well as opportunities to attend and participate in chapter meetings and events prior to the transition to more smoothly acclimate and build familiarity. The organization has identified the need for mentorship and professional development.
-
Chapter Participants: 32 MAC, 5 Mu Pi
-
Visiting Sorors: 8
-
Community Participants: 4
Program & Partnerships
Through our Collegiate Connection, Middletown (DE) Alumnae and Mu Pi came together for Frames of Truth. From Relentless Ground: The Untold Story of Mount Olive to Return to Hockessin, each film pushed us to listen deeper and think critically about the histories that shape our communities. This event was an exclusive members-only screening and facilitated conversation featuring the award-winning documentaries Return to Hockessin #107C and Restless Ground: The Untold Story of Mount Olive. These powerful films illuminate overlooked histories, land, legacy and the enduring impact of community resilience. We were especially proud to celebrate Soror Vanessa S. Phillips, Esq., who serves as an executive producer behind these masterful documentaries. Soror Phillips was initiated at Mu Pi and continues her legacy of service as a charter and active member of Middletown (DE) Alumnae.
Collaborative side-by-side planning and execution allowed for mentoring and professional development within programming for our collegiate sorors where they could both learn and contribute.
Internal Partnerships
This program was a partnership of the Middletown (DE) Alumnae and Mu PI Chapters. Local alumna of the Mu Pi Chapter were also invited as well as members of WIlmington (DE) Alumnae Chapter whose service area includes the two historical landmarks discussed in the documentaries.
_heic.png)
%20(10)_heic.png)
Collegiate Connection Spotlight
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To foster successful transitions from collegiate to alumnae chapters as well as foster sisterly fellowship support between collegiate and alumnae sorors.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Collegiate sorors expressed ongoing need for emotional and financial support as they transition into alumnae chapters as well as opportunities to attend and participate in chapter meetings and events prior to the transition to more smoothly acclimate and build familiarity. Collegiates expressed a need to feel welcomed and warmly received.
-
Chapter Participants: 52 MAC (3 Transfers)
-
Visiting Sorors: 5
Program
The Reclamation & Retention Committee spotlighted newly transitioned collegiate sorors with a Tik-Tok style video and stroll recording to welcome them to alumnae chapter life. Newly transitioned collegiates were introduced at the Elephant in the Room Program during Reclamation Month. Communications & PR shot and edited the video. The social media post went on to be one of the year’s posts with the highest social media engagement.
_edited.jpg)
_edited.jpg)
Emergency Response Team
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To provide safety information for community and chapter members as well as institute basic measures to keep chapter members and program attendees safe.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Chapters are directed by Grand Chapter and the region to provide direction in case of emergency at the beginning of internal and external events - both virtual and in-person. Chapter leadership has requested that emergency contact information also be collected from visiting sorors upon verification.
Partnerships & Programs
-
The Emergency Response Coordinator or her designee provided a PSA at the beginning of each chapter meeting - both virtual and in-person. A monthly advisory is also provided at each chapter meeting as part of the ERT PSA and on the agenda. For in-person meetings, the Emergency Response Team gives away items relevant to the month’s advisory (for example, personal fans for Extreme Heat Month).
-
The Emergency Response Team collaborates with our Reclamation & Retention Committee to gather, maintain and be prepared to resource the emergency contact information provided by visiting sorors on the verification form.
-
The Emergency Response Team collaborated with Youth Programs on their Health and Safety Fair Week to facilitate CPR training.
-
The Emergency Response Team collaborated with Physical and Mental Health to participate in both fall and spring DEA Take Back events in partnership with the Middletown Police Department and other community safety organizations.
Internal Partnerships
Emergency Response Team collaborated with Youth Programs on their Health and Safety Fair Week to bring first responder speakers. The Emergency Response Team collaborated with Physical and Mental Health to participate in both fall and spring DEA Take Back events in partnership with the Middletown Police Department and other community safety organizations.
External Partnerships
The Emergency Response Team brought in Middletown Police Department with the Stone Square Masonic Lodge to facilitate a safety and situational awareness workshop for the EMBODI participants during the Health and Safety Fair Week of Youth Programs. The Emergency Response Team collaborated with Physical and Mental Health to participate in both fall and spring DEA Take Back events in partnership with the Middletown Police Department and other community safety organizations.
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal: Our goal is to guide young ladies into womanhood with educational support and professional guidance that will teach them how to create opportunities for academic success, enhance their decision making and communication skills, develop their abilities and talents, compete in a global society, and become change agents in the transformations of their communities.
Objective: The objective is to hold weekly sessions with Delta Academy participants to facilitate the Delta Academy curriculum January - March 2026.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Topics for this year were based on qualitative and quantitative evaluations from last year.
-
Students: 10
-
Chapter Sorors: 14
-
Facilitators/Speakers: 6
Program Outline
This year’s program theme was Finding Me: The Collection Series. This series is a “glow-up” adventure where our girls explored all the amazing pieces that make them… them! In the series, we collected:
-
New experiences
-
Hidden talents
-
New skills
-
New passions
-
New hobbies
This series centered on collecting new experiences, uncovering hidden talents, and discovering what truly lights you up. From school subjects they might secretly (or not-so-secretly) love, to sports they've never tried, to creative ways of expressing themselves, we are cultivated the space to explore it all. Each session, they added a new "piece" to their personal collection. A skill, a hobby, a dream, a strength, or even a surprise about what makes them unique.
The program was preceded by a mandatory Parent/Guardian Orientation Session.
Delta GEMS
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal: Our goal is to guide young ladies into womanhood with educational support and professional guidance that will teach them how to create opportunities for academic success, enhance their decision making and communication skills, develop their abilities and talents, compete in a global society, and become change agents in the transformations of their communities.
Objective: The objective is to hold engaging weekly sessions with Delta GEMS participants to facilitate the Delta GEMS curriculum January - March 2026.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Topics for this year were based on qualitative and quantitative evaluations from last year.
-
Students: 10
-
Chapter Sorors: 9
-
Facilitators/Speakers: 8
Program Outline
This program year, Delta GEMS focused on self-worth, overcoming setbacks, and communication. Participants will also learn more about healthy practices for young women.
Our theme was “Crowned and Courageous” covering the following topics:
-
Leadership
-
College and Careers
-
Cyber Security
-
Mental and Physical Health & Safety
-
Community Service & Closing
The program was preceded by a mandatory Parent/Guardian Orientation Session.
Internal Partnerships
The Risk Management Committee served onsite to conduct check-in and check-out for Youth Programs. The Emergency Response Team collaborated to organize and facilitate Health and Safety week across all three youth programs.
Delta GEMS participants made cards for the senior citizens served in the Creative Connections program by Arts and Letters.
External Partnerships
External facilitators included a Black woman commercial pilot, local entrepreneurs, and first responder/physicians/nurses.
EMBODI
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal: Our goal is to provide opportunities to empower young men in career readiness and opportunity.
Objective: The objective is to hold engaging weekly sessions with EMBODI participants January - March 2026
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Topics for this year were based on qualitative and quantitative evaluations from last year.
-
Students: 11
-
Chapter Sorors: 8
-
Facilitators/Speakers: 13
Program Outline
This year’s program was themed “EMPOWER: Elite Males Practicing Optimum Ways to Excel and Rise.” Weekly sessions were facilitated by male speakers and included the following topics:
-
Mental & Physical Health/Impact of Social Media
-
Colleges & Careers
-
STEM Project
-
Branches of the Government/Global Leadership
-
Health and Safety
-
Community Service Project & My Place in the Community Presentation
The program was preceded by a mandatory Parent/Guardian Orientation Session.
Internal Partnerships
The Risk Management Committee served onsite to conduct check-in and check-out for Youth Programs. The Emergency Response Team collaborated to organize and facilitate Health and Safety week across all three youth programs.
External Partnerships
Guest facilitators included representatives from Middletown Police Department, Stone Square Mason Lodge, Baltimore Public Schools, New Castle County Vocational Schools, Nemours Children Hospital, and State of Delaware Senate.
Financial Fortitude
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To help everyday consumers ages 18 and older learn how to use Al to help them save money, shop and be fiscally more responsible.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
The growth of AI utilization has boomed across both personal and professional settings; however, many may fall behind without familiarity and proficiency - particularly how it can be used in meaningful ways including finances.
-
Chapter Participants: 23
-
Community Participants: 14
-
Speakers: 3
Program
In February 2026, we hosted an engaging and informative program, "A.l. for Everyday Finances," designed to introduce participants to the growing role of artificial intelligence in personal financial management. As technology continues to reshape the way we live and work, this program focused on how everyday tools powered by A.l. can help individuals make smarter financial decisions, manage money more efficiently, and build stronger financial futures.
This virtual program featured speakers to help participants improve their comfort and profiency in using AI and smart tools to make smarter money decisions. Topics included:
-
Privacy & Ethics: Understand privacy, security and ethical considerations while gaining tips you can start using immediately to improve financial wellness.
-
Smart Budgeting: Discover how AI tools can support budgeting, saving and goal setting.
-
Better Planning: Explore tools that help compare financial options and plan smarter in less time.
-
Real-Life Use: See real-life examples of AI in everyday financial decisions.
-
Participants learned how A.l. tools can automatically categorize expenses, identify spending trends, and provide personalized recommendations to help users stay on track with their financial goals. The program also emphasized the importance of using these tools responsibly. While A.l. can provide valuable guidance, presenters encouraged attendees to remain informed consumers who understand how their financial data is used and protected. Attendees were reminded that technology should serve as a supportive resource alongside sound financial knowledge and decision-making.
Entrepreneurship
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To expose youth to entrepreneurship concepts and inspire future business ownership.
-
Chapter Participants: 9
-
Youth Attendees: 12
-
Speakers: 2
Program
The chapter held Kick Your Game during its May Week. Kick Your Game was an entrepreneurship workshop featuring the owner of the Kikback in Middletown, DE. The Kikback is a popular resale sneaker and streetwear store, specializing in buying and trading sought-after brands and models. The store is owned by Javen English, a young Black entrepreneur in the area, who served as the featured speaker and facilitator.
The participants competed in sneaker design contest judged by the featured speaker and his associate based on value criteria discussed during the workshop.
Economic Development
May Week's 'Don't Fumble the Bag'
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To promote early financial literacy and positive money habits in youth.
-
Participants: 17
Partnerships
Teach 21 Enrichment facilitated the workshop - providing instruction, resources, tools, and materials to attendees.
Healthy Lifestyles
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To foster physical movement, encouragement, and support for chapter members on a journey of improved health and fitness; to encourage community wellness and engagement in healthy lifestyles.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Sorors desired and requested ongoing/continued long-term accountability and engagement after last year’s 30 Miles Challenge.
-
Chapter Participants: 88
-
Visiting Sorors: 6
-
Community Participants: 42
Program
In February 2026, we hosted an engaging and informative program, "A.l. for Everyday Finances," designed to introduce participants to the growing role of artificial intelligence in personal financial management. As technology continues to reshape the way we live and work, this program focused on how everyday tools powered by A.l. can help individuals make smarter financial decisions, manage money more efficiently, and build stronger financial futures.
This virtual program featured speakers to help participants improve their comfort and profiency in using AI and smart tools to make smarter money decisions. Topics included:
-
Privacy & Ethics: Understand privacy, security and ethical considerations while gaining tips you can start using immediately to improve financial wellness.
-
Smart Budgeting: Discover how AI tools can support budgeting, saving and goal setting.
-
Better Planning: Explore tools that help compare financial options and plan smarter in less time.
-
Real-Life Use: See real-life examples of AI in everyday financial decisions.
-
Participants learned how A.l. tools can automatically categorize expenses, identify spending trends, and provide personalized recommendations to help users stay on track with their financial goals. The program also emphasized the importance of using these tools responsibly. While A.l. can provide valuable guidance, presenters encouraged attendees to remain informed consumers who understand how their financial data is used and protected. Attendees were reminded that technology should serve as a supportive resource alongside sound financial knowledge and decision-making.
My Cry in the Dark
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Improve overall mental and physical well-being while strengthening our sisterhood through mindfulness activities, supportive sessions, and coping resources.
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
Balance is an often identified barrier to long-term chapter engagement and retention of members. By including mental and emotional health activity as a part of chapter programming, we aim to address that concern and provide resources and support accordingly.
-
Chapter Participants: 64
Program
COPES is an acronym for Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment and Selfcare. The program aims to create a safe space for MAC Sorors to address and support each other through life challenges as well as provide healthy coping strategies from certified facilitators. Sorors also receive resources in accordance to the selected topic.
This year, there was an also emphasis on journaling. MAC Copes also provided journaling prompts in the chapter’s informational messages in addition to giving away journals at Elephant in the Room (a reflective Reclamation Program) and the December chapter meeting.
-
September: Coping with Grief
-
November: Gratitude & Gratefulness Jars
-
December: Reflection & Journaling
-
January: Renewal & Vision Boards
-
February: Self Love/Self Care
-
March: Mindfulness
-
April: Wellness in Everv Step & 30 Dav 30 Miles Challenge
Internal Partnerships
MAC Copes is a program of Physical and Mental Health that also leverages the Chaplains Council for additional emotional and spiritual support onsite for in-person gatherings and as an offered resource for virtual sessions.
MAC Copes collaborated with Reclamation & Retention during the reflection and journaling session of their Elephant in the Room program and also gave away journals following the session.
_edited.jpg)
Sisterhood Month Activities
PROGRAM'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To dedicate time and intentional activities to pause, renew commitments, and celebrate the lifelong bonds connecting sorors across the organization and within chapters
RESULTS OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
The need for reclamation as a retention and growth strategy is an ongoing need across the organization with a current membership deficit in the region and greater global organization despite robust membership intake.
Programs
MAC Sisterhood Month Activities
-
Sunday, March 1st - Worship Service at Impact Center
-
Wednesday, March 4th - State of the Region (Virtual)
-
Saturday, March 14th - In-Person Chapter Meeting
-
Sunday, March 22nd - The Ebony Affair Luncheon & Celebration of SIsterhood
-
Tuesday, March 24th - LEAD Workshop (Virtual/Open to All Chapter Members) - “From Pyramid to…. Part 1”
-
Tuesday, March 24th - LEAD Workshop (Virtual/Open to All Chapter Members) - “From Pyramid to…. Part 2”
READER
The Parent Empowerment and Literacy Initiative (PELI)
Rationale & Needs Assessment: The well documented reading crisis in Delaware is also occuring in the Appoquinimink School District. District officials worked with chapter leadersh to identify two schools with lowest trending proficiency to participate in PELI: Bunker Hill Elementary and Brick Mill Elementary.
Mission
The Parent Empowerment and Literacy Initiative’s (PELI) mission focuses on strengthening parental engagement and improving children' literacy outcomes through active participation and support. The program is designed to strengthen parental engagement while improving children's literacy outcomes. PELI aims to mobilize parents as active participants in their children' literacy development. By equipping parents with effective strategies, resources, and support, we seek to enhance children' reading skills and foster a culture of academic success within families and the community.
The Parent Empowerment and Literacy Initiative (PELI) is a collaborative, community-centered program developed by the Delta Reader Committee in partnership with the Appoquinimink School District and the Parents as Tutors, Inc. The initiative is designed to strengthen parental engagement and improve children’s literacy outcomes by empowering parents as active participants in their children’s academic development. Through a structured and holistic approach, PELI equips families with targeted literacy strategies, practical resources, and ongoing support to enhance reading proficiency and foster a culture of academic success within the home and broader community
.
Key Program Components
PELI’s comprehensive framework integrates education, mentorship, and community engagement:
-
Weekly Parent Literacy Workshops focused on phonics, comprehension, and at-home reading strategies.
-
Distribution of curriculum-aligned Parent Resource Kits with guided literacy materials
-
A Parent Literacy Support Program pairing families with trained Literacy Coaches (MAC Sorors)
-
Family Literacy Events, including interactive “Reading Nights” Think, Talk and Read Hands-On Literacy Stations
-
Ongoing Support and Feedback Mechanisms, including a private online community, weekly touchpoints and coaching sessions.
PELI’s greatest impact lies in its ability to build a sustainable, family-centered model of literacy development. By transforming parents into confident, capable partners in education, the program strengthened the connection between home and school while directly supporting student achievement.
Partnerships
The program’s success was driven by strong collaboration among stakeholders.
-
Appoquinimink School District provided access to the families, student data, and school facilities foe events
-
Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter provided program implementation and risk-management trained sorors to serve as literacy coaches as well as literacy event organizers and volunteers
-
Parents as Tutors, Inc. and Back to Basics contributed significant financial and material resources to support families
Outcomes & Metrics
Key Data & Highlights
-
2 elementary schools participated in the pilot (Brick Mill and Bunker Hill)
-
23 kits to distributed to families
-
Brick Mill Elementary: 10 - 1st grade and 2nd grade families
-
Bunker Hill Elementary: 23 -1st and 2nd grade families
-
-
100% of participating families were paired with a trained Literacy Coach, ensuring individualized support
-
$17,000 in literacy resources and materials donated by Parents as Tutors, Inc. and Back to Basics
-
Multiple program touchpoints delivered, including weekly touchpoints, literacy events, and ongoing coaching support
Demonstrated Outcomes
-
Increased Parental Engagement: Families demonstrated stronger participation in literacy activities and school-based initiatives
-
Enhanced Student Literacy Support: Children benefited from consistent, structured reading support at home
-
Strengthened Community Collaboration: Partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations created a unified support system
-
Parent Empowerment: Parents gained confidence, skills, and ownership in supporting their children’s academic success
Metrics
Participation & Engagement
-
Workshop attendance rate: 95% attendance per session
-
Average number of workshops attended per family: 6
-
Family retention rate throughout program duration: 98%
-
Participation rate in literacy events (e.g., Reading Nights): 92%
-
Fall Literacy Nights: Brick Mill - 10, Bunker Hill - 14
-
Spring Literacy Nights: Brick Mill - 7, Bunker Hill - 5
-
Student Literacy Outcomes
-
Percentage of students demonstrating reading level improvement: 100%
-
Average reading level gain (pre- vs. post-assessment): 39 points
-
Improvement in literacy-related school performance indicators: 53%
Parent Confidence & Capacity
-
Increase in parent confidence (survey-based): 3.71 to 4.58
-
Percentage of parents regularly implementing literacy strategies at home: 97 %
-
Parent satisfaction rating with program resources and coaching: 4.58
Program Delivery & Support
-
Number of sessions delivered: 8
-
Number of Literacy Coaches engaged: 13
-
Total coaching hours provided: 1,920
Community & Investment Impact
-
Total value of program resources distributed: $17,000
-
Additional funding or in-kind contributions: $4,000
-
Number of community partners engaged: 3
Data Results/Bunker Hill - 1st Grade
Beginning of Year (DIBELS) - Middle of Year (DIBELS)---EOY (DIBELS)
Students were identified for Delta Reader: PELI by the Reading Specialists in their respective schools with an emphasis on students below the benchmark for their grade.
Data Results/Bunker Hill - 2nd Grade
Beginning of Year (DIBELS) - Middle of Year (DIBELS)---EOY (DIBELS)
Students were identified for Delta Reader: PELI by the Reading Specialists in their respective schools with an emphasis on students below the benchmark for their grade.
Data Results/Brick Mill - 1st and 2nd Grade
Beginning of Year (DIBELS) - Middle of Year (DIBELS)---EOY (DIBELS)
Students were identified for Delta Reader: PELI by the Reading Specialists in their respective schools with an emphasis on students below the benchmark for their grade.
Participant Evaluations & Testimonials
Survey Results Following Spring Literacy Night Event (10 families attended)
RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES & IMPACT
Membership Services
Reclamation Activities
The Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter has implemented a comprehensive and intentional membership engagement strategy grounded in alignment with the National Reclamation and Retention Toolkit to ensure that both active and inactive sorors are continuously connected. The following summary highlights key initiatives and measurable outcomes that demonstrate the chapter’s commitment to sustaining and growing an engaged membership.
Forward With Fortitude:
My Sister's Keeper
In alignment with the Forward with Fortitude directive, the chapter launched My Sister's Keeper, a mentorship and engagement initiative designed to foster meaningful connections with newly reclaimed members. Each of the 17 reclaimed Sorors were intentionally paired with a member of the Reclamation and Retention Committee based on shared interests, professional backgrounds, educational experiences, personal interests or Delta aspirations. Throughout the sorority year, assigned Sister's Keepers conducted monthly touchpoints through phone calls, text and email messages to cultivate authentic relationships, provide encouragement, answer questions, and support each soror's successful reintegration into active chapter life. By prioritizing intentional relationship-building over transactional outreach, the program strengthened sisterhood and created a welcoming environment that encouraged sustained engagement and participation.
Key Metric: There were a total of 84 touchpoints documented.
Sample Messages Below
A Macnificent Welcome: new Member Onboarding Kit
To streamline the onboarding experience and provide members with immediate access to essential chapter resources, the chapter developed a comprehensive electronic Welcome Kit housed within the Members Only section of the Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter website. As part of the My Sister's Keeper onboarding process, each assigned Sister's Keeper ensures that newly reclaimed sorors receive access to the Members Only portal, where they can find the chapter calendar, dues and fee information, committee descriptions and chairs, officer contact information, governing documents, and other important resources. Additionally, members are granted access to the chapter's electronic membership directory, enabling them to connect with fellow sorors and strengthen relationships across the chapter. This centralized, digital approach ensures that reclaimed members have the information and connections needed to confidently re-engage in chapter life.
Key Metric: 94% of newly reclaimed sorors have been verified to access the Members Only Portal of the chapter website.
Sisterhood Circles
To foster inclusion and strengthen relationships among newly reclaimed, active and non-financial sorors, the chapter established four Sisterhood Circles (Delta LIT Club, D.E.A.R.S., Delta Fit Club and M.O.M.S. Club), each led by assigned co-leads who coordinated communication, encouraged participation, and issued reminders about chapter meetings and events.
Reclamation Month
November 2025
Our Reclamation Month theme, “Autumn Leaves, Delta Stays,” symbolized renewal, reflection, and the enduring strength of sisterhood as members were invited to reconnect, re-engage and reaffirm their place within the chapter. Throughout the month, programming included RECLAIM Week kickoff, Delta D.E.A.R.S. Cinema Experience, Worship with MAC at Trinity AME Church, the Harvest Brunch: “The Elephant in the Room,” and MIC Check Karaoke Night, all intentionally designed to promote fellowship, reflection and sustained reclamation.
KEY DATA & HIGHLIGHTS
The chapter’s Reclamation programming demonstrated strong engagement across multiple Sisterhood Circle events, with consistent participation from both chapter members and visitors, reinforcing the initiative’s success in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for reconnection and sisterhood.
MAC in the Park: Sisterhood Roundup Experience
MAC in the Park was designed as a creative Sisterhood Roundup experience under the theme “Sisterhood Pit Stop Experience,” a dynamic extension of the Eastern Region Membership Services initiative, “Reclaim the Road: Driving Sisterhood Forward Across the Eastern Region.”
The experience featured interactive “pit stop” stations designed to reflect care, restoration and intentional connection:
-
“Fill Her Tank” Fuel Station – focused on encouragement, affirmation and replenishing sisterly energy
-
“Balance & Build” Alignment – centered on grounding, connection and strengthening relationships
-
“Reset & Restore” Maintenance – emphasized reflection and renewal of commitment to sisterhood
-
“Rearview & Windshield” Reflection – encouraged looking back with gratitude while focusing forward with clarity and purpose
RED RIBBON WELLNESS DAY:
Moving Beyond Stigma
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Middletown Family YMCA 202 E Cochran St, Middletown, DE 19709
IAI global Project Supported: Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital
Red Ribbon Wellness Day: Moving Beyond Stigma was a locally executed program advancing global HIV/AIDS equity through stigma reduction, education, and access to care. We delivered a whole-health experience—confidential HIV testing and prevention support, mental health resources, vaccinations and basic health checks, harm-reduction education, and workshops—powered by 15+ community partners. Innovation mattered: gym-floor activations helped us engage “walk-by” participants, and no-photo privacy zones (Testing/Clinical and Men’s Corner) protected dignity and trust. People left with resources, referrals, and next steps.
Participants received practical education, accessed confidential services, and left with clear next steps through referrals and partner pathways. By pairing HIV prevention with whole-health supports (mental health resources, harm-reduction education, vaccines, and wellness checks), we reduced stigma and normalized care-seeking. Engagement showed strong resonance—especially workshops and gym-floor activations that sparked real conversations. Our assessment also identified concrete upgrades (earlier venue marketing coordination and unified counting) to increase future reach with the same high-trust model.
Overall, the program elevated visibility of HIV prevention resources and strengthened the local network supporting community health.
_edited.jpg)
World AIDS Day is a global call to action—our chapter answered locally by making prevention, dignity, and access to care attainable.