SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC., ALPHA ALPHA OMEGA CHAPTER…
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, has been mentoring mothers in Pittsburgh through its “Sister Circle” initiative, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively.
Dr. Emma Lucas-Darby, Vice President of the chapter and a Sister Circle mentor, told the Courier that UPMC refers mothers to the organization, and the mothers “receive whatever support they need including referrals to community resources, nurturing suggestions and the caring presence from an individual who provides a listening ear.”
Sister Circle is a partnership with UPMC through a Maternal Infant Grant from the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. Dr. Lucas-Darby said Bonita Pannell was “instrumental in bringing this opportunity to our chapter’s attention. She has been engaged also as a Sister Circle mentor.”
TAJH FERGUSON, M.D., SPOKE AT THE DEC. 7, 2024, EVENT.
On Dec. 7, 2024, the Courier learned that the Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter held a celebration of “Sister Circle,” a year into the initiative, at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. It featured some of the mothers who have been mentored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., members, as well as words from Tajh Ferguson, M.D., OBGYN, and Kate Brennan, M.Ed., who is the director of Nurture PA Inc.
Dr. Lucas-Darby explained that during each Sister Circle community session, a medical presentation is made by a local physician that includes information about physical body changes, what to expect during each trimester of the pregnancy, and healthy behavioral tips.
Also, “during each session, mothers are given items they can use for the baby; clothing, nursing supplies and baby items” such as “cribs, car seats, playards and strollers,” Dr. Lucas-Darby said. “Mothers receive the attention of a caring mentor who also provides a listening ear.”
