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Alpha Sigma Alpha's national philanthropies are the Special Olympics, S. June Smith Center,
and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
The Special Olympics is an organization "made up of passionate, committed individuals from every walk of life, who recognize the value and unique gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. And who, together, share the common believe in dignity, equality and opportunity for ALL people" (Special Olympics website) The special olympics is a global nonprofit organization targeting the nearly 200 million people round the world who have intellectual disabilities.
Luckily for us, the Special Olympics is located right on Central Michigan Universities campus which allows us to be very involved with them. Last year, a few of our sisters went up to the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City for the winter games which include but arent limited to skiiing, snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. This past summer on June 2nd-4th, we had some sisters come up and stay at the house for the summer games which were held right on Central Michigan's campus. This summer was extra special because the Special Olympics was celebrating its 40th year of being on CMU's campus! Over 20,000 athletes, family, and friends showed up for this celebration and the games! It was an amazing time for the sisters that came up and for the athletes!
The S. June Smith Center supports children with developmental needs and work within a child's natural environment to create patterns for lifelong learning that will benefit the child, the family, and their community. Dr. S. June was a pioneer for children with special needs and ended up graduating from Temple University with a Bachelor of Since degree in early childhood education. This past week, during philanthropy day of recruitment, we decorated plastic cups and bowls for the children who are part of the S. June Smith center to use during meals. We look forward to continue to give back to them throughout the rest of the years to come!
The Alpha Sigma Alpha foundation was officially incorporated on October 23, 1986. Soon after this incorportation, Emma Coleman Frost made a sizeable gift to the new Foundation. Years later, the Leadership Development Institute was renamed in honor of Mrs. Frost's vital support of the foundation in those early years. Since then, the foundation has grown tremendously, awarding more than $500,000 in grants, awards, and scholarships to benefit Alpha Sigma Alpha members. The foundation is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees who serve three year terms and are self-appointed. The Foundation is dedicated to raising money for scholarship, educational and leadership grants and member advancement for Alpha Sigma Alpha members. The Foundation desires for every Alpha Sigma Alpha woman to have the opportunity to seek and attain her personal and professional aspirations.
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