One of the primary focuses of the ‘Heart of ESP’ program is responding to the needs of the Black Family. Through Rho Eta Omega’s Community Outreach Committee, we strive to make a difference in the Richmond community and abroad. The main goal of the committee is to seek out and initiate programs in which our members can utilize their energy and individual talents to meet the needs of the community in various areas, including education, economics and health and most importantly just plain “lending a helping hand”. We have been successful in asissting with several community programs…

CARITAS.To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, REO partners with Trinity Baptist Church and CARITAS on the third Monday of January as a ‘Day On’ as opposed to a day off from work. Members join Trinity Baptist Church to serve dinner, make lunch and fellowship with men who are down on their luck and temporarily homeless. This time of fellowship serves as a motivation to these men that they can move on from their current state, people do still care, and they are loved.

RUBICON HOUSE. Rho Eta Omega holds a Linen Drive to collect new and used fitted and flat sheets, pillow cases, and comforters to be donated to the RUBICON Women’s House. This is a shelter specifically for battered women and their children. This house serves a temporary transitional facility while these families rebuild their lives. We also have donated used cell phones to be used in emergency situations.

COAT AND SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE. A teacher in the Richmond area is adopted at the beginning of each school year. The teacher provides a ‘wish list’ of student school supplies and classroom items. Rho Eta Omega members donate supplies to satisfy the need of the students and teacher. New and used coats are also collected to be delivered to area dry cleaners and given to families in need.

TOILETRY COLLECTION. Each month, members are encouraged to bring toiletries, including unused hotel products, sample toiletries, and other indispensable items. Packed boxes are delivered quarterly to the area homeless shelters to be disbursed to those in need.

COMMUNITY VISITS. During various times of the year, members organize visits to the VA Hospital and Coles Adult Home. Activities such as games, singing, and dinner are arranged with the residents to stimulate their minds. REO has been making these visits since our inception and residents look forward to our visits.

HOLIDAY BASKETS. A lot of children in the Richmond area are not fortunate enough to receive special gifts during the holidays. During holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, REO packages baskets for less fortunate children. During Thanksgiving, meal baskets are presented to families who are not able to have a traditional dinner.

If you are interested in Rho Eta Omega assisting with your community event, email us at community@reoaka.org.