A Heartfelt Celebration: Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and Saint Louise House Partnership

On June 13th, Saint Louise House was filled with joy and laughter as we celebrated a special festival hosted by the wonderful women of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This event, held at both of our campuses, was a testament to the power of community, partnership, and dedication to service.

A Day of Joy and Community

From 1 PM to 5 PM, Saint Louise House families enjoyed a variety of activities designed to bring smiles and create lasting memories. Children transformed into their favorite characters through face painting, while families engaged in friendly competition playing bingo and circling for prizes in the cupcake walk. Creativity flourished at the arts and crafts stations, and everyone got moving with lively line dancing. Throughout the afternoon, attendees savored tasty snacks and refreshing beverages. The event concluded with a delightful dinner, offering a moment for everyone to sit together and enjoy a hearty meal.

Leading Up to the Event

The preparations for this memorable day began earlier in the week. DST volunteers delivered personalized gift bags for each family and brought canopies to be used for the event. The regional leadership of DST also met with our team and toured our facilities, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between our organizations. These activities set the stage for the festival and ensured that everything was in place for a successful event.

Special Guests

We were honored to welcome a distinguished group of the sorority’s regional and international leadership, including Elsie Cooke-Holmes, International President; Crystal Barker, Blazing Southwest Regional Director; Robin Blackmon, Austin Alumnae Chapter President; Avis Gipson, 49th SWR Conference Co-Coordinator; Donna Jackson, 49th SWR Conference Special Project Manager; Latasha Robinson, Co-Chair Impact Day; and Joan Roberts-Scott, Co-Chair Impact Day. Their presence underscored the strong bond between our organizations and their commitment to community service. We provided an overview presentation of Saint Louise House, showcasing our food bank, office space, and a model apartment to highlight what our volunteers do for incoming families.

A Special Connection

We are grateful that one of our former team members, who passed away in 2023, helped us make this wonderful connection this organization. Her legacy lives on through the joy and support brought to families through this partnership. In her honor, many wore red accessories, symbolizing her vibrant spirit and lasting impact on our community.

Delta Sigma Theta and the Divine Nine

Delta Sigma Theta is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), commonly referred to as the “Divine Nine,” a coalition of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities dedicated to service, scholarship, and community empowerment. This rich tradition of service was evident in the warmth and dedication of the DST members who joined us.

A Part of a Bigger Picture

This event was part of the 49th Southwest Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held in Austin from June 13th-16th. The conference gathered over 3,000 members under the theme “One Mission, One Love,” focusing on sisterhood, service, and scholarship. The Austin Alumnae Chapter, along with collegiate chapters at the University of Texas and Huston-Tillotson University, hosted this significant gathering. The conference included various community service activities, and we are grateful that one of the cornerstone projects was supporting Saint Louise House.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to member of the Southwest Region and Regional Director Crystal T. Barker for their unwavering support and dedication. Their efforts brought immense joy to families at Saint Louise House and reinforced the strength of our partnership. This event was more than just a day of fun—it was a celebration of community, love, and shared purpose.

Thank you, to the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta, for making a difference in the lives of the mothers and children at Saint Louise House. Your commitment to service and community shines brightly, and we are honored to continue this journey with you.

Stay tuned for future events and collaborations as we continue to support and uplift our community together.