Day of Service Brings Visitors from Divine Nine Organizations 

March 19, 2025

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mercy Home was thrilled to welcome members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tau Gamma Omega Chapter, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The groups donated hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies, put them together into care bags, and took a tour of our Home. Care Manager Rickey Miller, also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, organized the visit.   

All three organizations are part of the Divine Nine, the nickname for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) which includes nine historically Black Greek letter organizations. All nine of these organizations strive to further Black excellence and serve their communities through service and civic engagement. 

During their visit, members packed bags that included some of our most-needed items, including sheets, socks, and hygiene products and donated professional clothing that our young people can use for job interviews and other professional events. Because of both Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha are interested in helping youth in the local community, partnering with our Home was a natural fit.  

“We are all about helping youth and supporting them in different spaces, especially education care spaces, and trying to help them with getting resources that they need,” Charlotte Guyton Rutledge, the chapter president, said.  

Both organizations’ chapters serve the West Side of Chicago, so it was especially meaningful for them to make a difference in their own community.  

“My kids are adopted out of foster care, so [Mercy Home’s mission] is near and dear to my heart,” Arthur Cottman, Alpha Phi Alpha chapter president, said. “[It’s important] to support places where youth need some guidance and a way to a fresh start and a new path in life.” 

Director of Young Adult Programs Joi Basley, also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, was able to help connect members with future opportunities to partner with Mercy Home. She explained that their sorority views service as a lifelong commitment and responsibility. Members hope to provide mentorship to the youth at our Walsh Campus in the future. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha’s visit was a great way to kick off Black History Month and ties into Mercy Home’s efforts to expose our young people to educational opportunities and the NPHC. During the month-long celebration, Miller invited other members of fraternities to speak about influential members of their organizations and share a step performance with the youth. 

“It’s important [to share information about NPHC organizations with the youth] because at Mercy Home, representation matters,” Miller said. “Seeing other people who look like you doing things you didn’t know existed … will give them more drive to go to college. Learning about inspirational African Americans allows them to follow in their footsteps while also blazing their own path.” 

We are eager to continue partnering with both organizations and are incredibly grateful for their generosity!