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A flock of fervent fraternity brothers representing Omega Psi Phi gathered recently at the Kokomo Rescue Mission to present a gift of $5,000. The donation, made possible by fundraising activities throughout the year, was made as the mission is in the midst of an ambitious expansion.
The men represented the fraternity’s unincorporated Nu Mu Nu chapter, based in Kokomo. Fraternity brother Dr. Lance Washington expressed the group’s appreciation for the mission’s work.
“We’re committed to Kokomo, but we’re really committed to really the disenfranchised,” said Washington. “And the Kokomo Rescue Mission is something that’s really very close to our heart.
“What we have to give is a pittance, but if it’s going to help someone not sleep on the street, if it helps lift someone up, we’re happy to give. The mission’s spiritual message touches our hearts. You’re doing God’s work. People don’t like to say that nowadays, but I freely say that.”
Fraternity brother Clarence Greer explained the principles that guide Omega Psi Phi – manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplifting others -- align with the community service provided by the Kokomo Rescue Mission.
“They definitely stand with what the Omega Psi Phi stands for,” said Greer. “We really want to make sure the message gets out into the community and the world.”
Fraternity brother Willie Stroman expounded on Greer’s assertion.
“This is one of the key programs we support,” said Stroman of the Rescue Mission. “We’re giving back and supporting these people, the homeless. The Kokomo Rescue Mission is doing things that matter, and we’re here to support it 100 percent.”
“It makes us feel good on the inside when we give,” said added fraternity brother Ted Sutton. “Absolutely, we sleep better because of it.”
Fraternity brother Ed Foster detailed some of the other work in the community conducted by Omega Psi Phi. The local chapter serves Jackson Street Commons, the homeless shelter for the community’s veteran population. They gather to hold a pancake breakfast for the shelter on an annual basis.
“We’ve done this probably about two or three years now in a row, and that’s always a hit in terms of not only feeding, but we actually sit and eat with them as part of the event,” said Foster.
The donation will not be the last the Kokomo Rescue Mission sees of the men from Nu Mu Nu this year. They’ll be back in a month or so to lend their time, talent, and treasure again.
“We’ll be back here in November to give away turkeys for Thanksgiving,” Washington explained. “That really is a lot of fun. These families, you give them a turkey, they know that this community really cares. We’re happy to be a part of that.
“What the Kokomo Rescue Mission is doing, it’s more than what you might think. It’s more than something that you can quantify. It’s more than something you can hold. You give these people hope.”