Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Founded on January 13, 1913, by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University, the Sorority is currently a sisterhood of more than 300,000 predominately Black college educated women. This includes over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea.
The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust:
- Economic Development
- Physical and Mental Health
- Educational Development
- Political Awareness and Involvement
- International Awareness and Involvement
Inspired by the rich legacy of the visionary Founders, 23 members from Greater New Haven area accepted the challenge and, on October 3, 1959, chartered the New Haven Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. With a desire to continue the commitment begun by the Founders, an endless love for Delta, visionary leadership, tireless commitment, and unwavering faith, our Charter Members have propelled the chapter to its present heights of exemplary community service.
New Haven Alumnae Chapter’s legacy of service to the Greater New Haven communities has focused its involvement around the structure of the Five point program Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, Political Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and International Awareness and Involvement. There have been local program initiatives that include ADACE (Alcohol, Drugs, AIDS Community Education) project, Delta Days at the State Capitol, Delta Day at City Hall, 18 and Registered Voter Registration Initiative, Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S., Habitat for Humanity, and Project S.E.E. The chapter has presented over $400,000 in scholarships and awards to deserving youth in our communities. In 2006, the New Haven Alumnae Chapter became the first African American organization to establish an Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven’s Communities of Color Fund. Additionally, in 2007 the NHAC launched the Delta Foundation of Greater New Haven a 501(c)3 foundation designed to improve the quality of life for citizens of the Greater New Haven area throughout the lifespan.
Cognizant of the innumerable educational, social and political challenges facing the members of the areas in which we live, work and serve, the mission is ours to continue the legacy of strategically planning innovative programs and projects that address and support the diverse needs and interests of our communities.