When you think of birthday parties, you think balloons, games, and fun — and that’s exactly what members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Alpha Beta Upsilon Omega Chapter, brought to families in Fam-Club throughout last year, hosting four birthday parties, and Five nights at Fam-Club!
As Cherise Cole, Chapter President, puts it: service is central to who we are. But for the families of The Aya and The Triumph, short-term family shelters, the birthday parties are a nod to normalcy and celebrations that may’ve not happened without the kind support of volunteers.
The Alpha Theta Upsilon Omega Chapter thoughtfully sought out a volunteer opportunity that offered both meaningful impact and consistency. They were especially excited to find a way to show up for families on a regular basis—building relationships and making a difference.
Through Fam-Club, the chapter now volunteers regularly by hosting birthday parties at The Aya—bringing excitement and celebration to families as they settle into a new chapter. From setting up games to celebrating, everyone is fully present, creating moments that help families feel seen and supported.
Through these birthday parties, the impact goes far beyond the celebration itself. In between games, laughter, and shared moments, volunteers create space for real connection—modeling patience, encouragement, and teamwork for everyone. Cherise shared, “We then teach the kids, particularly, how to clean up after the games, and how to be a good sport, because you may not always win. Right. So, we don’t always feel like we’re doing something fun with the families, but we feel like we’re also instilling good value as well.”
Showing up to make each celebration feel special reminds us just how powerful community can be when it keeps showing up.
If you or a group you’re part of would like to host a birthday party, please contact Lauren Cranman at lcranman@cohdc.org.
