Alpha Chi Omega - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

T H E L Y R E L E T T E R | P A G E 2 T he pandemic has been a trying time for everyone: local businesses, restaurants, nonprofits, and especially organizations that support victims and survivors of domestic violence. While many of us felt safe in our homes isolating from the virus, domestic violence victims were isolated with their abuser; home was their most dangerous place. For victims of domestic violence, the window of time to make a crisis call or leave the situation is few and far between. When the opportunity to leave presents itself, the need to keep shelter doors open, crisis services accessible, and everyday supplies readily available for those seeking refuge from those that harm is more important than ever. In support of our national altruism, the members of Xi Chapter were steadfast in raising awareness and educating others about domestic violence, even during the pandemic. In the spring of 2021, Xi Chapter hosted a pancake feed that raised over $6,100 for Friendship Home of Lincoln. Friendship Home is Lincoln's only emergency domestic violence shelter, serving nearly 1,500 individuals each year. Sixty percent of those sheltered at Friendship Home are children. As the community outreach coordinator of Friendship Home, many people ask why women don't just leave. My answer is twofold: "Why do partners harm?" and "Yes, women do leave, and shelters are testament to that." Each day at Friendship Home, shelters provide aid to an average of 138 women and children with an average of 38 individuals on the waiting list. The support of the Greek community is greatly appreciated by Friendship Home and the numerous nonprofits that are supported each year through volunteerism, donations, and awareness. Xi Chapter has been supporting Friendship Home for over 26 years, raising nearly $110,000 as well as hundreds of dollars of in-kind donations and volunteer hours. Alpha Chi Omega's history is rooted in generosity, compassion, and commitment to our sisters and the greater good. Let's take this opportunity to shine a light on the wonderful things our sororities and fraternities are doing to support the communities in which they live. For more information on Friendship Home or to donate, please contact me at the information below or visit friendshiphome.org. Loyally, Nichole Lipsys Palmer '94 nicholep@friendshiphome.org Xi Chapter Offers a Helping Hand to Nonprofit Organization Friendship Home Provides Shelter to Domeic Vience Victims T he Alpha Chi Omega Educational Corporation is dedicated to helping Xi Chapter collegians achieve academically through funding scholarships, supporting educational resources in the Alpha Chi house, and honoring collegians who exhibit academic and leadership success. Symbols, rituals, and traditions are what have connected Alpha Chis for generations. Some remain rooted in our founding, like our colors and the Lyre, while others have been adopted as we've grown and progressed. These symbols and traditions represent who we are and what we value, providing a great source of meaning to our members and creating a bond of sisterhood that connects through time and space. During COVID, a few of our rituals had to change; instead of meeting in person, virtual meetings became the norm. We are excited to recognize collegians once again in a face-to-face ceremony this fall. These women worked hard on their GPAs and "sought the heights" last semester. Please join me in honoring these women for their scholarship and leadership. Loyally, Denise Cradick McLain '82 President, Xi Educational Corporation (402) 730-6708 A Note from Xi's Educational Corporation Alpha Chi 4.0s Emily Grace Bay Alexa Clare Berney Kyla Morgan Bronson Niki Cundiff Jersie Lane Frerichs Reagan Elizabeth Golda Emily Kay Gorder Erica Nicole Hansen Kaitlyn Hansen Hailey Faith Hardin Rachel Marie Hatch Olivia Klein Jadyn Ann Krafka Sidney Leuthold Kenzie Lewis Joley Rae Langford Mikaela Lawrence Mary Messineo Olivia AnnMarie Smith Courtney Toner Mary Elizabeth Trainer Katie Trout Nikki White Chloe Wieck Kylie Wisehart

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