Following the program, the guests and sorority members enjoyed a delectable repast supervised by Beverly Riley Tatum and Judith W. Young.

The official Open House for the Delta Center, at 11955 Shaker Blvd., took place last month as Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center and Headquarters of Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated the Phase I renovation of their home.

The Foundation was established and incorporated in 1997 as a 501c3 organization with a mission of providing and promoting public service programs in support of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and other service oriented organizations. From its beginning as a chapter Housing Committee to raise funds for a “Delta House” it has grown to be an organization that recognizes the need to do more for the citizens of our communities.

In December 2006, the Foundation purchased this 15,000 square foot building on Shaker Blvd. Connecting people and impacting the surrounding community is an essential part of the mission. In the future, The Delta Center hopes to provided expanded community programs as well as house many of the programs offered by the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center, Inc. will serve as a catalyst for health, education, economics, government, social, and cultural growth in the Greater Cleveland Community.

Dr. Delores E. Groves and Marsha A. Brooks chaired the Open House event. Diane Bloodsaw and Pamela E. Smith served as Mistresses of Ceremonies. Greeting the guests were Carol A. Wagner, president of the Foundation and Deborah Cartwright, president of the chapter.

Welcoming the Foundation to the community were Daryl Rush, director, Community Development, City of Cleveland; Jalene Pardon of Shaker Square Area Development Corporation (SHAD); John Hopkins of Buckeye Area Development Corporation; and Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge, 11th Congressional District.

Past Foundation Presidents Patricia Faulkner and Fontella Smith gave the history of the organization and former co-chairs of the Delta Housing Committee also gave highlights of the early years. Margaret Whitley read a poetic tribute in honor of the occasion.

Radeon Kirkland sang a moving rendition of “Bless This House” while Rev. Heidi Blount Barham delivered an inspiring message. A symbolic ribbon cutting took place with Presidents Cartwright and Wagner along with Judith Chapman and Lois Richardson, leading contributors, to the Foundation doing the honors.

Music for the afternoon was provided by Times 2 Jazz Trio led by Langston Maxwell.

Following the program, the guests and sorority members enjoyed a delectable repast supervised by Beverly Riley Tatum and Judith W. Young.

Other officers of the Foundation are Thomas A. Hamilton, vice president; Gertha Menefee, treasurer; and Jacqueline Knox Kelly, secretary. Members are Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, Venerine Branham, Marsha Brooks, Valdia Burns, Deborah Cartwright, Dr. Judith A. Chapman, Patricia A. Faulkner, Dr. Delores E. Groves, Constance D. Harper, Carolyn Lockett, Norma B. Singleton, Fontella Y. Smith, Pamela E. Smith, and Lorna Wisham.