As the newest signature program of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Z-HOPE is an interactive, holistic and multidimensional outreach service initiative designed to enhance, cultivate and empower participants to develop health promoting lifestyle choices across the lifespan. Eta Pi Zeta has successfully implemented several Z-HOPE programs.

Walk or Run For a Z-HOPE Cause - March of Dimes Walk America
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has enjoyed a long partnership with the March of Dimes in an effort to encourage women to seek prenatal care within the first trimester of pregnancy, thereby increasing the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. Walk America is the March of Dimes’ largest and most visible drive to secure funds on behalf of these efforts. Chapter members participate in the walk annually and assist with registration. Eta Pi Zeta is also a member of the Montgomery County March of Dimes committee.

Z Pack It Up
Many children in Montgomery County belong to low income families who have difficulty providing the basic schools supplies for their children. Eta Pi Zeta with the partnership of Damascus Wesley Church donated 50 backpacks for the children of the Damascus Gardens Apartments. The backpacks were given out at the back to school night. The children and their parents were very thankful for the backpacks.

International Z-HOPE Programs
Eta Pi Zeta completed two programs that benefit the people of Africa. The Staples for Life Program, is A Z-HOPE International Women of Color program that assists with the serious problem of malnutrition in Africa Eta Pi Zeta made a monetary donation, which was used to purchase several bags of rice. Each bag of rice fed a family of 30 people. Eta Pi Zeta also completed the Promoting Literacy Program. With the help of Prince Georges Community College, Eta Pi Zeta was able to send over 400 books to Africa. The books range in subjects from math, science, computer science and other subjects.

Meeting the Basic Needs
Eta Pi Zeta provided a variety of services to the low-income residents in Montgomery County. Eta Pi Zeta provided lunches for about 45 women at Montgomery County Women’s Shelter on a quarterly basis. We delivered Christmas gifts to the women and children at Crossway Community Center and also provided Easter baskets to the children of the Crossway Community Center. Eta Pi Zeta collected and delivered used eyeglasses to the Lioness Club of Montgomery County. The frames for the glasses were recycled to be distributed to low-income residents with new lens.

I Thought You Would Never Die
Eta Pi Zeta along with the Montgomery County Grief Council and the Rockville Senior Center educated senior citizens on the grieving process when they loose a love one. They were also provided methods to deal with grief on how to overcome that feeling. Senior citizens found the program very informative. Per the request of Rockville Senior Center, the program will be conducted annually.

Diabetes
Eta Pi Zeta in conjunction with the Peoples Community Baptist Church presented a three part diabetes series. The series included healthy eating, healthy monitoring and exercises to control diabetes, and general information about the disease. Participants also took part in a food demonstration and tasting.

Montgomery County Service Day
Eta Pi Zeta participates in the Montgomery County Service Day annually. This event occurs the last weekend of October. As a community, we jump-start the community service for the next year. All of the services organization, government agencies and community service organizations meet for a rally. After the rally, Eta Pi Zeta goes to the designated community service site, the Interfaith Clothing Bank. The Interfaith Clothing Bank is a facility that collects clothing that is provided to low-income families in the community. Each family must have a voucher to receive the clothing. Eta Pi Zeta has donated about $2000 worth of clothing and we also assist in sorting the clothing for distribution.