At a recent EY Chapter of P.E.O. event are Pat Kittrell, PCE and Education Loan Fund recipient Jackie Eyrich, Pat Alley, Anita Toigo and PCE recipient Vanessa Swann
Patti R. Albaugh
What does the sweet smell of simmering apple butter and prickly pear jelly have to do with helping women return to school? Pat Alley, a member of Chapter EY, P.E.O. (a Philanthropic Educational Organization), knows too well the stories of women caught up in the net of financial worries and who strive to better their lives through education. Pat’s kitchen is a hubbub of canning when she is making jars of jams, jellies and salsa to sell for the recipients of grants from P.E.O.s Program for Continuing Education (PCE). One hundred percent of the sales from Pat’s effort go to pay for emergency expenses beyond the grant, like gas so a job interview can take place, unexpected prescriptions can be filled, or textbooks that cost more than the grant allows can be purchased.
Pat’s kitchen is just part of the PCE effort by the chapter. “We have 100% participation of our membership to support P.E.O.’s scholarship goals. It’s a group effort,” Pat explains. “Our members give their time and money to help women get the education they need to overcome loss of employment, divorce, health problems or other blows to life.” PCE, a project that Pat has supported for over twenty years, reinforces for her the personal and chapter rewards of helping women achieve their dreams. “Working on projects together has wonderful benefits making a difference in women’s lives while enjoying each other’s company.” The current PCE committee members are Pat Alley, Pat Kittrell, Anita Toigo and Becki Daniels. Former committee member Barb Moreland also deserves recognition for her long standing contributions. Chapter EY doesn’t just give the money and say goodbye. Members become involved with the recipients and lifelong friendships begin. Pat has attended many graduations of grant recipients. “It’s a personal high to see their happiness and pride.” Chapter EY has successfully supported twenty-six women since the chapter was organized in 2006.
PCE is a one-time grant of up to $3000 that gives financial assistance to women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families. The committee looks at applicants for markers of successful completion of their programs such as a marketable career choice, evidence of the applicant’s perseverance and past academic achievement. The grant is not intended to cover personal expenses, hence Pat Alley’s kitchen of simmering opportunity that helps recipients through a particularly rough patch.
More information about the Program for Continuing Education and other scholarships is on the P.E.O. website http://www.peointernational.org/.