The Daughters of Penelope is the largest international Christian Women’s Organization. It is the Women’s Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). In addition to AHEPA and Daughters, the AHEPA Family also includes the Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athena.
The Daughters of Penelope was founded on November 16, 1929 by Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld in San Francisco, California. She became the first Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope in 1931. Penelope was selected as the name of the organization as Penelope symbolizes friendship and womanhood, and is significant of the very foundation of life, home, and country.
The Callicolone chapter of the Daughters of Penelope on Staten Island was started in 1959. Their objectives are to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism. Local fundraising projects include Broadway theater trips, an annual Valentine’s Day event, and other Holiday dinners. The chapter has sponsored events for the children of St Basil’s and participates in the annual Daughters of Penelope Day at the Academy. For decades, the Daughters of Penelope has had a vested interest in the issue of domestic violence, sponsoring shelters in Alabama and Massachusetts. In 1988, the chapter sponsored and formed the Golden Years Senior Club serving seniors in the Staten Island community. You can reach us at: brooklyndi19@yahoo.com
President: Elena Morakis