name
Penelope, wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, symbolizes fidelity and steadfastness, the qualities the order was named to honor.
Growth
The organization became international in 1938 with a Canadian chapter in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and its first Greek chapter formed in 1956. It now counts over 350 chapters across the U.S., Canada, Greece, England, Germany, France, Belgium, and Australia.
Mission
Promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence, working alongside the rest of the AHEPA Family.
Work
Members volunteer in hospitals, senior homes, women’s and daycare centers, run educational seminars, and support local churches, in addition to funding scholarships and housing initiatives through the AHEPA Housing Corporation.
STructure
A separate Daughters of Penelope Foundation was chartered in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) to formalize the charitable-giving arm.
