As the nation watches the unfolding news story of the water crisis in Flint MI, members of Detroit Graduate Chapters of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. and Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. have taken  action.  Local members of our organizations, disheartened and infuriated over the lack of usable drinking water for area residents, are organized and ready to assist the Flint community.  The Motor City, Detroit MI, is approximately one hour away from the Flint community.   It’s close to  home for many Fellowship members in more ways than one. In addition to the many that are effected, family and friends of our members are directly impacted by the contamination of one of earth’s most vital resources – clean water.

News reports continue to unfold daily, exposing a political scandal involving deceit and disregard for human life by irresponsible state government officials.   It’s clear that the State Governor and his administrators implemented a city water policy in Flint MI that failed to adequately assess and determine risks to human life.  Their failure now poses a serious health threat for area residents.

In the year 2016, a basic human need for access to clean water is being denied to fellow American citizens (our brothers and sisters). Unfortunately, news stories we hear concerning the lack of drinking water for so-called poor communities in far-away lands is now reality for us here at home.

Local members of our beloved Fellowships see and experience daily the heart-wrenching impact to their family members; children; and friends.  We know that this is a time for action.   We can make a difference and can effect positive change in our community by working together.

In the wake of the water crisis in Flint, local Detroit Chapters of Groove Phi Groove and Swing Phi Swing collaborated to establish a support effort  to help families impacted by this tragic event.  Members from both Fellowships in the Detroit area created the “Flint Family Assistance Fund”; a program to provide monetary donations ranging from $250-$500 to families in the Flint community.  Donated funds are targeted for distribution to aid in a family’s immediate need for clean water, sanitary items, household goods, medical needs, and bill payment assistance.

We plan to work with the local school and community in Flint MI, to identify families that we can connect with and help them navigate through this horrific situation.

We plan to stay engaged in this effort and support these families where possible.   In the days, months, and years ahead, Flint residents will need the ongoing support of the community to recover from this tragedy. We want to reassure Flint residents that there is goodness in people – although their elected political leadership failed them. We want them to know that members of Groove Phi and Swing Phi are people they can count on to support them!

Our goal is to raise at least $5,000. Please support our efforts to connect with families in Flint, Michigan. Your tax deductible donations will touch the lives of Flint residents and make a difference.

See details below on how to donate.

Donations can be made online at: GoFundme Flint Family Assistance Fund.

Cashier’s checks, money orders, or Chapter check donations can be made out to “Flint Family Assistance Fund” or “Detroit Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove”  and mailed  to:

Detroit Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. ®

P.O. Box 21702

Detroit, Michigan 48221

For further information you can contact the persons below via email:

• Edward Withers, President Detroit Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc.
• Marlena Hill, President, Detroit Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.
• Brianna Nichols, President Nakawa Warriors Undergraduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.