American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
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The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association is a service organization founded on 26 July. 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Its goal is to support Greek-American charities, causes, and communities. It works closely with the Greek Orthodox Church.
Its lady's auxiliary, Daughters of Penelope was founded in 1929. It supports two youth groups, the Sons of Pericles (established in 1926) and the Maids of Athena (1930).
The AHEPA was founded as a fraternity in Atlanta, Georgia in July of 1922 following growing attacks on Greek Americans and Greek American businesses by the KKK an others. Its initial mission was to promote the image of Greeks in America, assist them with citizenship and to fight against the KKK attacks.
With the full assimilation of Greek Americans its mission evolved toward philanthopy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of the Greek Americans.
Philanthopic efforts include $600 million in senior housing projects, extensive local and national scholarship programs, fighting Thalassemia through the AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation and a Greek descent bone marrow registry.
The organization also works on education and advocacy in Washington on issues relating to Greece and Cyprus and U.S. policy.
The AHEPA Family consists of four organizations, namely: AHEPA (men), Daughters of Penelope (women), Sons of Pericles (young men) and Maids of Athena (young women).
AHEPA publishes The AHEPAN, which is the second largest circulation Greek American publication.
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association also maintains ties with the similar Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
