Wooster PEO chapter celebrates 40 years

PEO is a philanthropic sisterhood where women motivate, celebrate and educate women, as stated in the organization’s introductory materials.

PEO was founded in 1869 by a small group of friends in Mount Pleasant, Iowa who believed education could change lives. Over the past 150 years, the organization has grown internationally with more than 5,400 chapters and 187,000 members in the United States and Canada.

The mission of PEO is to advance women through scholarships, grants, awards and loans, as well as stewardship of Cottey College. To support that mission, PEO has established five scholarship opportunities: the STAR Scholarship for exceptional high school seniors, the Program for Continuing Education for women whose schooling has been interrupted, the Scholars Scholarship for doctoral and research studies, the International Peace Scholarship for women studying abroad who plan to return home, and the Ohio Scholarship for women in the state.

In addition, the Educational Loan Fund provides financial assistance to qualified women pursuing higher education. PEO also serves as a steward of Cottey College, a nationally accredited women’s liberal arts college in Des Moines, Iowa. To date, the organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing more than $435 million in assistance.

Scholarships, grants and loans are funded entirely through fundraising events held by individual chapters. Beyond financial support, recipients are introduced to the organization’s core values, and many go on to improve their own lives and the lives of others. Some later become members of PEO.

Members of PEO support one another through relationships that foster belonging, shared goals and lasting friendships. Chapters hold monthly meetings to conduct business and present programs on topics such as travel, culture, history and community opportunities. Social activities include movie nights, game nights, outings and progressive dinners, along with fundraising events such as garage sales, bake sales and auctions.

There are currently two PEO chapters in Wooster. Chapter ER, founded in 1986 by 14 members, has grown to 41 members. The chapter was established to provide an evening option for working women.

Sixteen members of Chapter ER are daughters of PEO sisters, four are 50-year members and five have joined Chapter Eternal. Since its founding the chapter has sponsored 31 candidates for scholarships and loans.

Chapter ER continues to honor its traditions while embracing forward-thinking practices including the use of technology, recruitment of new members and support of scholarship applicants. Members also emphasize fellowship and care for one another throughout life’s seasons.

This year Chapter ER celebrates its 40th anniversary.