Page 30 - Bethel Annual 2019 Report

Love Makes the Difference!

Sarah Bass Allen 1764-1849
Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. Proverbs 11:14

The Daughters of Sarah Allen

amed in honor of Sarah Allen, missionary, abolitionist, and wife of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Daughters of Sarah Allen (DOSA) has promoted Chris-
N tian principles among girls and young women of Bethel and the Tallahassee community for
thirty-three years. It was organized, in 1986, by the Reverend Dr. Adam J. Richardson, Jr., as an outreach min-
istry for families, with special emphasis on girls. Early activities included monthly fellowship meetings and an
annual women’s retreat. In August 1992, a mentoring program was added. Second grade girls enrolled at
Bond, Pineview, and Leonard Wesson Elementary Schools were invited to join. After several years, girls in oth-
er grades were invited to join the original group. Students (mentees) were encouraged to remain in the program
until they graduated.

Presently, the DOSA conducts a monthly mentoring program that includes girls from kindergarten to 12
th
grade. Activities and events provided to enhance their social, intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual
lives include skills development, empowerment speakers, field trips, service projects, and other experiences. An-
other program component is the annual Sleepover/Lock-in that includes workshops facilitated by professionals
who provide information on career opportunities and speakers who share their experiences and offer advice on
how to handle problems such as peer pressure and bullying. The Mother/Daughter Luncheon and the Father/
Daughter Social provide opportunities for mentees and their mothers and fathers or mother and father figures
to express their love and commitment and strengthen the bond between them. Field trips provide occasions for
mentees to expand their general knowledge and acquire an awareness and understanding of other times, cultures
and environments. Service projects teach mentees the importance of loving their neighbor and helping to pro-
vide a better way of life for those in need; and mentees learn the importance of being self-supporting through
fund-raisers to finance their activities.

In addition to its mentoring program, the DOSA provides leadership for the Bethel Families Reaching Families
Christmas Adoption Program, an outreach project that contributes gifts to needy families in the community.

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