Published on: Wednesday, April 22, 2009

By Nancy Royden

The recent PossibiliTEAS 2009 was an elegant tea at The Camelot in Upper Marlboro, but the women who were honored as, “2009 Circle of Grace Recipients” are known for their strength and hard work.

At the same time, money raised from the event will benefit worthy causes, including The Harriet Tubman Shelter Project, a poverty and homeless awareness and support campaign and a domestic and sexual violence awareness campaign.

Sisters4Sisters offers many services for women, including Adopt-A-Sister in Iraq, a newsletter, card and prayer ministry for women serving in the military; a back-to-school school supply and uniform campaign; a mentorship program; Christmas toy and coat drives; a domestic violence awareness campaign, assistance to girls and women with HIV and AIDS; a recycling education project; and a weight management project.

On April 4, Tammie Amoroso, Dr. Lonise Bias, Friends Forever, Dr. Ludy Green and Renee Nash were all lauded for community service. The event was hosted by Lanham-based Sisters4Sisters Inc., a women’s assistance organization founded in 1999 by Carolyn Washington, the group’s executive director.

“We are extremely excited this year to showcase women and girls who despite life’s odds are living their dreams and fulfilling their purpose. In this season of fear, uncertainty and despair, our mission is to remind women that all things are possible to she that believes,” Washington said.

Amoroso is founder of Mentor Encourage, Lift and Love Inc. The organization provides life skills and educational workshops for teen parents.

Bias is founder of The Abundant Life Resources A More Excellent Way LLC, a community resource center focusing on helping youth, families and others. The deaths of her sons, University of Maryland basketball player Len Bias and Jay, who had been killed following a drive-by shooting, spurred her to become establish the organization and become a motivational speaker, trainer and consultant.

Friends Forever is a group of 10 childhood friends who help those in need by providing resources to them and encouraging the institution of the family.

Green is president and founder of Second Chances Employment Services. She has been a community activist for women and children for more than 12 years and her employment agency places financially at-risk women in meaningful employment.

Nash is community affairs director of WHUR FM 96.3 and has done work to help raise money for domestic violence awareness services. She is credited with raising $600,000 toward awareness and services for victims of domestic violence.

Washington said although the economy affecting so many Americans may be challenging, there is still hope.

“Sisters4Sisters Inc. is excited about the role of women and girls on the Earth during this season of transition and change in our global world. Despite troubling news reports on the economy and increased crime, this is a time of positive change and amazing opportunities for women,” she explained in a letter in the event’s printed program.

Sisters4Sisters hosted women from area homeless shelters who are in transition and treated them to professional hair services, makeup and clothing so they could attend the luncheon, fashion show and awards ceremony.

Washington dedicated the tea to her daughter, Camille, who is a leader in the Christian group Daughters of Destiny.

“God can do extraordinary things with ordinary people,” Carolyn Washington told the audience at the event.