OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An organization that boasts more than 230,000 members globally, P.E.O. International, founded in 1869. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s mission has been a longstanding commitment to women and education.

There are five P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) Sisterhood chapters in Ocala.

Lynda Fagan, a science teacher at Vanguard High School, is a member of the sisterhood. Her mother, Tina, was one of the founders of the P.E.O. Chapter GZ Ocala, established when Lynda was in middle school.

Chapter GZ has about 30 members, meets twice a month, and is multi-generational, with Fagan becoming an initiate at age 18. The sisterhood helps women facing hardships or returning to school after an extended break so they can complete their education.

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Fagan went on to attend and graduate from Cottey College, a learning institution founded by Virginia Alice Cottey, which was later bequeathed to the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

“It’s a special school, you make lifelong friends,” said Fagan, who received a partial scholarship to attend. “They have scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help people afford it.”

The philanthropic organization doesn’t award as many scholarships in Florida as they used to because of the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The sisterhood allows members to build a global network of support. Since its founding, the organization has helped more than 125,000 women and provided more than $430 million in educational assistance. Loans and grants are available for students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

“You have sisters all over the country,” said Fagan.

The school in Nevada, MO, boasts students from more than 20 countries and 40 states at the all-women’s college, placing an emphasis on leadership development.

“You live in a suite situation, like a living room, with bedrooms coming off it, they mix everybody up, so you get to meet people from all over,” said Fagan.

 

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