The Warrenton Chapter of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood is celebrating its 25th anniversary. At the same time, the international organization, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, is celebrating its 150th year. The group’s mission is to empower women by offering financial help so they can continue their education, in whatever course of study they choose.PEO gives low interest loans, scholarships and grants to women whose education in high school and beyond was interrupted by choice or circumstance.“This help empowers women to move forward in their lives,” said Cheri Joyce, who has been a member for almost eight years. She’s serving a two-year term as president of the Warrenton chapter, which has 37 members. She said many current members were also founding members.Joyce is aware of the group’s anonymity.“It’s a strong network of women who work tireless for other women (and) haven’t sought out attention,” she reasoned.They haven’t sought attention but they haven’t run away from it either. The Warrenton group used to hold fundraising projects and events here and there. Now, Joyce said, they hold an annual Bunco Bash. The next will be Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Warrenton Elks Lodge.Joyce said whatever amount they raise goes to P.E.O. International endeavors. So far, they have contributed about $36,000. The investment has more than paid off. Local women have received more than $60,000 in scholarships, grants and loans for them to pursue their educational goals.P.E.O. celebrates the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.Cottey College, Nevada, Mo., it was founded by Virginia Alice Cottey. She was a member of PEO and gifted the school to the organization in 1927. The all-women’s school has received numerous awards and recognitions for academics.Internationally, the organization has helped more than 105,000 women with $321 million in financial assistance.Members are invited to join and be sponsored. Members pledge a faith in God.“You have to have a belief in God, but it’s not based in a particular religion,” Joyce said.Marcia Sevier joined P.E.O. in 1999. Three years prior to that, she was going through a divorce and redefining her life. She wanted to return to school to complete her degree.“I had three years of college and it was interrupted by 24 years (of supporting a family) so that was scary, going back after 24 years,” Sevier said.Returning meant prioritizing her life. She had to consider the costs of living, the cost of school, and there were the emotional costs too.“More than money, your self-esteem has been hurt. Then you find someone and they believe in you,” Sevier recalledThen she connected with P.E.O.“You have fellow women supporting you and lifting you up,” she said.Sevier earned her degree in elementary education and special education. She went on to teach in the Warren County School District for four years and then 14 years in the Fort Zumwalt School District. She retired in 2015.She credits P.E.O. for helping her get to where she needed to be.“Without them it would have taken more loans. It would have taken longer to (finish school) and pay for it all,” she said.She joined the group so she could help other women whose educations were delayed.After more than 20 years, Sevier said she sees a lot of single mothers who need help. She said after they meet their goals, they have careers, not just jobs, and they’re better prepared to take care of themselves and their families.Sevier thinks more people should know about the organization.“It’s mission of supporting women in educational endeavors needs to become better known so more women can take advantage of educational opportunities to better themselves and families economically,” she said.Joyce said P.E.O. members identify assistance recipients.“We find local women who we can sponsor for these scholarships and the loans. We’re always looking for women who could use support for continuing their education,” Joyce said.Opportunities include and extend beyond high school graduates and traditional colleges.Joyce said women who want to go to school but don’t think they can afford it should reach out to her.“There are women locally who will support their educational efforts at a variety of levels. Beginning school or continuing school should never be a path you walk alone,” she said.For information about educational assistance opportunities, or to donate or to join the Warrenton chapter, email Joyce at cajoyce726@centurytel.net.To learn more about P.E.O. Sisterhood visit peointernational.org.

The Warrenton Chapter of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood celebrates its 25th year in Warrenton this year. The group’s mission is to help women gain financial independence. They provide a variety of grants, scholarships and loans to enable women to continue their education. Pictured, from left, are members Cheryl Parsons, Mary Rigg, Vicki Ledbetter, Fran Martin, Virgene Forest, Diane Pope and Kitty Gastorf. The group memorialized past members Betty Shirr and Rosalie Parsons. 

Submitted photo