Mama Hughes (Charlene Hughes) was given the name of Mama, after her firstborn, our sorority sister, Courtney Bethe, was killed in an automobile accident in October 2002. Concord University did not allow sorority houses, but we were granted a floor in one of the dorms.

In the midst of her grief, she would bring Wendy’s up to the floor, gather us in the lounge, and within those moments—became Mama.

We drew strength from her—and every single one of us has a different story to explain how she helped us naviagate our grief—all while having her own.

Tragedy did not stop there. Not long after, her second daughter, Ashley, was killed in a car accident coming home from work. After that, her oldest son, Dustin, was murdered in a multiple homicide in the hills of WV.

At the trial of the man who took her son—she did not offer him condemnation, but forgiveness and grace. Again, Mama has shown others how to face tragedy and grief, without harming others within their own pain.

Not until now has she ever asked for help—and if it wasn’t for the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau, Omicron Chapter—you would not know her story. But right now, the problem is bigger than what we can do.

Mama is a single, retired school teacher that continues to substitute teach. Through no fault of her own, and a hard time that most of us feel now, she is behind on her rent and is facing eviction.

we are hoping to raise $5,000–we want to cover the back rent, current rent, and one month more to try to give Mama the start she needs.