Daughters of Penelope: Tethys 229

The Mission of the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence. 

The DOP, a 501c10, is one of the largest international women’s social and philanthropic organizations, with chapters throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, Greece, Cyprus, and Western Europe. We work closely with the three affiliate organizations that comprise the AHEPA family: AHEPA, the Maids of Athena, and the Sons of Pericles.

The Daughters of Penelope is non-partisan and non-denominational.

Our local chapter, Tethys #229 of New Brunswick, NJ, was founded in June 1950, by 29 women from our beloved community of St. George Greek Orthodox Church (then located in Highland Park, NJ).

Tethys 229 strives to better its local community and empower women through education and social connection.

2025/2026 Officers

Arete (Bouhlas) Tzovolos: President

Olga Mantsis: Vice President

Fotini Moschonikolakis: Treasurer

Melinda Rivera: Corresponding Secretary

Eleni Jennings: Recording Secretary

Contact us: For information on membership, the philanthropies and charities that we support, or our social activities, email our chapter at doptethys229@gmail.com or contact one of our officers. 

Follow us: Instagram: @DOP_229; Facebook: @DOP229

Ongoing Projects/Philanthropy

Supporting St. George, Piscataway and its projects and organizations: Philoptochos, GOYA, Annual Festival, etc.

Soda Tab collection and cooking - Ronald McDonald House, New Brunswick, NJ

Elijah's Promise, New Brunswick, NJ

Got Sneakers - Sneaker Recycling Program

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

St. Basil's Academy, Garrison, NY

Water by Women, Global Nonprofit

I Support the Girls - Central/North Jersey

Hellenic Dancers of NJ

AHEPA/DOP District 5 (New Jersey & Delaware)

• Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation – Awards grants to scientists and medical research institutions.  To date over $1 million has been awarded.
• Fifth District Education Foundation – Provides scholarships to high school graduates and college students.
• Biennial Salute to Women

National/International

• Penelope House Family Violence Center - the first shelter for battered women in Alabama. 
• Penelope's Place Family Violence Center - a collaboration between the Daughters of Penelope and Health Imperatives is a 24/7 emergency residence in the City of Brockton, MA, for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
• Daughters of Penelope Foundation, Inc. - established in 1983 to promote educational, cultural, scholarship and civic programs; to foster research in art, education, science and public affairs, to promote social, ethical, philanthropic, cultural, educational and intellectual interests of the members of the Daughters of Penelope and to preserve and promote the ideals and traditions of Hellenism.
• Penelopean Day Care Center in Athens, Greece - the center is a Nursing and Day Care Center for children eight months to preschool-aged of underprivileged families with low or no income.
• Community House Damaris, Athens, Greece - a Christian organization that operates two safe houses and offers a long-term recovery program (3-7 years) for women aged 18 to 35 and their children who have been or are at high risk of sexual exploitation or trafficking. 

Social Activities

• Apple picking
• Paint & Sip nights
• Movie and Theater nights
• Zumba
• Charity Walks
• Christmas and end-of-year dinners
• Speaker Series