Category Archives: Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

The Latest news about what is effecting those with Disabilities in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

City of Baltimore, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Henson Development Company, The NHP Foundation Break Ground on Park Heights Senior Apartments

Leave a comment


The event marks the creation of NHPF’s fourth affordable housing property in Baltimore and was attended by speakers, pictured above, including:

  • Justin Williams, Deputy Mayor for Community and Economic Development, Baltimore
  • Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO Park Heights Renaissance
  • Sharon Green Middleton, Councilwoman
  • Alice Kennedy, Housing Commissioner Baltimore City Department of Housing and

Community Development

  • Gregory Hare, DHCD Assistant Secretary of the Community Development Administration
  • Sandy Rosenberg, Delegate
  • Angelo Edge, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Maryland

Commenting on the tax credit investment, Angelo Edge, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Maryland, a CVS Health company, said “We recognize the important changes that Park Heights Renaissance will bring to the city, and we are incredibly proud to be part of this pivotal rejuvenation. We’re grateful to the other funding partners of this future community and we look forward to using our combined resources to make a significant impact on health issues individuals face here in Park Heights.”
Local elected officials and community leaders hailed the groundbreaking as a much-needed development to address the housing shortage in Baltimore and support growth in the city.

“This partnership with NHPF and Henson Development Company represents the strength of collaboration over competition and what can be accomplished together to rebuild community,” remarked Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO, Park Heights Renaissance, the Baltimore organization that fosters social and economic opportunities to support the community. “We commend the partnerships’ commitment over the past few years to the community during the predevelopment phases that have led to this momentous day.”
The new construction is a first phase of the Park Heights Major Development area that will also include a multifamily rental apartment building adjacent to the senior building, 17 for sale homes, and brand new infrastructure including new water, sewer, stormwater facilities, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and widening Virginia Avenue to make for a better traffic pattern.
Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton, an ardent supporter of the project since its inception, added “More than a construction project or physical building, this chapter of Park Heights development is a commitment to pushing forward and I want to thank everyone for their role in affirming that the seniors of our community will have a place to call home.”
Justin Williams, Deputy Mayor for Community and Economic Development noted “As we turn the soil today, we are planting more than just the physical foundations of a building. We are reaffirming our commitment to the seniors of Baltimore, ensuring they have access to affordable, dignified, and comfortable living spaces. He added, “This project is also a beacon of economic revitalization for Park Heights, promising not just homes for our seniors, but also jobs and further development for the community. It’s about building a stronger, more inclusive Baltimore, where everyone, regardless of age or background, has a place to call home.”

The Park Heights Senior property will include community amenities such as a dedicated resident service coordinator, a fitness center, a library, a computer center, a coffee bar, several lounge areas, and a kitchen area for seniors to hold events.
“With Park Heights Senior Apartments, NHPF and its partners plan a transformative new chapter that will turn a once blighted area into a vibrant place with stable housing and other amenities that will give residents opportunities,” commented Park Heights Senior lead developer Mansur Abdul-Malik, “And today’s ceremony provides an opportunity to thank all the partners for making long-held dream come true.”

Notable features of Park Heights Senior apartments include rooftop, carport, and gazebo mounted solar panels, battery storage, and meeting the National Green Building Standards for energy efficiency. This combination means clean energy to power the building, battery storage to ensure in case of an emergency the building always has power, and using building materials and practices that reduce energy usage, pollution, and waste. The features dovetail with a bill recently signed by Mayor Scott requiring 100% zero emissions for the city’s administrative fleet.

Media Contact

marijane funess, nhpf, 19148303754, [email protected], www.nhpfoundation.org 

SOURCE nhpf

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Grammy Nominee Gavin DeGraw to Hold Special Performance Benefiting Paws of War

Leave a comment


DeGraw is hosting the private event to benefit the mission of Paws of War at The Wilson restaurant, who has generously donated their space to use as the venue. DeGraw, who recently released his new album A Classic Christmas, will be performing a few songs live in addition to presenting a few surprises.

“Paws of War is a great organization and this is for a wonderful cause,” says DeGraw. “I’m happy to be able to give back to our veterans, especially around the holidays. My dog, Buddy, is my best friend, so I understand the bond and comfort animals bring us. With numerous veterans in my family, supporting them has always been incredibly important to me and I’m honored to be a part of this event.”

Paws of War also focuses on giving back to veterans in various ways. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to support their mission, visit its site at https://pawsofwar.org/?form=DeGraw

About Paws of War

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.

About Gavin DeGraw

GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw’s inimitable voice and soulful style boldly bloomed on his 2003 platinum-certified full-length debut, Chariot. It included the gold single “Follow Through,” as well as both platinum hits, “Chariot,” and “I Don’t Want To Be.” In 2008, his self-titled second album, Gavin DeGraw, bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200, powered by the platinum-selling single “In Love With a Girl.” 2011’s gold-certified Sweeter saw him return to the Top 10 as the single “Not Over You” went four times platinum. Meanwhile, his 2013 duet with Colbie Caillat, “We Both Know,” garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Song Written For Visual Media” for Safe Haven. He’s the rare talent who could seamlessly share the stage with Billy Joel and The Allman Brothers or Maroon 5 and Shania Twain. In 2016, Something Worth Saving incited widespread critical applause from USA Today, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, and Huffington Post. With a front row seat to this wonderfully wild life led by his late parents Lynne and John Wayne, Gavin DeGraw recounts his most meaningful memories and valuable lessons on his seventh full-length offering, Face The River. Now, he stitches together a timeless tale of his own soundtracked by a signature fusion of pop, soul, country, folk, and funk.

About The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood

Owned and operated by IGC Hospitality and located in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad, The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood is a coastal-inspired restaurant showcasing the freshest seafood, craft cocktails, and comforting dishes in a convivial, upscale-casual atmosphere. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the Wilson is a dog-friendly restaurant from its inception, offering a dedicated dog menu for four-legged friends, and welcoming them at the restaurant’s open-air patio and in the “Rose Garden,” a whimsical outdoor space with “floating” umbrellas overhead. For more information about the restaurant, please visit EatAtTheWilson.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram at @EatAtTheWilson.

Media Contact

Cher Murphy, Paws of War, 1 571-263-2128, [email protected], http://pawsofwar.org

SOURCE Paws of War



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Fusion Academy Celebrates Expansion in Westlake Village, California, Elevating Education Standards in Ventura County

Leave a comment


A fully accredited middle and high school, Fusion Academy’s Westlake Village campus will expand to serve more local families in January 2024.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Fusion Academy, the world’s most personalized school, with one-to-one classes to match students’ pace and preference, announces the expansion of its Westlake Village campus opening its new doors in January 2024. Fusion Academy Westlake Village, formerly Futures Academy, is now expanding to a renovated location that will provide full amenities including a music studio, yoga studio, art studio, and all one-to-one classes. The expanded campus will provide even more opportunities for parents to enroll their children in a one-to-one format to help them thrive and succeed with personalized learning. Open enrollment is available.

For families and students who feel unseen, underserved, or unchallenged in the traditional classroom, Fusion Academy’s expanded Westlake Village campus offers a one-to-one model personalized classroom to match the student’s ambition, provide a better, deeper dive than a traditional classroom, and set the pace for their education success. With boundless opportunities for children to pursue or excel in their passions, whether it be acting, sports, or the arts, students and families are afforded the option to follow those dreams and most importantly, maintain a strong academic performance with Fusion Academy.

“Our son began attending at the start of 6th grade, is now in 8th grade, and we plan on keeping him there through high school,” said Deana Crown. “Each year that he attends is better than the last, and with the small campus and 1:1 teaching, he’s learning so much more and growing in confidence and ability… he actually enjoys his time there. We also really love the flexibility in schedule.”

From October to December of the 2022-2023 school year, the National Center for Education Statistics administered the NAEP long-term trend reading and mathematics assessment to 13-year-old students and recognized a 4-point decline in reading and a 9-point decrease in mathematics compared to a previous assessment administered during the 2019-2020 school year. With one-to-one classroom instruction, students can expect a safe and supportive learning space, a learning cadence set by them, and daily instructor feedback. In particular, Fusion Academy students have a 65 percent higher growth rate in math than the national average.

“Fusion offers incredible one-on-one education,” shared Kimberly Ashton. “My daughter started in Pre-Algebra last year and went from someone who didn’t like math, wasn’t engaged in math, and, quite frankly, wasn’t showing any real promise with math to the opposite. She is now in Algebra 1 and has become someone who loves math, understands the concepts, and is doing incredibly well.”

“We are providing students the foundation and confidence to appreciate their own potential,” said Laura France, Westlake Village Head of School. “When parents choose Fusion Academy, we recognize they are focused on the child’s best interest and we are here to support them in their learning experience.”

The expansion of Fusion Academy Westlake Village campus provides fuller amenities in direct access to Conejo Valley, Thousand Oaks, and the Malibu Hills communities. Join our Coffee Chat Thursday, Dec 14, 11am-12:30pm to learn how one-to-one learning provides personalization without sacrificing socialization.

Fusion Academy offers:

  • One-to-one classrooms that match your student’s pace
  • Flexible school schedule to fit family lifestyle
  • Daily feedback from each instructor
  • Safe and supportive learning community
  • Coursework completed at school supported by two Homework Café spaces: one quiet and one social
  • Social opportunities include: volunteering, field trips, clubs, prom, and graduation
  • Fully accredited for grades 6-12

“By reinventing the way students learn, their academic potential can accelerate in a more supportive one-to-one learning environment,” said Senior Vice President of Education, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian of Fusion Academy. “When a teacher can personalize the curriculum to a student’s love of a certain book series, passion for the arts, or even a video game, the opportunity to connect to their interests sparks a love of learning. “

Parents looking for a personalized learning solution for their children are encouraged to reach out to learn more, please call 805-852-1695 or visit the Fusion Academy, Westlake Village website.

About Fusion Academy:

Fusion Academy is the world’s most personalized private middle and high school, with 1-to-1 classes that match a student’s pace and preferences, so they can learn better, dive deeper and never get left behind. To learn more about Fusion Academy, please visit https://www.fusionacademy.com/.

Media Contact

Fusion Academy, Fusion Academy, 1 (608) 216 7300 107, [email protected], https://www.fusionacademy.com/

SOURCE Fusion Academy

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

TROY Group Demonstrates Commitment to Community with Yearly Donations

Leave a comment


Throughout December, TROY Group is actively seeking donations for The Salvation Army, the global force that serves our local communities with unwavering dedication. From food distribution to emergency shelter and social services, they bring relief to those in crisis. To donate to this fundraiser, visit TROY Group’s virtual kettle here:
https://give.virginiasalvationarmy.org/fundraiser/5105746

The following other organizations have received generous contributions from TROY Group in 2023:

Youth Services Systems, Inc: Youth Services Systems, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth and their families. Their programs focus on areas such as counseling, education, and community engagement to empower young individuals and foster positive development.

Catholic Charities, West Virginia: Catholic Charities is a well-established organization that works to alleviate poverty and aid individuals and families in need. Their services often include food assistance, housing support, and various social services to promote a better quality of life for vulnerable populations.

The Children’s Home of Wheeling: The Children’s Home of Wheeling is a residential facility and community-based service provider that focuses on the well-being of children and families. They offer a range of programs aimed at ensuring the safety, stability, and healthy development of children facing adversity.

Augusta Levy Learning Center: Augusta Levy Learning Center is dedicated to providing educational services for children with autism spectrum disorders. Their programs emphasize early intervention, individualized education, and support for families, helping children with autism reach their full potential.

St. John’s Home for Children: St. John’s Home for Children is a refuge for children facing challenging circumstances, providing a safe and nurturing environment. They offer residential care, counseling, and support services to help children overcome difficulties and build a foundation for a brighter future.

YMCA, Wheeling: The YMCA in Wheeling is a community-focused organization that provides a range of programs and services, including fitness and recreation, childcare, and community development. The YMCA plays a vital role in promoting health and well-being for individuals and families in the local area.

“These donations reflect our dedication to creating a positive and lasting change in the areas where we live and work,” said Aimee Orum, Vice President of Human Resources at TROY Group. “We are thrilled to extend our support to these outstanding organizations that work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community.”

About TROY Group:
TROY Group, Inc., an HP OEM Partner, is a worldwide leader of MICR and document security solutions. TROY offers software, secure MICR Printers, and specialized MICR inks and toners along with all components needed to print secure checks in-house. TROY is the only manufacturer of MICR Toner Secure, the World’s Most Fraud Resistant MICR Toner™, which protects checks from fraud with an anti-tamper security feature. Customers include the top U.S. banks, key government and insurance accounts, and businesses of all sizes.

Contact:

Nathan Cross
TROY Group
304-232-0899
[email protected]

Media Contact

Nathan Cross, TROY Group, (304) 907-1938, [email protected], https://www.troygroup.com/

Twitter Facebook

SOURCE TROY Group



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

New Christian Book Helps Navigate Life’s Path with Purpose

Leave a comment


“I tackle and address familiar life challenges in my book,” Dr. Kjosa said. “By addressing everyday obstacles, I encourage and motivate my readers to make choices which will honor Christ and provide a bright future for themselves.”

By sharing his encouragement and positivity, Dr. Kjosa hopes he may be an optimistic influence on his reader’s faith as he believes, by embodying the “Simply Safe Choices” technique, a new person and a bright future is waiting all around.

“Their captain, Jesus Christ, is waiting to show them his plan for their lives,” Dr. Kjosa said. “A life bright and beautiful lies ahead for them to discover their untouched, untapped and unexplored talent.”

“The Oars of Our Lives: Navigating the Oars of Our Lives Through Making the Right Christ Honoring Choices”
By Dr. David L. Kjosa Sr.
ISBN: 9781664288881 (softcover); 9781664288874 (hardcover); 9781664288898 (electronic)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

David L. Kjosa Sr. draws on his many years of experience in the ministry as a Chaplain in the United States Army. Feeling inadequate as a young man and seemingly lacking the ability to tackle the challenge to rise to the divine mandate he was being called to fulfill, he says he found the strength and focus/hope in Christ. Now, in a novel approach to addressing the core questions of life, he shows how to live a purpose-filled life. He distills his lifetime of counseling, motivational and practical wisdom into proven steps to making Christ-honoring choices – “Simply Safe Choices.” He draws on his deep knowledge of human experience, and the struggle for authenticity. His ministry as a United States Army Chaplain at many stateside locations and several countries overseas has given him unique insight and enabled to him provide the tools and the keys to living a life of faith and love thru Jesus Christ. To learn more, please visit https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/849378-the-oars-of-our-lives.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Taylor Moralez
[email protected] 

Media Contact

Taylor Moralez, LAVIDGE, 4803066597, [email protected] 

SOURCE WestBow Press

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Experience Senior Living Announces the Commencement of Construction on The Gallery at Fort Collins

Leave a comment


The Gallery redefines senior living with amenities extending beyond the essentials, featuring a two-story grand hall with a lavish fireplace, a grand piano designed by a local artist and provides a diverse range of spaces for socializing and relaxation including a pub, rooftop garden, private family dining, multiple courtyards, a library, community room, salon, and theater. For Memory Care residents, a dedicated courtyard and activities area ensures a tailored experiences for all residents.

“I’m thrilled to have our newest community opening so close to my own home, in a neighborhood I cherish”, commented ESL President Phill Barklow. “The Gallery at Ft. Collins will be a vibrant senior living community that will seamlessly blend art and music with the rich culture of the Fort Collins community, providing the perfect backdrop for our residents to enjoy life.”

Nuveen Real Estate and Brinkmann Constructors will also partner with ESL on the project.

“The Gallery at Ft. Collins aligns with Nuveen’s thesis of developing new, state-of-the-art senior living communities for the next generation of seniors in high-barrier-to-entry markets like Fort Collins“, noted Andrew Pyke, Head of Healthcare Real Estate at Nuveen. “We are excited to partner with a first-class operator like ESL to bring this project to the Fort Collins community.”

For more information on Experience Senior Living communities, visit our website at www.experiencesrliving.com.

About Experience Senior Living

Experience Senior Living is a full-service, vertically integrated owner, developer and operator of active adult, independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. We are reimagining senior housing by leveraging our vast experience to seamlessly integrate strategic, operational and human-centered aspirations. We translate those experiences to create new and inspiring models of care focused on hospitality, which are responsive to residents’ needs and centered around holistic wellness and engagement with a broader community. Experience drives everything we do, and our team of dynamic professionals is fueled by their passion for empowering individuals to lead enriching lives at every stage of their journey. Experience Senior Living is based in Denver, with communities operating or under development in seven states: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington.

Media Contact

Kirstin Barbour, Experience Senior Living, 1 970-441-8100, [email protected], experiencesrliving.com

SOURCE Experience Senior Living

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Rockler donates $6,500 to Help Heal Veterans through nationwide woodworking classes

Leave a comment


“We are always thankful for our customers who join us in our Veterans Day pen turning classes and those events helped us in making this important holiday gift to Help Heal Veterans,” said Joe Kester, VP of Retail at Rockler. “Help Heal Veterans is a valuable support organization for our nation’s heroes, and it is meaningful for our company to help bring hope through the creative and therapeutic activity of woodworking.”

Rockler’s Veterans Day pen turning classes give people the opportunity to learn how to make a pen. In addition to the pen turning classes, Rockler stores host year-round hands-on classes for people of all woodworking skill levels to make projects such as cheeseboards, bowls, various handles and much more.

About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Celebrating its 69th anniversary as a family-run business, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is the nation’s premier supplier of specialty hardware, tools, lumber, and other high-quality woodworking products. Rockler has nearly 50 retail locations across 27 states, as well as extensive catalog and internet operations.

To learn more about Rockler, please visit http://www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER, and follow us on social media:

Media Contact

Lauren Sauer, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 612-767-2403, [email protected], www.rockler.com

Twitter

SOURCE Rockler Woodworking and Hardware



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

NYC FinTech Women Announces the 2023 Inspiring FinTech Females Award Winners

Leave a comment


The 2023 Inspiring FinTech Female award winners have each made significant contributions to the FinTech industry and have been influential in advocating for women in the field. Their collective impact is profound and varied, encompassing leadership, innovation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

2023 Inspiring FinTech Females Winners:

Founders

  • Ami Kumordzie, Sika Health
  • Carmen Perez, Much
  • Kelly Waltrich, Intention.ly
  • Laura Kornhauser, Stratyfy
  • Laura Spiekerman, Alloy
  • Mary Kopczynski, RegAlytics
  • Michele Alt, Klaros Group
  • Mical Jeanlys-White, WealthMore
  • Margeaux Giles, Irys
  • Marla Sofer, Knomee
  • Rashmi Melgiri, Functional Finance
  • Sivan Tehila, Onyxia Cyber
  • Sophia Goldberg, Ansa
  • Yanique Williams, Ambitious Global

Leaders

  • Alla Liberman, Beacon Platform Inc.
  • Alli Jordan, LibertyFi
  • Amanda Estiverne-Colas, Endava
  • Betsabe Botaitis, Hedera
  • Delisha Grant, Addepar
  • Deniz Johnson, Stratyfy
  • Elizabeth Lyons, T-REX Group
  • Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Georgia Fintech Academy
  • Janeen France, Addepar
  • Jessica Gonzalez, Informed.IQ
  • Jessica Zall, Percent
  • Marianna Lopert-Schaye, BNY Mellon
  • Michelle Feinstein, Salesforce
  • Nimisha Patel, Mastercard
  • Phoebe Chen, Amazon,
  • Sharon Kean, Wise
  • Sharon Rivera, Paceline
  • Wendy Mock, Gemini
  • Vanessa DiFrances, Silicon Valley Bank
  • Winnie Ling, Blend Labs, Inc.

Money Movers

  • Cat Hernandez Middleton, The Venture Collective
  • Pam Kaur, BankTech Ventures
  • Tanvi Lal, Intuit Ventures
  • Tatyana Kratunova, FIS
  • Kimberly Trautmann, DRW Venture Capital
  • Renee Nalbandyan, Bank of America
  • Tal Sigura, FIS

Network Builders

  • Ashley Everett, RevTech Labs
  • Ashlyn Lackey, Prudential
  • Carina Oriel, Rise, created by Barclays
  • Catherine Unertl, Mercury
  • Grace Berkery, Mastercard
  • Jenn Rosenthal, Grayscale Investments
  • Krista Carr (Sticco), UBS
  • Kristen Castell, Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE)
  • Monica Murthy, Alloy
  • Renee Lau, AWS
  • Shade Alcine, HUMAN
  • Zayan Hagens, AWS

Product Builders

  • Akita Somani, Elavon (U.S. Bank)
  • Anat Gilboa, Current (Finco Services, Inc.)
  • Angelica Alam, Meta, Inc
  • Catherine Cui Ye, Stripe
  • Cristina Pascalau, Bank of America
  • Hanna Byers, Wealth.com
  • Jessica Jiang, Goldman Sachs
  • Michelle Wilson, Canoe Intelligence
  • Taylor Porter, Plaid
  • Yehudit Nathan, Octane®

The complete list of winners and their profiles are available at: https://www.nycfintechwomen.com/2023-inspiring-fintech-females

About NYC FinTech Women:

NYC FinTech Women is a community of over 10,000 members that includes professionals from startups, traditional finance, and venture capital. It aims to connect, promote, and empower women in FinTech through various initiatives, such as networking events, mentorship programs, and the annual Inspiring FinTech Females list. The organization collaborates with leaders like AWS, Google, Deutsche Bank, and Silicon Valley Bank to foster a more inclusive financial technology landscape.

Media Contact

Liang Zhao, NYC Fintech Women, 1 5057206933, [email protected], https://www.nycfintechwomen.com/

SOURCE NYC Fintech Women

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

New Devotional for Seniors Shares the Importance of Generational Storytelling

Leave a comment


Author Marsha MacLeod shares thought provoking prompts to help deepen connection with God and inspire conversations with loved ones

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — When reminiscing on time spent with her family, author Marsha MacLeod cherishes the stories passed down to her from her parents and grandparents. This inspired her to write, “Completing the Race: Seniors in the Bible,” in which she motivates readers to celebrate the life and stories of the seniors in their lives while finding guidance from the wisdom of the Bible.

“Completing the Race” focuses on older men and women in the Bible running the race set before them. By faith many of them persevered despite unexpected, challenging circumstances. They learned to trust God more fully for the wisdom and strength needed in their senior years.

“There are all kinds of ways to complete a race,” MacLeod said. “Some are triumphant, some are painful, but all are worth noting. The Bible presents a number of men and women who lived for the glory of God through their later years. Their lives provide insights into how we also can ‘run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith …’ (Hebrews 12: 1–2).”

The book features devotionals written specifically for seniors, as well as prompts to inspire reflections at the end of each chapter. Reflections can be shared with loved ones as a conversation starter and a way to share important life stories.

“It is so important to share our lives with the younger generation,” MacLeod said. “Life is not defined only by how we die, but how we live. Families should celebrate the seniors in their lives and learn from their experiences.”

“Completing the Race: Seniors in the Bible”
By Marsha MacLeod
ISBN: 9781512747768 (softcover); 9781512747782 (hardcover); 9781512747775 (electronic)
Available at Westbow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Marsha MacLeod earned an M.A. in English. Later she audited courses in seminary as she began to write devotional poems, songs, and Bible studies. She has enjoyed teaching middle school and high school students. Playing the autoharp and singing with others has become a favorite ministry in the church. Her previous book, “A Word Wreath: Christmas Reflections” (Westbow Press 2013), encourages young and old to share their love for God. Recently retired, she lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Ashley Fletcher
[email protected]

SOURCE Marsha MacLeod

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Verity Credit Union’s CEO Tonita Webb and Chief Impact Strategy Officer Ziquora Banks Honored for Their Profound Impact

Leave a comment


American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions celebrates senior executives guiding the future of the credit union industry while also examining issues of mentorship and inclusion. Tonita Webb of Verity is a distinguished recipient of this award, recognized for her achievements in meeting the needs of underserved groups to build stronger, more inclusive communities, addressing deeply rooted challenges associated with systemic racism and the disproportionate impact of climate change. She harnesses the power of technology to create new pathways to generational wealth and introduces industry-leading strategies to drive the important mission of credit unions – to serve our communities.

“I am deeply honored to be acknowledged among the most powerful women in credit unions by American Banker,” said Tonita Webb, CEO of Verity. “As a passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the credit union industry, our commitment has reshaped the leadership landscape, fostering inclusivity and innovation. As a result, we are better positioned to serve our members and community, ensuring a vibrant future for all, unencumbered by barriers to success.”

Credit Union Times Rising Star Luminaries Award recognizes young credit union professionals who have shown great potential within their organization. It honors individuals who have developed new skills, taken on new responsibilities, and worked on initiatives that have propelled their credit union forward. Ziquora Banks received this award for her exceptional talent, unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, and tremendous impact. As the youngest Black woman on the executive management track in Verity Credit Union’s history, she’s displayed leadership qualities that have uniquely catapulted her to this position early in her career.

“It’s a tremendous recognition to be named a Rising Star in the Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards,” said Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer. “I’m incredibly honored to be seen for my drive and dedication, fostering innovation and empowering my team to push boundaries and disrupt traditional norms that activate Veriy’s purpose. It aligns wholly with my intention to deliver customized, sustainable solutions for our members, especially underserved communities.”

Ziquora Banks and Tonita Webb embody the mission of Verity Credit Union in prioritizing people, the planet, and prosperity for all over the bottom line. For more information, visit www.veritycu.com.

Images can be found HERE.

Media Contact

Jennifer Karkar Ritchie, Verity Credit Union, 1 206-344-8049, [email protected], www.veritycu.com

SOURCE Verity Credit Union