Category Archives: Society

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

Give Love Campaign Promotes Year-End Giving to Support Missions and Disaster Response


Credit: UMCOM

Credit: UMCOM

Global Ministries, the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church, with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), invites churches and individuals to give love, joy, hope and peace through a denomination-wide year-end giving campaign.

Between November 7 and December 31, Global Ministries will share stories and reflections on the many ways that lives are impacted and transformed through financial gifts to Global Ministries and UMCOR – support that provides hope and healing to people all around the world.

Global Ministries connects the church in mission through four mission priorities: evangelism and church revitalization, missionaries, global health and humanitarian relief and recovery.

100% of gifts to Global Ministries and UMCOR go to share the love of God with those in need. Mission-funding gifts through the year-end campaign can be made at umcmission.org/givelove.

For additional information, contact donationhelp@umcmission.org.

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About Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church

Global Ministries is the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1819, Global Ministries today supports more than 200 missionaries in over 60 countries, including the United States. It has personnel, projects and partners in 115 countries. Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church and is a part of Global Ministries. Learn more about Global Ministries by visiting umcmission.org or by following facebook.com/GlobalMinistries and twitter.com/UMCmission.

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Austin-Based Inspirational Hip Hop Artist With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy To Host “Ryan’s Day” Annual Concert & Family Fun Event – Sun. Nov. 13th, 2022


Image collage of inspirational rapper Ryan "Wheelz" Schmidt and his Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy non-profit organization Inspiration on Wheelz.

“Inspiration on Wheelz” is committed to raising public awareness through education, music, and annual event “Ryan’s Day” to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“As long as Ryan goes on, we go on, and the show goes on. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy doesn’t take breaks.” – Lesile Schmidt, Ryan’s mother.

Celebrating its 12th year, Ryan’s Day returns it’s live music fundraiser to Hanovers Draught Haus in Pflugerville, Texas after a 2-year hiatus from the stage. “As long as Ryan goes on, we go on, and the show goes on. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy doesn’t take breaks” says Lesile Schmidt, Ryan’s mother. “Being virtual was great. We were able to bring international acts that haven’t been able to join us in the past, but now it’s time for Ryan to get on stage again with the best musicians in Austin and show everyone how music saves his life on a daily basis.”

This years’ event will be held at the original Hanovers Draught Haus live music venue in Pflugerville, Texas located at 108 E. Main St., Austin, TX. 78660 on Sunday November 13th from 2– 8pm. This family-friendly event will feature 10 of Austin’s most popular musical acts and a performance by Wheelz himself. Food and drink specials will be served throughout the day. Other festivities include: dunk tank, kid’s activities, prize raffle, live auction, and the 7th annual “WASABI CHALLENGE.”

Former UT Coach Mack Brown comments, “Anyone that is involved with this awful disease knows Wheelz and what he’s done to promote and educate people to try and get a cure… he’s working every year, and I know the rapping’s going really, really well.”

Ryan’s Day 12 will also be marking the release of his new CD, “Music Saved My Life.” In addition to this new collection, Wheelz has 3 full length CD’s available: “In The Beginning,” “Determined” and “2Determined.”

The mission of the organization is to improve the treatment, quality of life, and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) through research, advocacy, education, and compassion. DMD is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during early childhood and is progressive causing muscle disorder that causes loss of muscle function and independence.

DETAILS: “Ryan’s Day” is an annual celebration open to the public on Sunday November 13th, 2022 from 2-8pm at Hanovers Draught Haus located at 108 E. Main St., Pflugerville, TX. 78660. $10 requested donation, but not required. Family-friendly, handicapped friendly.

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/RollintoEndDuchenne

“Wheelz” music video for “Searching:” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcy1kuagRsA

Darius Weems WASABI CHALLENGE backstory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIZ0wNhYwio

EVENT CONTACT – Leslie Schmidt: 512-587-2091

“Inspiration on Wheelz” is committed to raising public awareness through education, music, and annual event “Ryan’s Day” to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

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Sophia Reid’s newly released “Poetry of the Heart” is an enjoyable selection of emotionally stirring poetic works


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“Poetry of the Heart”: an articulate and empowering arrangement of poetry. “Poetry of the Heart” is the creation of published author Sophia Reid.

Reid shares, “Poetry of the Heart is a book based on truth, hope, faith, love, and so much more.

“Poetry of the Heart is heartfelt and will make you think like the reader thought when she writes these special poems. If you are someone who loves to read poetry and love to feel empowered and understood this is the book for you.

“Poetry of the Heart is a book where the words become visual to the reader and you can imagine your self being in the moment as you read.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Sophia Reid’s new book is an expression of some of the most challenging and empowering moments of the author’s life.

Reid brings readers a thoughtful reflection on life, love, and faith as a series of moving prose.

Consumers can purchase “Poetry of the Heart” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Poetry of the Heart,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Imani Kincade’s newly released “Let Me Tell You Something Fearless” is an enjoyable novella that presents an impactful message of faith


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“Let Me Tell You Something Fearless”: a compassionate exploration of life and faith. “Let Me Tell You Something Fearless” is the creation of published author Imani Kincade, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, who graduated from Hunters Lane High School in 2019.

Kincade shares, “Let Me Tell You Something Fearless means a message should be said, heard, and received. But the choice is always up to you. This message is within this divine work, sourced ultimately from the true living God. I, Imani Cyel, the author, worships the true living God. Through my experiences along my journey, I’m able to feel God’s embrace. So, honey, let me tell you something.

“Let Me Tell You Something Fearless is a novella that explains what I’m learning along my journey toward success. In this phase, I dive into the fears of success. Based on my path, I explore four primary fears that can, and often do, hinder success.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Imani Kincade’s new book is a concise and engaging opportunity for personal reflection.

Kincade shares in hopes of helping others overcome their personal fears that may be deterring them from living a life of abundance, fulfilment, and peace.

Consumers can purchase “Let Me Tell You Something Fearless” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Let Me Tell You Something Fearless,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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A Veteran’s Journey” is an engaging memoir that takes readers on a unique journey of faith


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“GOD, ADHD, AND ME: A Veteran’s Journey”: an inspiring true story of hope, determination, and trusting in God. “GOD, ADHD, AND ME: A Veteran’s Journey” is the creation of published author Joseph Sorrentino, who has been instrumental in implementing successful quality management systems for commercial companies and government agencies. As retired president and CEO of Lean Quality Systems in Dana Point, California, he is an expert at assessing management systems and processes.

Sorrentino shares, “the inspiring true story of a man who lived forty-five years not knowing he had a clinical learning disability. Discovering he had ADHD enabled him to understand the accomplishments and failures in his past.

“‘Mr. Sorrentino has written a delightful book that is a memoir with a message. His autobiography incorporates a thought provoking review of his childhood memories transposed upon a midlife diagnosis of ADHD. He eloquently describes the conflicted relationship he had with his father and how that relationship influenced his formative years. As the book progresses, this is followed by reflections he has on multiple relationships that he had had with individuals through key times of his life. Mr. Sorrentino is loquacious as he describes milestone events and cleverly interjects anecdotes with phrases pulled from his psychiatric report.

“‘As he transports the reader through the years, he also seamlessly incorporates Bible verses and spiritual messages which clearly indicate his precious relationship with God and the profound influence Christianity has had upon him. Mr. Sorrentino’s journey of self-discovery is a delightful read, and he balances well the combination of internal reflection, psychiatric diagnoses, and his evolving relationship with God in a way that is endearing and enlightening. I highly recommend his book without reservation.’ —Dr. Monica Harms, M.D.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Joseph Sorrentino’s new book will encourage readers who find themselves facing their own journey of self-discovery.

Sorrentino shares in hopes of empowering others and spreading positivity through his infectious appreciation for God.

Consumers can purchase “GOD, ADHD, AND ME: A Veteran’s Journey” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “GOD, ADHD, AND ME: A Veteran’s Journey,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Author Kae Utley’s new book “High Hopes for Freedom” is an uplifting celebration of life and faith for readers of all ages


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Kae Utley, a mother and grandmother who has served with many Evangelical Christian organizations around the world and lives with her husband, Randy, in the mountains of Arizona, has completed her new book “High Hopes for Freedom”: a photographic journey in life and faith.

“He has risen! He has risen indeed! Now is the time to praise him and bless his name forever!”

Published by Page Publishing, Kae Utley’s engrossing book is an inspiring choice for spiritual readers.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “High Hopes for Freedom” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors should be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation Hosts First-Ever Disability Tech Summit


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Disabled people have always been at the forefront of innovation. As Remarkable Founder Pete Horsley shared, “when you bring bright people together and you start thinking about the world as we know it and the world as it could be, some magic starts to happen.”

While the world isn’t built for disabled people, there’s technology that is — and visionaries, innovators, entrepreneurs, and funders gathered earlier this week to tackle this challenge at the first-ever Remarkable Tech Summit. Hosted by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) and Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) at San Francisco’s Exploratorium, the summit kicked off with a welcome by Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte and brought together disabled people with lived experience, investors, entrepreneurs and startup founders, accelerators, researchers, and nonprofit leaders to chart the path forward for assistive tech.

The summit followed CPARF’s soft launch of Remarkable US — the first nonprofit-funded disability tech startup accelerator in the United States — earlier this year, with a pilot cohort of three US-based companies. CPARF works in partnership with Remarkable — a successful disability tech start-up accelerator made possible by Australia’s Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Since 2016, nearly 50 startups have come through the global Remarkable accelerator and these startups have raised more than $28 million to power up the potential of people with disabilities everywhere.

Over the course of two days, summit sessions explored the disability economy, the current heightened interest in developing and marketing assistive technology, why affordability matters, and how investors and creators can partner to make an impact. The event also featured fireside chats that delved into how investment can embrace disability technology, and how personal experience parenting a child with a disability becomes a driving force for change.

Both the accelerator and the summit followed the guiding disability-rights principle of “nothing about us without us,” and the summit featured a range of perspectives, underscoring that progress requires elevating disabled voices. Minnie Baragwanath, a disability advocate and Chief Possibility Officer of the Global Centre of Possibility, captured that by highlighting that “humans are the most important technology we can invest in. We talk about investing in tech, but we’re investing in humanity.”

That investment requires increasing product and service accessibility, and a stride forward in one direction helps everyone. “You have to be intentional. Have accessibility written into your project plans and hold people accountable to it [because] building a culture of awareness of disability is so important,” said Jennison Asuncion, Co-Founder of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day Foundation.

The summit also featured RAMPD President and GRAMMY Board Governor Lachi, Bump’n Chief Disability Officer and Co-Founder Andrew Gurza, and speakers from Google, Salesforce, SmartJob LLC, and other changemaking organizations.

Disabled people have always been at the forefront of innovation. As Remarkable Founder Pete Horsley shared, “when you bring bright people together and you start thinking about the world as we know it and the world as it could be, some magic starts to happen.”

Applications for Remarkable’s next cohort opened at the summit. To learn more about the accelerator or submit an application for the next cohort, visit https://remarkable.org/accelerator.

ABOUT CPARF

CPARF funds US-based research to change what’s possible for people with cerebral palsy, implements proven science, and advances innovation to benefit all people with disabilities.

To read about CPARF’s ongoing research projects, visit http://www.cparf.org or contact info@cparf.org.

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TERI Groundbreaking Kicks Off Construction of $13.5 Million Zable Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centers


The Zable Performing Art and Fine Arts Centers at the TERI Campus of Life

“We’re proud to serve as a catalyst and long-term TERI partner as they fulfill the vision of the new TERI Campus of Life,” said Warren Magill, President of the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation.

A celebratory groundbreaking event at the TERI Campus of Life marking the commencement of construction on the 21,384 sq. ft. Zable Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centers will be held November 3, 2022, at 10:30 am. The Campus, created to serve children and adults with special needs, is located at 555 Deer Springs Road in San Marcos, CA. Completion of the Centers is expected in late 2023.

Construction was green-lighted following the recent match of a $1 million challenge grant awarded by the Warren J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation earlier this year. A significant contribution from long-time TERI benefactors The Tom and Mary Tomlinson Family Foundation as well as the Bruce and Jody Hansen Family Trust, the Bornemann Family Foundation, and numerous individual gifts were instrumental in meeting the challenge.

“We’re proud to serve as a catalyst and long-term TERI partner as they fulfill the vision of the new TERI Campus of Life,” said Warren Magill, President of the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation. “The values of the Zable family legacy are reflected in TERI’s innovative services within the special needs community. When we saw the results from our last $1 million challenge, we decided to support the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centers’ campaign in a similar way. The buildings will be community assets that expand services and encourage inclusivity in San Diego. Just visiting the Campus inspires you to be involved.”

“This celebration represents and honors so many who continue to believe in our dream to provide a lifespan of services to the special needs community,” said TERI CEO and Founder, Cheryl Kilmer. “The Zable Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centers will allow the children and adults we serve to embrace their natural creativity while experiencing joy, new levels of confidence, and healing.”

As a special demonstration of TERI talent, five members of the TERI Players performing arts group will be on hand dressed as personalities they’ve played in previous live performances. These characters range from the Mayor of Munchkin Land and the Wicked Witch of the East to Frankenstein and the Cirque Unique Elephant. Inspired artwork by TERI students including ceramics, painting, and mosaics will be displayed. Two students will demonstrate their artistic gifts live during the event.

The Zable Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centers include art studios, galleries, a 208-seat theater, advanced music, recording and production facilities, classrooms, and lecture space. Construction will be managed by San Diego-based and female-owned Johnson & Jennings General Contracting (J&J).

“One of J&J’s mantras is Building your Vision. As we commence this next phase of construction on Teri’s Campus of Life, we mark the beginning of a collaborative partnership between TERI and J&J. We could not be more proud to bring this vision to life,” said J&J CEO and President, Donna Vargo.

The groundbreaking event will be attended by TERI executive leadership, the TERI Board of Directors, San Diego District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, San Marcos Mayor, Rebecca Jones, Johnson & Jennings General Contracting President and CEO, Donna Vargo, and long-standing donors.

About TERI

Located in Oceanside and now also in San Marcos, CA, the TERI (Training, Education, Resource Institute) has provided highly specialized services and programs for individuals with special needs since 1980. This includes children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain trauma, severe behavioral disorders, dual diagnoses, and learning disabilities. The organization’s 20-acre TERI Campus of Life, under construction in San Marcos, provides a variety of programs including two non-public schools, fine arts, music and performing arts, health and wellness, therapeutic equestrian, and much more. TERI now serves over 900 children and their families and employs more than 500 people. When complete, the Campus will dramatically expand access and serve 3 times TERI’s current number of clients. The Campus is designed to be a unique multi-faceted destination for those individuals with special needs while offering dining, fitness, and entertainment options to the community.

For more information go to http://www.teriinc.org.

To learn about collaborative opportunities and how to support the TERI Campus of Life, contact Dan DeSaegher, Chief Development Officer, at dan.desaegher@teriinc.org.

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Bishop Thomas Blagg’s newly released “When God Came To Cooter” is a powerful story of a man’s journey to God


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“When God Came To Cooter”: a potent story of struggle, perseverance, and God’s grace. “When God Came To Cooter” is the creation of published author Bishop Thomas Blagg, a pastor and an evangelist in the Church of God. Bishop Blagg has served as a pastor for twenty-four years while evangelizing in other states and was ordained as a bishop at the age of twenty-five. He has served as a district overseer for eight years in the North Georgia Church of God and has served as the senior pastor of the Riverside Church of God for the past twelve years in Powder Springs, Georgia.

Bishop Blagg shares, “This is a book to let you know that God is with us in every stage of our lives, no matter where that place might be. I would like to think that when you read this, it will help you discover God for yourself just as I did, for to do that, this is not just a testimony of my life, but it is my goal to lift up the name of Jesus.

“My prayer is that you will receive more of him than I did. Otherwise, this book will be of no effect! Yes! God is with you right now!

“Matthew 28:20 says, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the world.’”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Bishop Thomas Blagg’s new book will encourage readers in their faith as a powerful testimony unfolds.

Bishop Blagg shares in hopes of bringing comfort and motivation to those who seek a deeper, more connected sense of faith.

Consumers can purchase “When God Came To Cooter” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “When God Came To Cooter,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Bible Study for Individuals and Small Groups” is engaging Bible study experience


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“For Everything There Is A…Story: Bible Study for Individuals and Small Groups”: an inspiring opportunity for exploring one’s spiritual roots. “For Everything There Is A…Story: Bible Study for Individuals and Small Groups” is the creation of published author Loren Spotts, a native of Oklahoma who studied at different universities to earn a master’s degree in comparative culture—mostly Oklahoma State University. He also picked up credit hours through correspondence courses and online classes offered by the Universities of Maryland, Denver, and Liberty.

Spotts shares, “FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A…STORY, a theme-based, multilevel study for individuals or small groups. It uses Bible stories to deepen our understanding of the Bible, our faith, and our lives while providing a jigsaw puzzle approach to the history and timeline of the Bible. The study can be done by individuals, but a small group of three to five persons will help enhance the study by allowing different points of view to be discussed.

“This study does not tell you what to believe. It helps you find the answers. Many stories in the Bible contain lessons that can be applied to situations today. You only need to find them. This study provides multiple-choice questions that have no wrong answers. All the options could be true, depending on your perspective. It is possible there are other answers that also apply.

“The study helps group members to understand each other by sharing your story, your spiritual beginnings, and where you are with God. Sharing is important to understand where someone is coming from. Many form lasting bonds and enduring friendships as an effect of this study.

“You only need a Holy Bible, a desire to learn, time to devote to the assigned readings, the questions that are provided, and the group meetings. One must also keep an open mind to the responses from others. You do not have to agree. Just understand each person has different backgrounds and experiences that give them a different perspective.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Loren Spotts’s new book will carefully guide individuals or groups in constructive study of God’s word.

Spotts draws from an eclectic study background to bring a relatable and encouraging study experience to readers seeking a deeper connection with their faith.

Consumers can purchase “For Everything There Is A…Story: Bible Study for Individuals and Small Groups” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “For Everything There Is A…Story: Bible Study for Individuals and Small Groups,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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