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.

Stellar MLS First in Florida to Offer ‘Finding Homes’ Search by Voice for Blind and Visually Impaired Home Searchers


Stellar MLS is proud to collaborate with Lundy, Inc. to bring search by voice and enhanced data accessibility to our customers, their prospects, homebuyers, and sellers who are searching for homes in the Stellar MLS coverage area! Now, with Lundy’s comprehensive voice-activated property search engine via Amazon’s Alexa app, blind and visually impaired individuals will be immersed in the home buying experience.

“This partnership with Stellar MLS signals a remarkable shift in the responsibility MLSs are taking to solve these complex, fair housing and accessibility issues. Stellar is facing these issues head-on without fear, and it is an honor to be a part of the team. With the help of our MLS partners, our technology will revolutionize the ADA accessibility of data while addressing consumer search trends, like accessing information by voice while multi-tasking or driving. As a result, this tool has a much larger application to the general public than our core mission. It is exciting to be a part of such important work,” said Justin Lundy, Co-Founder and CEO of Lundy, Inc.

Lundy takes key data on residential listings and delivers listing information in small but informative sentences. On top of that, users can search by property address or set a search by asking Alexa about property characteristics like price range or number of bedrooms.

“Stellar MLS is committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and equal access to data in the Real Estate arena. We will continue to seek out and provide access to products such as voice-activated search to align with our philosophy of inclusivity,” commented Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS.

The partnership between Stellar MLS and Lundy follows Stellar’s recent efforts to enhance accessibility for their subscribers by updating their various web properties to an AA rating per the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Lundy, Inc. is also partnered with MetroList® MLS, Utah Real Estate, and West Arizona Data Exchange (WARDEX) to provide Finding Homes search by voice to those markets.

About Stellar MLS

Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, Stellar MLS (Stellar) is Florida’s largest multiple listing service (MLS) company, with over 70,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Offering a comprehensive suite of the industry’s best products and world-class customer service, Stellar MLS is committed to helping brokers and agents thrive in tomorrow’s competitive real estate market. Learn more at stellarmls.com.

About Lundy, Inc.

Lundy (http://www.getlundy.io) makes real estate data accessible by syndicating it to voice on the Amazon Alexa platform. The company’s natural language processing provides a conversational interface to search for and learn about homes for sale. Lundy’s mission is to serve the blind and visually impaired while benefiting millions of consumers who want quick access to real estate prices and facts by voice, at home, or while driving. Co-founders Justin and Jim Grady combine real estate industry experience and technology backgrounds to bring the vision of shopping for homes by voice to life.

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Commission for Case Manager Certification’s new board leadership affirms dedication to quality and case manager empowerment


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The Commission for Case Manager Certification® announced its 2022.2023 Board officer slate today. As the first and largest nationally accredited organization providing case management and disability management specialist certification, the Commission advocates for professional growth and lifelong learning. It does so through research-based exams and continuing education credits while maintaining ethical standards to maximize consumer protection, scientific understanding and quality case management practice.

Teresa (Teri) Treiger, RN, MA, CCM, FABQAURP, will serve as chair of the 17-member volunteer board. She has been a certified case manager since 2001. With her background in case management, nursing, health care administration and care management, she deeply understands the vital role of CCMs in health care.

Treiger is the founder and principal at Ascent Care Management—providing private case management services, consulting and more. She is also an editor and featured columnist for Professional Case Management’s The Heartbeat of Case Management. In the past, she served as and National President of the Case Management Society of America and was a founding board member of the National Transitions of Care Coalition.

“Every day, I see my service as vitally connected to the mission, vision and value of certification,” Treiger said. “It’s bigger than me and today’s Commission, and even bigger than the 50,000+ board certified CCM and CDMS holders. We possess a legacy and pledge to advocate for professional case management excellence through certification and interrelated programs.

We have the privilege of upholding a commitment to consumer protection and quality case management practice, as well as being the keepers of case management ethical standards and behavior.”

In addition to Treiger, the Commission’s 2022.2023 officers are:

  • Chair-Elect: Ed Quick, MA, MBA, CDMS, Senior Manager of Global Leave and Time Away Programs for a large technology company;
  • Secretary: Patricia Nunez, MA, CRC, CDMS, CCM, Director, Claim Supply Management, CNA;
  • Treasurer: Anne Mercer, CIA, CFE, CFSA, Managing Director, Standards & Guidance, Institute of Internal Auditors; and
  • Immediate Past-Chair: Jared Young, Psy.D., CAADC, LCSW, CCM, Founder & Practitioner, Private Practice.

The Commission also added two new board members:

  • Rebecca Fisco, CDMS, Manager, Vocational Services and Operations, The Ohio State University; and
  • R. Keith Franklin, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, ACS, CEAP, CCM, EAP Psychologist, Department of Defense

“In the turmoil of the last few years and with the health care landscape continuing to evolve, case managers continue to play a vital role as patient advocates,” said MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP, Commission CEO. “We’re focused on the whole-person and the professional community, encouraging CCMs, CDMS and members of the care team to care for themselves and clients while pursuing lifelong learning.”

“Our Commissioners bring a deep understanding of case management best practices derived from their wealth of experience,” Kurland added. “Their expertise informs and helps support the quality of our credentialing programs and maintains the certifications as the gold standard, while empowering practitioners to reach their highest potential by developing themselves personally and professionally.”

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About the Commission for Case Manager Certification:

The Commission for Case Manager Certification is the first and largest nationally accredited case management certification organization, credentialing more than 50,000 professional case managers and disability management specialists. The Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the process of case manager certification with its CCM® and CDMS® credentials. Offering an extensive portfolio of certification and professional advancement activities, the Commission is the most active and prestigious certification organization supporting the practices of case management and disability management. For more information, visit http://www.ccmcertification.org and http://www.cdms.org, connect with the Commission on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CCM_Cert.

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Author Wants to Share God’s Love and Light with Readers


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Author Delores J Porter finds joy and love in her relationship with God. Through the highs and lows in her life, she saw people blame tragedies as God’s will. Porter disagrees strongly with this view, and in her book “God Out of the Shadows: Book Two,” she hopes to show readers that God has no darkness in him, and he is not to blame for the bad things that happen in the world.

“God Out of the Shadows” is a deep dive into the Bible and its true teachings. It addresses where modern Christian theology came from, and where it has been confused or distorted from God’s intended meaning. Utilizing evidence from the Bible, Porter wants to show readers that God loves every human being the same, and accepts all who will believe in him.

“It is time that people know the truth about God,” Porter said. “I started writing ‘God Out of the Shadows’ on Easter, 2020, to show people his love and grace and that he is always there to hear their whispered prayer to save, heal, deliver and protect. All good gifts come from the father above.”

Porter hopes that her book will help readers understand that God has never orchestrated adversities in anyone’s life.

“God’s true character that Jesus taught has been distorted and Satan laughs while God gets the blame for his own dirty works,” Porter said. “I believe the fables that got into the foundation of Christianity, back in the dark ages and continued in our Bible colleges, have stolen the truth about God, which has stolen our faith and miracles.”

Through her book, Porter looks to share what she has found to be God’s true teachings and hopes that readers will find a renewed love and relationship with God.

“God Out of the Shadows: Book Two”

By Delores J. Porter

ISBN: 9781669806035 (softcover); 9781669806028 (electronic)

Available at Xlibris, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

By occupation, Delores J. Porter is a hairstylist, and treasures the special moments with her clients and friends. Besides being an author, she has been a teacher and songwriter. It has always been her desire and joy to pray with people, first sharing with them that “God is love, and in him is no darkness at all,” “All good gifts come from the Father,” and “God has no respect of persons. What he does for one, he will do for all.” She has earned a two-year college diploma in theology and believes that the Holy Spirit should be everyone’s true teacher.

To learn more, please visit https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/835932-god-out-of-the-shadows.

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General Inquiries:            

LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        

Ashley Fletcher

afletcher@lavidge.com

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Allie M. French’s newly released “Wings” is a charming tale of a mischievous angel who can’t quite seem to fit in with the other angels


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“Wings”: a creative story of Earth’s creation. “Wings” is the creation of published author Allie M. French, a dedicated wife and mother with a passion for the creative arts.

French shares, “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Everything He did was perfect and good. But what else was happening in Heaven during creation?

“Meet Wings, a mischievous angel working hard to earn his wings—a goal he just can’t see happening. His robes are torn, and he always seems to be in trouble. A mysterious room with a blue floating sphere will change all that. Little does he know he will take part in the creation of something wonderful!

“Wings brings imagination and creativity to children while learning about God’s creation of the earth. Wings teaches children that God created each and every one of us exactly as He wanted, flaws and all. He sees our personalities as perfect, and each individual is fully loved by Him. God’s Spirit lives in each and every one of us.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Allie M. French’s new book will delight and entertain as young readers get to know a special little angel named Wings.

French shares with readers a relatable character that truly brings God’s intentions for His creation to life within the pages of this vibrant work.

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

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

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Refreshing Self-Help Book Teaches You The Critical Importance of Pushing The Next Generation Forward


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I believe that everyone has a purpose in life and part of that purpose is to make life better for the next generations.

Author Kwamane O. Harris challenges readers to understand the importance of learning from past mistakes to encourage others in Pushing the Generations Forward: Finding Your Purpose Through the Next Generation ($13.99, paperback, 9781662855733; $5.99, e-book, 9781662855740).

This compelling book from Harris is for anyone who needs take the first step in discovering their true purpose in life. He believes that a life without purpose is a life that leaves one feeling empty and useless. He provides hope to readers that the best way to find their purpose is through the next generation. In fact, the outcome of the next generation is a direct result of how the first generation moves away from a life of “surviving” to a life of “thriving.”

Adopting the concept of “pushing the generations forward” is a much-needed mental shift that goes beyond current thought systems. No matter where one finds themself in life today, there is a responsibility to learn from past mistakes, face every generational curse and break the generational traumas that may have plagued a family line for centuries. Harris includes thought-provoking and relevant issues such as spirituality, racism, oppression, mental health, purpose, growth and fixed mindsets, brain science and resilience. After reading this book, readers will push the next generation into a life of thriving, a life filled with opportunities and a fulfilling life of true purpose.

When asked what inspired the author to write this book, Harris said, “I believe that everyone has a purpose in life and part of that purpose is to make life better for the next generations.”

Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Business Administration and is a Certified Professional Life Coach. He was the recipient of Utah’s “Business Magazine Top 20 in their 20’s” award. He has been supporting at risk youth and families for the last 15 years and possesses a proven ability to engage youth and families through advocacy, civic engagement and evidence-based prevention programming. Most recently, Harris worked with the United Nations Civil Society Youth Committee that led outreach initiatives for the 68th Civil Society Conference, which was attended by 2,000 representatives from more than 500 civil society organizations from over 100 countries. Harris loves spending time with his wife, family and friends. He also enjoys sports and mountain biking.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Pushing the Generations Forward: Finding Your Purpose Through the Next Generation is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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Christian Community Credit Union Donates $5,000 to ABHMS’ Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief


Photo of flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

Christian Community Credit Union donated $5,000 towards ABHMS’ relief effort in response to the devastating flash floods throughout
Eastern Kentucky. (Photo courtesy of Ryan C. Hermens.)

Natural disasters are devastating to all, and it is imperative that we unite as Christians in bringing hope and much needed care to our fellow brothers and sisters who have been impacted.

Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) donated $5,000 to American Baptist Home Missions Societies (ABHMS) relief effort in response to the devastating flash floods throughout Eastern Kentucky. The unimaginable levels of destruction have led to the loss of lives, hundreds of homes destroyed, and the displacement of thousands of residents.

The funds for the donation come from CCCU’s “Cards that Give to Missions” program, in which a portion of the Credit Union’s interchange income (fees merchants pay to card issuers) is donated when cardholders use their Christian Community Credit Union-issued credit cards for purchases.

“Our prayers are with those impacted by the recent floods in Eastern Kentucky,” said Blair Korschun, Christian Community Credit Union President and CEO. “Natural disasters are devastating to all, and it is imperative that we unite as Christians in bringing hope and much needed care to our fellow brothers and sisters who have been impacted. I encourage you to join CCCU in making a difference by donating to ABHMS or other organizations to help victims of the Kentucky floods.”

“I want to thank CCCU for their bounteous financial contribution to disaster relief for victims of the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky,” says Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of ABHMS. “This $5,000 gift not only advances our One Great Hour of Sharing offering considerably—it reflects CCCU’s long-standing generosity in partnering with American Baptists to address human needs in times of crisis.”

Help Support ABHMS’ Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Effort

ABHMS has launched a One Great Hour of Sharing campaign to raise much needed resources to Our Brothers and Sisters in Kentucky. To support ABHMS’ relief effort, please click here.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico. One Great Hour of Sharing is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering received by churches.

Christian Community Credit Union has over $880 million in assets and over 30,000 members nationwide. For over 65 years, the Credit Union has served as a financial partner of Christian ministries, churches, and their members.

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A Proven Beach Accessibility Technology is Coming to North America


Seatrac Mover System

Seatrac Mover System

“It gives people the freedom and flexibility to do things on their own that before this, they had to have their friends and family do this with them, which was a Herculean task in many cases, and basically they had no freedom or independence,” said Brian Bergman

SEATRAC is an environmentally friendly solution as it utilizes solar energy as its only power source. The SEATRAC system is patented in Greece, the EU, and the USA, and TOBEA West is the exclusive distributor for the whole western hemisphere. Over the past 10 years, SEATRAC has proven popular in Europe, especially in Greece where the device was invented. There are more than 160 of these devices are in use in Europe from Italy to Latvia with more on the way.

The SEATRAC system consists of the solar powered conveyance track that is totally controlled by the user. There are currently two models, one for minimal tidal changes and one that can be moved for any tidal change and stored away in an optional SEATRAC changing and storage shed. The system provides a fixed track chair that can be moved into and out of the water if someone chooses to take a swim or just get them to the water’s edge. The system has multiple safety features and is constantly communicating its operation to the team at TOBEA.

The system also provides a series of optional services that will be there for a person with disabilities to be able to enjoy a day at the beach. Options include signage options, a changing room and storage shed as well as security locker and an optional shower and smart phone enabled login system.

“It gives people the freedom and flexibility to do things on their own that before this, they had to have their friends and family do this with them, which was a Herculean task in many cases, and basically they had no freedom or independence,” said Brian Bergman, Contract Administrator and owner of TOBEA West, Inc. and SeatracUSA.com

TOBEA West, Incorporated found at http://www.seatracusa.com has plans to provide the systems to resorts, municipalities as well as public and private beaches.

The website will soon begin to show beach locations where you can find the SEATRAC systems.

Since 2012, TOBEA (Thinking Οut of the Βox Εngineering Applications) engineers have deployed and refined systems that have been encouraging, assisting and inspiring people to gain independence and further their access to the beach and the water.

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Regina Lanette’s newly released “I Can’t Handle This By Myself” is an encouraging message of God’s grace when faced with a life-altering event


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“I Can’t Handle This By Myself”: a heartfelt message of hope for those facing a traumatic loss. “I Can’t Handle This By Myself” is the creation of published author Regina Lanette.

Lanette shares, “this true life story is proof of how the devil will use people you are close to in order to destroy you. When you are already so weak, the devil will harm you while you are down. I heard a man say once the devil kicked the dog that was already dead. One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t know how strong you are until you have no other option.

“Regina Lanette is the CEO of RL Managerial Company. She is passionate about helping other discover success in their professional endeavors. Regina is blessed with a beautiful family that she loves beyond measure and is grateful for all God is doing in her life.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Regina Lanette’s new book brings readers into a deeply personal experience, all while professing an abiding trust in God which carried the author through.

Lanette brings readers a powerful reminder of God’s plan for all within the pages of this concise autobiographical work.

Consumers can purchase “I Can’t Handle This By Myself” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “I Can’t Handle This By Myself,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Author Candace A. Braxton’s new book “Unlocking the Treasures of God” is a faith based story meant to guide the reader to reach their full religious potential


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Candace A. Braxton, has completed her new book “Unlocking the Treasures of God”: a faith based narrative to enlighten people.

Braxton shares, “Unlocking the Treasures of God is written to inspire individuals to reach their full potential by knowing who they are in Jesus Christ and that they are limitless beings if they put their faith in God. It explains Romans 10:9–14 and 10:17 (NIV) in a simplified and creative manner. We have unlimited potential, and God’s children have to claim the promises of God by faith that God will do exactly what His word says. Unlocking the Treasures of God is designed to walk a person through the process of having a fulfilling life of divine guidance and favor. It is created to enlighten individuals about trusting in God’s word and experiencing a daily relationship with God as we learn to practice His presence with us no matter what situation we are in.”

Published by Page Publishing, Candace A. Braxton’s compelling tale shows believers of all the potential they have within themselves if only they open their hearts and minds to receive God’s endless love.

Readers who wish to experience this spiritual work can purchase “Unlocking the Treasures of God” 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 knows that authors need to 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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Collins Price, PLLC Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary in Winston-Salem


“Despite the challenges any small business faces, we’ve been able to steadily grow our service area without compromising the quality of service we offer our clients.”

Brad Collins and Andrew Price, founders of Winston-Salem Social Security Disability law firm Collins Price, PLLC, announced the firm will celebrate a decade in business this month.

Attorneys Collins and Price are experienced Social Security Disability lawyers who first met as law students at Wake Forest University’s School of Law and then later worked for a similar disability law firm before leaving to found their own. The partners founded Collins Price, PLLC on August 17, 2012 in Winston-Salem.

“Founding the business in Winston-Salem made a lot of sense for us. We had access to excellent office space, reasonable rent, an adequate customer base and close proximity to other cities throughout the greater Piedmont Triad and Charlotte-metro areas,” said Attorney Collins.

Since their founding, Collins Price has added three physical locations and additional service areas to serve clients throughout North Carolina.

“Despite the challenges any small business faces, we’ve been able to steadily grow our service area without compromising the quality of service we offer our clients,” said Attorney Price. “Our very first hire is still with us and helped us build out a strong support team of Case Managers along the way.”

Collins Price, PLLC has almost 180 five-star reviews on Google. The firm wishes to thank the thousands of Winston-Salem clients and their families who trusted the firm with their Social Security Disability claim over the last 10 years.

About Collins Price, PLLC

Collins Price, PLLC is a Social Security Disability law firm founded by Attorneys Brad Collins and Andrew Price in 2012. Both partners met at Wake Forest University where they attended law school. Collins Price, PLLC focuses on the practice of Social Security Disability Law, serving clients seeking or appealing denied benefits for the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs. Collins Price, PLLC serves claimants throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit us online.

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