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.

NCIA Announces CEO and Co-Founder Herbert J. Hoelter’s Semi-Retirement and Foundation Launch


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“I have always felt that everyone deserves a second chance to be successful. And I am incredibly proud of the work we have done these past 45 years providing services for over 21,000 people, often when no other agency or program was available,” said Herb Hoelter CEO and co-founder of NCIA.

After 45 years of inspiring work, Herbert Hoelter, co-founder, is stepping aside from his role as Chief Executive Officer to launch and lead a new foundation dedicated to helping the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) expand its resources and impact as well as continuing to operate NCIA’s Criminal Justice Services Department.

“I have always felt that everyone deserves a second chance to be successful,” said Herb Hoelter. “And I am incredibly proud of the work we have done these past 45 years providing services for over 21,000 people, often when no other agency or program was available.”

NCIA provides integrated services for disabled or disadvantaged people, community living facilities, a Youth in Transition School, career development programs for the reentry population, and many other programs that improve lives and communities.

Since its founding, NCIA has operated in all 50 states, helping with over 15,000 criminal justice cases. It has grown from its initial work in criminal justice and institutional reform to supporting over 300 adults with disabilities, 75 youth with disabilities, and 500 economically disadvantaged people every year.

We are thrilled to announce that Carole Argo, NCIA’s current COO, will be stepping into the CEO role. Argo has been with the organization for over 13 years, serving in several capacities. Before joining NCIA, Carole served in Executive leadership roles in multiple companies and industries.

“Carole is capable and dedicated, and I couldn’t be happier that she has agreed to step into the role,” Hoelter says. “Her leadership has already helped us increase our reputation, enhance our effectiveness, and make us more sustainable. Carole and I share NCIA’s values and vision, and I look forward to seeing what we all can achieve with Carole at the helm.”

As of September 1, 2022, Herb Hoelter will focus his attention on launching and growing the NCIA Foundation. He will continue to serve on NCIA’s Board of Directors.

Because the people NCIA serves face multiple challenges, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, criminal records, lack of a support network, addiction, mental illness, and homelessness, the new foundation will help provide additional resources to help staff find creative ways to support those who need help the most, especially when few other social programs exist to meet an individual’s compounding needs.

“NCIA’s model of timely intervention, unconditional support, and personal attention has become a national model,” says incoming CEO Carole Argo. “With the help of the new foundation, we will be able to continue guiding even more disadvantaged people toward productive, socially acceptable lives.”

NCIA will celebrate Herb Hoelter’s 45 years of service and the launch of the foundation on September 15, 2022, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Sandra Mock-Myers at

443.780.1321 or smockmyers@ncianet.org.

About NCIA

Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) provides disability services, community living facilities, a Youth in Transition School, career development programs for reentry, and many other programs that improve lives and communities. NCIA’s mission is to help create a society in which all persons who come into contact with human service or correctional systems are provided an environment of individual care, concern and treatment. The staff at NCIA is dedicated to developing quality programs and professional services that advocate timely intervention and unconditional care and has become a national model.

Media Contact

Stephen Cooke

443-780-1354

scooke@ncianet.org

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On a Path That Pleases God” is an engaging narrative that offers guidance on how to live a godly life


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“Feet and Toes: On a Path That Pleases God”: a thoughtful opportunity for reflection that encourages spiritual growth. “Feet and Toes: On a Path That Pleases God” is the creation of published author Jack Sorg, a dedicated husband and former president of International Christian Youth who served in Bangladesh and Brazil by providing medical care and training.

Sorg shares, “The author has served as a cross-cultural missionary around the world. He found that many believers and church fellowships wrestle with questions surrounding liberty issues and legalism. They have confusion over how holiness and love join together. They struggle to understand the true meanings of self-control, patience, and godliness in their relations with others. They are unsure with whom they should have spiritual fellowship and from whom they must separate.

“To solve the issues, many believers and churches create a list of dos and don’ts. That list too often reflects cultural bias, traditions, and preferences. What is lacking is a distinctly scriptural view that gives insight beyond such a list. This book is for those who seek the answer to ‘What does the scripture say?’

“Feet and Toes is a short but clear description of the biblical principles for the common issues that confront believers and their churches. Almost every sentence is documented by scripture. Only a third of the book is the author’s writing while the rest is printed out scriptural references. After laying the groundwork for a path that is pleasing to God, the book covers the steps to true maturity in the Gospel.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Jack Sorg’s new book presents inspiring messages balanced with relevant scripture.

Sorg draws from his own personal journey and the individuals he’s met along the way to provide carefully detailed guidance based on God’s word.

Consumers can purchase “Feet and Toes: On a Path That Pleases God” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Feet and Toes: On a Path That Pleases God,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Lisa Pineo’s newly released “When the Rock Splits” is an engaging snapshot of the author’s key life experiences that have shaped a life of determined faith


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“When the Rock Splits”: a potent reminder of the comfort one can find when trusting in God. “When the Rock Splits” is the creation of published author Lisa Pineo, a dedicated wife and mother who teaches ESL at her alma mater and provides an ESL bridge program for The Stony Brook School, Stony Brook, NY, through her business, Reid Education Center, LLC.

Pineo shares, “How did I get here, and how do I make it stop?

“If addiction is a coin, then the addict is heads, and the codependent is tails. Three marriages, three kids, four homes, and two dogs later, life is far from where it should be—the housewife of a successful, stable, godly man and the mother of four boys.

“Growing up in a conservative minister’s home, living by faith, and trying very hard shouldn’t drive you into the hands of a drug addict. Or should it?

“Maybe there truly is hope when your life keeps splitting apart.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Lisa Pineo’s new book will resonate with many as she shares a deeply personal story of growth and healing.

Pineo shares in hopes of bringing readers a message of comfort and the promise of a brighter tomorrow within the pages of this heartfelt memoir.

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

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

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New Book Illustrates a Depiction of Heaven to Young Children


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“I invite children and parents to reimagine heaven as a place that is not dream-like or boring,” Eng said, “but more real than this life and a place that will properly satisfy our longing for meaningful and mentally fulfilling work.”

In “What is Heaven Like?” author Richard R. Eng tells a story through the eyes of a six-year-old boy named Jesse, who is asking his dad questions about heaven. His father teaches him that heaven is not any less real than earth and will be eternally satisfying.

Eng had the idea to write a children’s book after he and his wife experienced a miscarriage. Through the grieving process, he realized all the conversations he would never be able to have with their unborn child. He wrote the book based on an imaginative conversation with his unborn son, who they planned to name Jesse, telling him what heaven would be like.

Throughout the book, Jesse’s dad tells him that heaven is much more than just avoiding the bad parts of life, but a completely blissful state. The colorful illustrations included in the story visually articulate the theme of the book to young children.

“I invite children and parents to reimagine heaven as a place that is not dream-like or boring,” Eng said, “but more real than this life and a place that will properly satisfy our longing for meaningful and mentally fulfilling work.”

“What is Heaven Like?”

By Richard R. Eng

ISBN: 978-1-6642-5555-5 (softcover); 978-1-6642-5556-2 (e-book)

Available through WestBow Press, Barnes & Noble and Amazon

About the author

Richard R. Eng serves as the family pastor at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Neb. His education includes degrees in Bible and Student Ministry from Grace University, Omaha, Neb. and a Master of Arts in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas. Eng has written on faith and cultural issues for The Expository Times, Free Thinking Ministries, Cross Examined and other outlets. He and his wife share two children and reside in Holdrege, Neb. For more information, please visit http://www.richardreng.com

General Inquiries, Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE – Phoenix

Haylee Elmore

helmore@lavidge.com

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We Cannot Truly Love Others Until God’s Love Takes Root In Our Hearts


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Through my journey of being rejected and hurt, God showed me that I had formed bad seeds and my heart and I had to go through a healing process to allow for Him to plant seeds of love and acceptance into my heart

Author Ciera Fulcher illustrates the need for God’s love to flourish in our relationships in The Strawberry Seeds: The story of unconditional love ($12.49, paperback, 9781662851001; $5.99, e-book, 9781662851018).

Luke and Mia were high school sweethearts, with absolutely no idea how the seeds of insecurity and rejection already in their hearts would affect their budding relationship. Over the years, as more seeds are added to their inner gardens, they lose track of how to keep the plots under control. Only when God begins to work the soil can they experience unconditional love and begin to sow His seeds in the hearts of others.

“Through my journey of being rejected and hurt, God showed me that I had formed bad seeds and my heart and I had to go through a healing process to allow for Him to plant seeds of love and acceptance into my heart,” said Fulcher.

Ciera Fulcher is an evangelist, business owner, wife, homeschool teacher, ministry leader and mother of six. She serves her community through the outreach of Mother and Daughter Ministries as well as her business, Sparkle and Shine Beauty.

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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. The Strawberry Seeds is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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Big Changes for Amramp on Independence Day with New Name


Photo of Justin Gordon, Amramp Accessibility CEO

Justin Gordon, Amramp Accessibility CEO

This name change to Amramp Accessibility is a big move for our company because it more clearly defines what our company offers to people with mobility challenges.

On Independence Day, July 4, 2022, Amramp announced a name change to Amramp Accessibility, along with a new logo, new website and a new tribal narrative – Find Your Forward.

“This name change to Amramp Accessibility is a big move for our company because it more clearly defines what our company offers to people with mobility challenges. We made the announcement on our website on Independence Day because of the freedom and independence we provide to our customers with the products and services we offer,” said Justin Gordon, CEO.

The new website features a two-minute heartwarming story about a woman who finds her forward to spend more quality time with her granddaughter.

As Gordon explains, “Your Forward is what makes you get up in the morning. What moves you to move on. For people with mobility concerns, it could be wanting to spend time with children or grandchildren…wanting to continue to be part of the community…and sometimes just returning to normal daily activities like gardening, painting, meeting with a friend…or just being able to go outside to get the mail every day by yourself. We want to help them celebrate that and share their stories.”

Based in Randolph, MA, Amramp Accessibility provides more freedom and independence for people with mobility challenges with wheelchair ramps, stair lifts,

grab bars, vertical platform lifts, pool lifts and other accessibility equipment for residential homes and commercial buildings. Amramp Accessibility has a nationwide network of franchises from coast-to-coast and parts of Canada. For more information on Amramp, please visit our website https://www.amramp.com/ or call at 800-649-5215.

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Author James C. Bennett’s new book “Ellie’s New Path ” is a compelling sequel allowing the reader to become Ellie and experience her life after loss


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James C. Bennett, an author who uses his writing to achieve acceptance and peace of mind, has completed his new book “Ellie’s New Path ”: a compelling tale of love, loss, and the power to go on.

“Ellie’s New Path is a sequel to Ellie’s Path. When a true love dies, you feel that you have died with them. But life does go on. Become Ellie and experience her new grasp on life with her new neighbors and friends.”

Published by Page Publishing, James C. Bennett’s evocative tale allows the reader to step into Ellie’s shoes to experience her life after loss and cultivate a new understanding of herself through those around her.

Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase “Ellie’s New Path ” 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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Planted with Purpose” is a powerful message of one’s potential in God’s plan


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“Seed to Harvest: Planted with Purpose”: a powerful message of each person’s worth. “Seed to Harvest: Planted with Purpose” is the creation of published author Shawna DeForest Morby, a wife, mom, and part-owner (with her husband) of a music lesson studio in Surprise, Arizona

Morby shares, “Do you ever wonder why the Bible uses so many references to seeds, plants, and harvest? Or why the first home for humanity was a garden? Does the abundance of foliage all around us perhaps have some wisdom from our maker entwined within its roots?

“When we compare our lives to the life cycle of plants, we can see similarities that allow us to relate, and in that relationship, there is wisdom and answers. Our world is surrounded by plant life in various stages of their life cycle, from seed form to harvest. There’s no mistake that God first created a garden and had us work the ground. God’s garden is the world around us! When we sit in the garden, not only are we blessed by God’s colorful artistry, but we find wisdom for how to live our lives in abundance, producing fruit for God’s harvest.

“As you read this book, you will discover God’s love, his plan, and his purpose for you as you compare yourself to the seed, sprout, leaves, flowers, fruit, and harvest. You will also learn from God’s divine design as we study the storms and pests that may hinder growth and stall or completely stop a potential harvest. How can we be prepared to weather the storms in our life? Is there something to be learned from the plants that have survived through drought, storms, and pests?

“You do not have to be a farmer or gardener to enjoy this book because everything we discuss is all around you! If your thumb isn’t even the faintest bit of green you can still gain great wisdom from this book. God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called and that is you!

“Believe it or not, you are valuable. You are important in God’s massive design, and he wants your help with the harvest. This book dives deep into the promises of God and how he planted you specifically with a purpose to enact change in this world, whether big or small, it’s all impactful and so are you.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Shawna DeForest Morby’s new book offers an encouraging opportunity for reflection and growth that will motivate readers both personally and spiritually.

Morby’s positivity and hopeful message are certain to engage readers seeking opportunities for growth and a rejuvenation of spirit.

Consumers can purchase “Seed to Harvest: Planted with Purpose” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Seed to Harvest: Planted with Purpose,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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The United Methodist Church Releases 2021 State of the Church Report


The United Methodist Church has released the 2021 State of the Church Report, which centers around the theme of claiming our identity. Beginning with Jesus’ question to Peter in Matthew 16, “Who do you say that I am?” the question is posed to the UMC, “Who do we say that we are?” as the church seeks to affirm the basis of their identity in faith and service to Christ.

“This State of the Church Report is about how The United Methodist Church over the past year has sought to better define its missional and theological identity,” said Bishop Christian Alsted, chair of the Connectional Table. “We have done this at a very sensitive time in the life of our church and in the context of a global pandemic, multiple postponements of General Conference and our decades-long struggle over our understanding of human sexuality and how to be in ministry to all people.”

With this in mind, the report is built around the engaging #BeUMC campaign, which celebrates how the church sees itself as United Methodists. Celebrating the life-changing, diverse and global nature of the UMC, the report includes related articles that illustrate the four themes reflected in the #BeUMC campaign:

  •     Disciple making
  •     Belonging and inclusion
  •     Influence, connection & impact
  •     Experience of God through the UMC

The #BeUMC campaign is consistent with the Council of Bishops’ Narrative for the Continuing United Methodist Church, which begins: “United Methodists all over the globe are liturgical, contemporary, charismatic, social activists, urban, suburban, small town, rural and much more. We are children, youth, young adults, senior adults, new Christians, and mature Christians. We are present on four continents, in more than 45 countries, and we comprise an unknown number of cultures and languages. We are a holy communion of different races, ethnicities, cultures, and perspectives united by the Holy Spirit, driven by the mission of Christ, and bearing the good news of an unmerited grace that changes lives and transforms communities.”

These efforts were conceived with a broad range of collaborative partners. The Council of Bishops worked alongside the Connectional Table and United Methodist Communications, in coordination with the general agencies and other voices across the connection, to effectively shape messaging to help generate conversation about what it means to be United Methodist.

View this report, as well as past reports, online at http://resourceumc.org/SOTC. Local churches and annual conferences are encouraged to post on their websites and there is an option to download the video for use in Sunday worship or annual conference sessions.

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About The United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church has more than 12 million members globally, with over 43,000 churches in 45+ countries on four continents. Our mission is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Learn more at UMC.org.

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The Book of David” is a passionate collection of poetry offered in both Spanish and English


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“El libro de David: The Book of David”: a heartfelt celebration of love in all its forms. “El libro de David: The Book of David” is the creation of published author Marivel Vermeal, a native of Puebla, Mexico.

Vermeal shares, “The Book of David Book 1 is a collection of intimate poems and letters the author shares for us to remember the multiple forms and experiences that love can bring. Her obsession to find true love, put her in a depressive state, yet above all show her faith in God, that she is walking the right path to find it.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Marivel Vermeal’s new book will resonate with many as readers explore the author’s inner most thoughts.

Vermeal shares a passionate collection of poetic works that take readers to the root of all love and beyond.

Consumers can purchase “El libro de David: The Book of David” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “El libro de David: The Book of David,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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