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.

Society: Christianity

Thomas Sarge’s newly released “2 WAYS to HELL” is a compelling examination of the dangers of passive faith

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“2 WAYS to HELL”: a potent call to spiritual arms that will challenge and encourage. “2 WAYS to HELL” is the creation of published author Thomas Sarge.

Sarge shares, “2 Ways to HELL is a compelling ‘must read’. Intended to stir up ‘casual believers’ (those who don’t take eternal issues seriously). We all will face eternity when we die. It is the intention of the author to make a person aware of lethargy and complacency and other deceiving issues. Reading this will open your eyes and understanding and keep you out of hell.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Thomas Sarge’s new book is a thought-provoking examination of faith and common problems faced by many believers today.

Sarge shares in hopes of encouraging others to turn back to God and to nurture a strong spiritual life.

Consumers can purchase “2 WAYS to HELL” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “2 WAYS to HELL,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

K-LOVE On Demand’s “Empty Stage with Andrew Greer” Debuts with Hitmaker Tasha Layton

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Tasha Layton (left) and Andrew Greer chat on the set of “Empty Stage.”

“Allowing viewers to stream compelling television like ‘Empty Stage’ for free, enjoying the probing questions of faith and life and the detailed answers the format provides—all completely uninterrupted by ads or pop-ups—is the ultimate goal of K-LOVE On Demand.” —Steve Gilreath, K-LOVE On Demand


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB)

Continuing its mission to offer audiences a variety of compelling new ways to connect with today’s top Christian artists, K-LOVE On Demand—the powerhouse radio network’s free video streaming service—presents the highly anticipated new series “Empty Stage with Andrew Greer.” The debut episode, featuring an exclusive glimpse into the life of singer/songwriter and #1 hitmaker Tasha Layton, is now available.

Layton, whose hope-filled hits “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be OK)” and “Look What You’ve Done” have made her one of the fastest rising stars in Christian music this decade, sat down with Greer to discuss a range of topics, including the restoration of her faith following a season of doubt; her years on the road with pop superstar Katy Perry; and the art of joyfully juggling her work/life balance. In addition to the deeply personal conversation, Layton shared a stirring acoustic performance of her anthemic new single “How Far,” the title-cut from her recently released BEC Recordings debut.

“’Empty Stage’ is an exciting leap forward for K-LOVE On Demand,” says Steve Gilreath, supervising producer, K-LOVE On Demand. “Our vision to explore the hearts of artists behind the scenes has been captured by Andrew Greer, a rare breed of interviewer. His time with Tasha revealed new facets of her captivating life story while putting his hosting talents on full display.”

“As a kid growing up in Texas, attending as many concerts as I could, I was ever-fascinated by the behind-the-music motivations of the artists performing onstage—their stories and what made them tick,” shares Greer, who serves as host, director and co-producer of “Empty Stage.” “When the crowds are gone, the applause has died down, the lights have faded, and all that remains in that space is a person and their Creator, who is that artist then. Hopefully the conversation that transpires between us on that empty stage can be the beginning of a new inspiration and some new conversations for viewers in their own circumference of community.”

Up next, “Empty Stage with Andrew Greer” is set to spotlight the iconic CeCe Winans, one of the best-selling and most awarded female Gospel artists of all time. Winans’ episode will be available July 7 via K-LOVE On Demand.

“Allowing viewers to stream compelling television like ‘Empty Stage’ for free, enjoying the probing questions of faith and life and the detailed answers the format provides—all completely uninterrupted by ads or pop-ups—is the ultimate goal of K-LOVE On Demand,” Gilreath adds.

Executive produced by Bill Reeves, David Pierce and Jim Houser, “Empty Stage with Andrew Greer” is produced by April Dace and co-produced by Chris Cameron, Andrew Greer and Jessica Grow. The series is directed by Greer, with Steve Gilreath serving as supervising producer for K-LOVE On Demand.

About K-LOVE On Demand

Launched in 2020, K-LOVE On Demand is designed to reach an audience beyond radio, offering more ways to connect with K-LOVE artists. A free video streaming service, K-LOVE On Demand offers a wealth of compelling musical performances, devotionals, art, lifestyle, and other original programs. The intent of each video is to encourage, entertain, and move viewers closer to Jesus.

About Educational Media Foundation

Educational Media Foundation (EMF) began as a single, nonprofit radio station in 1982 and is now the parent company to K-LOVE and Air1—the nation’s largest Christian music radio networks. Broadcasting on more than 1,000 signals across all 50 states to 18 million listeners weekly, EMF is also among the top 10 U.S.-based audio streaming companies, currently streaming in 189 countries. In recent years, EMF has expanded to include WTA Media (faith-based films and publishing), AccessMore (podcast network), K-LOVE On Demand (video streaming) and more. The ministry continues to grow with the mission of creating compelling media that inspires and encourages audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. Now entering its 40th year, EMF employs nearly 500 team members and is transitioning its headquarters from Northern California to the Nashville area, the heart of the Christian media industry.

View the “Empty Stage with Andrew Greer” trailer here.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

DesignRush Partners with AccessiBe to Emphasize the Key Reasons Websites Should Be ADA Compliant

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OHRID, North Macedonia (PRWEB)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26% of US adults live with some form of disability. Also, three-quarters of them claim to use the internet on a daily basis, Pew Research Center reports. Yet, in their research, accessiBe found out that 98% of the world’s top one million websites fail to offer full accessibility.

This suggests that most businesses are missing the opportunity to offer a user-friendly experience on their websites to the entirety of their potential audience, hence failing to engage and convert these users.

To make sure businesses provide a unified website experience to people with disabilities, DesignRush partnered with accessiBe, an AI-powered web accessibility solution, to share the key reasons websites should be ADA Compliant.

DesignRush users can exclusively take advantage of the tool’s free demo and get a 20% commission for every client’s website they make accessible with accessiBe.

The key reasons to make your website accessible are:

1) Expand Your Customer Base

The American Institute for Research (AIR) found out that people with disabilities in the US have almost half a trillion dollars in disposable income. If your website is not ADA compliant or if it fails to offer full accessibility, you are missing out on the purchasing power of millions of potential customers.

2) Avoid Penalties

With the increased number of businesses that operate online, lawsuits around ADA compliance have become more frequent.

Even unintentionally, failing to meet ADA standards can result in:


  • Legal fees

  • PR issues

  • The costs of building ADA compliant website

It suggests that businesses should follow the recommendations of the US Department of Justice on ADA compliance guidelines and ensure their websites offer an intuitive user experience.

3) Improve Your SEO Efforts

As search engines evolve, their web crawlers pay more attention to human intention. Google prioritizes ranking websites built with web accessibility and the ADA guidelines in mind.

Therefore, websites that adhere to ADA guidelines rank better in search results than websites that are not ADA compliant. This increases the chances of getting a greater amount of traffic.

4) Save Money in the Long Run

While some business owners believe that the ADA website compliance is a large financial undertaking, it can actually save money and effort in the long run.

Needless to say, a lawsuit may cost you much more than a web redesign in the future.

5) Be Socially Responsible & Improve Your Business Reputation

Above everything else, the ADA prohibits discrimination. Hence, making your website accessible is an act that implies that your business is socially responsible and cares about the best interests of disabled people.

An additional benefit is that this act will help establish a reputable presence online, showing that you treat all your potential consumers the same.

For more information on what ADA compliance is and how to make your website fully ADA compliant, visit: https://www.designrush.com/agency/software-development/trends/what-is-ada-compliance.

About DesignRush:

DesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects.

About accessiBe:

accessiBe is an AI-powered web accessibility solution that empowers businesses of all sizes to take the inclusive approach and comply with ADA & WCAG.

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Society: Social Services

Community Housing Network announces $14 million housing investment in Sault Ste. Marie

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The historical site has been a vacant property for nearly 30 years and will soon be adapted into 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The surrounding property will also be home to 22 newly constructed apartments.


SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (PRWEB)

Community Housing Network, southeast Michigan’s largest housing resource nonprofit organization recently announced its most recent development project in Sault Ste. Marie will break ground this spring with support from state funding and the local community. This housing development marks its first in Chippewa County.

Garfield Landing, which the project is named, is located the former site of Garfield School. The historical site has been a vacant property for nearly 30 years and will soon be adapted into 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The surrounding property will also be home to 22 newly constructed apartments.

“The former Garfield School is set on a beautiful property with views of the Sault Ste. Marie energy canal. Community Housing Network is working closely with the State Historic Preservation Office to preserve much of the architecture and historical aspect of the main building,’ said CJ Felton, Community Housing Network Director of Real Estate Development. “There has been a need for more housing, and affordable housing, in this area for some time. CHN is honored to be working with several partners in this amazing community to see it develop and grow.”

Community Housing Network is currently working with National Parks Service to have Garfield Landing, which was built in the late 1800s, placed on the national register of historic places. With this designation, the adaptive re-use of the school building would be eligible for federal historic tax credits. CHN received a majority of funding for its Garfield Landing project through the state’s housing tax credit. In addition, Central Bank, Sault Ste. Marie’s oldest financial institution will be partnering for its long-term debt.

Both the Chippewa County Community Foundation and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians have joined CHN as economic development partners.

“In 2017, the Chippewa County Community Foundation (CCCF) reviewed our investment policy and made the decision to add ‘impact investing’ to our investment strategy,” said Debbie Jones, executive director, Chippewa County Community Foundation. “When CHN approached CCCF about a partnership to develop workforce housing, we saw it as a perfect fit to provide much-needed affordable housing and still have a return on our investable assets. Since this was our first project that involved ‘impact investing,’ we were very cautious and knew we needed to do a significant amount of due diligence. The staff of CHN has been great to work with and provided all the information and support we needed to feel confident we were making a great investment by partnering with CHN. I am very excited to keep moving forward with this project and see the results of everyone’s hard work.’

In addition to Garfield Landing, CHN will begin construction on its first-ever market-rate apartment community in the current County Annex Building.

“Sault Ste. Marie is a small, yet vibrant community on the brink of continued economic development, highlighted by the ongoing nearly $1 billion, 10-year project to expand the historic Soo Locks,” said Felton. “Our mission is to develop inclusive communities and invest in the revitalization. These projects will provide a combined $14 million investment in Sault Ste. Marie while offering access to sustainable housing for local residents and those looking to live and work in the area.

CHN plans to host a groundbreaking event in the summer of 2022 inviting the community to take part in this exciting and historic project.

Community Housing Network is Southeast Michigan’s largest housing resource nonprofit agency opening doors and changing lives for people in need through proven strategies of homeless prevention, housing assistance and development, community education and referral, advocacy, and additional services. The organization carries out its work in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties. For the past seven years, it was recognized by the Detroit Free Press as a Top 100 Workplace. In 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 CHN was honored as a Crain’s Cool Place to Work. For more information, visit http://www.communityhousingnetwork.org.

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Society: Christianity

Dawn Rennhack’s newly released “My Walk with Jesus” is an engaging memoir that follows the highs and lows of life through a lens of faith

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“My Walk with Jesus”: a thoughtful reflection on the valleys and victories of a life lived in faith. “My Walk with Jesus” is the creation of published author Dawn Rennhack, a dedicated wife and loving mother to beloved adult children.

Rennhack shares, “My Walk with Jesus is an inspirational walk through the author’s life trials and tribulations. The stories are riveting and, best of all, there is always an encouraging statement of how faith and prayer were the way the author made it through and how we, the readers, can as well.

“It is amazing how when one looks back on the events of life, we see how God’s presence carried us through. Faith is a universal theme in the book as well as a theme in life in general. Without faith, it is difficult to imagine how the ups and downs of life could be tolerable. The author makes the point over and over again about how her faith got her through great trials in her life.

“The power of prayer is also evident in this book. How many parents have not had the moment when you just have to leave the room? The power of a few moments of prayer impacts both the parent and the child. It gives the frustrated parent the opportunity to breath and redirect frustration to prayer, and it impacts the child who benefits with a parent who’s a bit calmer and more centered.

“Many resources are included throughout this self-help/inspirational book that will be terrific for the reader who is on the search for ways to better navigate life. The Bible is such a dynamic, living book that teachings and verses within its covers can help us out of any situation. It also reminds us that God is ultimately in charge and He has the strength and endurance we lack at times.

“Best of all, My Walk with Jesus lets the reader know that they are not alone in finding difficulties navigating life’s roller coasters. There are people there in the same boat so to speak. The term that it takes a village sometimes is real. Sharing our experiences like we see in this book can become our village to help us through the tough times.

“Fantastic work! Well worth the read and the resources included. -Laurie Thomas”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Dawn Rennhack’s new book offers an encouraging message to readers of any background that through faith and prayer, anything is possible.

Rennhack offers a powerful message of hope within the pages of this emotionally charged autobiographical work.

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

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

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Pinch A Penny, a Rapidly Growing Pool Franchise in Texas and the Southeast, to Sponsor Team Florida and Texas in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

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“As a service-based organization, we are delighted to be able to support hundreds of athletes who are determined to win a gold medal in athletic competitions.”


CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB)

Pinch A Penny, the nation’s largest swimming pool retail and backyard services franchise, is honored to be sponsoring the Texas and Florida teams across all sports in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which is currently happening June 6-10 in Orlando, Florida.

Pinch A Penny’s charitable giving program, Be the Splash, is a long-time partner of the Special Olympics organization. This year, the pool giant is increasing its commitment to the organization as a sponsor of the Texas and Florida teams in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, where more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will compete across 19 sporting events.

Pinch A Penny is America’s largest swimming pool retailer with over 270 locally owned and operated stores providing customers with a complete line of best-in-class pool chemicals, equipment, repair parts, and accessories. In addition to pool supply retail, Pinch A Penny offers ongoing maintenance and repair services including water testing and pool service, as well as pool renovations, pressure washing, landscape lighting and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Special Olympics, a well-respected organization sharing our passion for promoting healthy living through competition in and around the pool,” said Kendall Large, Vice President of Marketing for Pinch A Penny. “As a service-based organization, we are delighted to be able to support hundreds of athletes who are determined to win a gold medal in athletic competitions.”

Pinch A Penny continues to prioritize its 21-year-relationship with the Special Olympics, a valuable partnership that began in Florida and expanded to Texas in 2019. Since then, Pinch A Penny has garnered the title of Special Olympics aquatic sponsor, Fall Classic Games presenting sponsor, Summer Games presenting sponsor, and a supporting sponsor for the Texas and Florida Teams at the Special Olympics USA Games.

Pinch A Penny strongly believes in inclusion and hopes to further uphold that stance by supporting athletes and their experience at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

About Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa:

Founded in 1975, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa continues to expand beyond its 270 locations across the Southeastern U.S. and Texas. Priding itself on its superior customer service and expertise, the brand has been featured in various top industry rankings including the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review Top 200, Franchise Gator Top 100, and Franchise Times Top 200+, as well as Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Women and Top Franchises for Veterans. Additionally, Pinch A Penny was selected as the silver winner for Franchise Update’s prestigious STAR Award for Franchisee Satisfaction.

While economic downturns have handicapped businesses across the country over time, Pinch A Penny has exhibited growth for more than 45 years. In fact, Pinch A Penny’s positive financial performance during the pandemic earned the company a spot as one of the Top 50 Recession-Proof Franchises by Franchise Business Review.

For more information about Pinch A Penny, please visit https://pinchapenny.com/. To learn more about becoming a local Pinch A Penny franchise owner in your community, visit https://pinchapennypoolfranchise.com/.

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Society: Christianity

Alane Korf’s newly released “What Grandma Likes” is a heartfelt celebration of the special bond between grandmothers and grandchildren.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“What Grandma Likes”: a delightfully lighthearted children’s narrative. “What Grandma Likes” is the creation of published author Alane Korf, a devoted wife and loving stay-at-home mom to three precious children.

Korf shares, “What Grandma Likes is a cute little book that will make you laugh, smile, and reminisce with one another. It is a perfect book to read to your grandchildren or children. So, sit back and enjoy the experience!”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Alane Korf’s new book is a simply sweet message of appreciation for grandmothers.

Korf pairs an easy-to-read narrative with engaging imagery for the enjoyment of young readers and grandparents alike.

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

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

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Iowa marketing agency only in Midwest to earn DE&I recognition

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Strategic America is only marketing agency in the Midwest to receive Workplace Enlightenment Certification from the 4A’s.

“We are committed to becoming the workplace of choice for our team members and this is an important part of our journey,” said Strategic America President & CEO John Schreurs.


WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (PRWEB)

Strategic America (SA), an integrated marketing agency with headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa, has earned the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) Workplace Enlightenment Certification®. SA is one of 14 agencies nationwide—and the only one in the Midwest—to earn this distinction.

Receipt of this certification signifies an organization is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Earning this distinction is a result of SA’s agency-wide participation in digital learning sessions related to race/ethnicity, gender, LGBTQI+A, age, disabilities, and faith.

“Earning this Workplace Enlightenment Certification is a proud moment for SA and a great step forward for a vital future. We are committed to becoming the workplace of choice for our team members and this is an important part of our journey,” said Strategic America President & CEO John Schreurs. “Diversity makes us stronger as a company committed to the highest standards of equity and inclusion.”

“This achievement took a great deal of commitment from each member of the agency, including agency leadership,” said Natasha Bowman, president and founder of Performance Renew and trainer for the 4A’s Workplace Enlightenment Certification Program. Strategic America is one of the first agencies to achieve this designation.”

As part of the certification process, team members completed the 4A’s Diversity Survey before and after implementing the action plan and participating in the educational sessions. Earning this certification helps participating agencies build a culture to support a range of needs, from building a diverse talent pool to ensuring equitable practices.

“Completing the Workplace Enlightenment Certification is a wonderful accomplishment by our team members, and one of many DE&I initiatives at SA. We also celebrate diverse voices in our work, encourage participation in our many Employee Resource Groups, focus on recruiting diverse team members and collaborate with diverse organizations,” said Jill LaBarre, director of Human Resources. “While we’re proud of earning this distinction, there is much more we want to accomplish.”

The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) is a U.S. trade association for advertising agencies, founded in 1917. It serves more than 700+ member agencies across 1,300 offices, which control more than 85 percent of total U.S. advertising spend.

To learn more about the 4A’s Workplace Enlightenment Certification, visit their website.

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About Strategic America

Strategic America (SA) is an employee-owned, integrated marketing firm specializing in multi-location marketing, brand building and customer engagement. Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, and representing a diverse set of clients that span multiple industries and geographies, Strategic America builds brands by using strategy and insights to power engagement and results. SA has earned the 4A’s Workplace Enlightenment certification and is ranked in the top ten percent of all independent agencies nationwide. SA is a member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Learn more at http://www.strategicamerica.com.

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Society: Christianity

Casey Jones Village Festival 2022 Announces Vendors, Artisans and Opens Ticket Sales for Ellie Holcomb Concert

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In just a month’s time, the Casey Jones Village Festival will bring families together for a day of food and fun. We’re thankful to the Jackson-Madison County Bicentennial committee and all of our partners and sponsors for their work and commitment to make this event a day of unity in our community.


JACKSON, Tenn. (PRWEB)

The inaugural Casey Jones Village Festival 2022 will host more than 20 vendors including food and local artisans Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The free event will be held at 56 Casey Jones Lane. In addition, ticket sales for a concert featuring Ellie Holcomb that same evening can be purchased at this link — https://fb.me/e/2rhlQl9SS. Tickets for the concert are $10 per person; gates will open at 6 p.m. Holcomb will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Other exciting activities throughout the day include a petting zoo and living history presentations while vendors will offer handmade jewelry; wood, metal and glass art; wood carving; pottery and custom hats, T-shirts and jewelry. Attendees will have the opportunity to try salad in a jar from Lamont’s Kitchen, bratwursts from Best of the Wursts, street corn from Sunset Valley Farms and Filipino dishes from Eat at Nanay’s Kitchen. More vendors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sponsored by WNBJ NBC 39 and Forever Communications, there is still an opportunity for additional businesses, individuals, and vendors to participate and support this historic Jackson-Madison County Bicentennial celebration. For more information about sponsorships or vendor opportunities, individuals may contact Brianna Kline at 731-668-1223 or email contactcaseyjonesvillage@gmail.com.

“In just a month’s time, the Casey Jones Village Festival will bring families together for a day of food and fun,” Old Country Store General Manager Brooks Shaw said. “And we’re thankful to the Jackson-Madison County Bicentennial committee and all of our partners and sponsors for their work and commitment to make this event a day of unity in our community.”

Individuals may find the latest updates about the Casey Jones Village Festival at caseyjones.com, facebook.com/OldCountryStore, or by calling 731-668-1223.

More information about the Jackson-Madison County Bicentennial is available at jacksonmadison200.com/events/.

About the Music Artists

Contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Ellie Holcomb has released three full-length solo albums, her latest album “Canyon,” was inspired by a trip to the Grand Canyon and the realization she had that God’s constant love carries people through their darkest times. Holcomb is married to Drew Holcomb, who is also a music artist. The couple resides in Nashville where they are raising their three children.

Local faith-based artist David Ashley Trent will open for Holcomb. An American contemporary Christian artist, Trent is influenced by folk-rock, Americana and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trent is currently the worship leader for the North campus of Englewood Baptist Church.

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Society: Social Services

New PA Non-profit Furnishing Futures for Young Adults Aging out of Foster Homes

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Mel McDaniel & Marvin

Marvin’s Home is making an impact on these young people, giving them not only solid, gently-used furniture and furnishings, but a sense of belonging, safety and comfort in their own home and hopefully, a sense that the community cares about them.


LANSDALE, Pa. (PRWEB)

Mel McDaniel, the social-worker turned successful Philadelphia interior designer, has recently launched Marvin’s Home, a novel non-profit that is literally furnishing the futures of young adults aging – and moving – out of foster homes and into their first independent residences. For Mel, the Montgomery County-based, all-volunteer organization is the result of a deep, personal identification with “chronic housing instability”. Raised by parents in a now-defunct religious order that arbitrarily uprooted and relocated (sometimes several times in the same year) its members and their children, she was voiceless, powerless and yearned for a “real home”.

“I know what it means to grow up deprived of a stable home, without the sense of security, safety and belonging that home should provide,” she explained. “My background in social work, along with interior design, gave me the idea to form Marvin’s Home (that’s Marvin with me in our yard). We are a federally-registered charitable organization, with a spacious, new ‘On Main’ Lansdale showroom, directly confronting one enormous challenge young people face when transitioning from foster housing,” she added. Proceeds from showroom (the 1920’s-era building originally housed a car dealership) sales help cover program expenses.

Marvin’s Home often partners with Valley Youth House, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides critical services such as housing, counseling, skills training and more to vulnerable and homeless youth, including those leaving foster care. Collaborating with Marvin’s Home, they refer clients that are working towards independent living. Volunteers collect and transport furniture and furnishings (often donated by Mel’s interior design clients) to help turn an empty apartment into a home. “Many of these young adults have never owned anything, much less furniture. Witnessing reactions at the time of the ‘reveal’ has been extraordinary. We’ve seen how Marvin’s Home – growing to meet the pressing needs of those it serves – is making an impact on these young people, giving them not only solid, gently-used furniture and furnishings, but a sense of belonging, safety and comfort in their own home and hopefully, a sense that the community cares about them.”

Kristin Hayes, a former Federal prosecutor who now teaches at a Pennsylvania law school, first met Mel as a design client, and is among those who are impressed with her motivation and mission. “She’s truly a force of nature,” said Prof. Hayes. “While running a full-time business, she’s been able to launch a non-profit that is helping to fill that void when teenagers make the difficult transition from foster care into independent living. She and Marvin’s Home are often the reason these young people are able to have anything beyond a mattress on the floor, and enjoy warm and welcoming furnishings in their homes.”

Mel, a native Canadian, holds an undergraduate degree in social welfare from the University of Kansas and a master’s in education from Arcadia University. Donations to Marvin’s Home can be made through http://www.marvinshome.org

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