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: Social Services

ARS of Virginia Surprises Healthcare Hero on COVID-19 Frontline with Home Services Makeover

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Michelle Sabol, ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes Program Winner in Virginia

“Our employees are committed to giving back to the community, and these installations are one way we can support the selfless support of our healthcare workers as they continue to help make our community safer,” said Mike Skourtis, GM of ARS of Virginia.


CENTREVILLE, Va. (PRWEB)

ARS of Virginia, a local HVAC and plumbing services provider and part of the American Residential Services (ARS) Network of Brands, is providing a new water heater to Michelle Sabol, a deserving physician assistant as part of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. The program is an extension of the year-round, company-wide ARS Cares initiative, and is rewarding more than 50 free home services makeovers to healthcare professionals across the country during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“We received inspirational nominations from our community through the ARS Healthcare Heroes program, and are proud to complete these surprise home makeovers for our deserving healthcare workers,” said Mike Skourtis, General Manager of ARS of Virginia. “Our employees are committed to giving back to the community, and these installations are one way we can support the selfless support of our healthcare workers as they continue to combat one of the worst public health crises and continue to help make our community safer.”

Michelle Sabol is currently a Physician Assistant for Children’s National Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Virginia Hospital Center. These past few months have been exceptionally challenging during the pandemic. Michelle and her team have worked tirelessly to continue providing compassionate care and support to patients and their families. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis Sabol lived with her elderly parents, but not wanting to risk exposing them to the virus she moved into her own home. Unfortunately, the water heater in the new home needed to be replaced. ARS of Virginia is happy to provide much needed assistance to this local hero. The installation of Sabol’s new water heater was completed on June 12.

Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program on May 13, family, friends, and co-workers were invited to share stories of why a Nothern Virginia frontline worker was deserving of home improvements that would deliver relief and relaxation. ARS received more than 400 nominations.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy’s Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, “Will” Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. ARS requires background checks and drug tests on all employees. We hire professionals with the highest level of integrity. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right – the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: “Making it work. Making it right.”

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Society: Christianity

A Collection of Writings” is a spiritual journey that will fill one with faith and hope

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit: A Collection of Writings”: a profound read across pieces that will bring one much closer to the Lord and His grace. “Under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit: A Collection of Writings” is the creation of published author Dalabazee, a writer who lives in the kingdom of God, her family, and a host of sisters in Christ that she prays with every day. She loves to travel across countries on mission trips and be of service to others in need when sent by God.

Dalabazee shares, “The book was inspired by the Holy Spirit. The writings are the result of several years spent communicating with the Lord and being receptive to what the Lord has softly spoken into my spirit. The purpose of this book is to encourage others to spend time with the Lord, as he is the only one who can keep you under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Dalabazee’s new book is an encouraging walk that lifts the reader’s heart as he or she dives into the light of His grace. Because as one spends more time with the Lord, guidance and blessedness will be upon them.

View a synopsis of “Under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit: A Collection of Writings” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit: A Collection of Writings” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit: A Collection of Writings,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Social Services

ARS/Rescue Rooter of Myrtle Beach Surprises Healthcare Hero on COVID-19 Frontlines with Home Services Makeover

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Jaclyn Carter, ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes Winner in Myrtle Beach

“Our community healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety; recognizing their efforts by installing a new HVAC unit was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Jason Poucher, GM of ARS/Rescue Rooter.


Myrtle Beach, SC (PRWEB)

ARS/Rescue Rooter of Myrtle Beach, a local HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical services provider and part of the American Residential Services (ARS) Network of Brands, is providing a new HVAC unit to Jacyln Carter, a local Nurse as part of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. The program is an extension of the year-round, company-wide ARS Cares initiative, and is rewarding more than 50 free home services makeovers to healthcare professionals across the country during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“Our community healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety, and recognizing their efforts by installing a new water heater or HVAC unit was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Jason Poucher, General Manager of ARS/Rescue Rooter of Myrtle Beach.

Jaclyn Carter has worked at Conway hospital in the labor and delivery department for over 10 years. Sadly last November she lost her 17 year old daughter, Jada, in a horrible vehicle accident. Three months prior she herself was in a horrible vehicle accident and almost lost her life. She was out of work for almost four months last year and her 12 year old HVAC unit stopped working. The installation of Carter’s new HVAC unit was completed on June 12th.

Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program on May 13, family, friends, and co-workers were invited to share stories of why a Atlanta frontline worker was deserving of home improvements that would deliver relief and relaxation. ARS received more than 400 nominations.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy’s Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, “Will” Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. ARS requires background checks and drug tests on all employees. We hire professionals with the highest level of integrity. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right – the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: “Making it work. Making it right.”

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Society: Social Services

ARS/Rescue Rooter of Charleston Surprises Healthcare Hero on COVID-19 Frontlines with Home Services Makeover

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“Our community healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety; recognizing their efforts by installing a new water heater was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Keith Ord, GM of ARS/Rescue Rooter of Charleston.


Charleston, SC (PRWEB)

ARS/Rescue Rooter of Charleston, a local HVAC and Plumbing provider and part of the American Residential Services (ARS) Network of Brands, is providing a new water heater to Ann Fraser, a deserving Hospice Nurse as part of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. The program is an extension of the year-round, company-wide ARS Cares initiative, and is rewarding more than 50 free home services makeovers to healthcare professionals across the country during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“Our community healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety and recognizing their efforts by installing a new water heater was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Keith Ord, General Manager of ARS/Rescue Rooter of Charleston.

Ann has been a Hospice Nurse for over 10 years. As a hospice nurse she supports families’ at the most crucial time of their lives. As physically and mentally hard as it is especially during COVID-19, she says that working with her patients and her fellow nurses is the most rewarding part of her job. When Ann isn’t taking care of her patients, she travels bi-weekly to North Carolina to take her brother to his cancer treatments. The installation of Fraser’s new water heater was completed on June 11th.

Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program on May 13, family, friends, and co-workers were invited to share stories of why a Atlanta frontline worker was deserving of home improvements that would deliver relief and relaxation. ARS received more than 400 nominations.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy’s Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, “Will” Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. ARS requires background checks and drug tests on all employees. We hire professionals with the highest level of integrity. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right – the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: “Making it work. Making it right.”

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Society: Social Services

ARS/Rescue Rooter of Atlanta Surprises Healthcare Hero on COVID-19 Frontlines with Home Services Makeover

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Amanda Pennington, ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes Program Winner in Atlanta

“Atlanta healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety; recognizing their efforts by installing a new water heater was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Jack Reeves, GM of ARS/Rescue Rooter of Atlanta.


Atlanta, GA (PRWEB)

ARS/Rescue Rooter of Atlanta, a local Plumbing provider and part of the American Residential Services (ARS) Network of Brands, provided a new water heater to Amanda Pennington, a deserving Nurse, as part of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. The program is an extension of the year-round, company-wide ARS Cares initiative, and is rewarding more than 50 free home services makeovers to healthcare professionals across the country during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“Atlanta healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety and recognizing their efforts by installing a new water heater was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Jack Reeves, General Manager of ARS/Rescue Rooter of Atlanta.

Amanda graduated from Emory University with a BSN in 2014, at the age of 37. She started working at Gwinnett Medical (now Northside Gwinnett) in 2015, and hasn’t looked back. As physically and mentally hard as it is especially during COVID-19, she says that working with the patients and her fellow nurses is the most rewarding part of being a nurse on the floor. She continues to use the skills she has learned to help improve the quality of care offered at Northside Gwinnett. The installation of Pennington’s new water heater was completed on June 11th.

Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program on May 13, family, friends, and co-workers were invited to share stories of why an Atlanta frontline worker was deserving of home improvements that would deliver relief and relaxation. ARS received more than 400 nominations.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy’s Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, “Will” Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. ARS requires background checks and drug tests on all employees. We hire professionals with the highest level of integrity. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right – the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: “Making it work. Making it right.”

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Society: Christianity

Lenawee Christian Academy is Inspired to Create Learning Adventures

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A father and son look off into the distance, off camera. The son is looking through binoculars. The father is wearing a backpack. They are outdoors on a hiking adventure.

A father and his son enjoy an adventure together. At Lenawee Christian Academy, adventure is a part of the online education experience.

In the end, we provide information to students in a way that they are able to understand and that motivates them to keep exploring.


ADRIAN, Mich. (PRWEB)

In the 1980’s and 1990’s, a particular series of books called Choose Your Own Adventure® captured the attention of hundreds-of-millions of young people all over the world. The books were written in such a way that the reader could direct the story by choosing a response to the scenarios facing the story’s main character. It is impossible to estimate the effect that these popular books have had on today’s global culture, but in one case, the childhood literary adventures influenced developers of an entirely new learning experience for students.

Lenawee Christian Academy (LCA) is a new, online middle school based in Lenawee County, Michigan. Based on their child’s God-given gifts and talents, parents configure a “Learning Adventure” that the LCA online education system uses to deliver time-tested coursework to students. The framework is driven by proven content delivery methods using the latest tools in technology. “In typical schools, content is delivered by a teacher to a group of typical learners who will understand the basic idea, to achievers who may be driven to investigate further, and to struggling students who should ask for help,” said LCA Head of Academy, Chris Nelson. “In many cases, the students who struggle do not lack the ability to understand. They may just learn in a way that the teacher doesn’t use in the classroom. For example, if a learner is visual, and the teacher uses lecture, that student may not perform as well as the audible learner.” Nelson continues, “Our goal is to deliver the content to the learner in a way that maximizes their mastery of a subject and motivates them to dig deeper because of the achievement systems built into our online services. In the end, we provide information to students in a way that they are able to understand and that motivates them to keep exploring.”

LCA’s model incorporates adventure elements for parents, students, and even teachers. Using the analogy of a treasure hunt, the student is a treasure hunter, the teacher is an experienced guide, and the parent is a coach and encourager. “Our teachers are adventurers too, so they have built their courses to engage students and motivate them to enjoy the discovery process,” explained Amanda Keibler, Coordinator of Family Relations. “Each course has three levels of achievement to be able to exhibit mastery. Students who achieve the bronze level can go back into the course and dig further in order to enhance their level of mastery. As students improve, they can achieve higher levels of recognition at the silver or gold levels. The coursework also contains secret items. When they are found, we can all celebrate the achievements of the students who made these rare discoveries.”

The entire education system at Lenawee Christian Academy is tailored to each learner. To build that custom experience, parents are presented with questions that will inform LCA’s team on the best way to address their child’s learning preferences, state laws, and the goals that parents may have for their child. These answers provide a custom learning configuration which applies to each of the five primary areas of study: math, science, english language arts, social studies, and Bible. “We have found that many parents would rather serve as a coach and encourager than a teacher,” explained Director of Marketing, Jeff Jameson. “Our parent partners simply answer a few questions, creating a customized plan for each subject area that aligns with their child’s abilities and interests. We also provide a visual progress chart so parents can track and encourage students as they journey through the material.” The customized plan for the coursework, called mySequence℠, paired with the Learning Adventure information, delivers a tailored scope and sequence, or the “what” and the “when”, for each child’s LCA education. This novel approach to online Christian education gives parents the ability to encourage their child to have fun and explore, while a certified teacher guides the student toward mastering each subject area.

Another element that defines LCA’s approach to education is flexibility. “Our content is time-tested based on more than forty years of research in actual classrooms,” said Amanda Keibler, Coordinator of Family Relations. “We deliver the content through our online system whenever the student is ready to sign on. If they want to start their school year on January 1, that’s great. If a family is on vacation and they choose to start school at 10 a.m. today and skip tomorrow, it’s totally up to our parent partners. Our system affords that flexibility.”

As people who once experienced the joy of choosing their own adventures when they were children, the team at Lenawee Christian Academy is excited to launch a new approach to online Christian education that provides a learning adventure tailored to each student. LCA is now enrolling middle school students who would like to begin as soon as September, 2020. The LCA team plans to add a program for high school students in 2021.

About LCA

Lenawee Christian Academy (LCA) is an innovative and engaging online middle school for students in grades six through eight. Our aim is for students to belong, grow, and succeed during these mysterious and wonderful years. Through our proven curriculum, parent partnerships, tailored education plans, learning flexibility, and a Christ-centered, nondenominational approach, we provide a complete education solution that delivers adventure to learners and peace to parents. Learn more at https://LenaweeCA.org.

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Society: Christianity

Author Larry D. Robinson’s new book “God Created Evil. Why?” is a Scripture-based discussion of traditional biblical questions about the nature of God and faith

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EUCLID, Ohio (PRWEB)

Larry D. Robinson has been an ordained minister since 1985, as well as a certified cook for the Department of Labor, and honorably discharged veteran who served in the US Army. He has published his new book “God Created Evil. Why?”: a close examination of both Old and New Testaments for God’s teaching about the true meaning of faith.

The author writes, “‘God Created Evil, Why?’ is a culmination of twenty-five years of study. Frustrated with traditional answers to sincere biblical questions that were not rooted in scriptural proof, the author set out to explore and illuminate truths that will help us all.

Sincerity is no guarantee for truth. You can be sincere but be sincerely wrong.

Many things in this book will probably surprise and enlighten you. We have veered too far off course. ‘God Created Evil, Why?’ is an attempt to get us back on the right track. Too many truths have been replaced with opinions masquerading as doctrine.”

Published by Page Publishing, Larry D. Robinson’s engrossing book is an intriguing study of the role of evil in God’s plan for people of faith.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “God Created Evil. Why?” 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 to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

New Not-for-Profit, Virtual Summer Camp Purpose-Built for Special Needs Kids Starts Later This Month

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BuddeConnect

What these kids have built would make any entrepreneur or not-for-profit professional simultaneously proud, envious and humble. They are living Booker T. Washington’s sage advice: ‘If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.


CHESTER, N.J. (PRWEB)

Camp BuddEConnect (BuddEConnect.org), a high-engagement virtual summer camp for special needs children preschool age and up, is launching this month to fill a void left by COVID-19. The pandemic has shut down or constrained many of the in-person programs upon which communities depend. Camp BuddEConnect offers kids with special needs the opportunity for social interaction, physical activity, personal connection and fun directly from their homes.

Camp BuddEConnect offers:

  • 5 one-week sessions; campers can apply for participation in any number of weeks

  • June 29th – July 31st

  • 5 days/week (Monday-Friday)

  • 2 to 3 hours/day starting at 2 pm EDT

  • About 40 campers/week, pre-school and older

  • Counselor/Staff to Camper ratio is approximately 3:4

  • Campers from around the world are encouraged to apply*

Camp BuddEConnect activities span a wide range of interests each day including arts and crafts, science experiments, physical activities, music, story time and entertainment “assemblies” complete with allergy-friendly camp snacks. To maximize each camper’s experience, a special Camp BuddEConnect Support Package, which includes allergy-friendly snacks, art supplies and other surprises, is provided each week a camper participates in the program. These Support Packages can be picked up locally in northern NJ or shipped free-of-charge to non-local participants.

Camp BuddEConnect costs $25 per camper, per week. Full scholarships for up to 5 weeks are available to campers upon request. Inability to pay will not be an impediment to participation. Camp applications are available here.

Founding Donors are encouraged to help support BuddEConnect, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations can be made via PayPal by clicking here.

BuddEConnect was formed by the student leaders of the West Morris Soccer Club TOPSoccer Program using Zoom to recreate the sense of community and engagement that was lost when in the one to one in person TOPSoccer sessions were shut down due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home and social distancing mandates. The weekly TOPSoccer sessions became TOPZoom sessions starting on April 11, 2020, and enabled the student volunteers to continue to connect with the large group of special needs children that were now missing the activities and interactions that were central to happy, fun interactions in everyday life.

With the end of the school year approaching and uncertainty about camps and other in-person activities reopening, student leaders recognized that the summer might not look that sunny for the TOPSoccer/TOPZoom athletes, other special needs children outside of our geographic reach. They were emboldened to use the experience gained from TOPZoom to extend the program into a full-blown special needs summer camp over Zoom, with fun, connection and joy as the main purposes. A team of student leaders, camp directors, and pro-bono adult advisors collaborated to create Camp BuddEConnect.

Doon Wintz, Camp BuddEConnect’s founding advisor and owner of three natural food companies based in New Jersey, was more than impressed by the quality of the students’ work and level of commitment, noting, “What these kids have built would make any entrepreneur or not-for-profit professional simultaneously proud, envious and humble. They are living Booker T. Washington’s sage advice: ‘If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.’”

“COVID-19 has resulted in schools and sport teams shutting down around the world. I would like to congratulate West Morris SC TOPSoccer / Camp BuddEConnect for extending the ability of our athletes to learn and stay engaged in their sporting activities during the summer months,” said Tom Condone, US Youth Soccer Director of Grassroots & Player Development.

About BuddEConnect

BuddEConnect is a project of West Morris Soccer Club, a 501(c)(3) community organization out of Mendham/Chester, NJ. BuddEConnect is dedicated to providing an inclusive, engaging and positive environment for children with special needs. This concept originates from TOPZoom, a virtual alternative to special needs activity-based programs. TOPZoom was established to replicate the social interaction, physical activity, and personal connection provided by TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), which was interrupted by COVID-19 social distancing mandates. The creation of TOPZoom has exceeded expectations and proved that necessity is the mother of invention. BuddEConnect believes and has shown that fun and community need not be limited by circumstance or geography and that building a new, broader and lasting community of special needs children is achievable.

The high school and college student leaders working on Camp BuddEConnect and TOPZoom are supported by pro-bono adult advisers with expertise in a wide range of disciplines and are creating a lasting legacy of service and excellence.

Beyond TOPZoom and Camp BuddEConnect, BuddEConnect and West Morris Soccer Club are committed to helping other organizations adopt and implement the types of programs and techniques utilizing the training resources they have developed. US Youth Soccer intends to make these tools available to TOPSoccer programs throughout the nation later this year.

  • Camp BuddEConnect Support Packages can only be shipped to participants in the Continental United States. Participants outside the Continental United States will be required to provide their own camp supplies. The supplies list will be published well in advance of the camp week.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

NYS Executive Order Allows for In-Person Special Education This Summer

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order on Friday, June 5th, stating that necessary in-person special education instruction is allowed this summer. This news comes fast and furious, but Da Vinci’s team of New York State licensed staff is ready to assist Long Island school districts and their educators in supporting their special education students, while safely abiding by the state and federal guidelines.

Da Vinci focuses on delivering high-quality instruction designed to ensure the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and overall educational goals are met. Using our methods, every student we work with has the greatest likelihood of receiving specialized instruction delivered by highly qualified teachers to target and work towards deficits. We utilize a variety of special education supports and programs to serve students with disabilities and promote meaningful access, participation and progress in the general curriculum, including constant teacher services, paraprofessional support, resource room service and integrated co-teaching.

“We understand that this executive order presents an enormous pressure on school districts as it must be managed in such a short amount of time,” says Kerry Leo, founder and CEO of Da Vinci. “We are prepared and ready to expedite services to your students and teachers.”

Our programs and alternative methods are used to modify the instructional approach and are customized to meet each of our students’ individual needs. We liaise with districts to provide an optimal learning environment for our students while supporting and instructing beyond their Individual Education Plan. We maintain and promote mindfulness to ensure that student, district, and familial concerns are acknowledged and addressed. We offer direct instruction in multi-sensory reading, writing, and math. Additionally, we offer resource room instruction in parochial, private, and public school settings, and our speech and language services provide additional support for students.

The safety of the staff, students, parents and all clients is a top priority at Da Vinci Education. All CDC guidelines will be strictly implemented for the foreseeable future as we support school districts in transitioning back to business as usual in the coming months. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to apply for a position at Da Vinci, visit their website http://www.davincicenter.net or contact kleo@davincicenter.net with any questions or concerns.

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About Da Vinci Education and Research

The Long Island based professionals at Da Vinci Education and Research are dedicated to bringing diagnostic and prescriptive strategies to students, parents and school districts to help them support learning needs and maximize their unique academic potential. We pledge to identify and acknowledge the gold standard in education by gathering the latest in top quality, research-based and proven methodologies.

Working with the Committee of Special Education, we make practical and proven recommendations so each team can find the best solution for every child. Our process acknowledges that every individual has a unique learning profile. Our goal is to build trusting relationships with parents and districts to facilitate the best possible outcomes. We offer ongoing monitoring to ensure team alignment so that educational goals for every child are met.

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Society: Social Services

Kevin Clayton Elected as New Board Chair for Community Health Charities

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Kevin Clayton

CHC’s board consists of more than 60 percent people of color and more than 50 percent women.


ALEXANDRIA, Va. (PRWEB)

Community Health Charities (CHC) proudly announces Kevin Clayton, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement at the Cleveland Cavaliers as the organization’s new board chair. Clayton was unanimously elected and will lead a distinguished board and executive committee comprised of Adam Rothschild, Vice Chair and Chief Marketing Officer at Blue Owl Software; Jillian Mershon, Vice Chair and Director at Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation; Linda G. Blount, Secretary and President & CEO at Black Women’s Health Imperative; and Dr. Charu Raheja, Treasurer and CEO of TriageLogic Group. Unlike most boards, CHC’s board consists of more than 60 percent people of color and more than 50 percent women.

“It is both humbling and a great honor to lead such a diverse board of talented executives who share my passion and commitment to increase social impact, strengthen communities, and address health disparities,” said Kevin Clayton, CHC board chair. “I am incredibly proud of this organization and the bright future we have ahead of us.”

In his current role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which includes all the Cavs’ properties and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Clayton leads the diversity, inclusion and engagement strategies, business imperatives which affect all areas of the team’s business and basketball operations. Clayton previously held leadership roles with Bon Secours Mercy Health, American Cancer Society, The U.S. Tennis Association, Russell Corporation, and Procter & Gamble.

“Kevin’s leadership and guidance have already had a profound impact on our awareness and understanding of the urgent need to use our resources and the power of our nonprofit and corporate partners to address health disparities in communities,” said Thomas G. Bognanno, CHC president and CEO. “He is the right leader at the right time in our organization’s history to help us continue to build stronger, healthier communities for all.”

Clayton grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and then attended North Carolina Central University. He received his BS in Business Administration, Management and Psychology from Wilmington College.

About Community Health Charities

For more than 65 years, Community Health Charities (CHC) has been creating stronger, healthier communities. We build capacity for nonprofits by raising awareness, amplifying their message, and driving more funds and supporters to their cause; increase employee engagement and social impact for companies through giving, volunteering, health resources, engagement tools, community partnerships, and more; bring leaders together at the national, regional, and local levels to educate, elevate key issues, and improve overall social impact and community health; build community partnerships to harness collective efforts and coalitions; working together to tackle projects that improve community health and address root causes at scale. Visit https://healthcharities.org or @healthcharities.

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