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: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Spaulding Youth Center Receives Third Consecutive 5-Year Accreditation from New Hampshire Department of Education

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Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or neglect. Services include academic, residential, clinical, community based, foster care, and family support.

Spaulding Youth Center Receives Third Consecutive 5-Year Accreditation from New Hampshire Department of Education

“Receiving a third consecutive five-year program approval demonstrates Spaulding’s leadership to provide critical programs and services with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning or developmental challenges,” said Colleen Sliva, School Principal & Special Education Director at Spaulding.


NORTHFIELD, N.H. (PRWEB)

Spaulding Youth Center is pleased to announce it was awarded with a five-year program accreditation by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE). Five years is the longest timeframe permitted between Special Education Program Approval Visits.

After following strict guidelines and processes over the past five years, Spaulding staff prepared for the upcoming accreditation for several months. NHDOE representatives visited Spaulding’s campus to review the programs and services available to children and youth with educational disabilities compared to all private special education schools statewide. The visiting professional educators toured the school to gain an insider view of a day in the life of a Spaulding School student. As part of the process, The School at Spaulding Youth Center provided supporting materials, including student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), progress reports, samples of student work, grades, permanent records, curriculum and more for grades K-12 students 5-21 years of age.

“We are proud of our wonderful teachers and school staff members who work tirelessly to ensure our students consistently receive the high-quality education they deserve,” said Colleen Sliva, School Principal & Special Education Director at Spaulding Youth Center. “It is an honor to be recognized with a third consecutive NHDOE five-year program approval. This certification further demonstrates Spaulding’s leadership to provide critical programs and services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning or developmental challenges.”

When investing in their new technology-enabled school which opened in 2012, Spaulding demonstrated a commitment to incorporate technology into learning objectives. This integration is especially important within special education curriculums and was an important component of program accreditation. When the COVID-19 pandemic closed school buildings across New Hampshire, The School at Spaulding was prepared to successfully transition to effective remote learning almost immediately due to their developed technology-based learning.

Visit our website to learn more about the year-round, comprehensive special educational services offered at Spaulding Youth Center: https://www.spauldingyouthcenter.org/programs-services/academic/.

ABOUT SPAULDING YOUTH CENTER

Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or neglect. Services include academic, residential, clinical, community based, foster care, and family support. Established in 1871 and known as Spaulding Youth Center since 1958, our scenic hilltop campus is located on nearly 500 acres in Northfield, NH and welcomes boys and girls from ages 4 to 21 from around the state of New Hampshire and beyond. Spaulding Youth Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For information about Spaulding Youth Center, visit http://www.SpauldingYouthCenter.org.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Excy Unveils New Bed Bicycle and No Slip Adaptive Foot Pedal for Bedridden Riders

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“We’ve worked really hard to open up inclusive access to total body aerobic and anaerobic cycling exercise for every body type and age, regardless of injury, disability, or health condition,” said Michele Mehl, co-founder and CEO.


SEATTLE (PRWEB)

Excy (http://www.excy.com), the leader in quality portable full-body cycling equipment, today announced the XCS Bed Bike and the Hang in There (HIT) Adaptive Bike Pedal to combat the detrimental effects of being in bed without physical activity. The XCS Bed Bike is smaller and lighter than Excy’s current line of portable exercise bikes, and is uniquely designed to help people with limited mobility pedal in a hospital bed or on a therapy table while lying down flat or partially inclined. The HIT Adaptive Pedal, which is compatible with any 9/16” crank arm, keeps a rider’s foot locked in place to prevent it from falling while pedaling or resting.

Excy created the XCS Bed Bike and HIT Adaptive Pedal based on feedback from homebound riders, and its experience in hospitals and physical therapy clinics. The company has seen an increase in demand across all its product lines due to COVID-19 leading people to seek home exercise and strength training equipment, but without the large footprint of traditional equipment. People living with disabilities, health conditions or recovering from an injury or surgery often struggle with challenges like finding reliable and safe in-home care during normal situations, but COVID-19 has made it even harder for many, including their caretakers. A growing request to pedal in a hospital bed or on top of a therapy table at home helped speed up bringing the XCS Bed Bike to market now. The HIT Adaptive Pedal was designed to eliminate the burden of bedridden patients struggling to keep their feet lifted in place with traditional pedals designed only for recumbent or upright pedaling.

“I had brain surgery to have a tumor removed right as COVID-19 hit, which resulted in me being bedridden for weeks,” said Excy customer Carrie. “With Excy, I was able to pedal my legs in bed with my home physical therapists to avoid losing muscle mass, but also with my occupational therapist as part of my TBI recovery. Now, I can independently pedal and focus on building up my endurance and getting stronger at my own pace, but from the safety and comfort of home.”

Research demonstrates that supine motorized stationary bicycling affixed to a hospital bed, six days a week, as being safe for mechanically-ventilated patients early on in their ICU stay.

Research also suggests that exercise therapy may hold promise as an effective means of improving immunity in bedridden patients and may contribute to preventing aspiration pneumonia and promoting spontaneous recovery. If exercise can play a similar role to help novel coronavirus COVID-19 patients, the Excy team believes the XCS Bed Bike and the HIT Adaptive Pedal could play a role in helping those needing therapeutic cycling protocols to avoid inactivity while bedridden. Further research is required to explore the patients who may most benefit from bed cycling intervention.

“We’ve worked really hard to open up inclusive access to total body aerobic and anaerobic cycling exercise for every body type and age, regardless of injury, disability, or health condition,” said Michele Mehl, co-founder and CEO of Excy who had the idea for a full-body cycling approach for those with limited mobility after breaking her leg and getting a DVT blood clot. “COVID-19 has only strengthened our resolve to knock down the barriers of exercise for all and stay laser focused on making access to physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises easier for those with underlying conditions.”

The XCS Bed Bike works like a conventional heavy-duty exercise bike, except the rider can pedal while lying down. The system is smaller than Excy’s other portable exercise bike at only 12 pounds and has a smaller footprint while being used, yet gives riders 7 inches of additional leg extension to pedal lying down in bed. Like in all Excy models, the XCS Bed Bike offers a unique non-motorized, non-flywheel centric design that requires constant rotational pedaling force throughout the entire 360-degree cycling stroke, which is optimized for building up endurance and strength. Bi-directional resistance easily adjusts from 1-50 pounds for light to heavy forces for cardio, strengthening, and range of motion exercises for pedaling in bed, but the device also can be pedaled as a recumbent bike while seated in a chair or as a tabletop upper body ergometer from a seated and standing position. Riders can pedal independently or with assistance from their physical therapist, occupational therapist, medical fitness trainer, or with their caretaker based on the direction of their doctor.

The Excy HIT Adaptive Pedal uses a wide foot platform with adjustable straps that allow the heel to hang freely with support while also holding the foot steady to pedal comfortably and properly. Offering a range of foot flexibility that is similar to traditional bike shoes, riders can engage in isometric pedaling, small back and forth pressing, or pedal in full rotations. Since Excy’s resistance range is bi-directional, riders can recruit more muscles vs. simply pedaling in inertia-assisted circles that someone would do on a flywheel or motorized bike. They can follow this motion in reverse to work opposing muscles.The pedal is easily adjustable for sizes ranging from children’s feet with shoes, to size 13 men’s feet without shoes.

Pricing and Availability

The XCS Bed Bike is $799 and includes one set of straps that will accommodate a hospital bed or therapy table. Larger bed straps are available on request. The system ships with Excy’s standard pedal that accommodates pedaling with your hands or feet. Any 9/16” foot or hand pedal can be used. The Excy HIT Adaptive Pedal is $75 for a single pedal or $150 per pair. It can be purchased and pre-installed on the XCS Bed Bike for shipping, but works on any bike. XCS Bed Bike monthly rentals and rent-to-own programs are available. Excy’s products are designed and manufactured in the USA.

About Excy

Excy is a Seattle-based company creating quality portable exercise equipment and on-demand training for those who want to safely and conveniently enjoy the benefits of full body cycling and resistance training without the barriers of big, expensive, and hard to access exercise equipment. Excy also provides a free mobile coaching application for Android and iOS with live, on-demand, and guided training from physical therapists. All Excy systems ship in recyclable packaging. For more information visit http://www.excy.com.

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Society: Christianity

David J. Berg’s newly released “The Marriage of Science and the Bible” is a thorough investigation as to how science and the Bible’s message intertwine

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“The Marriage of Science and the Bible: Is Science Complete Without the Bible?”: an important revelation of God’s working hands within the complexities of history’s science. “The Marriage of Science and the Bible: Is Science Complete Without the Bible?” is the creation of published author David J. Berg, a teacher of history. He learned in his classes that God was using recent scientific discoveries to reveal evidence of biblical miracles. Through the Bible, he has seen that God was applying the logic of science to demonstrate His authority over the human events of history—concepts that led to the creation of this book.

Berg shares, “The Marriage of Science and the Bible is an adventure in new concepts. I invite you to explore them with me. We will investigate God’s scientific credentials. We will witness his authority over physical science. We will see how he is applying the logic of science to human history.

“Our Creator introduced the scientific method. Examining his predictions (hypotheses), we can judge their accuracy across 4,000 years of human history.

“Evaluate use of science of history. Begin with secrets of the universe revealed long before modern satellites. Inspect a mathematically specific prediction of the coming of Jesus Christ. Does the Creator speak in absolutes? Does absolute truth exist? Consider the complexity of predicting the themes of history and future events. No man can do it.

“Recognize the unparalleled importance of God’s expansion of science. Discover Jesus’s description of biblical biology, biblical physics, and biblical chemistry, in God’s design for human life. Consider why the availability of the Bible in the languages of Northern Europe resulted in the birth of modern science.

“Follow the flaw in human philosophy to Darwin’s theory.

“Is it important that astrophysicists are linking the biblical account of creation with twentieth and twenty-first-century scientific discoveries?

“Personally confirm the science of history by viewing God’s hypotheses and current events in Israel. Discover the purpose of human history.

“It’s an adventure in reality!”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, David J. Berg’s new book is a brilliant way towards finding a solution to break the barriers that shadow the truths of God’s Word.

With the help of this book, readers will come to learn how God intricately works His way into the hearts of His children in many aspects of the world.

View a synopsis of “The Marriage of Science and the Bible: Is Science Complete Without the Bible?” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “The Marriage of Science and the Bible: Is Science Complete Without the Bible?” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “The Marriage of Science and the Bible: Is Science Complete Without the Bible?,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

Paul M. Feinberg, PhD’s newly released “My Neighbor John” is a brilliant key to understanding the Scriptures’ truths within this complex narrative

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“My Neighbor John”: a potent tale about a young child who built a friendship with a man whose true identity is questioned by many. “My Neighbor John” is the creation of published author Paul M. Feinberg, PhD, an adjunct assistant professor of Geology. He has worked more than ten years as an environmental geologist and geological consultant. He continues to be a member of the supporting science staff to Dr. Robert Cornuke of the Bible Archaeology, Search & Exploration (BASE) Institute, now for more than a decade.

Feinberg, PhD shares, “Who is this kindly, spiritual, and mysterious man that has lived in the community for so many years? Popular in the church as well as among the community, he seems to play a part in many lives, always willing to help out, volunteer, or be a good sounding board. In fact, John Barzeb’s fishing store as a rule caters to both friends and customers, often indistinguishable, at its cozy lakeside location. John’s strivings within the church and town have been perceived to be unselfish and peaceful as a rule, but suddenly, something has changed with this familiar neighbor!

“Young Samuel Bodden is an eight-year-old boy who enjoys the world in which he is growing up, including school and church life, his friends, and his interests. He has a fascination with science in particular and has recently become enthused about the discoveries made in the field of biblical archaeology. His friendship with John was a natural one, where despite the age difference, Samuel felt always to be in a very pleasant friendship/mentoring mode.

“Then one day, Mr. Allen the local farmer delivers a closing prayer that greatly upsets young Samuel, causing him to literally run to John for help. On the point of peaceful resolution, Mr. Allen then suddenly lashes out at Samuel, evoking a response from John that no one expected. First, he orders Mr. Allen to silence and then to report to the pastor’s office. In due time, the church begins preparing for a debate ostensibly between faith and science and which promises to alter the course of the church. Unknown details soon start to emerge about Mr. Barzeb—of Jewish descent, an expert in ancient Hebrew, the brother of an actual martyr, and full of impeccable Bible knowledge. Who is this neighbor named John?”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Paul M. Feinberg, PhD’s new book is an astounding novel that brings to life the truths spoken in the Bible. With unique twists and an unexpected conclusion, everyone will find themselves fascinated as they read.

View a synopsis of “My Neighbor John” on YouTube.

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

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

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Society: Christianity

Pastor Nigel Hundy and Co-author Madeline Hundy’s newly released “Understanding God and His Word” is a compelling book that restores the wisdom of God and His teachings

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Understanding God and His Word”: a heartwarming opus that uplifts the readers’ understanding of God and His Word by walking them through teachings that revolve around His nature and will in their lives. “Understanding God and His Word” is the creation of published author Pastor Nigel Hundy and Co-author Madeline Hundy who were in full time pastoral ministry for over 40 years.

Pastor Nigel Hundy and Co-author Madeline Hundy share, “This book is designed to guide preachers and students of the Word to navigate the complex connection between the old and new testaments. The book specifically emphasizes identifying key truths. The material engages students in discussions, providing them the opportunity to ask questions, find answers and to solidify their Understanding of GOD and His Word.

“There are many important questions about God and His Word that we need to understand. As Christians, we know all the answers are in THE BIBLE. Nigel started writing this manuscript by answering the tough questions using the Word of God. It took him over ten years to write this material. He used the Catechism method (questions and answers) to make it understandable for everyone to read and comprehend. This material was taught as a course for the past thirty years, and hundreds of students have gone through the course.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Pastor Nigel Hundy and Co-author Madeline Hundy’s new book is a potent tool that desires the readers’ wisdom on the Holy Bible that leads to a much closer relationship with God.

This book profoundly discusses the importance of God by using the Bible as the foreground for a solid knowledge of His impact and design for all souls and the world.

View the synopsis of “Understanding God and His Word” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Understanding God and His Word” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Understanding God and His Word,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

Do’s and Don’ts for Recovery” is an interesting perspective tracing one man’s battle with cancer

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“A Guy’s Guide to Throat Cancer: Do’s and Don’ts for Recovery”: is a profound guide that educates readers on how cancer treatment really is and the challenges that come with it in an entertaining approach. In light of the current coronavirus epidemic, it’s “guy themes” of discipline, strength, and attitude are indispensable in helping anyone through our current health crisis.

“A Guy’s Guide to Throat Cancer: Do’s and Don’ts for Recovery” is the creation of published author Edmund A Rossman III, who retired while still recovering from cancer treatments after over twenty years working in public libraries. He has also been a business manager of radio stations in two major markets and he has taught courses for Kent State University in Journalism and Library Science. Currently, he does eCourses and webinars nationally on fundraising.

Rossman III shares, “A Guy’s Guide to Throat Cancer” is based on the CaringBridge journal entries Ed wrote during his battle with cancer. CaringBridge is a social media platform for people with illness to easily keep all those interested in their treatments and locations as informed as possible in an efficient way. His upbeat approach in these entries were to encourage his friends, family and colleagues to look at life through a guy’s eyes, not a being a victim, and with faith in the Lord that he would pull through. Writing as if he was discussing things on a bar stool, not a hospital room. Whether it’s using a dartboard in discussing chemotherapy injections, tanks and missiles in describing radiation treatments, sports analogies related to nutrition or rocking guitars to keep things high energy and fun, Ed presents the challenges of throat cancer in everyman language that’ll be helpful for patients and caregivers alike. His medical treatment spanned the Lenten season, and his journal entries and discussions contain many daily mass readings that provided him and his ‘crew’ with a spiritual scaffolding of support. The biblical messages of faith, perseverance and gratitude are tonic to anyone, not just guys, in going through this life-changing disease.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Edmund A Rossman III’s new book is a helpful tool for patients, as well as their caregivers. Using a conversational tone in a simple language, the author gives the readers a guide that helps them see how it really is in trying to overcome this disease.

View a synopsis of “A Guy’s Guide to Throat Cancer” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “A Guy’s Guide to Throat Cancer: Do’s and Don’ts for Recovery” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “A Guy’s Guide to Throat Cancer: Do’s and Don’ts for Recovery,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Professional Disability Associates Appoints Michael Cleveland to Role of President

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Michael’s experience in leading large-scale claim organizations, the depth of his industry knowledge and his exceedingly strong reputation, will be invaluable to us in this role.


PORTLAND, Maine (PRWEB)

Professional Disability Associates (PDA), a provider of specialty risk resources and consultative solutions to the disability insurance market, subsidiary of The Advocator Group and Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO), announced today that Michael Cleveland joins the firm as President. Mr. Cleveland’s background includes leading the absence, group disability and life waiver of premium claims operations for several large insurance carriers. His addition to the team will bring an even greater depth of claims expertise to the organization and will allow PDA to position the business for further growth within its chosen markets.

Mr. Cleveland brings a broad base of leadership talents and operational excellence to this role, with experience in developing best practices and achieving performance goals; developing organizational goals and core competencies; supporting business partners and sales and revenue generation functions; evaluating business performance and talent requirements; overseeing the design and implementation of systems; and the development of leaders and other team members with high potential. PDA will look to Mr. Cleveland to collaborate closely with the senior management team to establish short and long-term goals, plan for growth, and set strategies for the future.

In joining the firm, Mr. Cleveland notes, “I am very excited to be joining the PDA team! I have worked with PDA periodically over the years, as a customer, so I am confident that I am well situated to truly understand the client experience to guide the team in developing strategies that allow us to deliver maximum value to the market.”

“Michael’s experience in leading large-scale claim organizations, the depth of his industry knowledge and his exceedingly strong reputation, will be invaluable to us in this role,” says Michael Shunney, CEO of The Advocator Group. “We expect that he will hit the ground running and have an immediate and very positive impact on our business and on the customer experience.”

Mr. Cleveland holds a BA from the University of Georgia, as well as designations as a Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI), Associate, Reinsurance Administration (ARA), and Associate, Insurance Regulatory Compliance (AIRC).

To learn more about Mr. Cleveland and Professional Disability Associates, visit http://www.professionaldisabilityassociates.com.

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL DISABILITY ASSOCIATES

Professional Disability Associates (PDA) is an innovative industry leader in providing specialty risk resources, including medical and vocational review services, consultative solutions and industry benchmarking, as well as full-service claim administration capabilities to major disability insurers and self-insured employers. PDA prides itself on delivering customized solutions and exceeding its clients’ expectations. To learn more, please visit our website, http://www.professionaldisabilityassociates.com.

ABOUT THE ADVOCATOR GROUP

The Advocator Group, LLC is a nationwide advocacy organization dedicated to helping individuals apply for and obtain Social Security Disability Insurance. In addition, The Advocator Group assists Medicare beneficiaries in identifying the best coverage possible for their unique needs. The Advocator Group’s team of experienced Social Security and Medicare advocates ensures that each client is provided phenomenal service while each case receives close attention. For more information, visit http://www.advocator.com.

ABOUT BROWN & BROWN, INC.

Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, providing risk management solutions to individuals and businesses. With more than 80 years of proven success and thousands of teammates, we offer knowledge you can trust and strive to deliver superior customer service. For more information, please visit http://www.bbinsurance.com.

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Society: Christianity

Chicago-Wide Nonprofit Collaboration Provides Critical COVID-19 Relief

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Chicago Fellowship logo

“We think, with this help, we can stay open until things get better,” says Nestor Cruz, co-owner of Taqueria La Paz, a local restaurant.


Chicago, IL (PRWEB)

Chicago Fellowship, an assembly of faith-based community and business leaders, has partnered with seven community-based nonprofits to provide food, protection, and employment to residents affected by COVID-19 in some of Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.

Within days of launching its fund last month, the fellowship raised $140,000 and formed partnerships with well-established nonprofits and local restaurants in East Garfield Park, Austin, Woodlawn, Westhaven Park, North Lawndale, Altgeld and Cabrini Green. Together, this unique alliance of business leaders, nonprofits and restaurants is meeting critical needs. To date, the group has secured funding to provide meals and personal protective equipment for over 11,000 Chicagoans. How it works: after nonprofits identify beneficiaries, the Chicago Fellowship purchases meals from local restaurants and provides reusable personal protection equipment (PPE) with each one.

Partners organizations include: Breakthrough Urban Ministries, By the Hand Club for Kids, Circle Urban Ministries, GAP Community Center, Sunshine Gospel Ministries, Together Chicago and YMEN Chicago.

“We know the same groups that face persistent poverty are the ones contracting coronavirus and bearing the brunt of its economic cost,” says Tom Formolo, longtime board member of the Chicago Fellowship. “Through this unique collaboration of nonprofits, restaurants, donors and volunteers across the city, we’re providing support where it’s needed most.

Committed to working with local businesses, the initiative also provides much-needed economic stimulus for the restaurant industry. As Illinois moves through its next phases of reopening the economy, efforts like these critically bridge the gap to keep local restaurants open until full recovery.

“We were beginning to have problems where we couldn’t catch up on bills. We had 15 employees, most living in this area, and we cut half of them,” says Nestor Cruz, co-owner of Taqueria La Paz. “We got so excited about [the relief fund]. We think, with this help, we can stay open until things get better.”

The Chicago Fellowship COVID-19 Relief Fund continues to accept donations, 100% of which will go directly to those who need it most.More information about the effort, partner organizations and donating can be found at https://cfcovidrelief.org/.

About the Chicago Fellowship: Founded in 1990, the Chicago Fellowship is an assembly of local faith-based business leaders committed encouraging men toward acts of compassion and justice into the broken places of the world. Find out more at http://www.chicagofellowship.com.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Virtual Gala

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SKLD Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Dr. Margie Gillis

I am pleased and honored to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award


NORWALK, Conn. (PRWEB)

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities (SKLD) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at a virtual gala, Make Waves, at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 11.

At this year’s online event, SKLD will honor Margie Gillis, Ed.D. with its first Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Gillis is a dyslexia expert, the president and founder of Literacy How, and author of the Literacy How professional learning series books. She has devoted her professional life to ensuring that teachers have the knowledge and skills to implement research-based practices in the classroom. Dr. Gillis has worked with statewide initiatives in Connecticut to close the reading and achievement gap, collaborated in developing an evidence-based PreK lab school model, and lectures widely on reading and dyslexia. She is a Board member and former President of the Dyslexia Society of CT, and a former Board member and President, as well as a co-founder of SKLD.

Dr. Gillis holds a bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College in sociology and elementary education, a master’s degree in special education from the University of Connecticut, a doctorate in special education from the University of Louisville and is a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She is the former president of the CT Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, a board member of the New Alliance Foundation, a member of the editorial board for the Reading League journal and a professional advisor for Understood and ReadWorks.

Dr. Gillis says, “I am pleased and honored to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. I’m blessed to have partnered with so many passionate and dedicated individuals and organizations over the years, including Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, to help everyone learn to read.”

Also at the gala, the 2020 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards will be presented to student winners hailing from across the United States. The major award is for $1,000. These awards recognize the outstanding strengths and accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities and/or ADHD despite their struggles in school, and are named in honor of Dr. Fred Epstein, the renowned pediatric neurosurgeon who spoke often about his own learning disabilities.

The event sponsors include Leader Sponsor Fusion Academy Fairfield and Fusion Academy Greenwich; and Partner Sponsors: The Sari and Jay Canell Charitable Gift Fund, Eagle Hill School in Greenwich, Fairfield County Bank, Literacy How, and the Sasco River Center.

The online gala will feature both live and wine auctions, in addition to the awards program. Auction items include a cocktail cruise on Long Island Sound, a wine-of-the-month club, and a Napa Valley sommelier wine experience including airfare and a 3-night stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa.

Registration for the event is free, at https://smartkidswld.schoolauction.net/2020virtualgala/signup

About Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential by inspiring, educating and empowering parents to help their children succeed. Former Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, Anne Ford, and The Southport School Head Dr. Benjamin N. Powers are Honorary Board members. Henry Winkler, Golden Globe award-winning actor, director and author, serves as the organization’s Honorary Chairman.

For more information, visit http://www.SmartKidswithLD.org.

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Society: Christianity

Bethel Music’s Highly Anticipated “Revival’s In The Air” Is Now Available

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Bethel Music – “Revival’s In The Air”


REDDING, Calif. (PRWEB)

“Revival’s In The Air,” the highly anticipated 15th live recording from GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning worship collective Bethel Music, is now available. Continuing a legacy of Spirit-led releases that have shaped the signature sound of Bethel Music and engaged the global Church in corporate worship for more than a decade, May 29’s “Revival’s In The Air” draws its thematic inspiration from the prophetic title-cut.

Teeming with expectation, “Revival’s In The Air” is an invigorating call to renewal penned by Bethel Music’s Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, along with their son, Cadence. The song debuted on streaming platforms May 28, the last of eight selections which have released since February, strategically building a complete vision for the 17-track recording.

“Something is rattling in the depth of the Body of Christ right now; I don’t want to be asleep—I want to be awake for it,” says Melissa Helser of the title-cut. “We’ve just been chasing this song, really fueled by the fervor of this house. Lord, we want revival. We want it to look like prodigals coming home. We want it to look like the sick healed, broken hearts made whole, and we’re full of expectancy, God.”

Executive produced by Bethel Music co-founder Brian Johnson and CEO Joel Taylor, with assistant producers David Whitworth, John-Paul Gentile and Matthew Ogden, “Revival’s In The Air” showcases Bethel Music’s renowned cadre of songwriters and worship leaders, including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Cory Asbury, Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, Josh Baldwin, Kristene DiMarco, Paul and Hannah McClure, Brandon Lake, Bethany Wohrle and Dante Bowe. Additionally, the project features songwriting contributions from such leading names as Matt Redman, Phil Wickham, Leslie Jordan (All Sons & Daughters), Ben Fielding (Hillsong Worship), Rita Springer and Ethan Hulse, among others.

“From start to finish, there’s not a weak moment on the record,” Hallels.com says of the project. “‘Revival’s in the Air’ is easily Bethel Music’s best record to date. …for those who are stymied in the mirage of despair, these songs bring clarity to the greatness and joy of God.”

Kicking-off the album’s multi-faceted launch campaign with February’s powerful debut single “God of Revival,” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music has also bowed Cory Asbury’s “Egypt,” a celebration of God’s faithfulness; the Brandon Lake-led “We Praise You,” speaking peace in the midst of panic and uncertainty; and “Champion,” featuring singer/songwriter and worship leader Dante Bowe, one of the newest members of the Bethel Music team. Four more selections—including “Revival’s In The Air”— debuted earlier this week, ahead of the collection’s full release.

About Bethel Music

Bethel Music is an 11-time Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated Christian worship ministry formed as an extension of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Beginning in 2001, Bethel Music has grown from a local church music ministry to a global outreach comprising a collective of songwriters, artists and musicians. In 2019, Billboard named Bethel Music among the top record labels in Christian music.

To date Bethel Music has released 15 corporate worship albums, seven of which reached Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, each carrying a unique expression of worship to inspire and unite the global church. Along with the label’s 11 Dove Awards, “This is Amazing Grace” was named ASCAP’s Christian Music Song of the Year in 2015, with Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love” earning the same honor in 2019. “Reckless Love” was also nominated for a 2019 GRAMMY® Award and was Billboard’s fourth most popular Christian song of the decade.

In addition to touring and ministering globally, Bethel Music hosts the annual Heaven Come Conference; a one-week Bethel Music Worship Conference held on the campus of Bethel Church; and songwriting retreats in a personal setting with experienced writers. WorshipU, Bethel Music’s online school of worship, offers ongoing teaching and training programs at worshipu.com.

Visit http://www.bethelmusic.com for more information.

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