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.

Author Tony Patterson’s newly released “Every Seed Reproduces After Its Kind” is an erudite and eye-opening study of the importance of God in modern society


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“Every Seed Reproduces After Its Kind”: a profound and insightful critique of perceptions of truth and morality in modern times. “Every Seed Reproduces After Its Kind” is the creation of published author, Tony Patterson, a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Patterson states: “Is the moral framework of God under attack in America? Has the landscape of our nation changed? Are we now witnessing an identity crisis in our culture? We have become a nation that has taken God out of the stitching, and yet we stand perplexed and confounded, wondering why this nation is comings apart at its seams. God’s truth still stands.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Tony Patterson’s new book challenges its readers to examine contemporary conceptions of morality, truth, faith, and judgement.

With the building blocks of our society no longer what they once were, Patterson’s book proposes a new and faith-based means of navigating the current social, political, and moral landscape that can transform the way its readers see the world.

View a synopsis of “Every Seed Reproduces After Its Kind” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Every Seed Reproduces After Its Kind” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Every Seed Reproduces After Its Kind”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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From Good Deed to Nonprofit Organization, How One HVAC Technician Makes a Difference Every Thanksgiving


“When you’re knocking on someone’s door Thanksgiving eve and they start crying because they got a turkey dinner when they weren’t going to have one with their family, that changes you for the rest of your life.”

In 2002, HVAC technician Frank Speer had an idea. For Thanksgiving, he wanted to perform a good deed and deliver a few frozen turkeys to needy families in his church. 17 years later, Speer’s good deed is feeding 500 families across Orange County.

Speer’s turkey drive has humble beginnings. As a long-term employee of HVAC and plumbing company, Service Champions, Speer is encouraged to participate in “Good Deeds for Free.” Oftentimes, these good deeds are small—taking in trash cans or changing a lightbulb—but he decided to take it the next level.

Through his work in the church, Speer saw families in need and wanted to reach people beyond his community; that’s why he started Share the Light, a nonprofit organization focused on good deeds. The organization was created to help Orange County community members in need. Every year, Share the Light partners with Service Champions to distribute Thanksgiving dinners for families, veterans, and others seeking help.

“I’ve been blessed in so many ways in my life; I just wanted to find a way to give back,” said Speer. “That first year I think we passed out 3 or 4 turkeys; then when I told my friends and co-workers how rewarding it was, they asked if they help out, too. It just snowballed from there.”

Share the Light is completely donation based. This year, Speer and his dedicated team are buying and distributing food with funds donated from Service Champions employees and various grants. On Tuesday, November 26, Service Champions employees gathered at their warehouse to assemble the food into meal kits and delivered them across Orange County.

“People will have food this year because of what we’ve done to help the community, “says Speer. “That’s a big deal, and a huge blessing we’re able to that continually.”

Now, it’s an annual Service Champions tradition to assist Share the Light in any way possible. From technicians donating their time and service to employees giving what donations they can, this partnership is incredibly meaningful to the Service Champions family.

“When you’re knocking on someone’s door Thanksgiving eve and they start crying because they got a turkey dinner when they weren’t going to have one with their family, that changes you for the rest of your life,” reflects Speer.

Service Champions is Southern California’s best residential plumbing, heating & air conditioning company. We service, repair, and install all kinds and brands of heaters and air conditioners along with drain cleaning. We serve Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Please contact Katey Becker at 714-453-1219 for additional information about the company or Project Turkey.

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USPS Operation Santa making needy kids’ sad letters to Santa available online for first time, but not enough letters are coming in


Christmas volunteers sent gifts to this little girl through the USPS Operation Santa program.

This little girl wrote to Santa, and her gifts were delivered directly to her.

Some Operation Santa volunteers feel alone and sad over the holidays, and find comfort and inspiration volunteering for this program. By adopting a letter, they catch the true spirit of the holidays and know they’ll put a smile on the face of a needy child on Christmas morning.

The U.S. Postal Service has just launched a new website putting letters to Santa from needy kids online and making them available to the public to adopt.

But not enough letters from low income families are coming in this year.

“The letters asking Santa for a warm coat, new shoes, and a favorite toy can be read online this year, and volunteers have been quickly snapping them up. Demand is huge, and more letters from low-income families need to be mailed to Santa’s new address ASAP,” says Patrick Reynolds, who runs http://www.BeAnElf.org, a nonprofit that supports the USPS program. Kids and families may write to Santa at 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888, and should mail their letters by December 14th.

Reynolds says, “We think it’s okay for children to know there are volunteers out there who want to help Santa by sending a few extra gifts to kids whose parents don’t have much. Of course, after scanning and posting children’s letters on the USPS website, postal staff always send every letter on to Santa so kids will get his gifts, too.”

Be An Elf is a tax-exempt charity which supports USPS Operation Santa® by annually recruiting hundreds of new volunteers; by encouraging media to cover the story; and by providing those seeking assistance with tips for effective letter writing. Be An Elf is not affiliated with the USPS®, but offers an excellent guide to volunteers and to those seeking assistance. The tax-exempt non-profit charity gets a major in-kind grant from Google for free advertising, which they use to promote the USPS program.

Parents who are worried there won’t be enough gifts for their children this year will find great tips at BeAnElf.org/writing-to-Santa. Volunteers who want to learn more should start with the home page at BeAnElf.org and learn How to be an Elf.

In recent years the traditional walk-in program has been available in less than two dozen cities, but this year the letters may be adopted online from anywhere, and gifts can be mailed from 19,000 postal branches, thanks to a new USPS website, USPSoperationsanta.com.

To protect children’s privacy, USPS ® staff redact last names and addresses from their letters. A coded address label is printed out with each letter. Gifts must be mailed by December 20th, in time for delivery by Christmas.

“Some Operation Santa volunteers feel alone and sad over the holidays, and find comfort and inspiration volunteering for this program,” says BeAnElf.org’s Patrick Reynolds. “By adopting a letter, they catch the true spirit of the holidays. They know they’ll put a smile on the face of a needy child on Christmas morning.”

Reynolds is a grandson of tobacco company founder RJ Reynolds, but became a smoke-free advocate after his father, RJ Reynolds, Jr., died from smoking. Patrick received the Lifetime Achievement award in 2015 from President Obama for his work against Big Tobacco; his bio is at Tobaccofree.org/bio/.

BeAnElf.org is an invaluable resource for first-time volunteers and helps parents and kids seeking extra gifts for the holidays write effective letters to Santa.

Sample tips:


  • BeAnElf.org suggests smart gifts, like backpacks, school supplies, new (not used) clothes, books, and a small gift for the mothers, whom the site says are sometimes feeling sad over the holidays.
  • Get the word out to low income families with kids, and let them know they can write to Santa’s volunteers for extra gifts. Put up flyers to spread the word. Post them in local churches, on community bulletin boards, in markets in low-income neighborhoods, in orphanages, youth detention homes, Child Protective Services offices, a local foster care office, and even prisons. Always talk to staff first to tell them about the flyer, and ask permission to post it up. Write this at the top, so no one pulls the flyer down: Take a photo of this flyer as a reminder. Here’s how to get extra gifts for your kids from Santa’s volunteer elves!    
  • Volunteers should pay attention to the letters from families and parents of children too little to write. They often list their children’s clothing and shoe sizes, and that’s a sign they truly need help for the holidays.
  • Organize a team and share the cost and the fun. Give a holiday party at which friends, co-workers and neighbors are invited to bring gifts for kids and wrap them over Christmas cheer.
  • Be An Elf has just published a new Plan for Companies for employees who are interested in volunteering.
  • It may be possible to adopt multiple letters, and simply mail gift cards from Target or Costco, and let the Moms do the shopping for their families.

The US Postal Service ® has not missed a year since first offering the children’s letters in 1912. Learn more at BeAnElf.org. The new USPS website where the public may adopt letters online is USPSoperationSanta.com

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New Book by Xulon Press Author Shares That How We Respond To Life Changing Incidents Affects Our Eternal Destiny


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He has designed a path to bring us all back to Him.

Bill Ecton’s new book, The Coming: The Pursuit of Peace ($15.99, paperback, 9781498490962; $7.99, eBook, 9781498490979) asks readers these questions: When everything has escalated so that even small decisions are pivotal to survival, how prepared are our ensemble of individuals? Will their decisions destroy them or save them from catastrophe? Perhaps the most instrumental question The Coming asks is: Are you interested in being immortal?

Ecton says, “God has pursued mankind for millennia but during the final days in the midst of apocalypse He will be the only constant and single refuge. He has designed a path to bring us all back to Him. Will you take it?”

Bill Ecton was a missionary for 35 years before he retired to South Florida. During his global travels, he was impressed by the desire of people to discuss the subject of the future according to the scriptures. His life has never been his own. He has always conferred with God for guidance, and “The Coming” series of books is the result of his inspiration to answer the need to discuss this future with this unique story.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 12,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order The Coming: The Pursuit of Peace through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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Ophelia Chimney’s newly released “The Missing Backpack” is an engaging and brief narrative about the search for a young girl’s backpack


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“The Missing Backpack”: an amusing illustrated tale about a kid as she tries to retrace her steps to find out where she has left her backpack after she realizes that it has gone missing. “The Missing Backpack” is the creation of published author Ophelia Chimney. She is the owner of Kaye’s Healthcare and enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with her two dogs, King and Maximus

Chimney writes, “Have you ever lost or misplaced your favorite teddy bear, toy, book, or backpack? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me! I’ve lost my backpack!

“Follow me as I retrace my steps, here, there, and everywhere to try and find my missing backpack before I leave for school! Let the journey begin…”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Ophelia Chimney’s new book shares to young readers a wonderful story about a girl as she searches left and right for her missing backpack.

View a synopsis of “The Missing Backpack” on YouTube.

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

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

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Pond Lehocky gives back with 3rd annual 25 Days of Giving


Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano will once again be spreading holiday cheer over the weeks leading up to Christmas by contributing to local and national charities selected by the firm’s clients, partners, attorneys and staff.

This will be Pond Lehocky’s third straight year presenting 25 Days of Giving. Beginning Dec. 1, the firm will be:            

  •     Volunteering in the local community
  •     Holding special holiday events for the sick and underprivileged
  •     Creating cards and care packages
  •     Donating to charities

Here are the charities and organizations the firm will be supporting this holiday season:

Day 1: Lisa’s Army, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort to courageous individuals currently undergoing cancer treatments.

Day 2: Project HOME: Women of Change, a safe haven residence for women in Philadelphia run by Project HOME, which aims to help adults, children and families break the cycle of homelessness.

Day 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an international observance by the United Nations to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. To celebrate this international day, the firm will be supporting Disability Pride Philadelphia.

Day 4: Pennsylvania SPCA, a 100-percent donor funded animal rescue center with multiple locations throughout the state.

Day 5: Beverly’s Birthdays, an organization that provides birthday cheer to homeless children and families in need.

Day 6: Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, which provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults in Pennsylvania with intellectual disabilities.

Day 7: ChildPromise, an organization which supports housing and educational services for foster children.

Day 8: Special Olympics of New Jersey, which provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults in New Jersey with intellectual disabilities.

Day 9: Alzheimer’s Association, a national organization supporting research, care, and advocacy for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Day 10: WePAC, the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children, promotes childhood literacy by engaging volunteers to reopen and staff libraries and promote academic mentoring.

Day 11: Families Forward Philadelphia, the city’s largest emergency shelter for families and travelers providing advice, guidance, protection, and shelter since 1915.

Day 12: Rock Ministries of Philadelphia, a boxing and mentorship program in Kensington, Philadelphia, serving over 5,000 kids through sports, arts, music, mentoring and Bible studies, and providing food to the needy in the community.

Day 13: Cards for Hospitalized Kids, a national organization that collects handmade cards from across the globe to distribute to hospitalized kids in need all year long, and Operation Gratitude, a national organization supporting U.S. Military and First Responder communities by sending care packages and letters to deployed soldiers and to their children at home.

Day 14: Lupus Foundation of America, the only national organization devoted to solving the mystery of lupus.

Day 15: Team Foster, founded by Pond Lehocky Associate Nick Liermann, raises money to partner service dogs with veterans suffering from combat-related disabilities including PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

Day 16: Laurel House, a comprehensive agency dedicated to ending domestic violence and empowering those impacted.

Day 17: Orthopedics at Nemours, one of the largest and most widely respected pediatric orthopedics practices in the United States.

Day 18: Back on My Feet, an organization that uses running to combat homelessness.

Day 19: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world’s largest organization that supports research and advocacy for blood cancer treatment.

Day 20: American Red Cross, which prevents and alleviates human suffering by providing relief and support to those in crisis and helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Day 21: ADL, a leading anti-hate organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and bigotry and securing justice and fair treatment for all.

Day 22: William Way LGBT Community Center, which encourages, supports and advocates for the well-being and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities in the Greater Philadelphia region through service, recreational, educational and cultural programming.

Day 23: 43 Oak Foundation, which is dedicated to helping minority and underprivileged athletes learn and develop through the sport of ice hockey.

Day 24: TRIO, a nonprofit group committed to improving the life of transplant candidates, recipients, their families and the families of organ and tissue donors.

Day 25: Philly FUNDamentals, a project of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia that allows any donor to find a school and give directly to that school’s needs identified by the principal, and Donors Choose, a national program that helps donors provide direct support to individual classrooms.

A new gift will be revealed each day. Follow along on Pond Lehocky’s website and social media accounts to see what the firm is doing and learn about important charities in need this holiday season and beyond.

Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano opened its doors in July 2010 with six attorneys and only 22 total staff members. Today, it is the largest workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law firm in the region with over 200 staff members. The firm has expanded nationwide with offices in New Jersey, New York and California. It has recently added new practice areas for workers, including employment law and long-term disability, and has a national referral network, which has helped 86,000 clients with referrals.

Air Travel is Often Dangerous for People with Disabilities


Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), an organization dedicated to empowering veterans, is alerting the public to the dangers people with disabilities commonly face during air travel and asking for support of their efforts to ensure safe and accessible travel for all. This call to action comes as the busiest travel time of the year begins and more than one in four Americans report having a disability, the majority mobility related. Recently, Shaun Castle, a U.S. Army Veteran and Deputy Executive Director for Paralyzed Veterans of America, teamed up with YourUpdateTV to discuss the campaign.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/gSn5NAENqPw

PVA has long been at the forefront air travel accessibility. The organization is working to ensure safer procedures for transferring travelers with disabilities to and from wheelchairs and seats, shorter lengths of stay in one-size-fits-all aisle chairs where prolonged sitting can cause pressure sores, blood clots or even death, and accessible airplane restrooms which are currently inaccessible for people who use mobility devices, leading to extreme and unhealthy alternatives.

The public can support PVA in their fight for equal accessibility for all people by signing up for ongoing news and to learn how to help at pva.org/travel.

Although progress has been made, there are still glaring problems. The 1986 Air Carrier Access Act aims to ensure people with disabilities receive consistent and nondiscriminatory treatment when flying. Unfortunately, travelers still encounter significant barriers such as damaged wheelchairs, delayed assistance and lack of procedures and training for airline staff. These obstacles are not only inconvenient, but they take away the dignity of travelers with disabilities and can cause serious injuries.

For more information, please visit: pva.org/travel

About Shaun Castle:

Medically-retired Army sergeant Shaun Castle, with his one-of-a-kind charisma and outgoing personality, determined years ago that he had the potential to be a voice for veterans. “One thing I’ve always been able to do very well is talk. I know most veterans are shy, so if my contribution is to share the story, then it’s all worth it,” says Castle.

He has also become an advocate for all people with disabilities through his work as deputy executive director for Paralyzed Veterans of America.

While on active duty in the Army, Castle served in Kosovo, Macedonia and missions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He also served as a protective services officer to two four-star generals.

During a training exercise in Germany, Castle suffered an injury that left him paralyzed and forced to medically retire from the Army. As part of his rehabilitation, Castle fell in love with wheelchair basketball. He went on to play for the University of Alabama men’s wheelchair basketball team and professionally in Europe.

A seasoned media professional and public speaker, Castle has been a key contributor to PVA adaptive sports programs and stakeholder outreach efforts. He has also been actively involved in advocacy for the disabled community, frequently testifying on Capitol Hill.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, the organization has ensured that veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Learn more at pva.org.

About YourUpdateTV:

YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content, produced by award-winning video communications firm, D S Simon Media (http://www.dssimon.com). It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology.

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New Research Shines a Light on a Forgotten Generation


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“Caregiving doesn’t have to be unsupported or isolating,” said Josephine Kalipeni, Policy Director of Caring Across Generations. “Together, we can build a holistic system. . . makes care supports accessible, affordable, and flexible for 21st-century families.

Today, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) in partnership with Caring Across Generations released Burning the Candle at Both Ends: Sandwich Generation Caregiving in the U.S. This new report illuminates the challenges facing working parents who are providing intergenerational care. More than 11 million Americans are caring for an adult family member due to health needs or disability, while also caring for children at home.

The report analyzes data from more than 300 Sandwich Generation caregivers, and compared to non-sandwich caregivers from a nationally representative dataset from the 2015 study, Caregiving in the U.S. (conducted initially by NAC and the AARP Public Policy Institute). The research firm, Greenwald & Associates, conducted the data analysis with input from a small Advisory Committee of nationally- and internationally-recognized researchers. Dr. Joe Caldwell from Brandeis University, Dr. Feylyn Lewis of the University of Sussex, and Dr. Margaret Longacre of Arcadia University reviewed the findings and provided perspectives from their fields of study. The report also includes caregiver vignettes and policy implications drawn from the quantitative findings.

Compared to other types of caregivers, the Sandwich Generation caregivers are younger, more ethnically diverse, and newer to caregiving than non-Sandwich Generation caregivers. Many represent Generation X and Millennials, who are launching careers and families while caring for an older relative.

Key findings highlighted some of the pain points:

  • Sandwich caregivers spent an average of 22 hours a week to caring for someone, while often simultaneously juggling work
  • Roughly one-third of Sandwich Caregivers reported emotional stress, and one of five indicate a high level of financial and physical strain.
  • Sandwich Caregivers most commonly help with transportation (80%), housework (76%), and preparing meals (62%).
  • Very few feel prepared to do the medical/nursing tasks (19%)

“Families are squeezed, and they need help to balance work and home life,” said C. Grace Whiting, J.D., President/CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “National conversations are heating up on paid family and medical leave, universal childcare, and the need to expand long-term services and supports. Now is the time to invest in workplace flexibility and a robust national infrastructure that can support and augment care for the friends and family who need our care.”

Data revealed that most Sandwich Caregivers supported programs that would supplement their income while they were caregiving or an earned income tax credit to compensate them for their work, even if these programs were unavailable or hard to access.

Other challenges align with potential workplace solutions. The data show that:

  • One in five sandwich caregivers report feeling financial strain as a result of being a caregiver, and 25% said it was hard to find affordable services for their friend or family member.
  • Caregivers often lack workplace benefits, such as paid leave. As a result, Sandwich Caregivers miss work or cut down work hours during their prime working and long-term saving years.
  • More than eight out of ten (85%) wanted information on at least one caregiving related topic, including managing stress (44%)

“So many of us are already dealing with the dual stresses of Sandwich Generation caregiving, and it will only get worse if we don’t receive the support that we need,” said Josephine Kalipeni, Policy Director of Caring Across Generations. “Caregiving doesn’t have to be unsupported or isolating. Lawmakers have the opportunity now to make real change for our nation’s caregivers. Together, we can build a holistic system that acknowledges our varied caregiving needs, across cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and that makes care supports accessible, affordable, and flexible for 21st-century families.”

“Many characteristics and issues facing Sandwich Caregivers mirror those facing caregivers in general,” said Joe Caldwell, Ph.D., of the Community Policy Living Center, Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University. “However, the report highlights some important differences, particularly greater time demands and potential implications for health and economic well-being. Moreover, not only are Sandwich Caregivers more racially/ethnically diverse, there is great variation within this population. The report reminds us of the need to develop policies and practices that are flexible and approach families holistically, using a person- and family-centered approach based on an assessment of their unique situation and needs.”

NAC and Caring Across Generations will release the report in a national briefing with a live webcast. Hosted at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the briefing will honor the contributions of caregivers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and celebrate the role of friends and family in the spirit of National Family Caregivers Month. Caregivers with lived experience balancing work and intergenerational care needs will provide their perspectives alongside national policy experts and researchers.

Made possible with grant funding from MassMutual, the report and live cast will be available on Tuesday, November 26, at 9 AM ET. To watch live, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/NA4Caregiving. The report will be available at http://bit.ly/WorkCareSandwich.

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About the National Alliance for Caregiving

Established in 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on advancing family caregiving through research, innovation, and advocacy. The Alliance conducts research, does policy analysis, develops national best-practice programs, and works to increase public awareness of family caregiving issues. Recognizing that family caregivers provide significant societal and financial contributions toward maintaining the well-being of those they care for, the Alliance supports a network of more than 80 state and local caregiving coalitions and serves as Secretariat for the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO). Learn more at http://www.caregiving.org.

About Caring Across Generations

Caring Across Generations is a national movement of families, caregivers, people with disabilities, and aging Americans working to transform the way we care in this country. By harnessing the power of online and grassroots organizing and culture change work, we are shifting how our nation values caregiving and calling for policy solutions that enable all of us to live well and age with dignity. For more information, please visit http://www.caringacross.org.

About Mass Mutual

The SpecialCare program, developed by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, provides access to information and resources to families with dependents of any age who have a disability. The program’s holistic approach involves a person with special needs’ network of advisors, including a Special Care Planner or other financial professional that specializes in working with special needs. Our mission is to help educate families and caregivers of people with special needs about the importance and steps in creating a life care plan to help provide a secure financial future. For more information about Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its SpecialCare program, please visit http://www.massmutual.com/specialcare.

About Greenwald and Associates

Greenwald & Associates is a full-service custom research firm, specializing in the areas of healthcare, financial services, and employee benefits. Learn more at http://greenwaldresearch.com.

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National Veteran Nonprofit Receives $1 Million Matching Donation Campaign for Giving Tuesday


Travis Manion Foundation Survivor Expedition to Gold Star Peak in Alaska

“The opportunity for us to receive such substantial support towards our programs will truly change lives for these families (of fallen military heroes) who have sacrificed so much.”

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. According to givingtuesday.org, last year $380 million was raised in the United States alone, and this year over $500 million is expected to be donated worldwide.

The matching donor campaign through Travis Manion Foundation will be dedicated towards programs in support of families of fallen military members. The staple program funds Service and Leadership Expeditions, which provides veterans and family members of fallen heroes the opportunity to connect, build relationships and work together on service-based trips. TMF Expeditions are more than a support group – they are an opportunity to serve with the selflessness of those we have lost. TMF Expeditions take participants across the US and around the world. Local communities receive the benefit of physical service as well as the impact of seeing participants’ acts of courage, strength and selflessness.

“From our inception, Travis Manion Foundation has given families of the fallen a platform to not only continue the life of service, but to carry on the legacy of their loved one by helping others,” said Amy Looney Heffernan, Vice President of Travis Manion Foundation. “The opportunity for us to receive such substantial support towards our programs will truly change lives for these families who have sacrificed so much.”

Those interested in supporting the cause can visit: http://www.travismanion.org/2019GivingTuesday

About Travis Manion Foundation

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans, first responders and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who…” Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.

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Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation Make Transformative Gift to Episcopal Relief & Development to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls


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The generosity and love for those around the world expressed by the Muglia Family through this gift are deeply inspiring to all of us working together for lasting change,” said Presiding Bishop Curry.

The Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation has contributed a $1 million gift to Episcopal Relief & Development to support and expand the organization’s programs to help prevent violence against women and girls worldwide.

“Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to reduce violence against women and girls is having a transformative impact on the lives of women and their communities,” said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. “The generosity and love for those around the world expressed by the Muglia Family through this gift are deeply inspiring to all of us working together for lasting change.”

Long-time supporters of Episcopal Relief & Development, Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia believe they have a responsibility to help empower women to thrive. “I have seen firsthand how Episcopal Relief & Development creates long-term, sustainable change for the most vulnerable people in communities around the world,” stated Laura Ellen Muglia, who has served on the board of directors for the organization since 2016. “We are honored to be a part of this ground-breaking and hugely important program.”

Episcopal Relief & Development’s initiatives to promote gender equality and to end violence against women and girls are one of the organization’s key program priorities. In Liberia, a partnership with the humanitarian arm of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, supported by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, Islamic Relief USA and other funders, encourages and trains local faith leaders such as priests and imams to speak out against violence and to change cultural norms in their communities. In 2018, this program was awarded a second grant from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women to expand its work to ensure that every woman is treated with dignity and respect.

“Our long-standing partners in Liberia, Burundi, Honduras, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia recognize that violence against women and girls remains a huge barrier to the growth and development of communities,” said Chiseche Mibenge, the newly-appointed Director of Gender Initiatives for Episcopal Relief & Development. “Through experiential learning, faith and youth leaders address their own entrenched religious and cultural biases that subordinate women and girls, and are empowered to advocate for the rights of survivors.”

“When women succeed, communities thrive. We are delighted to announce this generous gift from the Muglia Family Foundation as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women around the world, ” said Robert Radtke, President & CEO for Episcopal Relief & Development. “We are deeply grateful to Laura Ellen and Bob for their continued support and passion to empower women.”

For more information about Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to eliminate violence against women and girls, visit http://www.episcopalrelief.org.

About Episcopal Relief & Development:

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

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