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.

The Dugger Law Firm, PLLC Has Filed a Disability Discrimination Case on Behalf of Jamal Othman Against NYC Mayoral Candidate and Former DVS Commissioner Loree Sutton


On November 7, 2019, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jamal Othman filed a disability discrimination, retaliation, and interference complaint against the City of New York’s Department of Veterans’ Services (“DVS”), New York City mayoral candidate and former DVS Commissioner Ret. Gen. Loree Sutton, and current DVS Assistant Commissioner Jason Parker. 

Most recently the Assistant Commissioner for Engagement & Community Services for DVS, Mr. Othman worked as an Assistant Commissioner for DVS from 2016-2019.  He previously served as the Chief of Staff for Mayor Bloomberg for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs (2012-2014) and the Deputy Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs (2014-2016). 

Mr. Othman’s complaint alleges that, despite DVS’s stated mission of supporting NYC veterans, including those with mental health disabilities, former Commissioner Sutton engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against DVS’s military veteran employees with mental health disabilities, including targeting them for termination of employment from DVS.

The complaint alleges that shortly after Mr. Othman disclosed his service-connected mental health disability, former Commissioner Sutton demoted him, pressured him to resign, terminated his employment (by way of an armed escort out of DVS’s offices), and banned him from entering any property under the jurisdiction of DVS.

The complaint further alleges that former Commissioner Sutton created a hostile work environment for veterans with mental health disabilities.

The complaint alleges that her conduct included: (1) telling Mr. Othman that she wanted to find a reason to fire a veteran with a mental health disability in part because of their mental health disability (in addition to their political views); (2) expressing her pleasure, and becoming visibly giddy, after hearing of the departure of a veteran with a mental health disability from DVS; and (3) repeatedly instructing Mr. Othman “no more troubled veterans.”

The complaint additionally alleges that five days after former Commissioner Sutton terminated his employment because of his mental health disability and/or protected activity, she testified about veteran mental health to the New York City Council’s committees on Veterans and Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction, Oversight Hearing on “Veteran Suicide and Mental Health.”

Filed in the Southern District of New York pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), and the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”), the fourteen-count complaint’s claims include: (1) disability discrimination; (2) retaliation; (3) harassment and hostile work environment; (4) failure to accommodate; (5) interference; and (6) aiding and abetting liability.  The complaint also utilizes the NYCHRL’s 2017 amendments enacting anti-discrimination protections for uniformed service members (i.e. veterans), which Mr. Othman assisted in passing while at DVS.

Mr. Othman’s complaint seeks back pay, front pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief, as well as punitive damages and FMLA liquidated damages from former Commissioner Sutton and Assistant Commissioner Parker in their individual capacities.

On November 6, 2019, The New York Times reported that former Commissioner Sutton had declared her candidacy for Mayor of New York City.

The case is Othman v. The City of New York et al., No. 19 Civ. 10351, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Media Contact: Cyrus E. Dugger, The Dugger Law Firm, PLLC (646) 560-3208 cd@theduggerlawfirm.com

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Company Creates Innovative & Imaginative Therapeutic Play Products Just Right for That Special Young Someone


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“From perfect stocking stuffers to 2019 Top Toy Award winning PunkinPlaySpace, our accessible products unleash the power of play for every child” says PunkinFutz CEO and founder, Lisa Radcliffe, “while the company’s adaptive workforce positively models that child’s future.”

PUNKINFUTZ PUTS CHILDREN FIRST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Company Creates Innovative & Imaginative Therapeutic Play Products

Just Right for That Special Young Someone

Looking for the ultimate gift to spark imagination and self-expression for a child with adaptive needs this holiday season? Look no further. PunkinFutz, an innovative company that designs and produces award-winning therapeutic play products has the perfect solution.

The company partners with occupational therapists, parents, designers and children to develop and test its products. All original PunkinFutz products are manufactured in the United States by adults with disabilities in supportive workplaces. Purchasers can be proud knowing that their thoughtful gifting supports a vital social mission.

“From perfect stocking stuffers to the 2019 Top Toy Award winning PunkinPlaySpace, these accessible products unleash the power of play for every child,” says PunkinFutz CEO and founder, Lisa Radcliffe, “while the company’s adaptive workforce positively models that child’s future.”

PRODUCTS DESIGNED WITH FIDGETING IN MIND

Imagine the endless possibilities with the company’s line of PunkinFidgets. Its PomPoms provide multiple options for sensory interaction, including catch and release, hand and upper extremity exercise, calming and focus. These colorful cartwheel-shaped items come in large and small sizes and are ideal for quiet environments – the car, theater or classroom.

For sensory-seekers, the Scratchy Squares are the first scratchy fidget ever sold. Sized to fit in small hands with slight weight to work either with the PunkinHug compression vests or on its own, they help support focus, calm and self-control.

The brightly colored Marble Maze has engaging textures that can be also be used on its own or paired with the vest. The maze supports focus, helps to increase hand and finger strength, and builds fine motor skills.

ACCESSORY BAGS IN BOLD, BEAUTIFUL SHAPES AND COLORS

If a child is on the move, then the PunkinPie is ideal. These patented, trendy accessory bags carry inhalers, wallets, ID cards, cellphones, EpiPens – anything they may need to keep close at hand. Designed especially for wheelchairs, PunkinPies will also work on walkers, scooters, strollers, bicycles and carts for the coolest ride on the block. They are water resistant; highly reflective, using fabrics created for the US Military and first responders; ensure easy access with pull zippers and Velcro straps; and are durable and washable to make for easy cleaning and use. The options of colors and patches make them a personalized expression for every child’s style.

Nearly 20 percent of U.S. children have physical, developmental, sensory and/or emotional disabilities – affecting approximately one out of five or 8.2 million American children between the ages of 4 and 12.1 PunkinFutz is creating products specifically for this underserved population, because research shows creative play is a powerful development tool for children with disabilities.

“As the mother of two children with adaptive needs, I am inspired every day to make a positive difference for them and for others,” says Radcliffe. “PunkinFutz employs a fully adaptive workforce and produces the highest quality products that fulfill multiple therapeutic goals. We use universal design, so our products can be enjoyed by children of all abilities.”

The company is the recipient of 11 toy industry awards in three years for its innovative products. Products range in price from $12.00 to $85.00 and can be purchased online at http://www.PunkinFutz.com.

“If you’re looking for an intentional gift, PunkinFutz products have value on many levels,” adds Radcliffe.

About PunkinFutz:

Launched in 2016, PunkinFutz uses universal design to create therapeutic play products for children with a broad range of physical, sensory, developmental and emotional needs. PunkinFutz products promote individual expression, creativity and imagination. All PunkinFutz original products are manufactured in the USA in supportive and adaptive workplaces using the highest quality materials and responsible sourcing. PunkinFutz has won eleven awards for its innovative products and is a member of the Toy Industry Association (TIA) and the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). Founder Lisa Radcliffe is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Council for Exceptional Children. All PunkinFutz products meet ASTM F963 standards.

1 National Profile of Children with Special Health Care Needs and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Key Findings from the 2009/10 NS‐CSHCN & 2011/12 NSCH, https://www.childhealthdata.org/

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Dr. Muzella P. Hayes Ph.D’s newly released “God’s Light Bulb” is a brilliant discussion that illuminates one of God’s guiding light


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“God’s Light Bulb”: a detailed discourse that emphasizes the purpose and function of light itself, which will then lead to the knowledge and understanding of light in a biblical sense. “God’s Light Bulb” is the creation of published author Dr. Muzella P. Hayes Ph.D, an evangelist at Church of God at Iron Hill in Newark, Delaware, which gave her an opportunity to preach God’s Word to all that will listen and bring Christ Jesus. She is a registered nurse who holds a master’s degree in nursing leadership and a doctor of philosophy of biblical studies at Newburgh Theological Seminary and Bible College. She is also a diabetes lay teacher for the state of Delaware.

Dr. Hayes shares, “Earthly man does not always understand the revelations of the Word; it is therefore sometimes necessary to use metaphors or parables as Jesus did when teaching the Jews about the kingdom of God. In the same vein, this dissertation uses the metaphor of a light bulb that can emanate light—when plugged into an electrical source—to the light that shines from God. Going further with this metaphor, the ‘light bulb of God’ takes its energy from the Lord himself as it shines in the lives of everyone who believes in God.

“Light is used to show the way, as roads, airport runways, and stations are lit to facilitate easier traveling to humans. Light, as humans know it, was only possible after electricity was discovered. Caldwell stated that in New York, ‘by the late 1870’s electric light was no longer a novelty, though the city didn’t get its first consumer power grid until eight-teen eighty-two.’ The city put electrical lights to good use as the New York Train System lit up the tracks twenty-four hours a day—this provided an indication of the way the train would go. This was considered light that would guide the way for so many people travelling the city.

“This train line pointing to the way people should go can be seen as a metaphor for The Way in a biblical sense. There are people who do not know or believe that the first light was God’s light.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Dr. Muzella P. Hayes Ph.D’s new book is a comprehensive collection of thoughts that will influence readers to begin a discourse and formulate questions and discussions in relation to man’s creation, as well as the different systems that work together in reaching an ultimate goal.

View a synopsis of “God’s Light Bulb” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “God’s Light Bulb” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “God’s Light Bulb,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Volume 2” is a compelling topic by topic read of the teachings which are embedded within the pages of the Bible


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“Topical Bible Studies: Volume 2”: a purposeful narrative that explains the doctrines of the Bible that lets readers better identify with God and clarify his message to mankind. “Topical Bible Studies: Volume 2” is the creation of published author David B. Lendway, a faithful Christian and a retired engineer at a global engineering company.

Lendway writes, “This book is volume 2 of three volumes and contains a different collection of Bible topics than each of the other two volumes. These topics, like the previous topics in the other two volumes, will also allow the reader to easily identify, with little or no effort on their part, committing to memory exactly what God expects of them from within HIS written Word. Although this will not necessarily bring about the reader’s ability to remember precisely where each of these topics appears in the Bible’s book, chapter, and verse, it will—after reading enough of these topics—make their daily Bible reading much easier and so much more enjoyable due to their newfound understanding.

The reader will also discover when studying topic by topic they will remember the subject matter much better than when these particular subjects flew by them at lightning speed while reading along in their Bible.

These self-contained Bible studies work for everyone. It doesn’t matter where one stands in their faith or how much they know about the Bible; these studies will work. For those who are well-rooted in the Word, these studies will work for them as a review; those who own an average understanding of God’s Word will be able to use these studies not only as a review but also for learning something that God has said and they had previously unknowingly passed over. Those who know very little about the Word of God will be able to learn a great deal from these topical studies since they are self-contained and require no explanation because all commentary is backed up with book, chapter, and verse from the inspired Word of God. Those who know nothing about the Word and are seeking to learn about God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, their salvation, and the existence of this spiritual world they have heard so much about will now be able to learn straight from His Word right in the comfort of their living room whatever it is they want to know.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, David B. Lendway’s new book guides believers in their faith-driven journey to better grasp the magnitude of God in their physical and spiritual lives.

This book is the second of three volumes that desire to usher illumination to the hearts, minds, and spirits of people who have committed themselves to the pursuit of God and partake of his promised salvation.

View the synopsis of “Topical Bible Studies: Volume 2” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Topical Bible Studies: Volume 2” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Topical Bible Studies: Volume 2,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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YMCA to acquire Nexus Youth and Families to tackle youth homelessness, mental illness


“By acquiring Nexus, we can serve more youth and young adults, find more efficiencies, and strengthen our presence in South King County so all people, especially youth, can reach their fullest selves in mind, body, and spirit,” said Loria Yeadon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle voted to acquire Nexus Youth and Families, a nonprofit organization that has provided youth homelessness and behavioral health services in Auburn and South King County for over 45 years. The acquisition will be finalized in the coming months to ensure that youth and their families in South King County continue to receive the quality services.

Nexus approached the Y with this opportunity based on both organization’s reputations, the relationship between the two agencies, the Y’s longstanding presence in South King County, and aligned missions. The Y is the largest provider of housing and holistic services for young adults experiencing homelessness in King County. In 2018, they provided behavioral health and crisis support to over 2,000 youth and their families.

“Homelessness is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Our work and the work of so many others has led to a decline in the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. We’re so glad to see more young people housed, but we still need to do more. By acquiring Nexus Youth and Families, we can serve more youth and young adults, find more efficiencies, and strengthen our presence in South King County so all people, especially youth, can reach their fullest selves in mind, body, and spirit,” said Loria Yeadon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

The acquisition comes at a time when many young people struggle to find homes and resources. According to All Home’s 2019 Count Us In report, over 1,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults in King County experience homelessness on any given night, with over half of them living on the streets. Simultaneously, death by suicide among teens and young adults has reached its highest level since 2000, according to the American Medical Association.

“Being able to provide our much needed services in South King County is the top priority of the Nexus’ Board of Directors,” said Lori Coppenrath, Nexus Board Chair. “I have 100 percent confidence that the acquisition between the Y and Nexus will mean better outcomes for those we serve, enhance our staff’s experience, and create collaboration that provides the best services for those who need us most in South King County. It’s a no brainer.”

Earlier this year, the Y partnered with Nexus to build a new first of its kind facility in Auburn that addresses youth and young adult homelessness. The new facility, named New Arcadia, will provide transitional housing for 15 young adults and provide emergency shelter and holistic services for 12 more. The housing portion will include storage space and common areas, a community kitchen, office and conference spaces, and a drop-in center during the day. The Y and Nexus broke ground on New Arcadia in June 2019 and expects to open the facility in spring 2020.

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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 265,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances annually through 14 branches, two overnight camps, and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. We nurture more than 137,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages thousands of volunteers who contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.

About Nexus Youth and Families

Nexus Youth and Families is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers an array of social services in over 17 communities throughout South King County, including the Muckleshoot Reservation. Nexus offices are located in Auburn, Enumclaw, and Maple Valley. For over four decades, Nexus has been the leading provider of shelter, housing and behavioral health services to youth and families experiencing homelessness and other trauma in South King County.

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‘Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe’ Breaks New Ground in Children’s Books


Giraffe cover photo for new children’s book, ‘Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe,’ was selected by children of Jubilee JumpStart preschool in Washington, DC.

To kiss a giraffe!! Who gets to do THAT? I know children from all around the world will lap up this book which speaks directly to THEM!

A new children’s book, “Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe “breaks new ground, taking children on three real wildlife journeys from the rain forests of Borneo to many countries in Africa.

Rather than wonderful illustrations and imaginary situations in most children’s books, the book features the author’s full color iPhone animal photos and her personal experiences—despite challenging disabilities.

Author Rozanne Weissman sought input of children 2-9. Result: additions of questions, explanations, emojis. Her major book-loving “book consultant,” age 3 1/2, wants to kiss a giraffe.

DISABILITY DILEMMA

The children’s book also breaks new ground in the disability area. Jubilee JumpStart bilingual infants-pre-K school in Washington, DC, asked its volunteer Weissman to write a book for children who love her wildlife travel stories, photos, and videos.

But HOW with permanent hand/wrist disabilities, vision issues, and no computer?

The award-winning marketing communications executive worked on voice activated computer software for employers and clients for 20+ years. Recently, Weissman’s doctor took her off computers.

Undeterred, the author produced the 36-page children’s book on her small iPhone 8 screen—dictated on Seri and laid out in the SimplePrints app with no typography options! And all that working with two disabilities.

So that children can identify with her as the child in the book and dream big, the book starts when Rozanne was a little child who loved watching wildlife and nature. When she grew up, it wasn’t enough to see wild animals in films and TV, the author longed to see animals where they lived—in the wild.

“Rozanne put the same passion into her children’s book as she did into the highly successful launch and rapid growth of Discovery, Inc.’s Animal Planet Channel,” observes W. Clark Bunting, former president of both Animal Planet and Discovery Channels.

The author first travels to Borneo to see her favorite animal—intelligent, red-haired orangutans. The book includes surprising photos of Siswi—the diva of Camp Leakey who didn’t like other females—either orangutans or humans. Siswi stands eye-to-eye, and nose-to-nose with the author. Weissman traveled with the world’s leading primatologist on orangutans, Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas. Compares Weissman: “It was like traveling with Jane Goodall to learn about chimpanzees.”

That’s the start of three amazing wildlife trips—others to see elephants, elusive leopards, penguins, orphaned baby elephants, and giraffes renowned for kissing.

Dancy Mills, daughter of the first owners of Giraffe Manor who brought two young endangered Rothschild giraffes to live there and founders of the Giraffe Centre—posts a five star review of Rozanne’s book on Amazon:

“To kiss a giraffe!! Who gets to do THAT? I LOVED Rozanne Weisman’s new children’s book, “Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe!” It’s absolutely charming & just perfect for the level of children’s understanding & their sense of awe. BRAVA Rozanne! You’ve really got a winner on your hands. I know children from all around the world will lap up this book which speaks directly to THEM! And I hope it makes it into multiple languages for that very purpose. I’d love to see it become a New York Times best seller, because it’s also a joyful & fascinating book, even for an adult.”

Rozanne Weissman

Rozanne Weissman & Associates

rozanneweissman.com/

202-904-4490

RWCommerce@gmail.com

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The Family God Created,” unexpected disasters can’t compare to the suffering a family will face from men with evil intent


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“Esther’s Story: The Family God Created”: shows how the Lord sometimes puts obstacles in one’s intended path that will lead them to the one He has chosen, but this can only happen if one is open to listen to Him and choose to go His way. While fiction, the events depicted in this story can and do happen to people today. As it did in 1972 to P.K. Thomas, after she attended Bible College and saw her priorities and life goals change. Since graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1990, God has been directing her life to serve Him through the talents and skills He has given her.

In her first book, “Esther’s Story: Journey from the Cross”, P.K. Thomas brought the first century birth of Christianity alive by blending Biblical truth, and human history as seen through the eyes of one young girl on her journey of faith to find God’s purpose for her life.

“As Esther’s story continues in her second book, ‘Esther’s Story: The Family God Created,’ we will follow this now young woman, along with her husband, Anthony, and their adopted son, Nymes, on their intended mission to bring the Word of God to Anthony’s mother’s family in Macedonia. However, a journey that was expected to be only a few months takes an unexpected turn when a massive earthquake changes their plans and direction, putting them on a long detour filled with many hardships and difficulties. Despite these many obstacles and hardships that God has put in front of them, they push on. Unsure as to when or if they will reach their intended destination and if they do, what will they find?

“Facing these many obstacles requires a bending of their wills and a testing of their faith in order to make the right Godly choices to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of others. But what at first appears to be just a series of unrelated encounters turns out to be much, much more as they discover God’s hand at work and see His greater purpose through all the difficult choices that they will make.”    

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, P.K. Thomas’ new book reads like a movie as one moves from scene to scene and sees the development of not just Esther’s family, but the family of God. In this beautiful narrative, the reader will learn that the greatest dangers and the greatest joys are found not in the obstacles one faces, but in the decisions one makes in dealing with them. Just as the characters in this book, everyone must face their challenges with faith and trust in the Lord.

View a synopsis of “Esther’s Story: The Family God Created” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Esther’s Story: The Family God Created” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Esther’s Story: The Family God Created,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Margaret Ann Fiore’s newly released “The Radiance of Christ” is a profound and personal read that shows the beauty and true meaning of being a priest


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“The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen”: a touching biography of a promising priest in pages that speak about his extraordinary life in faith and service. “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen” is the creation of published author Margaret Ann Fiore, a nurse practitioner for over four decades. She serves on the Rector’s Council of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She was also the third president of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and founded the Brain Tumor Support Group in the Metropolitan Washington area. Additionally, she has written several scholarly papers on the science and practical management of patients with neurological tumors that she presented to distinguished audiences worldwide.

Fiore shares, “The memory of Msgr. Roeltgen has not been dimmed by time. Those who knew him and were trained to virtue by his precepts and example love to speak of him, to repeat his words, and tell incidents of his holy life.

“Monsignor’s life and character had a beauty few achieve. The gentleness of his manner, the strength of his character, the validity of his priestly commitment, and the unswerving love of God, the Church, the priesthood and, of course, his brother priests and his parishioners were so apparent to all who knew him that we knew we experienced a rare blessing and were especially gifted by the Lord in him.

“This book will be of immense spiritual value to all who know and want to know God, and will strengthen their faith, hope, and charity in these days when there is an apparent conspiracy at work to erase the consciousness of God from the minds of men.

“‘We are but high up old windows through which the grace of God still shines.’ This sentence aptly describes our much loved and deeply missed friend. Monsignor Roeltgen was, indeed, a man who let the light of God shine through.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Margaret Ann Fiore’s new book is a great preservation of the life of a good and holy priest that will also inspire others who wish to serve God and His people. This creation is also a wonderful gift to seminarians, priests, laity, and everyone who acknowledges the commitment of men to the holy priesthood.

View a synopsis of “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation Named Humanitarian of the Year by Community Access Unlimited


Photo of Elaine Katz giving a speech

“All of us share the same needs,” said Elaine Katz, “for independence, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to contribute our talents to society through work that sustains us personally as well as financially.”

Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior VP of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Community Access Unlimited. The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Gala Dinner Dance at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott on October 24, 2019.

Katz was one of three members of the community recognized at the event, which marked Community Access Unlimited’s 40th year of service to the disability community. Stephen Hehl of the law firm Hehl and Hehl received the Public Leadership Award, and community organizer Arthur “Skip” Winter was honored with the Ira Geller Award for volunteerism.

“All of us share the same needs,” noted Katz, “for independence, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to contribute our talents to society through work that sustains us personally as well as financially. Partnering with organizations like Community Access Unlimited enables Kessler Foundation to invest in programs that help people with disabilities attain their goals. I am honored to accept this award from those who share our mission,” she said. “Together, we will continue to change the marketplace and increase the participation of people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment.”

Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation commented: “At the Foundation, we prioritize employment as the pathway to independence for people with disabilities. With Elaine’s leadership, our grant making program has provided nearly $45 million to support the proposals of local and national partnerships for effective and sustainable employment programs. This award is most fitting since her influence in the field extends well beyond the individuals who benefit from these programs,” he emphasized, “allowing us to leverage dollars and human capital to stimulate new ideas that may be models for policy change.”

For more than 25 years, Katz has worked with non-profit organizations in the areas of board development, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Katz often speaks about innovative practices for employing people with disabilities, and is the author/co-author of articles and papers on related topics. She currently serves on the board of directors of JESPY House, New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First (NJAPSE), Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee, and on the program committee of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. She is also an appointed member of Empower NYC Advisory Board, Workforce Matters National Steering Committee, ReelAbilities NY Advisory & Council, ReelAbilities 2019 Selection Committee and the NJ Veterans and Community Collaborative Network. Her awards and recognitions include the GiGo Fund Civilian of the Year Award, Community Options’ Betty Pendler Award, and the Jespy House Award for Leadership.

About Community Access Unlimited

Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 40th year in 2019, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU gives a voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little power in society, assisting its members with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. Currently serving more than 5,000 individuals and families, CAU continues to grow each year. For more information about CAU and its services, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, info@caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes – including employment – for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.KesslerFoundation.org.

Contacts:

Carolann Murphy, PA; 973-324-8382; CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org

Rob Gerth, 973.323.3675; RGerth@KesslerFoundation.org

For more information on Kessler Foundation’s research, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/KesslerFoundation

Twitter | twitter.com/KesslerFdn

YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/user/KesslerFoundation

iTunes & SoundCloud | soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation

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Kevin Brown’s newly released “Finding My Way Home” is a stirring narrative on realizing one’s God-given purpose amid confusion and desolation


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“Finding My Way Home”: a gripping tome of perspectives that inspire a desire to fulfill one’s life purpose in God by finding His will despite the difficulties one may face. “Finding My Way Home” is the creation of published author Kevin Brown, a servant of God, worshiper, songwriter, gospel minister, preacher, and motivational speaker.

Brown shares, “‘Finding My Way Home’ is an inspirational book about a child’s loss or rather what he thought was his loss was preparation for his purpose. This the author is hoping to encourage and inspire by affirming a fact that we are people of purpose and the pain, struggle, or difficulties we may sometime experience is not to destroy us but to establish us in accordance to Romans 8:28, making us ready and equipping us with all we need to succeed and not fail in our God-created purposes.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kevin Brown’s new book hopes to equip believers with the necessary wisdom to reinvent themselves in body and spirit to unveil God’s ultimate plan in their lives.

This book is also a potent reminder of God’s compassionate shepherding of His flock in leading those who have gone astray back to His comfort and light.

View the synopsis of “Finding My Way Home” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Finding My Way Home” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

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

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