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

Boston Children’s Museum Awarded $100,000 Grant from Lilly Endowment

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The planning grant, awarded to 20 museums, will extend for one year and allows participating museums to explore and learn more about character development and contemplate ways to incorporate character development into museum activities. At the end of one year, museums participating in the planning phase will be eligible to submit proposals for grants to implement character building activities in their museum.

“Children’s museums are in a unique position to support the development of character—the curiosity, creativity, persistence, empathy, and other personality traits that make individuals who they are,” said Melissa Higgins, Vice President Programs & Exhibits. “We’re very grateful to Lilly for the chance to further expand our work in this area by conducting research, learning from experts in the field of child development and character, and engaging in meaningful conversations about character with the parents, caregivers, and children we serve.”

Through the grant, Boston Children’s Museum will seek to answer a series of questions with the intention to enhance its character development work and define a clear vision for what a next phase implementation grant would entail.

About Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at http://www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org Become a fan of the Museum on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Hours and Admission
The Museum is open Wednesday–Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm. Advance tickets/reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and school vacation weeks. Adults, $22, children (1-15) and senior citizens, $22; children under 12 months and Museum members are always free.

Media Contact

Jo-Anne Baxter, Boston Children’s Museum, 617-986-3702, [email protected], www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org

SOURCE Boston Children’s Museum



Society: Christianity

Historic Blacklight Film Festival and Black Harvest Film Festival Unite for a Special Screening Event

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The collaboration carries a deep and significant meaning as it pays homage to the legacy of the Blacklight Film Festival. Founded in 1982 by Floyd Webb and the late Terry White Glover at Chicago Filmmakers, the festival reached its zenith at the Film Center of the School of the Art Institute, concluding its inspiring run in 1994. Blacklight Film Festival gained international acclaim for its dedication to spotlighting African cinema, the LA Rebellion film movement, and the works of the UK Black Film Workshops. It also pioneered video works through early projection systems and introduced audiences to numerous groundbreaking films.

The highlight of the evening will be Oscar Micheaux’s “Symbol of the Unconquered: A Story of the Ku Klux Klan,” a silent film created in 1920. Micheaux fearlessly delved into contentious themes such as racism, the complex experiences of mixed-race individuals, and the shadow of Jim Crow and White Supremacy.

This special screening event promises to be a powerful exploration of race, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as a tribute to the groundbreaking work of Oscar Micheaux and the enduring legacy of the Blacklight Film Festival. It is a testament to the dedication of Chicago Filmmakers to the promotion of cultural diversity, artistic expression, and the enduring influence of black cinema.

For further information on the event, please visit Blacklightfilmfestival.org or contact [email protected] 

About The Blacklight Film Festival: The Blacklight Film Festival was a significant cultural event that celebrated international black cinema and contributed to the recognition and appreciation of African diaspora films. Founded in 1982, the festival played a crucial role in showcasing the diverse voices and stories of black filmmakers from around the world.

About Chicago Filmmakers: Chicago Filmmakers is a not-for-profit media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation, and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression, as well as media of important social and community impact. Chicago Filmmakers’ twofold mission is to serve independent film and digital video artists by supporting the creation and dissemination of new media arts works and to serve Chicago audiences by screening artistically innovative, socially relevant, and diverse films and videos.

Media Contact

Floyd Webb, Black Nuss Network, 7087041482, [email protected], https://blacklightfilmfestival.org/

SOURCE Black Nuss Network

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Stein Sperling Lauded with 2023 Empowering Women Award by The Daily Record

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“We achieved a significant milestone in 1998 when we named our first female partner — in a county where the practice of law at that time was still very predominantly male — and we have continued to build from that moment. Today Stein Sperling has a majority female population including a majority among our attorneys,” said Stein Sperling Managing Partner Jeffrey M. Schwaber. “We are honored by The Daily Record’s recognition, and will continue to thrive and grow stronger as a result of the amazing contributions of the women of Stein Sperling.”

With 59% of its team of attorneys being female, including eight women principals, the firm is clearly committed to recruiting, developing, retaining, and promoting talented lawyers and staff with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Women attorneys at Stein Sperling are among the top experts in every practice area the firm offers, which include: business; commercial litigation; construction; criminal; employment; estates, trusts and probate; family; personal injury; real estate; and tax law.

Stein Sperling actively promotes women into leadership positions, recognizing their abilities, expertise, and contributions. Over the past five years, the number of women in leadership positions in the firm has increased from 14 to 20. By ensuring that women have equal opportunities to advance into key roles, the firm not only benefits from diverse perspectives at the leadership level but also provides strong role models and mentors for aspiring female lawyers and staff.

Stein Sperling’s commitment to supporting women is also evident in its participation in programs like the Summer Scholars Pipeline Program, which promotes the hiring and success of diverse law students and attorneys in Montgomery County, Maryland. By actively engaging with this initiative, the firm has hired and elevated diverse and primarily female attorneys, highlighting its dedication to fostering a diverse workforce, empowering women to excel in their careers and supporting a program dedicated to their success.

Stein Sperling is likewise committed to empowering women beyond the firm’s walls, taking a holistic approach to empowering women by supporting organizations such as Impact100 DC, an all-volunteer women’s philanthropic community; Rainbow Place, an emergency shelter for women; and the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, a program designed to offer the gift of play to children in homeless shelters as a means of supporting single mothers.

Stein Sperling continues to prioritize, value and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to cultivate an environment in which all individuals and groups feel welcomed, respected and supported. Its diverse team of lawyers and staff are unified by the firm’s collective enthusiasm for serving its clients through the practice of law in the communities it serves.

In addition to being honored at the Women’s Leadership Summit, Stein Sperling was profiled along with other Empowering Women Award winners in a special magazine inserted into the October 26, 2023, issue of The Daily Record and made available online at TheDailyRecord.com.

About Stein Sperling
Founded 45 years ago by Paul Stein, Don Sperling, and Millard Bennett, Stein Sperling is proud of many achievements but especially its attentive and personalized approach to each client that has nurtured the firm’s reputation for excellence, both in Montgomery County and beyond. Connection and confidence are the foundation of Stein Sperling’s culture and define the relationship the firm has with attorneys, staff and clients. With 62 attorneys and 86 staff members, Stein Sperling serves clients in 10 practice areas and at locations including Rockville (headquarters), Frederick, Langley Park, Falls Church and Wheaton. Learn more at Steinsperling.com.

About The Daily Record
The Daily Record is a digital first, daily news media company focused on law, government and business at TheDailyRecord.com. The Daily Record publishes a print edition on weekdays in addition to more than 25 special products a year in a variety of industries. The Daily Record hosts 11 annual events to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. The Daily Record, with 135 years of editorial excellence, is part of BridgeTower Media, a provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries. Learn more at Thedailyrecord.com.

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Media Contact

Jennifer Reed, On the Marc Media, 5089444884, [email protected], www.onthemarcmedia.com

SOURCE Stein Sperling

Society: Christianity

The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) congratulates Jeri Harman on building a strategic partnership

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“We are very excited by the minority investment in our firm by Pacific Current,” said Jeri Harman. “It independently validates the value we have created since starting the firm 15 years ago. We are proud that this highly experienced and respected GP investment firm chose to put their dollars, time and reputation behind Avante, and have no doubt they will help us scale and continue to thrive going forward.”

Ms. Harman has received numerous recognitions over the years including being named by the Los Angeles Times as a Banking & Finance Visionary in 2021 – 2022, and by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the LA 500 Most Influential People in Los Angeles in 2018 – 2023. In January 2016, Ms. Harman was on the cover of Mergers & Acquisitions magazine and named one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, a recognition she again received in 2017 – 2022. In March 2017, she was recognized as one of 15 Trailblazers by Buyouts Magazine. In 2013, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Los Angeles inducted Ms. Harman into their Hall of Fame.

The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) is an invitation only peer mentorship organization where high-potential, high-level Exceptional Women from across multiple industries are hand-selected and invested in, to grow, learn, share, and succeed. In addition to the achievement of significant success, the criteria for acceptance include character traits that are defining of the EWA Culture – Kindness, the Spirit of Generosity, Transparency, Gratitude and Willingness to Share their Networks. The Foundation is a powerhouse of peer-to-peer mentoring that provides guidance, deep connection, and leadership, propelling each woman to sustainable success – one woman at a time. The year-long program enables each member to be connected as alumnae for life in the ever-expanding EWA global network, as their fellow women leaders continue to move into positions of significance. Learn more at https://www.exceptionalwomenalliance.com/
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Media Contact

Larraine Segil, Exceptional Women Alliance, 3106781499, [email protected], www.exceptionalwomenalliance.com

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SOURCE Exceptional Women Alliance



Society: Social Services

Research Reveals Significant Gaps in First Responder Training and Well-Being

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Report captures the views of over 600 first responders to provide a meaningful look at the state of preparedness, training, and well-being at public safety organizations around the country

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — New research from Vector Solutions, the leading provider of technology solutions to help train, prepare, and retain public safety professionals, reveals how prepared law enforcement officers and EMS, fire, and 911 ECC workers feel to tackle the unique situations they face every day. Vector Solutions’ Preparing Our First Responders report surveyed more than 600 full-time public safety professionals in a law enforcement, EMS, fire, or 911 ECC role in the United States with findings indicating there are significant gaps in first responder training and well-being resources.

Vector Solutions’ latest study shows that 95% of first responders feel they receive initial trainings that adequately prepare them for the real world. However, 78% of respondents felt compelled to revisit their training after encountering an incident. Additionally, the data also shows that these professionals have high mental health concerns that are not being sufficiently addressed.

“Proper training is critical at all times for first responders,” said Doug Kazensky, former police training sergeant, officer of 23+ years, and Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “By equipping these professionals with the ongoing training they need throughout their careers, we can help ensure that they feel prepared for every situation they may encounter in the real world.”

While public safety professionals are receiving the on-the-job resources they require, there is a significant concern over the mental health resources provided. While 72% of respondents worry how their occupation affects their mental health, half of law enforcement professionals have even considered leaving their job due to the lack of well-being support.

“Everyday our first responders can face extreme challenges on the job,” said Robbi King, veteran firefighter and Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “If they’re being asked to show up for their communities every day but they’re still not receiving the resources they need, everyone will feel the impact of it.”

Additional Vector Solutions findings on the state of preparedness, training, and well-being that public safety organizations are facing:

Desire for Comprehensive Training
When it comes to the format of trainings, a striking majority of respondents agree that hands-on training is preferred and nearly half of respondents favor scenario-based instruction. However, law enforcement officers who supplemented their initial training with online training were more likely to feel prepared following their trainings.

  • 82% of law enforcement officers said their training prepared them for the realities of the field, but those who leveraged online versions of part of their initial trainings are 12% more likely than average to say this
  • 71% of all first responders surveyed favor hands-on training while 45% of respondents prefer scenario-based training

Despite High Confidence Levels, Respondents Face Major Obstacles
Issues including staffing shortages, low morale, and equipment concerns are impacting a large number of first responders in their everyday roles.

  • 65% of first responders’ organizations are facing staffing shortages
  • 47% are battling low morale in their departments and respondents who work at ECCs were 52% more likely than average to face issues with morale

First Responders Are Worried for Their Well-Being
Mental and physical well-being are heightened concerns across the board for first responders but it’s clear that those who have access to mental health training are reaping the benefits of it.

  • 91% of respondents who have access to mental health training say it’s beneficial
  • 6 in 10 first responders have witnessed an incident in the past 12 months that impacted their mental health
  • 55% of EMS, fire, and 911 ECC workers and 82% of law enforcement officers worry about how their job impacts their physical health

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Methodology
All findings are based on a survey of more than 600 full-time public safety professionals in a law enforcement, EMS, fire, or 911 ECC role, conducted from August – September, 2023. Survey conducted at 95% confidence, +/- 4% margin of error. Each respondent works full-time as a first responder, is 18+, and lives in the United States.

To learn more about Vector Solutions’ Preparing Our First Responders Reports, click here to access the Law Enforcement report and here for the EMS, Fire, and 911 ECC workers report.

ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS for FIRE & EMS
Vector Solutions for Fire & EMS is the industry leader in training and workforce management technology that enables Fire and Rescue Departments to meet their demanding training, compliance, and preparedness objectives. The Vector Solutions public safety suite of products includes software for training management, policy distribution, personnel scheduling, critical incident and exposure tracking, and promoting a positive department culture. Its online course library includes more than 450 hours of fire department training with 250+ hours of CAPCE-approved EMS recertification courses. Trusted by 10,000 public safety agencies and 2 million first responders, Vector’s purpose-built technology streamlines the full lifecycle of personnel management because readiness saves lives. For more information about Vector Solutions for Fire & EMS, visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/industries/public-safety/.

ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS for LAW ENFORCEMENT
Vector Solutions for Law Enforcement is the industry leader in operational readiness technology that enables Law Enforcement Departments, Academies, and POST organizations to meet their demanding training, compliance, and preparedness objectives. The Vector Solutions public safety suite of products includes software for training management, policy distribution, personnel scheduling, equipment management, early intervention, and promoting a positive and transparent agency culture. Its accredited online course library includes IADLEST NCP-certified courses approved for POST annual training requirements. Trusted by 10,000 public safety agencies and 2 million first responders, Vector’s purpose-built technology covers the full lifecycle of personnel management, from hire-to-retire, because readiness saves lives. For more information about Vector Solutions for Law Enforcement, visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/industries/public-safety/law-enforcement/.

ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS
Vector Solutions is the leading provider of impactful technology solutions dedicated to driving safer, smarter, better decision-making in the world’s most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, risk communication, operational readiness, and more. Vector’s unique combination of information and technology – delivered when and where it is needed – is integral to our more than 24 thousand clients looking to achieve better outcomes and safeguard lives. Vector is committed to providing resources to support those who need them most and launched a collection of free courses on critical mental health and safety topics through Vector Cares. For more information, visit http://www.vectorsolutions.com. For access to free Vector Cares courses visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/about-us/vector-cares/.

Media Contact

Anna Craven, Vector Solutions, 8577530727, [email protected], https://www.vectorsolutions.com/

SOURCE Vector Solutions

Society: Christianity

Maud Borup President, Christine Lantinen, Selected as EY Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Judge and Speaker at the National EY Strategic Growth Forum

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Christine Lantinen, Ten-Year Army Veteran, to participate in Veteran’s Panel Discussion

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Maud Borup, a certified B Corp woman- and veteran-owned candy, confections, and food gift company, today announced that its president and owner, Christine Lantinen, was chosen as a judge to help select Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year®, reviewing nominations and speaking to business owners from high growth companies in the Heartland region including the Dakotas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska vying for the title. In 2014, Christine was named an EY Entrepreneurial Winning Woman and was a 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year® Heartland award winner.

National winners will be announced at the annual EY Strategic Growth Forum® which starts November 9 in Palm Springs, California. The forum is the country’s most prestigious gathering of CEOs, high-growth entrepreneurs, and C-suite executives representing global market leaders.

Christine, a ten-year Army veteran, will participate in a panel discussion on November 11, Veterans Day. She will be joined by fellow military veteran, Manny Smith, president of Envisorly, on a panel entitled, “Saluting Veteran Founders,” moderated by Deborah Norville, anchor of Inside Edition. The panel will focus on how military training and experience helped prepare them to be dynamic leaders through challenges that can seem insurmountable.

“Veterans Day is a humble day of reflection. To be able to share it, and the EOY mainstage with other veteran-owned business founders makes me both proud and honored. This event presents a rare opportunity to network and learn from global business leaders from around the country who share inspiring stories of triumph over adversity, much resembling battle tales,” notes Christine Lantinen, president and owner of Maud Borup.

Other participants include executives from Microsoft, Kind Snacks, and Estee Lauder as well as Academy Award winning actresses and entrepreneurs, Reese Witherspoon and Tracee Ellis Ross.

The forum will culminate with a celebration at which the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year® national award winner will be announced. Wayne Brady, an Emmy-winning actor, will be the master of ceremonies.

The event will be held at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs & Spa in Palm Springs, California from November 9-12, 2023.

Media Contact

Karen Edwards, Maud Borup, 1 651.260.8062, [email protected], www.maudborup.com

SOURCE Maud Borup

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Committee for Children Joins Forces with Aperture Education to Integrate Assessments and Curriculum to Build Social-Emotional Skills

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“As schools introduce social-emotional learning into their curriculum, it’s imperative to show how these investments translate into improved outcomes for their students. Years of evidence show how Second Step improves critical life skills and mental wellbeing,” said Riverside Insights CEO Vivek Kartha. “We are proud to collaborate with the Committee for Children and contribute to improving student outcomes by aligning our gold standard DESSA assessments with their world-class curriculum.”

Committee for Children’s research- and evidence-based Second Step programs include SEL curricula for early learning through middle school, with additional offerings for out-of-school time and adults. Second Step programs are used in 45,000 schools across all 50 states and reach 26.9 million children worldwide annually. Second Step helps students build vital skills for success, like effective communication, resilience and problem-solving. Research shows that teaching these life skills has positive, lasting effects on students, including improved academic achievement in areas such as math, reading and writing.

Aperture’s strengths-based assessments for Second Step are standardized, nationally normed and exceed professional standards for psychometric rigor. They will enable educators in grades K-8 to assess a student’s social and emotional skills in less than five minutes and offer middle school students the ability to self-report. Empowered with their own results, students gain agency to offer a key voice in their learning and development. Educators can access student data in real-time via Aperture’s highly scalable platform, and users will find it easy to navigate between the two company’s offerings. This collaboration ensures that users can access results aligned to program language and appropriately measure skills that are taught through Second Step.

“Our partnership with Aperture enables us to offer our school community partners something they’ve been seeking: a high-quality assessment tool aligned to their Second Step curriculum,” said Committee for Children CEO Andrea Lovanhill. “By bringing easy-to-use, data-driven DESSA assessments to schools using our Second Step programs, teachers and support staff will have access to data that quickly and reliably illustrates whether students are learning the skills taught through the program and growing their competencies, as well as where additional instructional support may be needed. This partnership provides school and district leaders with a validated assessment to identify which classrooms and schools need additional implementation support and gives them a way to evaluate the return on their investment in the Second Step program.”

This first-of-its-kind partnership will support district decision making as school budgets are growing tighter and education leaders look to vendors to prove that their products are producing outcomes for students and seek ways to get more value from existing products.

The assessments will be available for Second Step schools to purchase in early 2024. For more information, email [email protected].

About Committee for Children
Committee for Children is a global nonprofit that has championed the safety and well-being of children through bullying prevention, child protection, and social-emotional learning for more than 40 years. With a history of action and influence, we’re known as a leader in social-emotional education and a force in advocacy, research, and innovation in the field. We take a comprehensive approach to SEL, promoting social-emotional well-being from birth to early adulthood—supporting not just classrooms, but entire communities. As our programs impact the lives of more than 26.9 million children per year, we rise to meet societal challenges to ensure children everywhere can thrive. Visit cfchildren.org to learn more.

About Aperture Education
Aperture Education has empowered over 6,500 schools and out-of-school time programs across North America to measure, strengthen, and support social and emotional competence in K-12 youth and educators. The Aperture System includes the DESSA suite of strength-based assessments, aligned intervention strategies, and robust reporting, all in one easy-to-use digital platform. This system enables education leaders to make strategic, data-based decisions to champion mental wellbeing, support life skill development, and foster stronger communities within their organizations. Aperture has supported more than three million students in their social and emotional growth and continues to develop innovative solutions to bring the whole child into focus. To learn more, visit http://www.ApertureEd.com.

About Riverside Insights
Riverside Insights, one of the nation’s leading and most long-standing developers of research-based assessments, is led by a powerful mission: to provide insights that help elevate potential and enrich the lives of students, patients, employees, and organizations globally. For more information, visit http://www.RiversideInsights.com.

Media Contact

Maria Bradley, Aperture Education, 415-509-0498, [email protected], https://www.apertureed.com/

Wendy Belleville, Committee for Children, (206) 438-6492, [email protected], cfchildren.org

SOURCE Aperture Education

Society: Social Services

The Greater Chicago Food Depository Implements Cohesive StratusLIVE Technology Solution for its Transformation Towards a More Holistic View of Supporters

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With separate CRM systems for fundraising, programs, policies, and partnerships, the Food Depository had siloed data. They desired a modern CRM platform that allowed for a 360-degree view of donors and constituents. Beyond replacing software, it was essential that the provider offer new technology in the Microsoft ecosystem. This technology needed to prioritize strategic relationship building and transformation toward industry best practices and allow a holistic approach for supporter engagement.

After a structured evaluation process, the Food Depository selected StratusLIVE. Andy Seikel, Head of Technology and Transformation at the Food Depository described the key factors that determined the decision, “As an organization that utilizes the Microsoft technology ecosystem, it was important that our new system not only integrate with Microsoft Teams and Outlook but also the proven capabilities of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform. This functionality is present within StratusLIVE 365 and enables our broader vision of a holistic and comprehensive view of our supporters and their history of support activities while we improve interoperability and transparency. In addition, we are experiencing efficient gift processing and strong data analysis using Power BI – both enabled by the StratusLIVE solution. We selected StratusLIVE due in part to their history of continuous innovation, including their recent developments integrating AI. A key decision criteria for us was the implementation and ongoing support offered by StratusLIVE. This allows us to operate these solutions with minimal internal IT headcount.”

“We’re honored to support the critical work of The Greater Chicago Food Depository with a comprehensive supporter management platform. We’re pleased to know our technology will play a role in building upon this organization’s 44-year history, nourishing individuals and families across Chicago and Cook County,” says Jim Funari, StratusLIVE Co-Founder and CEO.

About StratusLIVE

StratusLIVE, an industry leader of Software for Social Good, empowers organizations to drive change and increase impact. Through its Nonprofit Industry Cloud Solution, enterprise nonprofits access CRM Fundraising and Engagement, Mission Delivery through Programs and Partners, a comprehensive Digital Engagement Suite, an Online CSR solution for Corporate Engagement, and a personalized application for donors. This end-to-end solution equips the modern nonprofit with a comprehensive digital toolset to enact mission delivery with features including virtual giving, relationship management, business intelligence, and team collaboration. With a basis on the Microsoft commercial platform and native integrations with Office, Teams, and Mobile environments, nonprofits experience ease of use and increase collaboration and accessibility. StratusLIVE, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia has empowered enterprise nonprofits, federations, and foundations across the United States since 2010. Visit StratusLIVE.com to learn more.

About The Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, believes a healthy community starts with food. For more than 40 years, the Food Depository has worked to nourish Chicago. We are at the center of a network of more than 800 partner organizations and programs – food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile distributions and other partners – working to bring food and support to our neighbors across Chicago and Cook County. The Food Depository addresses the root causes of hunger with job training, advocacy and other innovative solutions. We are a proud member of Feeding America – the national network of food banks. By working to ensure everyone has access to food , we truly become a Greater Chicago. Learn more at chicagosfoodbank.org

Media Contact

Kelly Perry, StratusLIVE, 877.281.2099, [email protected], https://stratuslive.com/

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SOURCE StratusLIVE



Society: Christianity

Ocean Partnership for Children celebrates 2023 Community Resource Development Fund Recipient and issues Request for Proposals for 2024

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HOPE Sheds Light (HSL) was awarded $67,788 through the CRD Fund to enhance HSL’s Recovery Center program options and offer a comprehensive continuum of recovery support services to adolescents impacted by personal and/or familial substance use disorder. The program will offer a variety of weekly youth recovery support groups as well as monthly sober social recreational activities. Certified peer recovery specialists will work with participants to help them identify their renewed values, beliefs and interests and to create a vision for their future that will serve as an incentive to sustain long term recovery. Each participant will develop their own recovery success plan that identifies their personal recovery goals.

“OPC is so pleased to award the 2023 CRD funds to HOPE Sheds Light. Their work is amazing, and the development of a sober peer community is essential for our youth,” said Mary Jo Buchanan, Executive Director of OPC. OPC provides care management services to children and youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, developmental, intellectual, and substance use needs, and their families. “As part of our contract with the New Jersey Children’s System of Care (CSOC), OPC has access to limited community resource development (CRD) funds designated for one-time use by community organizations to develop new, additional, and/or unique resources that address unmet or under-served needs in Ocean County. HOPE Sheds Light absolutely provides a unique and needed resource,” explained Buchanan.

With the success of the 2023 CRD Funds, OPC announced the next round of funding. The 2024 CRD Funds Request for Proposals was announced on October 30, 2023. Information can be found at: https://www.oceanpartnership.org/providers/community-resource-development-funds/ A maximum total of $67,788.07 is available to fund one or more projects for the 2024 CRD Fund. “Funding is to be used for expansion or creation of programs that serve Ocean County youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, developmental, intellectual, substance use needs, and their families,” said Buchanan.

Based on specific needs identified in Ocean County, projects that address the following areas will be given particular consideration:

  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)/neurodiverse social and therapeutic groups
  • IDD/neurodiverse mentoring and/or respite programs
  • Behavioral health services for young children 3-10 years old – i.e. play therapy, sand tray, Al’s Pals (therapeutic, psychoeducation, socialization)
  • Acute mental health needs
  • First Episode Psychosis Program
  • Suicide – therapeutic groups, support groups
  • Social determinants of health – housing, early education, childcare, food, minority status (i.e Spanish speaking, Orthodox Jewish, LGBTQIA)
  • Integrated Health programs
  • Services that support parenting needs
  • Specialized Childcare for youth with behavioral health needs
  • Specific Spanish speaking services and/or groups.
  • Services to address (Adverse Childhood Experiences) ACEs in children.
  • Prevention services for youth that have parents/guardians suffering from or deceased due to addiction.
  • Services to address youth that suffering from eating disorders.
  • Evidence-based behavior parent training treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders that places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns.

“As Ocean County’s Care Management Organization, we are part of the New Jersey Children’s System of Care and are responsible for linking youth in crisis to resources to help them heal and succeed,” Buchanan added.

To learn more about Ocean Partnership for Children, visit OceanPartnership.org.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.
Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org or http://www.oceanresourcenet.org.

Media Contact

Allison Brown, Ocean Partnership for Children, 732-292-2400, [email protected], oceanpartnership.org

SOURCE Ocean Partnership for Children

Society: Christianity

The Newest Winery in the Finger Lakes Wine Region of New York

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Christman started his professional winemaking journey after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force. In 2014, he completed enology and commercial winemaking operations courses at Washington State University. Christman then met the owners of Anthony Road Wine Company, John and Ann Martini, and head winemaker, Peter Becraft, and has spent the past ten vintages, working side by side with Becraft to hone his winemaking skills.

“We are honored to become one of New York state’s newest wineries. Our friends, The Martini Family, and the staff at Anthony Road Wine Company, have stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout this journey – we could not be more grateful for their support,” Founder, Corey Christman.

Bravery is in the final stages of securing property for a tasting room, with Bravery Wines available for purchase online, shipped to 38 U.S. states. Every purchase from Bravery Wines will result in a contribution of $2 per bottle to fund Veteran, Military Spouse and First Responder focused non-profit organizations.

“We’re honored to partner with various non-profit organizations such as the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Clear Path For Veterans, The Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the Special Liberty Project, – We’ve dedicated our lives to serving those who serve others,” said Jennifer Christman.

This Veterans Day, Bravery Wines “Celebrates the Hero in You” with the following selection:

2021 Cabernet Franc: a fruit forward wine with beautiful hints of cherry, pepper and lightly oaked.

2020 Riesling: (Gold Medal – Best Medium Sweet Riesling 2021 New York Wine Classic) a powerhouse off-dry wine with hints of citrus, tangerine, green apple with balanced acidity and residual sugar.

White blend: a blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc considered dry. This wine is fantastic with or without food and an exceptional option for those wanting a white wine with great balance.

2021 Rose’ of Pinot Noir: fantastic hints of watermelon, cherry and strawberry, this wine is great with food or without.

2022 Sauvignon Blanc – 2771: Complex in character, beautifully rounded in texture with hints of pineapple and grapefruit with light acidity, this wine will captivate your palate (Not Yet Released)

2022 Riesling – 2771: Our best Riesling to date – closer to a dry, this spontaneously fermented wine boasts of apple and citrus with layered acidity and ripeness offering a sensation of light sweetness (Not Yet Released)

To purchase Bravery Wines, please visit the online store here.

About Bravery Winery

Bravery Winery produces handcrafted wines with grapes sourced from Martini Vineyards located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Owned and operated by a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and his wife, Bravery Wines partners with a non-profit organization to help support injured service members, military spouses and their caregivers. A portion of each purchase is donated to several organizations around the country. To purchase Bravery Wines, visit https://vinoshipper.com/shop/bravery_winery

Media Contact

Corey Chrstiman, Bravery Wines, 1 240-222-2364 , [email protected], https://www.bravery.wine/

Corey Christman, Bravery Wines, https://www.bravery.wine/

SOURCE Bravery Wines