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.

Injured Police Officer Receives Life-Changing Donation of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle


Officer Dustin Moody and his family receive a red carpet introduction to their new BraunAbility wheelchair van, made possible by community and business donations.

Indiana police officer Dustin Moody was paralyzed in a terrible line-of-duty crash in June 2022 while trying to get an impaired driver off the streets. Since then, he has fought through extensive rehabilitation to get back to his wife Emily and their two beautiful kids, but they still had many obstacles to overcome to return to a normal life, including needing a wheelchair-accessible van, modifications to their home, and the loss of Emily’s income as a teacher as she focuses on being home to assist him and to care for their two beautiful children during his recovery process.

On March 28th at Superior Van & Mobility on the south side of Indianapolis, Officer Moody and his family were presented with a new modified van. This van will allow the whole family to get out of the house and regain their independence.

The Carver Toyota dealership in nearby Columbus generously donated the van chassis that was converted for wheelchair accessibility by BraunAbility. The finished BraunAbility Toyota Hybrid arrived at Superior Van & Mobility’s Indianapolis location, where the final customized fittings for Officer Moody were completed. Installation of Q-Straint retractable belts will ensure Officer Moody’s wheelchair is secure while he’s in the vehicle. Superior will be the servicing dealer for the mobility equipment and mobility conversion related vehicle elements in the future.

UpLift Johnson County joined with the Central Indiana Police Foundation in a fundraising effort to give this hometown hero and his family a new start.

Wendy McClellan, Executive Director for UpLift Johnson County said, “Thank you to all of those who donated, shared social media posts, and told friends and family about Officer Moody. We especially want to thank Carver Toyota of Columbus and BraunAbility for their donation and hard work to customize this van for exactly what the Moodys needed.”

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ABOUT UPLIFT JOHNSON COUNTY 501(C)(3)

UpLift Johnson County is a service organization founded on the principle of “see a need, seek to fill it.” We give everyday people a resource to find volunteer opportunities or to nominate those in our community who may need assistance. We saw so many needs that needed to be filled but there was no single place to go for assistance or to find volunteers. So we created a place where other non-profits and individuals can come partner with us and fill needs in our community.

For more information on UpLift Johnson County and who we uplift, visit UpLiftJoCo.org.

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ABOUT CENTRAL INDIANA POLICE FOUNDATION 501(C)(3)

Community-led and connected to police officers throughout Central Indiana, CIPF is agile in meeting needs as they arise and leveraging community resources to assist with public safety concerns in the community. CIPF provides an opportunity for individuals and the business community to show their thanks and support of the brave men and women who serve our community each day through contributions of time, talent and treasure. CIPF aims to meet the growing needs of local police officers including their health and welfare, safety, and community efficacy.

For more information on CIPF, visit CPIF.foundation.

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ABOUT BraunAbility

BraunAbility is the world’s leading manufacturer of mobility transportation solutions, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts and seating, storage and securement products. Founded over 50 years ago by Ralph Braun, an entrepreneur who spent most of his life in a wheelchair, the company has grown into the most well-known and trusted name in the mobility industry, bringing independence to millions of individuals across the world. BraunAbility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Patricia Industries, a division of Investor AB Group. For more information on BraunAbility, visit braunability.com.

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ARC (Association of Related Churches) Featured in Special Edition of Avail Journal: “Inside the ARC”


ARC (Association of Related Churches) is excited to announce that the organization has been featured in a recent edition of the Avail Journal.

The entire Avail Journal magazine is dedicated to voices throughout the ARC church family for this edition. Readers can learn how ARC (Association of Related Churches) started, updates from recent ARC church planters, and leadership articles on topics related to culture, diversity, ministry, and church planting.

Avail Journal is a quarterly magazine dedicated to helping leaders in business and ministry refine the art of leadership so they can make be more impactful around the globe. The goal of the publication is to help readers discern the changing context in which they serve, how to seize opportunities, and how to do so in a way that is true to the unique gifts and creativity God has placed within everyone.

The magazine wanted to partner with ARC (Association of Related Churches) on this Special Edition collaboration to share the organization’s impressive story of how they transform communities through church planting. By being featured in Avail Journal, the organization expands its reach to a new audience of church leaders around the globe who could be potential future leaders of ARC churches.

Dino Rizzo, the executive director of ARC (Association of Related Churches), served as the Guest Editor of this Special Edition of Avail Journal. He wrote an introductory article explaining the organization, where it came from, and where it’s going.

Among the many insights, Rizzo shares are three takeaways that have set up the organization for success and values other networks and movements can adopt for sustainability and effectiveness. As he writes:

“It really is about relationships … It’s about a big field and not a little pasture … It’s about creating a resource-rich environment from church planters.”

In addition to Rizzo’s note, the “Inside the ARC” Special Edition of Avail Journal includes an article by Ken Walker, “The Next 1,000,” discussing how to build on a winning formula for planting healthy ARC churches; a story by Andy Butcher, “The Fight for Rest,” which discusses Greg Surratt’s mission to take down pastoral burnout; insights from Irene Rollins, “Reframe Your Shame,” about how God turns struggles into strength; and much, much more.

This Special Edition of Avail Journal will be distributed at the ARC Conference scheduled for April 25-26 in Birmingham, Alabama, as well as other events held by ARC (Association of Related Churches). It will also be available to all of Avail’s subscribers.

About ARC (Association of Related Churches)

ARC (Association of Related Churches) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus. ARC exists to see a thriving church in every community, reaching people with the message of Jesus. Since its beginning in 2000, ARC has grown into a global organization and has helped plant more than 1,000 churches.

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Gunderson Direct’s Better Every Day Mailer Wins Best in Category and Additional Summit Awards


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But knowing our values, creativity, and teamwork have substantially impacted the Special Forces Sports Foundation by raising over $50,000 — that’s why we keep at it every day!

Gunderson Direct’s Better Every Day mailer has been recognized by the Summit International Awards in multiple categories across two competitions.

Mike Gunderson, Founder and CEO of Gunderson Direct, commented, “One of our core values is ‘Seek Good Karma.’ We also strive to create engaging direct mail that truly drives response! Winning these awards is truly an honor. But knowing our values, creativity, and teamwork have substantially impacted the Special Forces Sports Foundation by raising over $50,000 — that’s why we keep at it every day!”

Summit Marketing Effectiveness Awards

Competing in the 2022 Summit Marketing Effectiveness Awards, the Better Every Day mailer received the coveted Best Of Category award in the Integrated Campaign, B2B category.

The Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award recognizes and rewards companies for innovative and leading-edge creative work that uses strategy and results-based effectiveness to create solutions in today’s marketplace. In 2022, the competition received 1900+ entries across 14 countries.

Summit Creative Awards

Among thousands of submissions from 20 countries, the Better Every Day mailer received Silver in the Industry Self-Promotion Collateral category, Silver in the PR Program/Event category, and Bronze in the Direct Marketing – B2B category in the 2022 Summit Creative Awards.

The Summit Creative Award recognizes the best in websites, design, video, advertising, mobile, and social from firms under $30 million in billings.

Gunderson Direct’s Better Every Day mailer

The Better Every Day mailer arrived in recipients’ mailboxes in February 2022. Each dimensional mailer included a jump rope, sweatband, scorecard, sharpie, and an instruction sheet, along with an overarching inspirational message to make the world a better place every day, both for the recipients and children with special needs.

They were challenged to complete increasing sets of exercises throughout the week and encouraged to post their successes on social media. Each social post equaled a donation towards the Special Forces Sports Foundation, which pairs children with disabilities with high school and collegiate athletes to include them in team sports that would otherwise not be available to them.

The effort led to $52,885 in donations, exceeding expectations by thousands of dollars.

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Award-Winning Author and Ordained Prophetess Shows God is Real Through Stories From When God Intensified Her Prophetic Gifts


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God wanted me to convert my dream journal and notes into this third book to help others know that God is alive and real.

Author Prophetess Martha Thompson provides readers with much-needed inspiration in her third published book called, In the Light … How God Speaks to Me: Prophetic Dreams, Prophecies & Deliverance ($13.99, paperback, 9781662868771; $5.99, e-book, 9781662868788).

In her third written work, Thompson shares a collection of unique and inspirational personal stories and testimonies written from the challenging pandemic timeframe. Entries were written by Thompson’s family members, friends, church members, and others. An ordained prophetess, Thompson was blessed with prophetic dreams that have helped aid many. She has been credited to leading individuals to the Lord and strengthening relationships with him. Readers will appreciate the stories she presents, real life, relatable interactions with a variety individuals and their testimonies about how they were helped by Thompson and healed by the Lord.

When asked what inspired her to write this book, Thompson said, “God wanted me to convert my dream journal and notes into this third book to help others know that God is alive and real.”

Martha Thompson, an ordained Prophetess and Doctor In Divinity, has been walking with the Lord all her life. She is impressively a two-time award winner for her first book called Behind The Prophetess’ Mask and a one-time award for her second book called A Made Soldier Armed And Armored By God. Her love and dedication to the Lord have her heart filled with the compassion of the Father’s heart for the lost souls that need Jesus. She dedicates her life to ministering to those who need to be saved, set free, and delivered. Her story gives readers the hope desperately needed for life transformation to fight the good fight, be courageous and bold for the kingdom of God. Thompson is married to Pastor Charles T. Thompson and the mother of 7 children and 5 grandchildren. She loves God and His Word. She also enjoys exercise and having fun with her husband and family.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. In the Light … How God Speaks to Me: Prophetic Dreams, Prophecies & Deliverance is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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New Book Highlights the Healing Needed to Overcome Spiritual Brokenness


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Author Carolyn V. Webb has released her second publication, aimed at helping the Christian community heal and grow. “Churched and Broken: Through the Eyes of a Child,” focuses on Christian believers who Webb describes as having worn masks for years, to hide the pain of spiritual brokenness.

The book follows the story of Nita, as she revisits her childhood to find the cause of her brokenness. She embarks on a personal journey to learn the root of her trauma and discover when she began to “mask” to camouflage her pain.

“Brokenness is so prevalent in the lives of believers,” Webb said. “This book offers a safe place where we can reveal, discuss, and make the necessary adjustments.”

Webb believes that spiritual brokenness is a result of being betrayed by those who claim to love people, from family members or church members, or simply being overwhelmed by life.

“Brokenness consists of many facets,” Webb said. “One aspect of brokenness involves an introspective look at ourselves; to look at those hidden offenses towards ourselves. This allows us to uncover how we hurt others and ourselves with our emotions, thoughts, posture, and decisions. God uses brokenness to restore us.”

While “Churched and Broken” follows the fictional story of Nina, it is largely based on real life events and experiences. Webb believes that everyone, from Christians to non-religious readers, can relate and learn from Nina’s story.

“Churched and Broken: Through the Eyes of a Child”

By Carolyn V. Webb

ISBN: 9781664286252 (softcover); 9781664286245 (hardcover); 9781664286238 (electronic)

Available at Westbow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Carolyn V. Webb is retired and is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She utilizes writing, journaling, and publishing to evangelize. She has previously published “Tithing Removes the Curse of Poverty.” To learn more, please visit https://www.churchedandbroken.com/.

General Inquiries:            

LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        

Ashley Fletcher

afletcher@lavidge.com

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Fable achieves ISO 27001:2013 information security certification


Fable logo above the ISO 27001 certified logo by Schellman

Fable has a deep commitment to serving our stakeholders with a high degree of privacy, reliability, and fairness.

Fable is pleased to announce that the organization is now ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified. This is the latest addition to the company’s security certifications, having already achieved SOC 2 ® Type 2 certifications for both of their products, Fable Engage and Fable Upskill.

“A mature security stature is important to our customers and our community alike,” said Abid Virani, COO at Fable. “This certification is reflective of not only product security, but that of Fable’s entire organization. We have a deep commitment to serving our stakeholders with a high degree of privacy, reliability, and fairness.”

Achieving ISO 27001:2013 is a milestone for the enterprise SaaS company, attesting to the comprehensive security management standards that specify a set of best practices and controls. Fable has been examined for its information security risks, designated a set of security controls to mitigate these identified risks, adopted a management process that reviews these controls, and finally had the audit conducted by an external party (the audit firm Schellman) that tested for conformity and issued the certification.

Schellman, an independent third-party auditor, found Fable to have the needed technical controls in place and formalized IT Security policies, procedures, security measures, and countermeasures to protect it from unauthorized access or compromise.

“Fable connects a talented community of people with disabilities with the world’s largest enterprises,” said Alwar Pillai, CEO at Fable. “Trust is essential, and we will continue to invest in security as we serve a growing and global clientele.”

About Fable

Fable is the leading digital accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable helps enterprises build accessible user experiences by engaging people with disabilities throughout the product development cycle – from custom accessibility training to research and testing. Organizations work with Fable to make products more accessible for over the 1 billion people who live with disabilities, and in turn, make products more usable for everyone. For more information, visit: http://www.makeitfable.com.

Media contact:

Ashley Hargreaves

604 323-3347

press@makeitfable.com

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Autism Alliance of Michigan Applauds the Unanimous U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Miguel Perez v Sturgis Public Schools Case


AAoM Logo

AAoM Logo

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) congratulates Miguel Perez, his family and their legal team, including Disability Rights Michigan, for successfully pursuing justice in protecting the rights of students with disabilities under federal law.

“Miguel Perez is a 27-year-old man facing a life of dependence, isolation, and limited opportunities to be a fully included, productive member of our community. It didn’t have to be that way,” says Colleen Allen, PhD., President and CEO of AAoM.

Miguel is a deaf immigrant, whose school failed him. His family was led to believe he was graduating with honors, only to find out months before leaving Sturgis Public Schools, he would not earn a high school degree, but a certificate instead, which significantly limits his post-secondary potential. He was denied basic, appropriate educational support, such as an interpreter and forced into online learning, although he couldn’t read or write. With nowhere else to go, he took his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Michigan remains in the bottom ten states for education,” said Allen. “Students with disabilities experience some of the lowest graduation rates in the country. Populations of color and those who speak English as a Second Language are doubly impacted, with fewer resources, fewer inclusive opportunities, and a more limited understanding of the educational due process system. We can and should do better.”

Let the unanimous decision of the U.S. Supreme Court raise a flag that access to justice for students with disabilities cannot be denied. The Autism Alliance, along with other disability rights organizations, is working tirelessly to demand full civil and human rights for individuals with disabilities. Defying generations of systemic bias and barriers, we are heeding the call and leading a movement for equity and inclusion in the education system for ALL students.

ABOUT THE AUTISM ALLIANCE OF MICHIGAN 

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is a 501(c)(3) organization and trusted ally and partner for thousands of families dealing with Autism. AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people affected by autism across their lifespan. We work to create a more accepting future for all people by cultivating a world rich in diverse abilities, talents, and ideas.  An AAoM navigator can be reached at 877-463-2266 (AAOM) or email at navigator@aaomi.org. More information about AAoM can be found at http://www.autismallianceofmichigan.org  

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Refreshing Inspiration For Caregivers Seeking Spiritual, Biblical and Godly Guidance


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Sitting on a bench at a silent retreat, I prayed about how I could use my God-given gifts to assist families who are caring for the elderly

Author Robyn Horn helps caregivers find spiritual purpose and fulfillment in Transforming the Mundane into Sacred: Spirituality in Caregiving for the Elderly ($16.99, paperback, 9781662873331; $7.99, e-book, 9781662873348).

Horn shares her experiences as both a caregiver and caregiver educator as a way to help other caregivers find peace and purpose in what is often an emotional and challenging role. Readers will appreciate her clear and effective writing style, as she delves deep into this important topic for anyone seeking biblical and godly guidance when caring for this beloved generation. Horn understands all too well how the role of caregiver, whether for family or on a professional basis, can be exhausting and overwhelming while balancing the other aspects of daily life.

“Sitting on a bench at a silent retreat, I prayed about how I could use my God-given gifts to assist families who are caring for the elderly,” said Horn. “Spirituality has played such an important role in both my family caregiving experiences and my professional career. In that moment, I asked God for specific ways I could share my spiritual caregiving journey with others and reveal how He had equipped me every step of the way. How did God answer my prayer that day in His soft and gentle voice? ‘Write a book.’”

Robyn Horn has a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of North Texas and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Southwestern University. Horn spent most of her adult life advocating for and assisting the elderly and their family caregivers. She served as a licensed nursing home administrator for thirteen years which included two years at an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility. In 2007, she was inspired by God to develop a business dedicated to educating healthcare professionals in geriatric care. Horn has facilitated several caregiver support groups in both facility and community settings. As a caregiver herself for multiple elderly family members, she has drawn on her Christian faith to help her and others through this sacred journey. Horn has been married for 34 years and has two children and two grandchildren. She loves being a “GiGi”, attending classic rock concerts with her husband, walking, hiking, and looking out over any body of water.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Transforming the Mundane into Sacred: Spirituality in Caregiving for the Elderly is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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Based on Her Own Personal Journal Entries, Author Demonstrates Why Taking the Hand of the Lord is the Best Decision Anyone Can Make


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This book was therapeutical to write and I hope it helps as many people as it can find the Lord for themselves

Author Mychelle Simms helps readers who are yearning to be loved, accepted, and forgiven by providing spiritual inspiration in Take My Hand: A Hope for Humanity ($15.99, paperback, 9781662870682; $7.99, e-book, 9781662870699).

Six years ago, as Simms struggled through a variety of issues, she came to the realization that intervention was necessary. Unhealthy habits caused frustration and anger. Her continuous fight with fear, anxiety, and rejection was real and she needed the truth. Simms turned to the Lord knowing that He was the only person who would understand her innermost thoughts. Turning to the creative process of journaling helped lead Simms to a deeper relationship with God. She began to take every situation to Him. Sharing what she learned in a life group, a friend suggested that her journals could make for a great book. Her six year process to publish this book will be worth her effort as this book finds its way into the hands of those who need love.

“This book was therapeutical to write and I hope it helps as many people as it can find the Lord for themselves,” said Simms. “People need people and they need to hear one another.”

Mychelle Simms is a retired teacher of 27 years. Through teaching young people how important their own voices are, she began to realize that she had a book inside of her. Sharing stories has always been special to Simms.

For the past 29 years, she has been married to her amazing husband. They have two sons, Paden and Garret, a beautiful daughter in love, Taylor and a dog named Pendleton. Simms enjoys teaching home Bible studies, speaking at events, walking, swimming, listening to music, drumming, painting, teaching, and visiting the beach and mountains.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Take My Hand: A Hope for Humanity is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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Experienced Pastor Explains the Truth about the Return of Jesus Christ


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When I witness all the deception around the world – including the Christian world – it inspired me to write my book

Author Pastor Clay Kendall clears up impactful inconsistencies with Bible interpretation in The Seventh Trumpet: The Rapture Question Answered ($12.49, paperback, 9781662873157; $5.99, e-book, 9781662873164).

In his thought-provoking book, Pastor Kendall explains the truth about the return of Jesus Christ in an understandable interpretation that readers will appreciate. In doing so, he debunks the popular notion that the Church will be raptured before the tribulation. Pastor Kendall enlightens readers to know that “the rapture” was developed by misinterpreting a handful of Bible verses. He explores those misinterpretations and provides a thorough examination. Pastor Kendall aims to encourage readers to learn how to study the Bible properly, and once and for all, discover the necessary truth about the Rapture Theory.

What makes Pastor Kendall’s book so accurate, is that the Bible verses he includes in his book are from the King James Version (KJV.) The KJV version can be cross-referenced to the Strong’s Concordance – a bridge to the original languages of Hebrew and Greek – making it a more accurate interpretation.

“When I witness all the deception around the world – including the Christian world – it inspired me to write my book,” said Pastor Kendall.

Pastor Clay Kendall has pastored a nondenominational home church for thirty years. His education in Theology was achieved through many years of self-study. This provided him a solid foundation, and the keen understanding of how to properly read and study the Bible. He owes much gratitude to his late mentor, Pastor Arnold Murry, of Shepherd’s Chapel. This is Pastor Clay Kendall’s fourth published spiritually-themed work, and Lord-willing, he plans on publishing more books in the future. In addition to being a Pastor, he owns and operates a stone masonry business and loves his work. However, in the future, he is hoping to find more time to golf and travel.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. The Seventh Trumpet: The Rapture Question Answered is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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