Category Archives: Society: Social Services

The Latest news about what is available to our Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them through social services.

Wickenden Associates Joins DRG Talent Advisory Group


DRG Talent Advisory Group, one of the leading talent consulting firms serving nonprofit organizations in the U.S., and Wickenden Associates, one of the nation’s top education-focused executive search firms, are pleased to announce that they have joined forces, effective August 1st, 2020.

DRG Talent Advisory Group, founded in 1987, has brought best-in-class executive search services to nonprofits and foundations throughout the country for over 30 years. In recent years DRG expanded to become a full-service talent advisory firm, working with organizations to assess and transform structure, culture, governance, and compensation strategy and support professional and lay leaders through transition planning, talent and team assessments, professional development, and executive coaching.

Wickenden Associates, founded in 1986 by James Wickenden, former Princeton University Dean of Admission, ranks among the nation’s premier firms specializing in Head of School and senior administration searches for independent schools.

“Bringing together DRG’s 33 years of nonprofit executive search experience with Wickenden’s 34 years of independent school expertise creates a company that is stronger, more responsive, and supports the continued expansion of DRG’s talent advisory services,” explains Dara Klarfeld, CEO of DRG Talent Advisory Group. “Together we can bring an expanded suite of services to nonprofits and educational institutions across the country and around the world, leveraging our collective wisdom and expertise.”

James Wickenden, Wickenden Associate’s Founder, President, and CEO, describes the alliance as a singular opportunity to bring two strong teams together in service of an even broader range of schools and educational institutions: “We are delighted to join with DRG and look forward to supporting schools of all types through critical leadership transitions and beyond.”

Both Wickenden Associates and DRG are recognized for their commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment, their track record of presenting diverse pools of candidates, and for placing executives who stay in their roles for a long time. “We are excited to be bringing together this team of professionals, all of whom share our values and commitment to diversity, social justice, global sustainability, and empowering women, and look forward to deepening our emphasis in these areas going forward,” shared Klarfeld.

James Wickenden is joining the DRG executive team as a Principal and Wickenden Associates will continue building upon its record of excellence under the DRG Talent Advisory Group umbrella. Also joining DRG as thought leaders and consultants for independent schools are Andy Watson, Laura Hansen, Eric Peterson, and Peter Thorp.

DRG continues to expand and is looking for talented professionals interested in the following positions: Director of Search Services, Talent Consultant, Search Consultant, and Research Associate. For more information, visit http://www.drgsearch.com.

Share article on social media or email:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) President Mildred Joyner to Speak On Eradicating Racism in America at 2 Day Anti-Racism Virtual Summit Open to Public


anti-racism virtual summit

Anti-Racism Virtual Summit

Most importantly, NASW appears to be listening to the needs of both of the membership and nonmembers in a way that I have never seen before

On September 16th and 17th, 2020, SWHELPER in collaboration with Salisbury University and the Council for Social Work Education will host a 2-Day Virtual Summit centering on anti-racism, advocacy and voting. This Summit is open to the public, but will also have field placement and continuing education hours from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), NASW-NJ, and NASW-NY.

Mildred Joyner, President of NASW and IFSW North American Region, will present a session entitled “Racism is America’s human stain: why society must admit it, to eradicate it.” This session is focused on educating social workers on how to destroy racism in America.

“Social Justice is a core social work value for social work practitioners. It demands that social workers uphold their code of ethics and take deliberate actions, so justice and equity exist in all communities. Social workers must have a history of why brown and Black people are unsafe in their own country to dismantle oppressive policies and practices. Therefore, without exception, the social work profession has a responsibility to take the necessary corrective action to bend the arc of justice towards equity for all,” says Mildred Joyner.

“As a member of the NASW, the association appears to be responding to the moment by embracing the virtual space and social media to address issues of racism within our profession. Most importantly, NASW appears to be listening to the needs of both of the membership and nonmembers in a way that I have never seen before,” says Deona Hooper, MSW, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of SWHELPER

Mildred “Mit” C. Joyner, MSW, LCSW is the incoming President of the National Association of Social Workers and the current IFSW North American Regional President. She is a professor emerita of social work at West Chester University (WCU) in Pennsylvania. Joyner received a BSW from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and her MSW from Howard University’s School of Social Work in Washington, DC.

SWHELPER is offering up to 16 field placement and 13 CEU hours for social work students and professionals. This summit was created to help social worker discuss and identify solutions to meet the challenges cause by social inequity and injustice. This event is also open to the public, and media credentials are also available.

For more details and registration, please visit – https://globalsocialwelfaresummit.com

Share article on social media or email:

Airline Flight Attendant Flies and Lands Plane in Viral YouTube Video


pilot Kelsey 74Gear

Pilot Kelsey host of 74Gear next to a Boeing 747

In the video, you can see her genuine shock when I told her she would be flying the aircraft.

A flight attendant successfully pilots and lands a plane in a viral YouTube video on the aviation channel 74Gear. Pilot Kelsey, a commercial airline pilot of a Boeing 747, hands the controls of a small aircraft to Stella, a flight attendant YouTuber with a fear of heights.

“Flying a plane will cause sensory overload for most people, especially the first few flights,” said pilot Kelsey. “I told Stella several times before we arrived at the airport that I was going to have her fly, but I think she blocked it from her mind. In the video, you can see her genuine shock when I told her she would be flying the aircraft. It’s amazing she faced her fears and was willing to let it all be recorded.” Stella, who hosts the Fly with Stella YouTube channel, is a flight attendant with a major US airline. Her channel follows her adventures around the world.

When asked what motivated him to take up a flight attendant who had a fear of heights, pilot Kelsey responded, “This is an aviation series I have wanted to do for almost two years. There are a lot of raw emotions between the beauty of flight and fear of the unknown. It gives me a chance to have influencers or celebrities doing something WAY outside of their comfort zone. It is a lot of fun. I ask the people I am going to fly with where they want to fly, and Stella wanted to stay next to the airport, so that is what we did.”

The pair took off from the airport in Torrance, California in a small aircraft provided by the Sling Pilot Academy. Kelsey placed cameras both inside and outside. He speaks to the audience throughout the flight while encouraging Stella to fly the plane. Pilot Kelsey said after the video several celebrities and influencers reach out through his Instagram, 74Gear, interested to go fly with him as part of this new series. He wouldn’t reveal who, but he said, “I am very excited to see if this series takes off, no pun intended.”

To see the aviation video of them both flying, check out this link on 74 gear: https://youtu.be/DClMbchHrFE

Share article on social media or email:

Family-Culture and Innovation Drives HDIS to Succeed in 2020, Named “Top Workplace” in St. Louis


Our unique culture brought us closer together to create a safe environment to care for our customers and each other.

For the 9th year in a row, Home Delivery Incontinent Supplies Co. (HDIS), the country’s largest direct-to-consumer service for discreet home delivery of bladder control products, has been named to the Top Workplaces list hosted by the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper. For the last 9 years, the newspaper has partnered with Philadelphia-based Energage to determine top workplaces based on an employee survey process. HDIS is the only company in its category to make the list for nine consecutive years.

This year, almost 1500 companies were asked to participate, and 140 made the list. The survey focuses on workplace culture, and employees typically rate “connection” and “alignment” as more important qualities than benefits and pay. Approximately 70% of HDIS’ employees participated in the survey.

“HDIS has been guided by a family-helping-families philosophy since we opened our doors in 1986,” said Mark Nedvin, president of HDIS. “Never has that been more important than in 2020. While HDIS faced many of the same challenges as other companies during the pandemic, our unique culture brought us closer together to create a safe environment to care for our customers and each other during our new normal.”

Once a bustling, close-knit 300 person community, HDIS sent a third of the company home to work remotely, while creating a socially-distanced environment for those who continued to work in the office. “We were lucky that we had some previously unused office space and we were able to spread people throughout the building. Everyone shared ideas and thoughts about how to make HDIS safer, and pulled together to create our new work environment,” said Jennifer Hendricks, vice president of human resources at HDIS. “We are learning and implementing new things all the time.”

They continue to keep everyone close and involved through WebEx meetings, employee drive-throughs (to keep employees stocked with essentials like masks, cleanser, and toilet paper), and a new community intranet where everyone is kept up-to-date on business and personal news. “It’s the little things that keep us all connected, even though in some cases we are miles apart,” said Nedvin.

All that being said, no one is more appreciative that the employees at HDIS. Jacqueline Stricklin, HDIS customer care representative, spoke for everyone when she said, “I can truly say that I’ve never worked around a better group of co-workers ever! With all the loss, challenges and uncertainties, you all managed to make us feel really special and cared for. A big thank you!”

About HDIS:

HDIS (Home Delivery Incontinent Supplies Co.) is the leading national direct-to-consumer provider of adult incontinence and related products. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Olivette, Missouri, HDIS provides customers with high-quality products and award-winning personalized customer service.

In 2016, HDIS was purchased by the Domtar Corporation, joining the Domtar Personal Care Division. Domtar is a leading provider of a variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and absorbent hygiene products. Domtar’s annual sales are approximately $5.2 billion and its common stock is traded on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges.

The mission of HDIS is to be caring friends that make life fuller and easier for people with special health needs, their caregivers, and their families.

To learn more about HDIS, please visit http://www.HDIS.com or call 1-800-2MY-HOME (1-800-269-4663).

Contact:

Angela Farrell, 314-997-8771 ext. 5208

Share article on social media or email:

Tim Williams Named President of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association


Tim Williams, Esq.

“My interest in the OLTA stems from the work it does fighting for the little guy in Oregon. It doesn’t cave to corporate interests and strives to uphold peoples’ Constitutional rights to a fair jury trial, access to the justice system, as well as promoting juries and jury service,” Williams explaine

Tim Williams, managing partner and lead litigator at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys, P.C. was elected President of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA), effective August 14, 2020, after serving the association for the full length of his legal career.

An Oregon attorney for nearly 20 years, Williams has been a member of the OTLA since he was a law school student, serving as the OTLA’s first ever Law School Liaison. In 2005, Williams was elected to the OTLA’s Board of Governors and has remained in that role ever since. He has also served on the OTLA’s Executive Committee and for the past seven years, and in addition, has served as OTLA’s representative on the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, as well as on AAJ’s Executive Committee.

“My interest in the OLTA stems from the work it does fighting for the little guy in Oregon. It doesn’t cave to corporate interests and strives to uphold peoples’ Constitutional rights to a fair jury trial, access to the justice system, as well as promoting juries and jury service,” Williams explained.

In addition, Williams’ firm has a history with serving the OLTA. His law partner and firm founder, Roy Dwyer, served as president of the OTLA from 1976 to1978. “It’s a real joy to have my long-time law partner and son in law assume the presidency of OTLA this year and carry on the tradition,” Dwyer said. “I know he will serve with distinction.”

Williams continued, “My desire to serve as OTLA’s president is also in part a family legacy to honor Roy’s prior commitment, as well as our firm’s commitment to OTLA as a whole. If it weren’t for OTLA, victims’ rights to fair and just compensation would have been capped and gutted decades ago!”

Williams’ appointment also has the support of the legal community in which he serves, including a distinguished group of Oregon attorneys that have served as past presidents of the OTLA:

“I can attest to Tim’s skills as a trial lawyer who represents people, not insurance companies or corporations. I can also attest to his work ethic and leadership skills. The OTLA will be well served by his leadership.” — Neil Jackson, Esq., Portland

“Tim always listens carefully and sees clearly, and he brings energy, spirit and a strong sense of community to his role as leader. I’m very pleased and grateful that he’s our president in these difficult times.” — Kathryn H. Clark, Esq., Portland

“Tim exemplifies outstanding devotion to the pursuit of justice for injured people and to holding those who cause harm accountable. I observed first hand Tim’s commitment to improving the justice system through legislative efforts to protect access to justice for Oregonians and through his education programs to advance the trial advocacy skills of younger lawyers throughout Oregon. Tim is also committed to helping under-served communities and people of color. One example of his efforts is his generous donation of time and money to OTLA’s Bike Helmet Safety Program which provides bike helmets for kids in under-served communities.” — Hala J. Gores, Esq., Portland

“Tim has given selflessly of his time to OTLA and, before that, to the Oregon State Bar. He is both a mentor and an inspiration to younger lawyers. After I was elected to become OTLA President in 2017, I encouraged Tim to run for the executive committee because I saw firsthand his legal skills, his willingness to give back to the profession, and his commitment to the legal profession.” — Gregory K. Zeuthen, Esq., Portland

Williams has received many accolades for his trial work in personal injury law and is active in legal and community organizations throughout Oregon. He is a longstanding member of the Bend Rotary Club, served on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Oregon’s Board of Directors for many years, is a past vice president of the Oregon State Bar and, in his off time, is considered by many as one of the state’s top youth basketball coaches.

__________________________________________

About Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys

We are a personal injury law firm that has arbitrated, mediated, settled, and tried more than 650 personal injury cases in the past three years alone, recovering more than $30 million for our injured clients during that time.

For more than 55 years, our award-winning team of lawyers has built a reputation of competence and compassion in handling complex personal injury matters, and have gone up against some of the country’s biggest insurance and transportation companies. With a 98 percent success rate, we negotiate settlements and litigate when necessary to reach the maximum outcomes for our clients. We recognize our clients’ challenges extend beyond legal issues, and throughout the process our attorneys guide our clients as they confront physical, emotional, and financial hardships associated with traumatic events.

With six offices throughout Oregon, we have established deep roots within our communities. Our nationally recognized attorneys are active leaders and members of trial, legal and civic associations. Looking to become a certified B Corp, Dwyer Williams Cherkoss is part of a community of leaders driving a global movement of using business as a force for good. We are committed to considering the impact of our decisions on employees, clients, other businesses, community, and the environment.

Taking Steps to Create a More Aging Friendly World on World Senior Citizen’s Day


This year, World Senior Citizen’s Day (Aug. 21) takes on a whole new meaning. The day is more than a reminder to do something nice for the older adults in our lives – it’s a prime opportunity for communities to come together and build a more aging friendly world, especially during a particularly challenging year.

“The global pandemic has given us a deeper understanding of what life is like for older adults who may experience loneliness on a regular basis as a result of limited social interaction outside our homes,” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. “This World Senior Citizen’s Day is a time to reflect on the aging experience and commit to making a difference for seniors in your life, community and around the world.”

There are endless opportunities to show your appreciation and respect for older loved ones and other seniors who have paved the way for us. Whether you’re writing a letter to an aging family member or offering to help a neighbor with household chores, a small act of kindness can brighten the day of an older adult.

Ahead of the observance on Aug. 21, Hogan shares five ideas to help you give back, provide support and inspire change for older adults in your area, especially during the COVID-19 crisis:


  • Check in. Many seniors are experiencing a unique level of isolation and loneliness as a result of social distancing. While the overall circumstances may be out of your control, there are still simple things you can do to bring hope and meaning to someone’s day. For example, let an older adult in your life know they are loved and appreciated –despite the distance – with a phone call or driveway visit. Short, regular “visits” can make a great impact on an older adult’s mental health.
  • Support a senior-related cause. Less than 2% of funding from the nation’s largest grant makers is specifically focused on seniors – they need our help now more than ever. Consider donating to causes that provide critical resources to older adults such as food, shelter, medical care or transportation. For inspiration, check out the nonprofits involved with GIVE65, a 65-hour crowd-fundraising event that raises money for organizations and services supporting seniors.
  • Give back (time). Supporting local seniors doesn’t have to be strictly financial. Take advantage of free resources like Home Instead’s “I’m Ready to Help” card – which makes it easy to offer help to senior neighbors with daily responsibilities like grocery shopping, yard work, mail collection or pet care. Or, lend your time and passions to a local service group that meets the needs of those in your area.
  • Advocate for older adults. COVID-19 has cast a bright light on the daily challenges that seniors face – and it’s crucial we keep the momentum going. Don’t miss your chance to play a key role in helping increase the world’s capacity to care for our aging population. Take this opportunity to advocate on behalf of seniors on the issues that matter most to them. To prepare for these important discussions with your local and state representative, take advantage of free online resources such as the National Council on Aging’s Advocacy Toolkit.
  • Consider a new career. According to the United Nations, the global population over the age of 65 is expected to triple to 426 million by the year 2050. As a result of this rapid population shift, there will be an increasing need for more passionate and dedicated individuals in the industries that support the needs of older adults. If you’re interested in enhancing the quality of life for seniors, consider exploring a career like caregiving, where you can make a meaningful difference each and every day.

With many older adults remaining home for the foreseeable future, it’s important to remember that recognizing World Senior Citizen’s Day is one of the countless ways to pay it forward for seniors everywhere. When schedules return to normal, consider small ways to continue giving time and energy to support the older adults we know and love, and the ones waiting to know and love us.

For weekly inspiration and other ideas to help the older adults in your life, visit ReadyToCare.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 13 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.

Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share article on social media or email:



CHC Launches New Voting Tools to Increase Turnout and Improve Community Health


“Exercising your right to vote has a direct correlation to health equity and health outcomes,” said Kevin Clayton

With a little more than 70 days until the election, Community Health Charities (CHC) announced a new partnership with VoteAmerica to encourage nonpartisan civic engagement. The partnership aims to increase voter turnout, which is demonstrated to improve individual and community health.

“Exercising your right to vote has a direct correlation to health equity and health outcomes,” said Kevin Clayton, CHC board chair and vice president of diversity, inclusion and community engagement at the Cleveland Cavaliers. “It’s even more paramount this year. That’s why we’re committed to taking action to increase voter turnout by offering tools and raising awareness.”

Voting is an important part of CHC’s goal to create healthier communities and improve health equity. Voter participation is associated with better self-reported health, plus communities with high voting and active civic engagement have been tied to lower unemployment rates. Mental and physical health challenges and disabilities also tend to decrease voting, causing a “disability gap.” And in past years, influenza outbreaks have been proven to reduce voter turnout, which could be exponentially worse this year with even more individuals hesitant to vote in person due to coronavirus health and safety concerns.

To take action, individuals can visit CHC’s voting resources page to:

o    register to vote

o    request an absentee ballot to vote by mail

o    check your registration

o    find your local polling place

o    get reminders on early voting and ballot drop boxes

o    and more

“We mobilize more than 17 million employees every year,” said Thomas G. Bognanno, president and CEO of Community Health Charities. “It made sense to leverage that reach and advance community health by adding voting to our online employee engagement tools for our thousands of company, government and nonprofit partners.”

“VoteAmerica is honored to partner with Community Health Charities whose goal to address the barriers to good health aligns with our mission to break down barriers to voting because both empower people and communities and lead to improved health outcomes,” said Debra Cleaver, founder and CEO of VoteAmerica.

CHC’s full suite of customizable online employee engagement tools include virtual volunteering, employee engagement, health and wellbeing resources, one-time donation pages for holidays or disasters, online pledging, online charity fairs, employee assistance funds, and more than 50 tools and templates used by thousands of businesses nationwide.

For access to the full suite of online employee engagement tools, contact info@healthcharities.org.

About Community Health Charities

For more than 65 years, Community Health Charities (CHC) has been creating stronger, healthier communities. We build capacity for nonprofits by raising awareness, amplifying their message, and driving more funds and supporters to their cause; increase employee engagement and social impact for companies through giving, volunteering, health resources, engagement tools, community partnerships, and more; bring leaders together at the national, regional, and local levels to educate, elevate key issues, and improve overall social impact and community health; build community partnerships to harness collective efforts and coalitions; working together to tackle projects that improve community health and address root causes at scale. Visit https://healthcharities.org or @healthcharities.

About VoteAmerica

VoteAmerica is a nonpartisan, nonprofit voter engagement and turnout organization founded by a small team of elections and technology experts (including the founders of Vote.org and Vote.gov), who have come together to combat the chaos of the 2020 election cycle by helping people check their voter registration, register to vote, sign up to vote by mail, request their absentee ballots, find their polling locations, and contact their local election officials. We will also help drive record-shattering voter turnout through hyper-aggressive and targeted outreach to the millions of low and no-propensity voters who are generally neglected by partisan groups. Even amidst the forces of chaos in our voting systems, VoteAmerica’s mission is to provide access to trusted election information, open platform technology, and education programs to support and empower all voters to navigate the path to exercising their vote. Visit VoteAmerica.com or @VoteAmerica

Share article on social media or email:

Veyo Creates Specialized Fleet For Patients Who Are COVID-19 Positive


Today, Veyo, the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) broker for the state of Connecticut Medicaid program, working in close collaboration with the state Department of Social Services (DSS), announced the launch of a new, specialized vehicle fleet to transport individuals who are COVID-19 positive, symptomatic, or persons under investigation, to their required medical appointments. The trained drivers will follow strict protocols developed by Veyo leadership and informed by medical guidelines and recommendations provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and direct input from Veyo’s medical consultant.

“All of our employees at Veyo want to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As the pandemic progressed, we saw a need to reduce the strain on first responders by providing safe transportation for confirmed and symptomatic patients,” said Veyo president Josh Komenda. “When we started developing a specialized fleet to address this problem, the health and safety of our drivers and our members was our top priority, which is why we’ve implemented strict requirements for our drivers and their vehicles. Among other requirements meant to reduce risk, drivers must be in good overall health to participate in the program. In addition to these personal requirements, there are several safety protocols we’ve implemented, including the use of personal protective equipment for both drivers and passengers and disinfecting vehicles after every trip.”

Drivers will undergo additional training, including basic sanitation dos and don’ts, how to properly wear and discard personal protective equipment (PPE), how to self-monitor for potential symptoms of COVID-19, and what to do should a member appear to be in medical distress. Vehicles will also be specially outfitted with physical barriers like plexiglass or plastic partitions to limit driver/member contact and to ensure the vehicle can be properly cleaned and disinfected after each trip. Additionally, drivers will follow an updated member pick-up and drop-off process designed to reduce contact with members. Trips will be offered during business hours and the fleet will focus on members over the age of 16 who are ambulatory and able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance.

“With the help of the Department of Social Services, along with the guidance of our medical consultants and the CDC and WHO, we have developed robust procedures for drivers and members to follow,” said Komenda. “The fact that we were able to develop this program and get it off the ground in the middle of a public health crisis is a testament to our strong working relationship with our partners at DSS.”

The specialized fleet is launching in Connecticut after proving successful in the Arizona market and will run for the foreseeable future.

About Veyo

Veyo, headquartered in San Diego, CA, is a full-service transportation brokerage designed specifically for healthcare. Veyo has reinvented the patient transportation model by integrating consumer technology with rideshare fleets to decrease costs and increase efficiency. Veyo is delivering dramatically higher levels of reliability, quality, and transparency to customers, partners, and members. Operating in six states with over 28 million completed trips and a 97.1% on-time rate, we’re changing NEMT – one trip at a time. For more information about Veyo, please visit http://www.veyo.com.

Share article on social media or email:

Allgood Plumbing, Electric, Heating and Cooling Surprises Healthcare Hero on COVID-19 Frontlines with Home Services Makeover


Anna Johnson, ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes Program Winner for Allgood

“Our community healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety and recognizing their efforts by installing a new HVAC system was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Craig Marin, General Manager of Allgood.

ALLGOOD PLUMBING, ELECTRIC, HEATING & COOLING, a local HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical provider and part of the American Residential Services (ARS) Network of Brands, is providing a new HVAC unit to Anna Johnson, a deserving Nurse as part of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. The program is an extension of the year-round, company-wide ARS Cares initiative, and is rewarding more than 50 free home services makeovers to healthcare professionals across the country during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“Our community healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure our safety and recognizing their efforts by installing a new HVAC system was an easy way we could ensure they have a comfortable and safe environment to return home to,” said Craig Marin, General Manager of ALLGOOD PLUMBING, ELECTRIC, HEATING & COOLING.

Anna was nominated by her co-workers and patients to win the new HVAC system. Anna is the leader of her team, she teaches professional development classes to her peers, and volunteers to participate in research/surveys for hospital equipment related to her job. Anna is dedicated to her patients and staff and is fully devoted to medicine and helping everyone she can. Years ago she donated bone marrow to save the life of a stranger and most recently, she signed up to donate plasma to help Covid 19 patients. She is a breast cancer survivor who continued to work tirelessly as a nurse between her chemo and radiation treatments. The installation of Johnson’s new HVAC unit was completed on June 17th.

Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program on May 13, family, friends, and co-workers were invited to share stories of why a Atlanta frontline worker was deserving of home improvements that would deliver relief and relaxation. ARS received more than 400 nominations.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy’s Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, “Will” Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. ARS requires background checks and drug tests on all employees. We hire professionals with the highest level of integrity. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right – the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: “Making it work. Making it right.”

###

Share article on social media or email:

Joshua House Children’s Program Property Purchased for $2.625M


Friends of Joshua House Foundation is eager to continue serving local children who have endured abuse or neglect.

Friends of Joshua House Foundation has successfully purchased the Joshua House property for $2.625M from Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS). Friends of Joshua House Foundation will assure the longevity of the Joshua House program, providing life-enriching residential services that promote successful outcomes for traumatized children and teens in foster care.

CHS exited out of traditional group care with the closure of the Joshua House program on March 31, 2020. With the sale of the property, CHS will no longer be associated with Joshua House, and Friends of Joshua House Foundation will continue the Joshua House residential program.

“Friends of Joshua House Foundation is eager to continue serving local children who have endured abuse or neglect. These traumatized children need the structure and stability of a residential program that encourages healing and personal development,” says DeDe Grundel, Executive Director of Friends of Joshua House Foundation. “We are thankful to be part of a compassionate community that has demonstrated faith in our organization and believes in improving the quality of life for all vulnerable children.”

A much-loved program serving abused, abandoned, and neglected children since 1992, Joshua House was the dream of community leaders and founders, Bob Thomas, Olin Mott, Dottie Berger MacKinnon, Greg Johnson, Laurence Hall, Jim Zimmerman, and Albert de Alejos. Joshua House was created to provide a home for our Tampa Bay foster children. Located on 11 acres, with five homes set in a neighborhood type setting with a playground, learning center, and therapeutic clinic. With the overwhelming support of our community, our Joshua House Founders were able to create a vibrant, family like neighborhood of homes that has served the therapeutic and residential needs of vulnerable children for almost 30 years.

Friends of Joshua House Foundation (FOJH) was formed by the founders of Joshua House in 2004 in an effort to protect their investment. With continued support from our community, this non-profit organization has accepted the challenge of lifting Joshua House from an uncertain future and restoring these much-needed services to our community. Our mission to provide compassionate homes with therapeutic services and safe beds for vulnerable children will need an outpouring of love and support to achieve success.

About Friends of Joshua House Foundation

Friends of Joshua House Foundation Inc. is a 501(c) (3) organization of concerned individuals that have dedicated themselves to developing resources to improve the quality of life for the children of Joshua House. Friends of Joshua House Foundation raises resources, develops solutions and supports Hillsborough County’s most vulnerable citizens…its children.

Share article on social media or email: