tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67708569110287836862024-02-19T01:48:43.369-08:00The Difference is You!The Difference is You!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10845221601030400214noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770856911028783686.post-42591325228194047162011-08-01T16:29:00.000-07:002011-08-01T16:29:16.108-07:00California Non-Profit Makes Dreams Achievable for the Disabled<div style="text-align: justify;">Each day across America we hear about state and local governments cutting their budgets and grappling with ways to provide critical services to citizens everywhere. The debate over the federal budget in Washington, DC has people worried about cuts in healthcare, defense and social security. Overall confidence in the U.S. economy is at one of its lowest points in recent years. That's what makes the accomplishments of this one California non-profit based in Culver City even more astonishing. The Achievable Foundation was profiled on the public affairs program "The Business of Giving," for its outstanding work in assisting the developmentally disabled and their families. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals who have autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or other developmental concerns.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These individuals and families struggle with major life challenges such as communication, mobility, learning, socialization and independent living. Achievable was established in response to the financial challenges and gaps in costly services. Program coordinators say "lifetime costs associated with having a developmental disability can reach up to $5 million dollars due to costly services like special education, extra medical care, supportive care and therapeutic care. A number of these individuals have more than one type of disability with a variety of challenges requiring different types of services. This same population and their families often experience higher rates of poverty and economic hardships, and cannot afford crucial services or even basic necessities on their own."</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Achievable treated kids to a day of </div><div style="text-align: justify;">fun and baseball with the Dodgers</div><div style="text-align: justify;">while bringing awareness to their</div><div style="text-align: justify;">cause. <i>Photo Courtesy of the </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Achievable Foundation.</i></div></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Achievable's target population consists of children, teens and young adults age 21 and under. The remaining 43% make-up the following age groups: 13.6% ages 22-31; 12.3% ages 32-41; 9.6% ages 42-51; and 7.5% ages 52 and older. It's total population is ethnically diverse, consisting of 32% White, 29% Latino, 24% African-American, 4% Asian and 11% other. Achievable services a socioeconomically diverse area, which includes many traditionally under served communities in Inglewood, Hawthrone, Lennox and Gardena. In previous fiscal years, 60% of clients served by Achievable were female and 40% were male.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Achievable clients and supporters</div><div style="text-align: justify;">gather to celebrate the gift of a</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Chrysler Town and Country Van.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Photo Courtesy of the Achievable </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Foundation</i></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether they are acquiring a modified Chrysler Town and Country van fitted with specialized adaptive equipment, including a wheelchair lift or taking kids to a Dodgers baseball game to increase public awareness on Autism, the Achievable Foundation does this and more, despite the economy and cut backs. The contributions of people like "Geri Brawerman, Jim and Cathy Gott and many others help them find a way. Current Achievable programs include: Health and Wellness, Emergency Support, Specialized Adaptive Equipment and Camps that promote healthy learning and social experiences. This is truly one of my favorite organizations. For more information on how you can help visit <b>WWW.ACHIEVABLE.ORG or call (310) 258-4256.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>The Difference is You!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10845221601030400214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770856911028783686.post-41058606970579107292011-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:002011-07-29T15:51:24.154-07:00OWN May Prove To Be Oprah's Greatest Master Class<div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdiIjewxhhyB6tIG0zvAH-8J5hise1evS_i5bKaxvjUlr6OWCqNzb_mM61on8GtNnVPSBqaoQ6EutezlrpYKWsJ43KvqzSzMGBwveQ7e5EFnHeggXBdvNCLZ7PkmSLxIuRTtN__vtKWR2/s1600/own_logo_OWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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The end of summer is fast approaching and after a mini-vacation and coming to the aid of friend Maria Shriver, the Queen of daytime talk television is fully embracing her greatest challenge: to grow her network and increase viewership. The task is not a simple one. Pundits have already begun doubting whether Oprah can pull this one off. But, if her track record and<br />
tenacity are indicators of what's to come, then don't bet against her. </div><div> </div><div>Joined by Harpo presidents Erik Logan and Sheri Salata, Oprah will now </div><div>focus on the role of Chairman, as well as, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The documentary "Serving Life" debuted on OWN and was<br />
produced and narrated by Forest Whitaker.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>the network. Logan and Salata will continue their oversight of OWN produced content at HARPO Productions, Inc., such as ROSIE, Oprah Presents Master Class, In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman and Oprah's Next Chapter. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Documentaries like "Serving Life," executive produced and narrated by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, will inspire not only lovers of the documentary style, but encourage viewers to reflect upon their own lives as well. </div><div><br />
</div><div>As a result of aligning the mission, talent and leadership of Erik, Sheri, the OWN team, the HARPO team, Peter Liguori, David Zaslav and Discovery, it now is possible to continue building OWN's audience, brand strength and growth.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Viewers will find something new, entertaining and rewarding about OWN's programming and its unique relationship with them. It's a chance to be a part of history and join Oprah, the ultimate teacher, as they follow, support and participate in OWN's growth and acceptance. For more info on OWN and Oprah visit:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/index.html">http://www.oprah.com/index.html</a> .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://a.chtah.com/a/hBOMcNIB74U5NB8cjflMLOpk4Ea/own105-4">http://a.chtah.com/a/hBOMcNIB74U5NB8cjflMLOpk4Ea/own105-4</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-louisville/what-s-your-o-story">http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-louisville/what-s-your-o-story</a><br />
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</div>The Difference is You!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10845221601030400214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770856911028783686.post-64837839318185225362011-04-12T13:58:00.000-07:002011-04-26T18:35:18.291-07:00First Lady Michelle Obama, A True Beacon of Hope for Military Families and Veterans<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">One of the rare benefits of doing things for others is that occasionally someone does something nice for you when you least expect it. That’s exactly what happened to Playwright Eric Hicks and myself. In the fall of 2009, Eric and I, both long time youth advocates, decided to join forces to host a </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Celebration of Freedom</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Day</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> at the Pritchard Community Center on July 2<sup>nd</sup>, 2010 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The event was aimed at bringing about awareness to issues like homelessness among our returning soldiers, multiple deployments, educational opportunities for veterans, youth programs </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">and more. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">On the surface you would think that this was a great idea, and support would be plentiful. But that was easier said than done. I decided to contact the White House and the First Lady to ask for their support and participation via video. But schedules and other obligations prevented them from being able to assist us in a timely manner. Somewhat disappointed I understood the pressures of their schedule and moved on to face our next challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv82iFTaGz6YyGNQ9bPVLfKGyAAd3QNujWt0h7I0S0q5rqRhXdGCcCCXC3_qwPaeC3xC3YCzJtjYou7qV75ReAND3aasa6Fc4C4Ztd6AEkxy1H-xBSoYl_34JIpY6x_4PtaDsRi1ffoJOJ/s1600/First+Lady+Discusses+Military+Readiness+at+Ft.+Jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv82iFTaGz6YyGNQ9bPVLfKGyAAd3QNujWt0h7I0S0q5rqRhXdGCcCCXC3_qwPaeC3xC3YCzJtjYou7qV75ReAND3aasa6Fc4C4Ztd6AEkxy1H-xBSoYl_34JIpY6x_4PtaDsRi1ffoJOJ/s320/First+Lady+Discusses+Military+Readiness+at+Ft.+Jackson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">First Lady Michelle Obama is briefed by Lt. Gen. Mark</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hertling on the consequences of childhood obesity, </div><div style="text-align: justify;">poor nutrition and lack of exercise on military readiness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photo By: Samantha Appleton</div></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This turned out to be the unexpected loss of our primary sponsor Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. They closed their doors and relocated to another State. If that wasn’t enough the area military leaders decided not to come on board. The final straw was when a few members of our own team gave up and abandoned the project. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">At this point it seemed easier to quit! This was our defining moment and things were looking pretty bleak. Our commitment was being tested. Nonetheless, Eric and I thought it over and felt the issues were too important to give up on. So we decided to move forward. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Then something special began to happen! Business and civic leaders stepped forward and helped us make </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A Celebration of Freedom</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> a reality. With their help we were able to put on the play </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tell Me What Courage Is, </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">film the documentary </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the Name of the Children, </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">showcase</span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">a dance presentation by </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sweet Silent Spirit</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">, followed by musical performances </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">by Hip Hop Artist Young Truth and Rapper 3D, </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">all in honor of the sacrifices made by our military, and their families on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">That’s why it was surprising to receive a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama, thanking us for staying the course.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">In her letter dated August 4, 2010 she stated,</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">“ Military families are close to my heart and constantly in my thoughts. The strength and courage you show each and every day is an inspiration to me and to countless others around our great Nation. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">America is blessed to have a strong military with dedicated servicemen and women who defend our Nation and keep us safe. In standing alongside our servicemen and women, you, too, are dedicating your lives to the service of our Nation. Every day, in cities and towns across America, military families work to strengthen communities and support each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">She further added, “We are so thankful for all that you do. Still I believe that supporting military families is a cause that calls every American to serve. It is my great hope that all Americans will honor our men and women in uniform by never taking the blessings of freedom for granted and by doing our part to support the families of our military.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The President is committed to doing just that. From increasing military pay and recruiting additional permanent forces to investing in military family programs, please be assured that this Administration is committed to reducing the stress on service members and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Yours is not an easy path, and you continue to inspire me. You are truly watching over those who watch over us. Thank you again for all you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This heartfelt message from the First Lady recognized our efforts and reaffirmed that Eric and I made the right decision. But the credit is not ours alone. Without the help of the following government agencies, businesses, organizations and individuals </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.wix.com/beenetwork/A-Celebration-of-Freedom-Day-Event">A Celebration of Freedom Day </a></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">would not have been possible. So to these individuals we send out a special thank you:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a roundtable</span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">discussion with military spouses. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">Photo By: Joyce N. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">Boghosian</span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Governor Steven L. Beshear, City of Radcliff Mayor Sheila C. Enyart, University of Kentucky Military Veterans of America (UKMVA), Youth Performing Arts School (JCPS), Whitney Young Job Corps, Lowe’s, Longshot Productions, U.S. Military All Stars – Heroes of the Diamond, St. Catherine College, K&G Fashion Superstore, Positive Images That Invoke Self-Esteem (P.I.T.I.S.E.) Institute, BeeNetwork, Pritchard Community Center, Brenda Cross, Verna’ Goatley, Charles L. Mitchell (IDMR), Bobby Alexander – Commander, Chapter 3 Disabled American Veterans, Gary Rice, Sr. – Vice Commander, Chapter 3 Disabled American Veterans, The Elizabethtown News Enterprise, WQXE Radio, Carson Helton, Devante Wells, Carlton Oldham, Kara Lowery, Whitney Smith, John Story II, Mechael Guess, Tyler Chandler, Djuan Barners, Karen Mack, Cornelia Moss-Oldham, Reggie Woods, Brandon Reed, Jerrold Edwards, Diava Carter, Joe Blincoe, Samantha Davis, Tyler Gayheart, Michelle Brown, Shawn Hensley, Mark Hagan, Paul Hicks, Dan Moll, Amy Scott, Lela Bond, J.T. Burton, Rod Ussery, Vicki, Terri, Ashley Doyle, Clint Vaught-YPAS, Larry Wooldridge - Principal – DuPont Manual, YPAS Principal and Staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It truly was their belief and support that made this effort a success! As for the First Lady, we are grateful for her encouragement and confidence as we continue striving to help America’s youth and families.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Other links of interest:</span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63505">http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63505</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/">http://www.whitehouse.gov/</a><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/search/site/First%20Lady%20Obama%20and%20Dr.%20Biden%20military%20family%20initiative">http://www.whitehouse.gov/search/site/First%20Lady%20Obama%20and%20Dr.%20Biden%20military%20family%20initiative</a></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Difference is You!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10845221601030400214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770856911028783686.post-84491145352799647082011-01-22T15:07:00.000-08:002011-07-31T22:04:49.943-07:00Impacting America’s Youth and Communities<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Today’s youth are dealing with a myriad of life changing problems, ranging from drug abuse to homelessness. They often have no one to help mentor, inspire or reassure them as they contemplate and navigate the road known as life. Just like m</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">any</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">poor southern </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">children during </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">60’s, 70’s and 80’s, I dealt with similar issues and concerns. </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_9uekw44gF1dotj4O6gFo46c3OQJ_2HtKjMYMpcMnpj6z3q6K68YUqDGL0l6QiRXBi9Q5u00usgdCj5CHhMqsYQmKSWMcM0R5HS10q-Zogv30MsdtfVlTr_xhyphenhyphenOUi856tWE4sEiitZzR/s1600/ga+3+rev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 234px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 209px;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_9uekw44gF1dotj4O6gFo46c3OQJ_2HtKjMYMpcMnpj6z3q6K68YUqDGL0l6QiRXBi9Q5u00usgdCj5CHhMqsYQmKSWMcM0R5HS10q-Zogv30MsdtfVlTr_xhyphenhyphenOUi856tWE4sEiitZzR/s1600/ga+3+rev.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">M</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">y mom</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> was twice divorced and struggled as </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> single parent to raise three kids</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">. My </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">step father was a great guy until he served two tours of duty in Vietnam</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">,</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">returning</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> e</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">ach time </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> routinely physically and verbally</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">abuse</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> us. War has a unique way of changing behavior, especially when alcohol and drug addiction are added to the mix. Many years later he apologized for the way he treated us. I sometimes still wonder how life might have been different had those things never happened? </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I forgave my step father in order to move on with my life .. understanding that his illness had taken a toll on him as well. Back then</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> there were few places of solace and most folk opted not</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> to</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> get involved</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> with helping families in trouble</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">s a twelve year old and the oldest of three, I felt responsible for keeping my</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">family safe</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> while </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">deal</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">ing</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> with racism, gangs, </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">poor education</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">drugs.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">However, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">he scope and depth of these problems for young people and families today are on a scale never before witnessed. Mostly because so many more lives are affected. It seems that violence; sexual exploitation and economic hardship are thrown in for good measure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Excerpt from “Moments in the Shadow of Greatness”</span></i></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">I provided this excerpt to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">illustrate that even though my life was </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">not perfect (as many others aren’t) </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">I faced my challenges and disappoint</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">ments. I was able to survive them and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">grow up to be a positive contributor to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">society. There were bumps along the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">way, but</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"> because of the people who </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">saw the potential in me, who took a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">chance and invested their time, faith </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">and money on a kid they owed nothing </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">too, I say thank you! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">Thank you George Bonds for showing </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">me what a home should be and for </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">Lucy Baldwin for being the mother that </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">nurtured me and helped me understand </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">compassion. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">Thank you Fred Bridges for </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">teaching me what a true work ethic </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">was and why you should give your best at </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">all times. They and countless </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">others encouraged, reminded </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">and motivated me to give of myself in </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">ways that not only enhanced my quality </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">of life, but the quality of life of others</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">They gave me two </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">words that helped carry me along the way. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">These two words have shown me over </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">the years that they can be more </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">valuable than silver or gold. Take </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">them to heart and share them freely. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">Add these two simple words "<em>Hello</em> and <em>Thanks</em> " to your vocabulary. Put them into use daily and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">I assure you the return from them </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">will fill your treasure chest </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">in ways you least expect and that will truly prove to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">be priceless! </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote>If service is the rent you pay for your existence on this earth,</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote>are you behind in your rent?</blockquote></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; line-height: 100%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: yellow;">- </span><a href="http://www.woopidoo.com/business_quotes/authors/robert-allen/index.htm" title="Robert G Allen quotes"><span style="color: #990000; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: yellow;">Robert G Allen</span></span></a></span><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">-</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
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</div></div>The Difference is You!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10845221601030400214noreply@blogger.com0