[GreaterPhilly] Fwd: September 2022 Quarterly Newsletter

[DENICE BROWN]

Sent from My IPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Maggie Stringer <ravensfan784 at gmail.com>
> Date: September 15, 2022 at 5:45:26 PM EDT
> Subject: September 2022 Quarterly Newsletter
> 
> 
> “Beyond the Six Dots”
>  
> 
> National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division
> 
> September 2022 Quarterly Newsletter
> 
> We use a white cane, slate & stylus, and screen readers in between,
> 
> We read from the left, write from the right, and will tap tap onto any scene.
> 
> We want our communities to know what we’ve got, a commitment to serve,
> 
> Beyond the Six Dots!
> 
> ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET
> 
> Blind Equality & Achievement Month
> 
> Okay devoted readers, it’s time to get your calendars up and out! You’ve got a Blind Date with The National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division & Friends! You have ever so fabulously been invited to attend our second annual, HANDS UP & JOIN US event!
> 
> With your most permanent writing utensil, mark your calendar for Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 7PM Eastern time.
> 
> Actually, make sure your date books reflect the time, 6:45PM. We want you to pop up with us fifteen minutes early! “Don’t be shy”, the president says! Get those virtual hands up and be the next contestant to sing the snazziest jingle in town!
> 
> Come be all about the Blind Equality Achievement Month and let’s kick off this event with every morsel of your awesomeness!
> 
> Community service Jingle Lyrics:
> 
> We are the community service.
> 
> Helping all over the land.
> 
> We are the community service
> 
> Helping all that we can
> 
> Because we are
> 
> the community service
> 
> We are the community service.
> 
> Inviting you to join in the plan
> 
> We are the community service
> 
> A part of the NFB clan
> 
> SERVING AND LIVING
> 
> ALL BECAUSE WE CAN.
> 
> Our event location will be held at the magnificent Zoom-A-Theater near you! This arena is incredible, we’ve made sure the event is within everyone’s reach. It may even feel like you are within the comfort of your own home!
> 
> So, invite all your friends and family, and stay tuned to all the CSD’s channels for our clickable and dialable Zoom-A-Theater information.
> 
> “A family that Zoom’s together, SERVE together, STAY together!”
> 
> FIREWORKS BEYOND THE BIG EASY
> 
> National Convention Community Service Seminar
> 
> Written by Kanya Harrison
> 
>                               Let the good times roll was the slogan for this year’s seminar, and that they did. You can feel and hear the excitement from getting off the escalator to the other end of the hall with all the marshals on post directing all to the CSD party.
> 
> I also served as a   marshal before the seminar began; that was awesome and fun to be a part of.  My post was just passed the seminar’s doorway calling out to passersby, “CSD this way is the place to be”.
> 
> I can hear the enthusiasm and readiness from the people in line there for registration for the first time. You can hear some say, ‘CSD knows how to have a good time’ and someone else said, ‘I’ve been looking forward to CSD’s seminar.’
> 
> As we entered the seminar, music was playing, people were singing and talking amongst each other, and it’s standing room only. Imagine that the atmosphere was set for a fun time. Oh, chicken thunder not to mention, when our President Jeannetta Price graced the mic with all of her energy, positivity, and passion for service, it was so infectious it literally lit up the room like fireworks.
> 
> Ms. Hattie Mae from Texas sang a beautiful original piece she created about community service just for CSD and the love, partnership and service of the division. I was honored to give a short testimonial about the joy and sense of accomplishment I gained during our   Double Good Popcorn fundraiser opening my store for the 1st time which made a profit of over $840 as a 1st timer with CSD.
> 
> What I loved most about the seminar was honoring those that we have lost, those who are consistently a source of support to CSD, and those making a mark serving in their community. A Presentation that featured two scholarships called   The No Butts About It and A Star is Born in memory of two beautiful souls that were a part of the CSD family, who have gained their wings, what a special tribute to them, their families, and chapters.
> 
> Whoever said or thought blind/vision impaired people are incapable of making a difference has never come across a NFB’s Community Service Division led by Jeanetta Price and a team of Willing Workers.    Now let’s get our Service on.
> 
> THE STORIES UNTOL
> 
> Reflections From The 2022 National Convention
> 
> 
> 
> Image description: A group of more than fifteen people in a room standing to take a group picture. They are all wearing white shirts with green letters that read, Serving Beyond The Six Dots. In front of them is a table with tons of lime green eco bags and another set of tables at the front that has lots of boxes that contain different bottles and toiletries. ) Described by an Aira Agent.)
> 
> -         Remembering those little hands by Delcenia Brown.
> 
> It was my first time serving in person during a National Convention. Upon arriving at the Covenant House, I was very excited and honored to be there to help. I was so pleased to be able to finally meet other federation volunteers for the first time and to be serving in person after three years!
> 
> At first, because of my hearing, it was a little difficult for me to hear the directions. But once I realized what we were doing things happened rather quickly. We then began to move the overflowing boxes around the room and place the hundreds of donated items on various tables.  Next, we spent the next several hours separating and organizing all of the supplies into lime green customized ‘Serving Beyond The Six Dots’ bags. It was amazing how everyone moves quickly to work as a team.
> 
> Then it was lunch time! For us, that meant time to mingle and serve. I spent the lunch hour handing out oatmeal cream pies to all of the youth passing through. It may not seem like much, but I had so much fun announcing what I was giving away like I was one of the people selling hot dogs at a baseball game. And it tickled me every time I swore it felt like the same hands twice.
> 
> I was truly grateful to be a part of the Covenant House project and to be able to help in any way I could.  It was beautiful to see how well each Federation member had worked together as a team, and instantly recognized that there was no job too small. Everyone quickly dived in and did their part.
> 
> -        An Ambassador At Large, Contributed by Daria Bannerman
> 
> Quitrina Townes became a mentor and an ambassador at the Pennsylvania state convention in Harrisburg, and at this year’s national convention in New Orleans.
> 
> While volunteering as an ambassador, she prepared future convention goers for conventions by informing them on how to set up transportation, where to go to get necessities such as food and medication while attending convention, where to get an extra cane, types of clothing to wear, etc.
> 
> During the national convention, she volunteered at the Covenant House—a shelter for homeless youth who have experienced trauma. While there, she realized her desire to volunteer at various homeless shelters in her community. Seeing the excitement and joy the youth displayed warmed her heart, and she enjoyed the opportunity to bond and serve the youth at The Covenant House. She believes the youth enjoyed themselves and appreciated CSD FOR providing them with a positive AND ENJOYABLE experience. The community service project at The Covenant House opened Quitrina’s eyes to the situations people face. She desires to volunteer at soup kitchens and homeless shelters in her area/community. In addition, she enjoyed meeting the members of CSD and knew that we would be making a difference in the lives of the youth. She can’t wait to see what is in store for the annual community service project for 2023.
> 
> -        History In The Making by Marvin Griffin
> 
> Wow! This was my first of what I hoped to be many more conventions to experience!
> 
> I was so excited about the whole opportunity to be around people who had so much in common with myself. I must admit though, I was nervous because this was my first time traveling alone since I lost my site over eleven years ago.
> 
> I had a little bit of trepidation about the airplane ride, but it actually turned out to be pretty cool. When I walked into the hotel in New Orleans, the place was a madhouse. All I could remember hearing were the clicking and clicking of those canes hitting that tile floor in the hotel lobby. I almost wanted to exhale and say oh I am home, lol.
> 
> I had several experiences that week that turned out to be pretty special. First, I was able to witness a historical event when the Black Leaders Serving For Advancement committee finally became a national division. Second, the Community Service Division’s seminar was so full of energy, I was so proud of everyone being so involved. And my most favorite highlight, the volunteer project at the Covenant House. It felt so good to see the work that we put in during our fundraisers; to actually see it pay off for so many young people. I anticipate next year’s convention in Houston being a phenomenal one. And I look forward to making a mark for the blind community in an awesome way!
> 
> All in all, I feel I made friends for life during the convention and I am looking forward to what lies ahead for all of us.
> 
> - Taking It All In by June Hunter-Hardy
> 
> 1. My enlightenment was when my daughter Destinee described the lowering of the Essence festival flag and having the opportunity to observe them raising up the NFB flag.
> 2. I had a chance to experience a monumental event when the Black Leaders Serving For Advancement committee became a national division.
> 3. When I heard the Popcorn King (Marvin Griffin) sing ‘Lift Every Voice & Sing’, that truly touched my soul.
> 4. I also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the Divine 9 OOOP (Greek and Masonic group).
> 5. I had a wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the Independence Market over in the Exhibit Hall. I sold a number of items, found a few new treasures for myself, and was able to network with even more federationist.
> 6. And my first in-person national convention experience came full circle when the Community Service Division dined together at Drago’s restaurant, then reunited again at the Covenant House. It felt good being at the Covenant House with my CSD family. Being able to come together as one, sharing laughs and smiles, and enjoying each other’s company while we were serving the youth. It was an all-around astonishing experience. It’s the littlest things similar to the everyday items we were packing in each of those bags, that we tend to take for granted.
> -        One Jazz Note At A Time by Jessica Stover
> 
> To me, our organization is more than adding new members. Building the federation is also about serving both locally and nationally. When we work together as an organization, it helps strengthen our community. This being my first in person national convention, I had many opportunities to volunteer and share my talents.
> 
> Since being a student at the Louisiana Training Center for the Blind, I have had many opportunities to volunteer not only at national convention but in the community of Ruston. One of which was helping with donations and delivery of hygiene products for a woman’s shelter. While at the 2022 national convention, I jumped at the opportunity to marshal and help at the hospitality suite. Through volunteering in those roles, I met and networked with many people.
> 
> Aside from volunteering at the convention, I had a couple of opportunities to share my musical talents at a local jazz club.
> 
> I believe it is just as important for the rest of society to see that blind folks can and do live the life we want. I believe that any chance that I get to serve in any capacity with the NFB will help to make our community stronger.
> 
> -        A Kool-Aid Kind Of Smile by Daria Bannerman
> 
> For this year’s annual community service division project, CSD traveled to the Covenant House in New Orleans. The Covenant House is a place for homeless youth ages 13-22. We collected tons of hygiene products and made hygiene kits for them, as well as cooked a huge meal for them. In addition, we put a note of affirmation in each hygiene kit, which I love because this means the notes provide encouragement, as well as letting these youth know they matter.
> 
> As a member of the Community Service Division, I really enjoyed participating in the project. Seeing the youths’ reactions to the meal we cooked and served to them, as well as the hygiene bags we put together for them, really made me smile from ear to ear. I loved that, as a division, we were able to make these youth smile and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy themselves and interact with us.
> 
> This project made me get out of my comfort zone, as I had never served food to youth before. I had to use my voice to let them know what I was serving, and to invite them to partake of it. (I am used to being behind the scenes).
> 
> The CSD seminar was so fun, energetic, and welcoming to everyone. I was one of the marshals recruiting people to attend the seminar, and they did just that. There was nothing but standing room only; it was a packed house. And we enjoyed ourselves. We remembered CSD members that were no longer with us who exemplified and embodied community service, as well as encouraged audience members to join the movement and serve with us. I am truly honored to be a part of this wonderful, extraordinary division!
> 
> -        A Universal Impact by Carol King-Ries
> 
> When I signed up for the National convention, I was not exactly sure what to expect.  I am glad I attended and got a chance to experience for myself the many interesting things that happened in New Orleans.  On the top of my list of things I enjoyed participating in is the volunteer work that CSD did at the Covenant House.  I liked working with my fellow Division members to put together bags of much-needed toiletry items for the residents.  I loved the appreciation we got from the residents for the lunch we provided.  I even got a chance to talk with the Director of the organization about the universal power of resilience, and how showing and sharing your resilience encourages others to be more resilient.  It was hard work, especially for our leaders, but extremely worth the effort.  We made an impact on so many levels and that is why it is my favorite thing I did at the 2022 convention.
> 
> In addition to the Covenant House experience, it was important for me to attend the Data Graphs event.
> 
> I am a very analytical person, so when I signed up for the convention, I knew that I would volunteer for one of the research projects that occurred during the week.  I signed up for a research project that was working on better ways to improve the descriptions of data graphs.  It was so interesting! I think I drove the researcher crazy with all the questions I asked (smile).  I loved this volunteer research project because I could see the beneficial effects of the work for students, and for people like me who still read articles, books and presentations that contain data graphs.  I think it is so important that people who are blind or have low visioned get involved in research.  This is the only way we can guarantee that any future scientific advances truly meet our needs.  Plus, there was an immediate benefit.  I received a gift card for my participation!  A win-win situation!
> 
> -        Compassion Fills One Letter ‘N’ by Lynette Eberhardt (aka Lyn with one ‘n’)
> 
> Serving Beyond the Six Dots at The Covenant House in New Orleans during NFB National Convention 2022 was heart-breaking and fulfilling simultaneously.  It was disheartening listening to a young lady share her story of how her boyfriend physically abused one of her small children, ages one year old and four months, and how she had to run out the home with only the clothes on their backs.  I’m glad she made the decision to get assistance at The Covenant House for educational purposes and job training.
> 
> Part of my passion is supplying homeless women with feminine hygiene products; so, I suggested these items be added to the list of other personal care objects to be passed out.  Several of us supplied those necessary articles.
> 
> The youth enjoyed the visit and appreciated our team cooking for them.  Many expressed their gratitude while sharing goals over multiple plates of food and snacks that the Community Service Division provided.
> 
> It was encouraging seeing young people overcoming the obstacles life has thrown their way, just as many of us have overcome and adapted to our vision loss/blindness.  Hopefully, seeing disabled individuals going about and offering assistance was motivation for those residing at The Covenant House.
> 
> -        Hard Workers, Down This Way by Jim Sheets & Patricia McPherson.
> 
> Jim and I dedicated a significant amount of time volunteering as ambassadors throughout the national convention. Alongside our fellow Ohioans, we spent a number of hours providing directions to the board meeting room and the grand finale, the banquet event. It meant a lot to us to be able to be present and provide directions to our fellow federationist.
> 
> Jim and I also had an amazing opportunity to serve with our CSD family at the local Covenant House in New Orleans.
> 
> We all wore white T-shirts with green riding “Serving Beyond The Six Dots”. Many of you will recall that phrase being similar to the name of our newsletter.
> 
> We unpacked the supplies that were purchased for lunch and organized everything. Even though it was a normal hot and humid day, the meat was grilled on the barbecue.
> 
> We enjoyed fluttering around and conversing with the youth. Each young person we spoke with was very happy to be at the facility receiving the help they needed. They explained that there were several different stages and they received Health services and mental support, job skill training, assistance with job placement and were looking forward to their own places in the future.
> 
> It was an extremely rewarding experience for us, and a community service project we will cherish for many years to come.
> 
> -        Never Too Young To Give Back by Emma Mohon
> 
> What does it truly mean to be a member of The National Federation of the Blind?  As a young member, how can I go out and build the Federation?  These are some of the questions I asked myself before going to the NFB convention this past July.  I served the Federation in various ways before attending the convention.  For example, I helped Louisiana Center for the Blind with multiple service projects, and I am currently serving on the board of the Louisiana Association of Blind Students.
> 
>                               Since the 2022 convention was my first, I wanted to make it memorable.  This meant getting involved in any way possible.  Some things I did were volunteering at the Information Desk, helping out at the Louisiana Table in the Exhibit Hall, and martialing.  Getting involved and serving helped me to meet so many more people than I would have otherwise.  I met many incredible people while volunteering and made many amazing connections that I know will last a lifetime.  The convention also helped me realize that just because I am blind, it does not mean that I cannot get out and give back.  I was able to learn from those who are more skilled than me and also teach those who are less skilled than me.
> 
>                               There is no doubt that my first convention was a huge success because I decided to give back to the Federation that has given me so much already.  I am proud to say that I am a part of the NFB family, and I am willing to go out and build it even further!
> 
> MEET THE 2022 CSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
> 
> The Community Service Division recently held its annual election and voted in all of the following members. It’s a privilege to introduce our newly elected and those re-elected for another term. These individuals exemplify dedication, compassion, and the spirit of serving!
> 
> -        Jeanetta Price, President
> 
> Jeanetta is from the little big city in Southeast Texas called Beaumont. Ms. Price is a graduate of Lamar University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In addition, she is a License Mortgage Loan Originator known as the “OUTTA SIGHT MORTGAGE LOAN LADY.”
> 
> Ms. Price is the President of the National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division and NFB Of Texas Golden Triangle Chapter. She is the Visionary behind the first anthology., “The WRITE 2 Heal.” Ms. Price mission in life is to help others tap into their vision by utilizing writing as an instrument of healing.  Ms. Price is a living testimony that it is more glory to your story. Often, she reflects on the life of the virtuous woman, Essie Andrus, her biological and spiritual mother who leads by example with her unwavering faith.
> 
> As a spoken word artist, she hosts, “The WRITE 2 Heal” seminars that includes poets, partner artists, and even audience members who will participate in an open mic section.
> 
> Ms. Price freedom of expression, boldness, vulnerability and confidence set her aside from other authors, artist, and advocates.
> 
> -        Kamille Richardson, Vice President
> 
> Kamille hails from the great state of North Carolina. In July 2022, she was elected as vice president of the community service division.
> 
> Kamille leaves with a servant’s heart which was inherited directly from her beautiful mother.
> 
> Kamille especially enjoys assisting in the technology arena. She is the dedicated leader of the tech team which plays an integral role in keeping the community service division meetings running effectively and efficiently. Kamille is a business owner, published author, and fabulous auntie to the world’s most awesome nephew. She counts it as an honor and privilege to serve alongside her Federation family.
> 
> -        Daria Bannerman, Secretary
> 
> Daria aka Kool-Aid, currently lives in Hope Mills, NC, but is originally from a small town called Maple Hill, NC. She has a BA in English, a minor in Creative Writing, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She currently works as an Employment Specialist at Acceleration. In addition, she is one of the co-authors of the “The WRITE 2 Heal” anthology.
> 
> During the national convention, Kool-Aid continued to exemplify her devout commitment to service by participating in the 2022 annual community service project which took place at the New Orleans Covenant House. When she first learned of the organization’s mission to serve the homeless youth within the local community, she was pumped and ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work!
> 
> Kool-Aid, along with a number of other members of the division, worked tirelessly to put together a hundred bags of hygiene kits for youth of all ages, spent priceless time interacting with the young people, and helped serve a delicious summer barbecue to all the hungry youth.
> 
> In her spare times, Daria enjoys reading, listening to all kinds of music, shopping, trying new foods, spending time with friends and family, and watching hilarious videos on YouTube.
> 
> -        Natalie Segura, Treasurer
> 
> Natalie is your ideal “Country Girl” with the boots, hat, and heart the size of Texas in which she resides.  Natalie is always willing to help others and utilizes her horses as rescue animals during the floods in Houston, Texas. Natalie has been elected to her third term as Treasurer, and she enjoys keeping the books while serving in her boots. Three fun facts about Natalie:
> 
> 1.  Hobby: Fishing
> 
> 2.  Favorite Food: Seafood
> 
> 3. Cooking is her superpower!
> 
> -        Randi “Maggie” Stringer, Board Member
> Maggie Mae is a one-of-a-kind beautiful soul that has spent most of her growing years in the historic town of Catonsville, Maryland. Two years ago, she replanted her rich spirit within a small town near Buckeye nation, known as Lancaster, Ohio.
> If you have not yet been blessed in meeting Maggie Mae, allow me to get y’all acquainted right now!
> Maggie Mae is a sweet, talented, witty, and strong independent woman that is hard-working and tenacious. She treats obstacles as stepping stones on her way to success, learns from challenges, and never stops until she achieves her goal. To name a few of her titles, she is a child of God, housewife, daughter, sister, coolest auntie, a priceless friend, a survivor, a published author and editor, and is one of the most compassionate, graceful, and selfless women I have ever met. She always comes up with creative and artistic solutions, stays positive even during hard times, and is extremely reliable and trustworthy. When you work with her, you don’t question if her part of the work will be done.
> If you want to design a crown of jewels, then you need to call Maggie Mae immediately! Just as long as it’s not during a Baltimore, Raven’s football game! Winks.
> It would be remiss of me if I didn’t include one of her all-time favorite quotes; it’s a true testament to her and her personality,
> "Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see”
> -        Marvin Griffin Sr, Board Member
> 
> Greetings and salutations! My name is Marvin and I am a proud board member of the baddest division there is! And that is the Community Service Division of the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> I am a husband and a father of four and I have a passion for service within the blind community.
> 
> I came away from the 2022 national convention inspired and I plan to serve in my own neck of the woods by preparing meals for the homeless and serving them personally just as we did in New Orleans!
> 
> If I had to divulge something funny about me, I would have to say that it is my somewhat dry sense of humor, lol. I do occasionally write jokes in my spare time as well!
> 
> I look forward to continuing to inspire others not only in the blind community, but also those who witness my service too!!!
> 
> CSD4LIFE!!!!
> 
> -        Julie Moses, Board Member
> 
> Greetings, I am Julie Moses, your newly elected board member#3. Just like my last name I am a leader of the people and in my community serving as 1st Vice President of the Cobb County Empowerment Chapter of the NFB of Georgia.
> 
> I have dedicated over 7 years working and serving the blind/vision impaired community hosting peer support groups, teaching technology, as well as advocating in the blind community.
> 
> As a Technology Instructor, it's not just about teaching technology. I make it my mission to teach my clients how to live this blind life independently and show them that through service you can find purpose.
> 
> As a single blind mother of a beautiful daughter, Brenlee Denise, I can sit back and relish in the fact that I can tell she has a heart of service. And even at the sweet age of 2, she displays so much compassion and willingness to help when necessary.
> 
> I’m extremely honored and excited to be on board! Now let’s serve together with one purpose and that’s to serve God’s people.
> 
> DO UNTO OTHERS
> 
> National Courtesy Month
> 
> Written by Percy King
> 
> The entire month of September gives all of us ample opportunities to practice being kind, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
> 
> The word courteous comes from the Middle English word ‘kindness,’ which means ‘noble deeds’ or ‘courtesy’. One of the greatest novelists in the English Language, Henry James, once said: “Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind.”
> 
> So, what does it mean to be courteous? Courtesy is more than having good manners. Saying “please” and “thank you” is important, but the reason behind using those good manners is even more important. Giving courtesy to those around you shows care and respect. When you answer that email, voice mail, or text in a prompt manner, you show respect. When you send a thank you note, it’s not just about etiquette. It’s about letting the recipient know you care and are grateful. When you hold the door for the next person, you are letting them know you see them and value them. The opposite is also true. When you show up late to meet a friend or colleague with no real explanation, you are telling them your schedule is more important than theirs.
> 
> Courtesy should never have limits for people you know. Showing a stranger common courtesy could be the defining factor of their day. Oftentimes, a small gesture, such as a compliment, can make a person feel appreciated. When people are considerate to one another, a positive effect happens. Moods improve and smiles are easily found. Starting your day with a polite demeanor will have a ripple effect on the people you encounter!
> 
> My challenge for all of us this month is to learn to let go of things that hold you back, bring you down, and keep you from being kind and courteous. And use this observance to teach the children in our circles of influences the importance of kindness and courtesy.
> 
> “A single kind word keeps one warm for three winters.”
> 
>  
> 
> Be-leaf in yourself!
> 
> There's something special about autumn, as the nights draw in and the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees. But nothing is as special as your delightful smiles!
> 
> Question: Hey Sister, what is the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie?
> 
> Answer: Your teeth of course!
> 
> “Don’t think about it, laugh about it!”
> 
> NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE
> 
> National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
> 
> Contributed by Helen Truss, Kassandra Evans, & Ellie Hawthorne.
> 
> Haunted houses, pumpkin carvings, scary costumes, and sweet treats may be what’s on your mind for your October festivities. For the strong and dedicated volunteers like Hellen, Kassandra, and Ellie, this time of year has a different kind of focus for them.
> 
> These incredible women are deeply passionate in bringing a more powerful awareness of Breast Cancer to their local communities and abroad. They have made a lifetime commitment in sharing their personal testimony by hosting an immeasurable number of events throughout the year, ensuring that their mission goes beyond the thirty-one-day splash of pink.
> 
> It’s amazing how Music in all its forms can have a profound effect on our life’s journey. We thought it would be fitting to know their go-to song. We wanted to know the one song that keeps their spirits warm on a lonely night, or a special tune that raises them up when the going gets tough.
> 
> Lyrics from “Fight Like A Girl”:
> 
> “So, hold your head high
> 
> Don't ever let them define
> 
> The light in your eyes
> 
> Love yourself, give 'em hell
> 
> You can take on this world
> 
> You just stand and be strong
> 
> And then fight like a girl.”
> 
> Lyrics from “I Am Not My Hair”:
> 
> “I am not my hair
> 
> I am not this skin
> 
> I am not your expectations, no
> 
> I am not my hair
> 
> I am not this skin
> 
> I am a soul that lives within.”
> 
> Lyrics from “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”:
> 
> “When you're weak, I'll be strong
> 
> When you let go, I'll hold on
> 
> When you need to cry, I swear that I'll be there to dry your eyes
> 
> When you feel lost and scared to death
> 
> Like you can't take one more step
> 
> Just take my hand, together we can do it
> 
> I'm gonna love you through it.”
> 
> The Community Service Division stands by these beautiful ladies as they give strength to the campaign for prevention and awareness about the early diagnosis of breast cancer by sharing their extraordinary personal story.
> 
> “I’ve been blind my whole life. I’m used to advocating for myself. I think it helped me to not be terribly scared with my diagnosis. I was well acquainted with facing challenges. The best advice I’ve ever heard is, “don’t be afraid to know your breasts.” I’ve been echoing those words for fourteen years now. It was the beginning of saving my life”, said Hellen.
> 
> “I thought losing my vision was the hardest thing I would ever have to deal with. Then, the doctor’s told me they were going to have to remove both breasts as soon as possible or my little girl was going to grow up without a Mom. She is my world and I thank God my family talked me into getting a mammogram as part of my annual checkup. They were not fun, let me tell you, but I get to have another day, another memory with my daughter because I decided it was time to start taking care of myself.”, said Kassandra.
> 
> “You never think it’s going to happen to you. That’s always someone else’s life, right? Wrong! Glaucoma is the only hereditary disease that runs in my family, not cancer. Make those annual appointments. Do the self-examinations. Most importantly, know your body! Breast cancer can happen to anyone.” -Ellie.
> 
> One Team. One Dream. Let’s Find A Cure!
> 
> RESOURCES
> 
> National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
> 
> If You Know Someone in Crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
> 
> (800) 273-TALK (8255),
> 
> Or text the word, HELLO to:
> 
> 741741
> 
> Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.
> 
> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
> 
> “You are not alone!”
> 
> EDITOR’S NOTES
> 
> We want to feature you in our next issue! Write about your personal experience with your community service project and submit the article by the first of the month.
> 
> We also want to help promote your community projects and state affiliate events. Share your calendar with Beyond The Six Dots and we will feature your events in the ‘Represent Your State’ section of our next issue. Contact our editor to submit your calendar events and featured articles. (The editor may edit the Length and/or wording of your article.)
> 
>  
> 
> NFB Community Service Division
> 
> www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/
> 
> President Jeanetta Price
> 
> Email: price.jeanetta at gmail.com
> 
> Mobile: (409) 344-1005
> 
> Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer
> 
> Email: Ravensfan784 at gmail.com
> 
> Mobile: (443) 750-0070
> 
> ONE MINUTE MESSAGE
> 
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. We are survivors!
> 
>  
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