[Ohio-Talk] September 2021 Newsletter
mmoore11 at kent.edu
mmoore11 at kent.edu
Thu Sep 9 00:57:43 UTC 2021
“Beyond the Six Dots”
National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division
September 2021 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!
SERVING LAUGHS
There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.
There’s a place where January comes after February and December comes before September.
It’s the dictionary! (HaHaHa)
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES, ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE
“Service is a fitting way to start to heal, unite, and rebuild this country we love.”/ President Joe Biden
LET’S GET IT POPPING!
The Community Service Division would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to get involved by way of volunteering your time to serve others on September 11, National Day of Service and Remembrance. CSD it’s time to serve! Let’s join forces with AmeriCorps on 9/11 Day— step forward to serve in a remarkable spirit of unity, honor, and compassion. Remember, even a small act of service is a giant act of patriotism.
Looking for more ways to serve. Double tap on the link, and explore various opportunities to join the movement.
<https://americorps.gov/911-day> https://americorps.gov/911-day
SAVE THE DATE
September 11th Ceremony
8 o’clock eastern time
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on U.S. soil. It is a time to remember the courage of so many firefighters, paramedics, New York policemen and New York’s Port Authority Officers that sacrificed their lives to save others, and a time to honor the memory of all those who perished at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Pentagon and the Twin Towers.
It is a time to show reverence for all the lives lost in just 102 minutes of the clock. As Americans, we still remember and we must never forget.
Join the Community Service Division on Saturday, September 11th at 8 o’clock EDT as we remember:
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fj%2F86984306729%3Fpwd%3DU3JJSXZqenRvNWg4eHRHalhGQmdSZz09&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHj0umjeQ-_Md9okkLub_de0Vg10w> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86984306729?pwd=U3JJSXZqenRvNWg4eHRHalhGQmdSZz09
(Note: Each person signed up will receive 60 seconds to share their service project for 9/11. Participants must zoom in 15 minutes early in order to sign up for “Share My Service Segment.”)
STAND DOWN
Written by Stacie Leap
The Philadelphia Stand Down serves veterans within the five counties in the Delaware Valley (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) since 1994. Their goal has been to bring veterans to a central location so they can receive resources, information, and services. They do this by partnering with various organization (military or civilian) as well as the Veterans Administration.
These resources are to help the veterans become self-sufficient and independent. The resources and tools provided are put in place for short-term and long-term success. Although their services are geared towards helping homeless veterans, any veteran needing services are welcomed.
This year, Lombard Central Presbyterian Church will be the hosting site for the 2021 Philadelphia Stand Down event. It will be on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 8am to 4pm EDT. There will be other organizations providing dental and medical care, housing, clothing, food, recovery support, and other life supports that may be needed.
As Our Pastor, Chris Kimmenez, sits on the board of Philadelphia Stand Down and is a veteran of the United States Marines Corp. One of Lombard Central Presbyterian Church’s mission is to be the bridge between the people living near the church and other agencies whose mission aligns with community enrichment, civic engagement, and positive unity. The church will be cooking food and providing drinks for the event.
I have been attending the church for a few months and plan to volunteer for this amazing event that happens to fall on September 11th where we also remember the lives lost in 2001. For more information about Philadelphia Stand Down or to volunteer for the event on 9/11/21, please contact Pastor Chris from Lombard Central Presbyterian Church at (267) 582-5013.
NATIONAL HISPANICS and LATINS HERITAGE MONTH
September 15th through October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The Community Service Division spotlight’s Daniel Martinez aka “Danny”!
Danny is a 31-year-old blind Chicano. He lives the best of both worlds at the Texas border with Mexico. Danny identifies as an educator and a mentor of people with disabilities.
He holds a Master’s of Education in Special Ed. and he plans to continue his studies…
Within the National Federation of the Blind, Danny is a member of the RGV chapter, and he participates in programs such as the Texas mentoring program, BELL Academy, Silver Bells, Cambiando Vidas, and NFB-Newsline. You may recognize him from his participation at our national conventions, when he makes announcements regarding Spanish interpretation services.
Danny has made a commitment to do outreach in the Latinx community, and he has done so by joining the efforts of METAS. This organization was coordinated to mentor, engage, and teach all students who are Spanish speakers. Danny currently serves as an advisor for the National Disability Mentoring Coalition and for the APH Career Connect program. For his experience in mentoring, he was inducted to the Susan M. Daniels Disability Hall of Fame.
In September 2021, Danny became a fellow of Respectability’s National Leadership Program. He will be undergoing professional development training, in matters of advocacy and non-profit management, to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Danny is finding it a bit challenging to play guitar while carrying Baby Daniel David, but he is managing. Feel free to connect with Danny at <mailto:dmartinez at nfbtx.org> dmartinez at nfbtx.org
NEVER TOO YOUNG
NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY
Contributed by Mrs. Pearson’s 2nd Grade Class
Make today a beautiful day in your neighborhood! Spread some kindness this month by bringing your neighbors homemade goodies, inviting them over for a picnic, or offering to help them with their yard projects.
We asked some of our younglings how they have been good neighbors. Here are their responses:
“The man next door is kind of old and I like to help bring his trash cans in, so he doesn’t have to worry about doing it himself”, Says Ryan.
“When Miss Pat works late, I go over and visit with her puppy, Shadow, and make sure he has water in his bowl”, says Angie.
“My Mom and I planted lots of pretty flowers for Miss Sue since it hurts her to kneel down on the ground”, says Kendra.
“We knocked on everyone’s door and asked them if we could help shovel their sidewalks. It was a lot of work, but me and my brothers had fun doing it”, says Matthew.
Follow these cuties example; meet your neighbors and create those meaningful connections today!
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”
I HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER
September recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Contributed by Roger Wilson
The subject of suicide can be extremely awkward and sensitive. However, evidence shows that providing support services and talking about suicide are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.
“I hated myself. I hated myself so much that I literally couldn’t stand to look at myself in the mirror each morning. I didn’t want to face who I was.”
Back in 1977, I was 20 years old and tried to commit suicide. It wasn’t the first time I had thought about ending things. Depending on what was going on at the time, I thought about it a lot or a year would go by. There wasn’t one specific thing that happened that day and nothing tragic recently occurred. I was home alone that morning and that thought came creeping around again and I finally pulled the trigger.
Reading this newsletter, you know that the bullet didn’t kill me that day. But it did take my sight, I woke up in the hospital as a totally blind man. Looking back now, that is the one thing I have never grappled with. The moment I realized I was blind; I was okay with it. As a matter of fact, I remember asking the nurse where I could use a telephone. He told me it was four doors down the hall. I got up, found my way out, counted four doors down, picked up the phone receiver to call my family, and remember telling them I was hungry.
Mentally, Things were not okay for a long time. I tried picking up the pieces and going about my life again. I went to get training as a blind man and was kicked out. My family and friends didn’t want me living with them in fear I would try to finish what I started. I just kept moving from town to town and state to state. I didn’t know it then, but I kept running from me. I needed to somehow find a way to not just exist in this life.
Whenever I would have these suicidal thoughts, I never thought how it might affect others. It wasn’t until I started hearing how much I had hurt those around me, that I could begin to see how much my choice had had an impact on others. Friends, family, neighbors, and even people I didn’t even really know were affected by this. I had no clue that so many people cared. I knew that if I was going to survive this cruel place, I was going to have to find a way to focus on healing for others before I could find strength in wanting to live.
Whether you believe in God or a higher power, God wasn’t done with me on that cold January night. Today, I have a wife, kids, grandkids, and make it my mission to help wherever I can. He has blessed me with opportunities and experiences that most may never have. Thinking about it now, I can remember a neighbor telling me once, that I was like The Ice Cream Man; I had become an important fixture in this big city.
I know pulling the trigger that day hurt many, many loved ones and I am so so sorry. That is why I try to be the best person I can be, each and every day. If I can make a difference to even one person, that means the world to me.
“It’s important to share my story because life is complicated, hard and often, a constant struggle. And I don’t want anyone to think that they have to do it alone. You don't need to be a therapist to say the right words to someone. It can literally be one word, and it puts everything into perspective.”
If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need.
WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE
It’s time to go back to school! Don’t forget to pack your slate and stylus, plus our September’s sunshine!
Question: What is the longest word in the dictionary?
Answer: Smiles, because there is a mile between each “S”!
Don’t think about it, laugh about it!
PLANTING SEEDS OF BRAILLE
September is National Literacy Month, a time to encourage reading at all ages. We should lead by example by reading with the youth out loud, start a youth book club, and implement fun reading exercises.
Seedlings Braille Books for Children is a small nonprofit in Livonia, Michigan that is dedicated to producing high-quality free and low-cost braille books for children with vision loss. Seedlings promotes braille literacy and hopes to instill a love of reading in children with vision loss. We believe we are able to contribute to literacy by providing blind children with a better opportunity to develop the skill of literacy.
As a nonprofit our number one mission is to provide braille books to the children in need. Every $10 donated puts another braille book into the hands of a blind child. Seedlings is able to give away more than half of their books completely FREE of charge with the help of our supporters.
Whether your support is monetary, word of mouth or giving us your time; “our kids” thank you! At this time due to the pandemic, Seedlings is not accepting any new volunteers. But we encourage you to participate and share in our events. Please consider donating and/or participating in our upcoming Online Auction, November 10-17. View the auction here: <http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biddingforgood.com%2Fbraillebooks&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-h8IVTg8M3yuzQewtkBXSLMBQzQ> www.biddingforgood.com/braillebooks
For more information about us check out our website at <http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seedlings.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH67GYtpVsbKHpkK8nkRMc3WAryxw> www.seedlings.org or give us a call at (800) 777-8552.
ONE BOOK AT A TIME
Contributed by Stacie Leap
International Literacy Day reminds us that illiteracy exists in affluent societies, not just third world countries. It is a problem that needs to be solved and deserves our attention and participation. Just thinking about how different our lives would be if we could not read or write makes us shiver.
We have instrumental volunteers like Stacie Leap who are making a literacy difference in their community.
“In January of 2021, we hosted our first book drive for the Greater Philadelphia, Martin Luther King Junior, Day of Service. Our goal was to obtain donations of 500 books. We exceeded our goal and collected OVER 700 titles!
Our book drive was a major success because of Resources such as Human Development (RHD), community members in South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia. We believe it is crucial to promote literacy within our children as well as adults. We have notice that students in the Philadelphia’s school district perform below proficiency in reading. Statistics show that the rates are higher in household with low-income. When a child falls BEHIND, IT WILL CAUSE CHALLENGES IN THEIR EDUCATION WHICH CAN LEAD TO HIGH DROP-OUT RATES AND UNEMPLOYMENT AS THEY MATURE TO ADULTHOOD. Setting our children up for failure is not an option!
Through the efforts of our book drive, we were able to give the books out to the students who attended Overbrook School for the Blind, West Philadelphia High School, and blankenburg Elementary. In addition, we were able to donate some books to Lombard Central Presbyterian Church, so they can give it out to the patrons and visitors of the church. Our collections didn’t stop there. We were also able to donate large print books and Braille books to the National Federation of the Blind!
We hope to host another successful book drive this coming January and would like to make this community project an annual event. We would like to double our goal for 2022 and collect a minimum of 1,000 books! We welcome your support and participation, please email us at <mailto:phillycsp at gmail.com> phillycsp at gmail.com for more information.”
REST, RESET, & REJUVENATE
Self–Care Awareness Month
Written by Daria Bannerman
Self-care is something we all should practice, yet something we fail to do. What’s more, many of us feel as if self-care means going shopping, getting our nails done, and spending hours upon hours scrolling on Facebook and Instagram. According to the article “What is Self-Care and Why is it Critical For Your Health” self-care is defined as taking care of yourself so you can be healthy, do well, effectively care for and help others, do your job, and do what you want and need to accomplish in one day. Self-care is anything you do to take care of yourself, so you can remain emotionally, physically, and emotionally well. Self-care is not the same as being selfish or self-indulgence. In other words, self-care should rejuvenate and replenish you. Now that we have defined self-care, Here are some of its benefits:
- Better physical, mental, and emotional well-being and health.
- Self-care promotes positive health outcomes.
- Allows you to be resilient.
- You can live longer
And you will be better equipped to manage stress. Self-care can also help you manage symptoms of any health conditions you may have. Getting a good night’s rest, eating healthy (I got to leave the cookies alone), doing a hobby you enjoy, spending time in nature, and expressing gratitude. Although self-care may look differently for everyone, what you do to implement self-care should make you healthier and happier. So, pour your favorite bubble bath in the tub, take a nice, brisk walk, shares some laughs with your best friend! Whatever you do to practice self-care, make sure it brings you joy and revives you.
REPRESENT YOUR STATE
Maine
* September 25, 2021
* Location: Virtual
* For more information, please visit: <http://www.nfb-me.org/> nfb-me.org
Montana
* September 25, 2021
* Location: Virtual
* For more information, please visit: <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> nfbofmt.org
New Hampshire
* September 25, 2021
* Location: Virtual
* For more information, please visit: <http://www.nfbnh.org/> nfbnh.org
North Carolina
* September 24-26, 2021
* Location: Winston-Salem
* For more information, please visit: <https://www.nfbofnorthcarolina.org/> nfbofnorthcarolina.org
Tennessee
* September 24-25, 2021
* Location: Virtual
* For more information, please visit: <http://www.nfbtn.org/> nfbtn.org
West Virginia
* September 25, 2021
* Location: Virtual
* For more information, please visit: <http://www.nfbwv.org/> nfbwv.org
RESOURCES
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/> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
<https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov> https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov
<https://www.apa.org/topics/working-psychologist/self-care> https://www.apa.org/topics/working-psychologist/self-care
<http://www.seedlings.org> http://www.seedlings.org
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
<http://www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/> www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/
President Jeanetta Price
Email: <mailto:price.jeanetta at gmail.com> price.jeanetta at gmail.com
Mobile: (409) 344-1005
Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer
Email: <mailto:Ravensfan784 at gmail.com> 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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