EATONVILLE HISTORY/ THE LASHAI HOUSE FOR YOUNG GIRLS FACING TRAUMA

EATONVILLE HISTORY/ THE LASHAI HOUSE FOR YOUNG GIRLS FACING TRAUMA

Newly Elected Mayor Ruthi Critton is the third woman and first Gen Z person to maintain the Town of Eatonville's City's Council. She along with Councilwoman Jordan and Chamber of Commerce founder LaVonda Wilder shared plans for economic sustainability and growth. Learn about upcoming events celebrating the 139th Founder's Anniversary at www.townofeatonville.org or get Chamber info www.historiceatonvillechamber.org Jonathan and Tawanna McGriff founded the LaShai House for girls 8 - 21 in the DCF foster care system. They are sponsoring a retreat for mothers and girls to help strengthen family relationships. For more info www.LaShaiHouse.com We also met author and mentor Tiara Buster who mentors girls www.tiarasheispretty.com

BELAC FOUNDATION WALK FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER/BRANDON JOHNSON LOBBYIST/SA WORRELL UPDATE

Amperell Williams shared details about the BELAC Foundation and their annual walk for childhood cancer July 25th 8:00 am at the Bill Frederick Park @ Turkey Lake. www.belacfoundation.org Brandon Johnson, one of the youngest African American lobbyists has begun his own firm giving hope to Gen Z and others to start their own business. He also chairs the Urban League Young Black Professionals. They're next meeting is August 4th brandon@johnsonpolicygroup.com State Attorney 9th Judicial Circuit Monique Worrell gave a juvenile justice update

POLIS INSTITUTE/ What is ALS?/ THE ROLE OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY IN ALS TREATMENT

POLIS Institute CEO Nat C. Jones shared that the organization is directing two new documentaries benefitting Central Florida. The 50 Fathers Docuseries - gives light to the differences men experience as fathers and their role in the family. The Legacy on Location Documentary will follow the elders in communities like Lake Mann, Rock Lake, Lake Lorna Doone etc. to share their heritage. For info on either project: www.media@polisinstitute.org Subject: Write either 50 Fathers Docuseries or Legacy on Location. What is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis was described by Houston psychiatrist, Dr. Quinella Minix of PsyFit. ALS can be caused through environmental irregularities, athletic or veteran associated issues. It's is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons, the brain and spinal chord. Speech Language Pathologist Monique May, M.S. CCC-SLP described that the earlier the diagnosis, the better equipped patients are to live with this terminal disease. Former Olympia H.S. Student and NFL Football star Chris Johnson who has ALS responded to a national television interview using an AAC device. You can voice bank your own voice once diagnosis is made. People who might be at higher risk (people ages 60-65, athletes and veterans) should take advantage of testing at the ALS Association National Helpline 800-782-4747 www.als.org or the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute 321/841-4231; Veterans should contact the VA for diagnosis. Contact: moniquermay@gmail.com

KEEPING HBCU'S ALIVE & THRIVING/ TPS EXPLAINED/REDEMPTION HOMES FOR YOUTH

Tony Foster, Florida Chapter President of Kentucky State University (an HBCU) National Alumni Association discussed major issues facing our institutions today. The struggle to keep doors open stems from financial drought and student retention. The need for graduates to give back is more essential today than ever before. Connect with Kentucky State U to give back at info@ksunaa.org or find a HBCU in your area today. Peggy Gustave a Haitian woman born in the United States shared detailed information about the recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on the Trump mandate to end Temporary Protective Status for Haitian people living in communities around the U.S. For more info contact the Florida Immigration Coalition 1-888-600-5762; Hope Community Center 407/880-4673; Catholic Charities 407/658-1818; or Congressman Frost's local office 321/388-9808. Redemption Home1.com is an organization comprised of three black men who work with the Department of Children & Families to provide housing and reunification methods for youth 8 - 17. Since 2013, these men have obtained 5 homes and developed programming for youth with developmental issues or ADHD. You can participate in the Monday Night Mentors program contact vbrantley@redemptionhome1.com or call 689-808-7410

STATE PROPERTY TAXES DEFINED/FATHER'S DAY PRAYER/EQUAL GROUND'S BLACK AMERICA 250 PROJECT

Orange County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Kelly Martinez-Semrad defined the status of the State Property Tax debate. The tax provides all of our daily infrastructure services. Without the tax, many of our regular county taxpayers would see a decrease in county services and would have to pay a higher state tax. Others (higher income residents) would benefit along with developers and landlords. Email the Commissioner: District5@ocfl.net or Monica May monica@star945.com Pastor Marcus McCoy, Jr. received his call to ministry at 19. He is the youngest minister to lead at Greater Refuge Memorial. As a dad of two children, he was our Father's Day prayer warrior. McCoy is also the Faith Outreach Director for Equal Ground and shared more about their Black America 250 project. As the country celebrates our 250th Anniversary, EG is asking people to submit a 60-90 second legacy statement about their family. They are creating an online project, "Our Past, Our Power, Our Future." Submit your story online @ www.equal-ground.com see the Take Action dropdown for Black America 250