Own Your Power » Give Back

Do Gooder of the Week: Project Single Moms

Simone — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:49:23 +0000

Own Your Power Communications would like to recognize a most worthy cause as Do Gooder of the Week. A big congratulations goes out to our friend and member, Stephanie Clark is the founder of Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc.!

Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc. (PSM) is a national advocacy & empowerment movement designed to empower, educate, engage, energize, equip and enhance the quality of life for single mothers and their children. The movement strives to organize and create a unified voice for single moms as well as to dispel negative myths and stereotypes by redefining the face and character of single moms in America. Membership is free and open to single moms from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. PSM is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization.

Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Its national programs are designed to engage single moms in the two primary focal areas of education and empowerment which includes: Advanced Education; Parenting Skills & Support; Financial Literacy & Wealth Building; Health & Wellness (Mental, Emotional & Physical); Homeownership Attainment; Starting & Growing a Successful Business; and Personal Empowerment & Self-Development.

This grassroots movement is currently serving more than 2,600 single moms in 45 states in America and has also attracted the interest and participation of single moms from Australia, Malaysia, Ghana, Switzerland, Albania, Greece, Germany and Jamaica.

To support and learn more about this admirable movement, please visit their website at http://www.projectsinglemoms.com/blog1/?page_id=301.

If you are a member of Own Your Power or a Fan on Facebook that has a business that helps others in any way, please email me at simone@ownyourpower.biz and we’ll add you to the list to be featured soon! Spread the word!
We’ll feature a new DO-GOODER every Friday on Facebook, Twitter, the Blog, and our Ning Community.

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Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Do Gooder of the Week: Ujima Awards!

Simone — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:00:39 +0000

Happy Friday family!

This week, Own Your Power Communications acknowledges The Ujima Awards as Do Gooder of the Week! One of our FB fans brought this organization to our attention and we hope you can help them spread the word.

About Ujima Awards:

Titled after the third principle of Kwanzaa, Ujima, meaning collective work and responsibility, this ceremony is a celebration of individuals as well as organizations for their relentless and selfless service to build and maintain communities throughout New Jersey. We set aside this time to honor the loyalty and dedication of change agent in our community. In addition, we want to recognize their commitment to personifying and resolving the tribulations of the individuals. The evening will consist of community performances along with award recognition of four individuals/organizations.

Purpose of The Ujima Awards:

No community can reach its fullest potential without celebrating and encouraging respect of those who continue to make it a better place for the individuals who reside in it. This ceremony serves as a purpose to acknowledge the unsung heroes throughout communities that have made large above and beyond contributions.
Like them on Facebook here!

Also, check out their website here for more info: http://ujimaawards.com/.

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Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Do Gooder of the Week: Fashion for a Cure

Simone — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:50:42 +0000

This Own Your Power Fan knows how to give back in style. Check out Fashion for a Cure who is our featured Do Gooder of the week!

More about FASHION FOR A CURE!

Established in the fall of 2010, Fashion For A Cure (FFAC) is, one of the fastest and most notable fashion fundraisers in New Jersey. It is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Featuring national and international designers who employ ethical means and practices in their design and manufacturing processes to produce products that promote awareness and raises funds for research of various diseases and illnesses of a given community, FFAC provides a forum for dialogue and awareness-building about how fashion, textiles, and design can fuse two societies (fashion and healthcare) and empower communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and design and to help our members become more effective in their careers. To do this, FFAC provides insights on major trends at business events, social gatherings, online and in print; access to business professionals and a gateway to the influence fashion plays in the marketplace.

Like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fashionforacure and also check out their website here for more info http://www.fashionforacure.org/.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: GO HERE TO BE A FAN!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: www.ownyourpower.ning.com
Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Do Gooder of the Week: Jaz Owens for the A Song for Life Sarcoidosis Foundation

Simone — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:36:03 +0000

This week Own Your Power Communications nominated our Atlanta-based member Jaz Owens as Do Gooder of the week! She’s the Founder of the A Song for Life Sarcoidosis Foundation and a trailblazer in spreading awareness about this rare disease. Read her story and find out more on how you can help!

“I was diagnosed in May 2006 with the systemic, inflammatory disease Sarcoidosis (sar-coy-doe-sis), the same disease that Comedian Bernie Mac died from ad that many others around the world suffer with.

I was driven to start this organization shortly after my diagnosis because as I began my quest to understand what was happening to me I found myself in the middle of a medical mystery that not even my doctors could solve!

The main goal of the ASFL Sarcoidosis Foundation is to one day become a safe haven of support for sufferer’s andtheir families by positioning ourselves to become a gateway to effective resources, relief services and information for alternative disease management. ASFL is passionate about raising more awareness and finding ways to raise money for research that will lead to finding a cause and a cure!

With each year that passes sufferers of Sarcoidosis continue to stand together in faith, with the hope that one day Sarcoidosis awareness and research efforts will become as big as other causes like Cancer & Autism but until that day comes it is up to those of us who live on the front line of this battle to continue to find the strength to fight the good

fight!

Sufferers of Sarcoidosis can’t accomplish what’s necessary alone we need the help of people like the members of the Own Your Power network to stand with us and get involved! April has been adopted as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month so there will be many rally’s, walks, fundraisers and awareness activities being held from coast to coast so, I encourage people to check them out.

My own 10 year old son Jared has come up with his own FUN awareness activity to honor me and other Sarcoidosis sufferers around the world. He will attempt to set a World Record for wearing the MOST military/dog tags around his neck at one time to help raise awareness and funds for research and we would love it if your readers would participate!

Each military/dog tag costs $5.00 each and will be custom made to reflect support for Sarcoidosis. Jared’s record setting attempt will be captured on video and the name of each supporter &/or loved one being honored will be mentioned as it is placed around his neck. After the attempt has been completed ASFL will mail participants the tags that they purchased and proceeds in access will be donated to a Sarcoidosis Research Program.

For more information about participating in Jared’s efforts to set a World Record in the name of Sarcoidosis Awareness send an email to: Asongfoundation@gmail.com.

For a list of other Sarcoidosis activities and events happening around the country check out visit the A Song for Life Sarcoidosis Foundation’s event calendar at: www.asongfoundation.spruz.com or visit ASFL’s Sarcoidosis Event Calendar page on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/SarcoidEvents365.

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Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Do Gooder of the Week: Kristen Llorca for Soles 4 Souls

Simone — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:34:05 +0000

This week, OYP would like to acknowledge our friend and Own Your Power Fan, Kristen Llorca and her fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization Soles4Soles.

It is estimated that over 300 million children and adults around the world lack basic footwear to protect their feet from infectious disease and serious wounds. Soles4Soles volunteers work to distribute shoes to those in need and help eliminate the damage caused by lack of footwear.

Through her efforts, Kristen is raising funds that will assist her with volunteering in Costa Rica with the Soles4Souls project. She said, ” I can’t imagine a better way to spend a few days away from the office, than by distributing shoes and clothing to children in need.”

You can help Kristen reach her fundraising goal and support this worthy cause by visiting her donation page http://www.soles4soulsfundraising.org/kristen

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: GO HERE TO BE A FAN!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: www.ownyourpower.ning.com
Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Do Gooder of the Week: The Rolemodel Program!

Simone — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:18:59 +0000

This week, Own Your Power Communications would like to acknowledge The Rolemodel Program! As part of Jus Pray Production, the program strives to create leaders and role models of young ladies and counter the challenges today’s adolescents may face. According to the program’s creators, the focus is on “Dually emphasizing character development, as well as practical knowledge, our program not only prepares young women for careers in the fashion and entertainment industries, but also for the challenges and choices they will face in life. Our program will enable adolescent girls to accomplish the following: and entertainment industries, but also for the challenges and choices they will face in life.

Our program will enable adolescent girls to accomplish the following:

The company’s mission states that “Through mentoring, teaching, and real-world experiences, the ROLE MODEL program prepares young women mentally and physically for careers in modeling, television, and the world at large. Dually emphasizing character development and self esteem, as well as practical knowledge relating to the entertainment industry, we endeavor to transform young ladies into much more than just models . . . but ROLE MODELS!”

Support The Role model Program by visiting their Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/7tfvtv4 or their website http://www.juspray.com/

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JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: www.ownyourpower.ning.com
Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Do Gooder of the Week: Beauty That Cares!

Simone — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:17:14 +0000

Today I’d like to acknowledge long time Give ‘n Take Members! I met these ladies, many years ago at our New Jersey Chapter’s networking events. Founders are Dawn Fitch (On Cover of Black Enterprise right now!) – President, Pooka Pure and Simple and La Shonda Tyree – President, Handmade Soap Coach! These ladies are doing good by donating products to women’s shelters, teaching workshops for young girls and much more!

About Beauty that Cares: http://beautythatcares.com/

Our Mission
As beauty humanitarians our mission is to improve the lives of girls and women through education, creation and donation – the circle of beauty movement!

VISIT THEM AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

http://beautythatcares.com/

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: GO HERE TO BE A FAN!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: www.ownyourpower.ning.com
Thanks for helping others…please support these charities/businesses that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Do Gooder of The Week: S.O.F.I.A.

Simone — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 22:38:27 +0000

Today I’d like to acknowledge long time Own Your Power Member Cynthia Walker! She is the founder of S.O.F.I.A. who hosts Domestic Violence Prevention Workshops for teens and concerned adults in New Jersey.

ABOUT S.O.F.I.A:

Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (fondly referred to as S.O.F.I.A.) is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides advocacy, supportive services and temporary housing to “at risk” women and children of domestic violence.

Our mission is make each of our domestic violence victim clients become self-sufficient, positive and successful.

In October 2011, we launched The S.O.F.I.A. Support Group which offers emotional healing sessions through Creative Arts to those who have experienced Domestic Violence. We are looking forward to expanding nationwide and seeking volunteers and advocates to host these sessions.

http://supportsofia.org/

If you are a member of Own Your Power or a Fan on Facebook that has a non-profit that helps others, please in box me and we’ll add you to the list to be featured soon! Spread the word!
We’ll feature a new DO-GOODER every Friday on Facebook, Twitter, the Blog, and our Ning Community.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: GO HERE TO BE A FAN!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: www.ownyourpower.ning.com
Thanks for helping others…please support these charities that help save the world

Own Your Power,

Simone

Pay It Forward to Our Breast Cancer Sheros!

Simone — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:10:27 +0000

BREAST CANCER…two words that almost everyone reading this has been affected by in some way. Your mother, aunt, sister, friend, or sadly, even yourself. I lost my warrior…my mother, Velma Gordon-Kelly to this cancer back in 2006. She battled breast cancer for over eight years like a true shero and I admired how strong she was throughout it all. Throughout the chemotherapy, radiation, numerous drugs and their side-effects, she fought it out with a smile. She never wanted people to feel sorry for her and was determined to keep doing the same things as usual. The one thing my mom did that shocked a lot of people was keep it a secret, which many people were in shock and even upset at her funeral. I think it’s just because she was old fashion and didn’t want people to start worrying about her. However, what I think it good is to let people know so that you have more people praying for you and sending you good energy. You may also inspire others and help young women to prevent it to happening to them!

Today, I’d like to showcase three warriors who are a dear friends and members of the Own Your Power Community. They are truly OWNING THEIR POWER and are examples of strong individuals we should all strive to be. Please check out what they are doing, give them a ‘virtual’ high-five of encouragement and if you can be so generous, even a donation to their cause.

It’s time to Pay it Forward….

Angela Darling, founder of Love Your Breasts.

I met Angela over 8 years ago while waiting in line for a women’s event and we have been friends ever since. Instantly, I connected with her and when I found out what she did, I was even more intrigued. Helping breast cancer survivors is her mission and at the time I met her, my mother was still with us and battling breast cancer. She began to offer free advice and great health information to my mother. I saw first-hand how she helps women in the community and vowed to support her business even more. Please take a look at what Angela Darling is doing to empower others and learn why she loves what she does! Her website is: http://www.lybi.org/

Carol Dunlop, founder of www.optimumbodysculpting.com and staff member for Own Your Power Communications, Inc.

She is one of our very own fitness experts who coaches “Diet Victims” to lose weight and keep it off by learning how to create a healthy and nutritious diet, following a consistent workout plan and implementing positive lifestyle changes that really work!

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, she is one of the strongest people I know and is taking her experience and sharing it to empower others. She is currently in need of donations for her treatments. Read on and see if you can help!

“Man, I long for the days when I could go weeks, even months without seeing even one doctor. I’ve been healthy all my life and can almost count the number of times on my two hands that I’ve seen doctors for any reason. But now, all that has changed. Actually, everything changed on July 7, 2011. That’s the day that I found out that I have Breast Cancer. That was the day that changed my life, challenged my thoughts and put everything that I’ve worked for into a fog. How could I have breast cancer? There was NEVER any cancer of any sort in my family history and I’ve always worked very hard through exercise, eating right and affirming good health all my life. So how could this be?...”

Read full story here..

Rhonda Smith founder of Breast Cancer Partner

Breast Cancer Partner is a sanctuary for breast cancer survivors who are nearing the end of treatment or who are on their journey to recovery. We strive to support, inspire and empower survivors to live strong and healthy lives after treatment ends.

Our goal is to help shepherd survivors through the recovery process by providing information, resources, guidance and tools to effectively deal with life post-treatment. We recognize that in some cases life after treatment ends may be more challenging and difficult than while undergoing treatment. We want to ensure that survivors don’t struggle unnecessarily through the recovery process.

Join her site and please forward to other survivors!

www.breastcancerpartner.com

Educate Yourself And Your Kids About Money by Charice McCray

Carol: Fitness Guru — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:45:08 +0000

There are many ways to educate your children about finance, credit management, and some basics about saving. My mother stressed to me about the importance of paying your bills on time. She spoke of how important it is to be frugal and save your money and not overspend on junk. Growing up my mom always shopped at the thrift stores; buying me used clothing and picking up household items for a deep discount.

At the time I didn’t realize that this allowed my mom to help me out with some college costs and that big down payment that so easily slips through your hands to the mortgage company on settlement day, or all the other countless catastrophes and emergencies that pop up along the way growing up. But my mother realized this from day one and I am ever so grateful for her sharp sense of financial awareness.