With all that is happening in the world, domestic violence may not seem like the most pressing issues we face as a community and nation. Unfortunately, abuse does not disappear because new problems emerge. Every day, our families, neighborhoods, communities are impacted by domestic violence.
We often talk about our efforts and how domestic violence is an injustice that must end. However, rarely, do we talk about the face of domestic violence. Can you recognize it when you see it? Too often on the news, after a tragedy, those who give interviews express shock and dismay because they did not recognize the warning signs.
In our October issue, we provide some basic information to increase your understanding. Our objective is to increase awareness and capacity within the community in order to assist victims of domestic violence. To end domestic violence we need a coordinated community response. This means that everyone; every professional, every business, and every family member needs to have a basic awareness of the issue, how it impacts us and how we should respond.
Let the knowledge God has given us be a powerful tool for social change. There are many ways you can make a difference. Start with understanding domestic violence. You can volunteer, support a friend, make a donation, call your legislator to continue funding, host a benefit or even become an activist.
Examples of effective and creative responses to ending domestic violence are highlighted throughout the newsletter. We will continue to be members of an outstanding community that takes a stand against violence.
Rebuilding Lives, Impacting Communities
Brooks J. Young
Founder/Executive Director
On Saturday, June 16th, Jackie Gray, an instructor for Living Waters Yoga hosted a fundraiser for Touching Heart. Our executive director, Brooks J. Young, attended the event and shared her story of survival, purpose and the mission of the organization. It was well received.
We would like to thank Jackie for her support and theLiving Water Yogaowners and co-founders, Melissa Gray and Sarah Holder, for hosting the event.
About Living Waters Yoga
Living Waters Yoga is a place of love, restoration, fellowship, peace, and Spirit. Living Waters Yoga integrates Bible reading, Christian worship music, meditation and prayer into every practice. Our teachers are certified and dedicated to providing you with an extraordinary experience. We offer classes for all levels of new and veteran yogis.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they will be sending new Medicare cards to consumers starting in April 2018. In order to provide uninterrupted access to care, service providers should help consumers prepare for the change. CMS has published resources in English and Spanish to help beneficiaries understand the change.
On Christmas Eve, in partnership withStephen Temple COGIC, Touching Heart donated hope bags for the homeless while Stephen Temple supplied a hot meal, fruit and prayer warriors. Together we spent a few hours loving on the community and uplifting those who are often forgotten during the holiday season. The smiles and tears on the faces of the men, women and children were the best gifts EVER!
God placed the homeless on First Lady Colbert’s heart and because of her faithfulness and an ear to hear from God lives will never be the same. She cooked an amazing meal covered in prayer and love. She fed them a meal from her heart!
As a homeless survivor, I can say that when people take a moment out of the day to think of someone who is less fortunate gives hope to the person facing hardship. I know that through this act of kindness good seeds have been planted in those individuals lives. Touching Heart is back doing our work in the community. We have great things coming in 2018!
A special thanks to the Bush Familyfor their generous donations for our Hope Bags!
If you’re looking for a church who cares about souls and their well-being,Stephen Temple COGICis a place to come and worship. Be sure to visit their website atwww.stephentemple.com.
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