Helping Haiti through Habitat for Humanity

As you have surely heard by now from the news, Haiti was struck with a fierce earthquake yesterday.

Habitat for Humanity is ALREADY ACTIVE in the recovery…due to communication being knocked out, we have been unable to reach many of our staff that was based in Port Au Prince – we are still gathering information on the status of the Habitat for Humanity homes, families, offices, etc. But, we ARE AWARE that THOUSANDS will be in need of our help in the recovery effort!

We will send out more information on the status of the country as soon as we have it…. Below my signature is what information we have as of today.

FIRST OF ALL – PLEASE PRAY for our homeowners and staff and the other Haitian residents!

SECOND – PLEASE SEND A “SPECIAL TITHE DONATION TO HELP THIS SITUATION” TODAY!!

This could not have happened to a more needy country! This picture was taken last night immediately after the quake.

PLEASE HELP!

Write tithe/HAITI in the memo section of your check and mail to:

Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County /TITHE/HAITI RECOVERY
181 SE 5th Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33483

We appreciate you and your consideration of this request.

GOD BLESS,

Michael E. Campbell
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County
561-819-6070 x 203
www.habitatsouthpalmbeach.org

———

The 7.0 earthquake and strong aftershocks that struck near Port-au-Prince yesterday have added yet another dimension to the humanitarian crisis and poverty conditions faced by over 80% of Haitians. According to Reuters, the quake hit at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles, just ten miles from the capital city. A hospital and several schools on the island are reported to have collapsed, according to regional news sources. The local authorities have declared the country in a state of emergency. The number of affected persons is unknown. However, Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a “catastrophe of major proportions.”

This is a major setback for the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 55% of the population living on less than US$1/day. In the last two years, political instability, food shortages, and tropical storms and hurricanes have made it impossible for Haitians to break the cycle of poverty. More than 50,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in last year’s storms, and no estimate is available yet as to the damages to Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, the heaviest populated area of Haiti. Most Haitian homes are poorly constructed with walls built from poorly made concrete bricks, mud and stones, the roof from scrap wood and metal sheets, and dirt floors, making them unable to withstand a natural disaster of this magnitude. 

What YOU Can Do to Help

You can help by sending in a special tithe donation and bring hope to a country in such great need.  Please know all 100% of tithe donations will be sent to Habitat Haiti. 

Habitat’s for Humanity’s Immediate and Long Term Response

Basic needs such as health care, food, water and shelter are the most urgent following an event like an earthquake, to try to mitigate harmful after-effects such as spread of disease and insecurity. Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to help low-income families in need of decent housing because of this disaster with an emergency humanitarian response of shelter kits, clean-up and rehabilitation.

·         Clean-up and cash-for-work

Habitat for Humanity plans to help in clean-up and rehabilitation efforts by mobilizing people to clear the way for shelter construction and home rehabilitation. The size of response will depend upon the amount of support we are able to mobilize. A clean up “cash for work” program would organize people in communities and provide them with tools (shovels, wheelbarrows, bars, etc, etc). People would clean up debris and salvage those materials that could be recycled in a shelter solution. This involvement in productive activity provides an influx of cash to those affected by the disaster to help them meet basic needs such as food, and also contributes to their mental health by providing them with a positive, proactive opportunity to help with recovery.  

·         Shelter kits

Shelter kits are a basic package of materials (wall panels of either wood, composite such as reinforced plastic or fibrocement, or other materials; as well as sheets for roofs; nails; rope and a hammer). Although price will be determined by cost of materials, which often rise post-disaster, we estimate that the cost for distributing a kit per family will be US$950 per family. 

The kits will be distributed to families by Habitat employees and partners who have been trained by Habitat in disaster response and construction techniques. Habitat for Humanity has been implementing vocational education programs in Haiti for the past three years and has a cadre of certified masons and carpenters ready to assist with shelter construction in Port-au-Prince. 

·         Transitional shelters

In a next phase of response Habitat for Humanity plans to repair damaged homes and also rebuild using a transitional shelter model, whereby the shelter provides an immediate solution to a family but also provides a permanent base structure. The model adheres to international Sphere standards and the basic transitional shelter unit consists of a 17.5m2 home, a 2.5 meter porch, and a separate 4m2 latrine/shower unit. The design includes a concrete floor and structure (beams and partial wall), wall panels which can be converted later to a more permanent material, and a hurricane-resistant roof (metal sheets or micro-concrete) at an estimated price of between $2,000 to $3,000.

As the situation stabilizes, Habitat Haiti will build permanent homes for families who lost so much.  Just as before the earthquake, Habitat Haiti will provide a variety of services to families ranging from new homes, progressive building initiatives like “core homes”, renovations and financial literacy.  

Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the long-term recovery building efforts. 

January 14, 2010

In response to the horrific damage caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, Equestrian Sport Productions has created a drop-off site for emergency aid donations.  The Step by Step Foundation, a non-for-profit organization that provides funding and supplies to Haiti, will be working with ESP and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Program to secure both monetary as well as other donations to send to Haiti.

A trailer will be located at the Exhibitor entrance guard house and available to accept the much needed relief donations.  The most necessary item at this point is bottled water.  In addition clothing, non-perishables, and personal hygiene items are welcome.

Persons wanting to make a monetary donation may do so through the relief fund established by The Step By Step Foundation, at www.stepbystepfoundation.com, **specifically at this corrected link: http://shop.stepbystepfoundation.com/product.sc?productId=13&categoryId=9

Thank you,
Equestrian Sport Productions

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-793-3684 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
www.equestriansport.com
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. – Equestrian Public Relations and Marketing
803-240-7488
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
Heather Buchanan – Social and Local Media Relations
516-729-0196
heather@heatherbuchanan1.com

Helping Haiti Victims…Suggested Donations

WORLD HARVEST MISSIONS

Tents

Tarps, ropes

Working generators, gas can

Shovels, buckets, garbage liners

Flashlights, batteries, matches

Cleaning products

Cooking pots

New clothes, new shoes

Utensils, disposable plastic plates and cups

Towels, Blankets, sheets

Bottled water in case (12/24 per case)

Canned food/flip open tops

Canned pasta meals

Rice, Beans in 10-20lb bags, cooking oil

Instant coffee, tea bags, packets of sugar

Peanut butter– jelly

Baby formula powder only-bottles, baby powder-pins,

Diapers, baby wipes

Wound Care:

Gauze, Neosporin, Gauze bandages

Eye ointments, antibiotics, peroxide

Cough and cold medicine-adults and children, vitamins

Kotex

1 GALLON ZIP LOCK BAGS OF PERSONAL HYGIENE KITS

FILL WITH:

Bar soap

Tooth brush, tooth paste

Washcloth

Neosporin

Band-aids

FINANCIAL DONATIONS: would be appreciated that will go toward shipping containers or purchasing food and medical supplies

World Harvest Missions

3357 Pine Hurst Dr. Lake Worth, FL 33467

Phone: 561-868-5005 Fax: 561-967-6699

Email: whmissionsfl@aol.com Website: miriamfrederick.org

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

WORLD HARVEST MISSIONS

3357 Pine Hurst Dr.

Lake Worth, FL 33467

Contact: Miriam Frederick (cell)561-628-6876 Office: 561-868-5005

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Maranatha Church

2575 Lone Pine Road

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Contact: John Green- 561-622-8330

FT. MEYERS/ LEHIGH ACRES

Lehigh Medical Center

1500 Lee Blvd.

Lehigh Acres, FL. 33936

Contact number: 239-369-2101

WEST PALM BEACH

Winners Church

365 Jog Rd.

West Palm Beach, FL 33415

Contact: Katy– 561-683-9512 (Red Truck in front)

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

2341 So. Military Trail

West Palm Beach, FL 33415

Contact: Gator Spaulding 965-4311×230

LAKE WORTH

Trinity Church International

7255 So. Military Trail

Lake Worth, FL 33463

Contact: Tommy Peters 965-4166

MIAMI

Life Impact Center

14040 NW 7th Ave.

Miami, FL 33168

Contact: Madeline Hundy-305-953-5433

PAHOKEE

New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Pahokee

502 Boone Ave.

Pahokee 33476

Contact: Carl Morrison 561-965-7202 church: 561-924-5872-924-2863

BELLE GLADE

St. Johns First Missionary Baptist Church

600 SW 8th St.

Belle Glade, FL 33430

Contact: Robert Rease 561-996-1474

INDIAN RIVER CO./ PORT ST. LUCIE/ STUART/ FT. PIERCE/ VERO BEACH

Glendale Baptist Church

790 27th Ave.

Vero Beach, FL 32968

Contact: Pastor Mark Richardson 772-562-4848

FT. PIERCE

In the Image of Christ Inc.

1203 Orange Ave.

Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

Contact: Tawanne Owens 772-940-4023

Towens@intheimageofchrist.org

PANERA BREAD Goes Pink

with SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

What: Panera Bread is donating all Pink ribbon bagel proceeds to Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®

When: Friday, January 29, 2010

Where: All South Florida Panera Bread Cafes

West Palm Beach, FL—  January 11, 2010 — Here is a delicious way to help find a cure for breast cancer– treat yourself to a pink ribbon bagel at your local Panera Bread!  On Friday, January 29, 2010, Panera Bread is going pink and donating all pink ribbon bagel proceeds to Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®.   Panera is bringing the pink ribbon bagel back for one day only in conjunction with the Race for the Cure taking place on Saturday, January 30, 2010. 

Join in the fight against breast cancer by stopping in and purchasing a delicious Pink Ribbon bagel from Panera Bread.  The pink ribbon bagel is made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. 

Contribute to the cause by supporting Panera Bread and Susan G. Komen Race for the cure on Friday, January 29, 2010 with a purchase of a Pink Ribbon Bagel. An easy and delicious way to help find a cure for breast cancer, stop in to your local Panera Bread and treat yourself to a pink ribbon bagel.  Pre-orders will be accepted, so be sure to pick some up for your family and/or office.  For Panera Bread locations, please visit www.panerabread.com.

About Susan G. Komen

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Press Release

The King’s Academy Helped                                                For Immediate Release

Make Christmas Store Event A Success

January 11^th, 2010

Contact:

Tina Tutwiler

(561) 686-4244 ext 354

The King’s Academy Helped Make Christmas Store Event A Success

WEST PALM BEACH – Monday, January 11^th, 2010 – Secondary students at The King’s Academy partnered with Urban Youth Impact during the month of December by collecting new and unwrapped toys. Since 1997, Urban Youth Impact has hosted an annual event, Christmas Store, which provides new toys for inner city families living in the West Palm Beach area. The King’s Academy’s efforts resulted in the donation of 705 toys.

The King’s Academy also took 70 students and faculty on Friday, December 18th to assist Urban Youth by helping them to set up for their Christmas Store event.

They helped to transport the 5,000 toys that had been collected from Urba’s Dream Center to the Roosevelt Full Service Center where the event would be held. They helped to unpack and set up for this special event.

They returned on Saturday, December 19th to volunteer at the actual event. (Christmas Store) They volunteered in areas such as: packing and distributing groceries, assisting as personal shoppers, helping to care for the babies and toddlers while their parents shopped, running the concession stand, walking families back to their vehicles with the Christmas gifts for their children, playing basketball and four square with children and students. The King’s Academy Tri-M National Honor Society provided an area where children could come and play musical chairs.

The event result in a total of 5000 toys being given away to 500 inner-city families on this day.

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through twelfth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Schools.  The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens, and Royal Palm Beach.

8401 Belvedere Rd.
West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
(P) 561-686-4244
(F) 561-686-8017
www.TKA.net

“A Workshop to Free your Soul and Anchor your  Dreams……”     

Tuesday, February 23rd

“The Year of Living Miraculously”

You hear it over and over again: “You have the power to co create your reality.” What an extraordinary statement!  Everything that we are experiencing in our lives is the manifestation of this innate ability. We are attracting to us at every moment exactly what we believe to be true about ourselves and our world. We have the power to be the modern day shamans, the healers, the miracle makers.

Yet, there are many who believe unfortunately that miraculous occurrences fall under the category of “special events.”  Saint Augustine would clearly disagree.  He said: Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.”

When you change your programming – the limiting messages that loop over and over and over again in your subconscious – you set into motion a new set of rules and commands and the ability to take the quantum leap into the zero point field – or the world where miracles are created.

I invite you to join me on Tuesday, Jan 19th at 7:00 pm and begin an extraordinary journey into a world where your dreams become real.                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Year of Living Miraculously … will assist you in

·         Connecting to your highest purpose and desired intentions.

·         Understanding how many of your beliefs are “hard wired” which sets up a screen of resistance to any other beliefs – real or false! 

·         A guided meditation to meet and reprogram your self limiting subconscious beliefs

·         Creating your New Reality and releasing your Old Reality.

·         Declaring your goals and knowing what daily habits are required to direct your intentions to specifically affect the zero point field.

·         Developing a support group to anchor your vision

·        Creating a mind movie as a daily reminder of your new reality…..and much more! 

If you’ve been thinking; “This is the Year that I will: Make it, Do it, Change it!” You’re absolutely right! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to take the strategic (& magical) steps you need to begin to live your life authentically, in harmony and miraculously!  

“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all   the way, and not starting. ——-Buddha

Where:                                                                                             

Date: Tues. Feb. 23^rd    Time:  7- 9 pm
Jamar Enlightenment Center                                                       

Pre Registration: $30    At The Door: $35
4595 Northlake Blvd. Ste 110-111,

Villa Palma Plaza, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33418

(561) 630-2280

Who:  Wellington Garden Club

Where:  Wellington Community Center 

                12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, 33414

When:  Monday, February 1, 2010

Luncheon and Business Meeting 11:30 am;  Program 1:00 pm

“BUTTERFLY GARDENING” – Alana Edwards

    Florida butterfly expert, Alana Edwards, Education and Training Coordinator for Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Environmental Studies, will introduce you to the magical world of butterflies.  She will demonstrate ways you can invite them to take up residence in your own backyard.

    Alana has been an avid “butterflier” for the past 12 years. She co-founded the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), Atala Chapter in West Palm Beach, Florida and is co-creator of the acclaimed “Edwards Butterfly Garden” in Delray Beach. She was the lead coordinator of a survey to identify rare and endangered Southern Florida butterflies, sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and conducted by the NABA.

    Alana will help us create a garden of paradise for butterflies and a little bit of paradise for us too.

   The public is invited.  A light lunch is served. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to 561-793-6013 or  561-798-9217. 

Beverly Lichtenstein. PR

(561) 791-2722

bev6789@g

For Immediate Release:
January 4, 2010
For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Martinez, Communications Manager
(561) 273-2194 or jmartinez@hpbc.com
 

Hospice Partners On Call Excited To Welcome Education Manager

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – Hospice Partners On Call (HPOC), a state-of-the-art telehealth service with expertise in daytime and after-hours triage care, is proud to announce Anne Kleeman has joined their team as Education and Quality Manager.
 
In this role, Anne will be responsible for the training of new employees and partners using the service. She is also responsible for ensuring the quality of the service HPOC provides. “By evaluating the processes and developing new algorithms, Anne is helping us to streamline our process,” said Jennifer Kast, COO of Hospice Partners on Call. “Her expertise is going to be instrumental in the ongoing training of our staff and the ease to which new clients can utilize our service.”
 
Prior to joining HPOC, Anne worked as the Manager of the After Hours and On Call team at Hospice of Palm Beach County. She received her degrees from Front Range Community College in Boulder, Colorado and the University of Phoenix.
 
Hospice Partners On Call combines an industry-leading triage call center with professionally trained, support staff with experience and knowledge in hospice and palliative care. This includes RNs and LPNs who are licensed and certified in the partner state. Call center representatives are qualified to respond quickly and efficiently to after-hours calls from patients and families so that nurses can give their full attention to the clinical needs of calls. HPOC employs the most up-to-date information tracking technology to help their partners reduce operating costs and staff burnout, and decrease the number of crisis visits to the home. For more information on Hospice Partners On Call, please call 1-866-990-4762 or visit www.hpoc.com <http://www.hpoc.com> .
 
About Hospice Partners On Call:
Hospice Partners On Call (HPOC) is trusted, nationally recognized provider of telehealth services. With expertise in daytime and after-hours triage care, HPOC offers the guidance needed to offer hospice providers nationwide a seamless care experience. By providing professionally trained, knowledgeable support staff and state-of-the-art information tracking technology users can confidently meet the needs of their patients, families and staff. For more information on HPOC, please call 1-866-990-HPOC or visit hpoc.com

IDEAL ELEMENTARY and DREAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

ANNOUNCE DATE OF 2010 GALA and AUCTION

“A Night Among the Stars Dream Gala”

WHO: IDEAL Elementary and Dream Middle School

WHAT: Announce 2010 Gala and Auction

WHEN: Saturday, February 27, 2010

WHERE: Harriett Himmel Theatre

WHY: To develop a scholarship program and support classroom upgrades

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Royal Palm Beach, Florida – Friends and supporters of IDEAL Elementary and Dream Middle School recently attended a Wine Tasting Cocktail Party on the rooftop of Two City Plaza in downtown West Palm Beach.  The evening was hosted by Dr. Kris and Wendy Soderman and served as the kick-off party for the schools’ annual Gala, themed “A Night Among The Stars”, which will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Harriet Himmel Theatre.  While listening to the smooth jazz music of Ms. Adriana Samargia, party guests enjoyed selections of wine and cheese among the stars.

This year’s Gala will include a chef showcase dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions.  Serving as this years co-chairs are Mrs. Suzanne Houghtaling, Mrs. Holly Amato, and Mrs. Crystal Hochman.   Mrs. Houghtaling commented, “This year’s Gala will enable the development of a Student Scholarship Program, providing needs based families with the opportunity to afford their children an IDEAL or Dream School education”.

IDEAL Preschool, Elementary and Dream Middle School (501(c) non-profit) are privately owned schools located in Royal Palm Beach, Fl. offering preschool through eighth grade. Mrs. Wendy Soderman, owner and founder of IDEAL and Dream, stated, “The 21^st century learner deserves innovative teaching where cognitive and emotional intelligences are equal.  At our school, a Harvard based approach is used to ensure students excel in academics, arts and character.”  For more information, visit www.dreamideal.com.

To purchase tickets for the upcoming Gala or for sponsorship information, please call 561.798.8463 or e-mail idealgala@aol.com.

For Immediate Release

Contact: 

Name:  Claudia Camacho, Marketing/Publicity Chair

Phone Number:  561-644-8970

Email Address:  ccamacho@peninsulabank.com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ANNOUNCES RELAY FOR LIFE

(Wellington, FL) – Wellington walkers go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. This “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

            Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Wellington Village Park for an overnight relay against cancer from 2:00 PM on May 22, 2010 until 8:00 AM on May 23, 2010.

            Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers, to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

            Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) walk or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. As you make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the campout begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other:  eating, playing games, and, of course, walking for a great cause.

            Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

            “Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,” said Bill Smith, event chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.

            “The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients,” said Smith. “Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s life-saving programs.”

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 561-366-0013 or www.relayforlife.org/wellingtonfl, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.

            The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For information about cancer, call 24 hours day, seven days a week 1.800.ACS.2345 or log onto www.cancer.org.