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Wisdom From Maya Angelou
Pro Seniors Honored Cincinnati Seniors
What better way for Pro Seniors, a Cincinnati nonprofit organization that assists older Ohioans with legal and long-term care problems, to celebrate its 40th anniversary than to honor older Cincinnati legends.
Honorees Honorable Nathaniel Jones, Sister Rose Ann Fleming, Mary Meinhardt and Marty Brennaman with Pro Seniors Executive Director Rhonda Moore. Photo credit: Pro Seniors
Marty Brennaman, Sister Rose Ann Fleming, the Honorable Nathaniel Jones and Mary Meinhardt were recognized as “Seniors Who Rock” at a November event.
In case you are unfamiliar, Marty has been the stand out voice of the Cincinnati Reds since 1974; Sister Rose Ann is an attorney and special assistant to Xavier University President, The Rev. Michael Graham; and also is an NCAA faculty athletic representative for Xavier, working with the men’s basketball players. The distinguished career Nathaniel Jones includes serving as general counsel of NAACP and on the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. And Mary is an advocate for seniors, serving as a volunteer guardian for Cincinnati Area Senior Services and board member of EPIC House and Pro Seniors.
The honorees each shared one of their favorite inspirational quotes that has kept them rocking. Among those quotes were:
“For when the one great scorer comes to write against your name, he marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game,”
and “Don’t pass up the opportunity to apologize for a mistake,” from Grantland Rice.
-Shared by Marty Brennaman
The Bible verse “Encourage one another day after day.
– Shared by Sister Rose Ann Fleming
During Pro Seniors 40 years, more than 110,000 seniors have been helped with legal problems and more than $36 M has been recovered in retirement benefits. Additionally, 166,000 seniors, their families and their caregivers have benefitted from Pro Seniors community education presentations. Among Pro Seniors’ other programs are: a free legal hotline; long-term care ombudsmen as advocates for seniors; and prevention, detection and reporting of identity theft and health care fraud.
#GoodThingsCincy
Freestore Foodbank Restores Hope
Yes, the Freestore Foodbank – a Cincinnati nonprofit organization – does SO much for helping to ensure those in need don’t have to be without nutrition. But it also does SO much more. Meet Niki, one of the recipients of the more than 700 donated coats and 500 donated handmade 
scarves and hats. She knows what it is like to hit rock bottom and climb your way back, with some help.
Niki spent two years living with the day-in and day-out fear of the uncertainty that comes from sleeping on the streets, and not being able to find a job. The Freestore Foodbank provided her with food, but also with clothing and referrals to employers. It also got her into her own apartment.
How did that feel to her?
“When I got the keys in my hand, I bent down and kissed the ground. I’m not homeless anymore!,” Niki said.
If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Freestore Foodbank, please click here.
United Way Success Benefits Everyone
Congratulations to the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, its staff, volunteer leadership and army of community volunteers and companies who together campaigned vehemently to raise critical dollars for our region’s very important social services!
photo courtesy of United Way of Greater Cincinnati
It was announced last week that the 2015 United Way Campaign surpassed its $62 million goal – raising $62,000,053! And it is the very first time that the campaign has grown by $1 million since 2007.
This year’s fundraising efforts, which kicked off Aug. 26, also included 18 new donors of $25,000 or more and 115 donors of $10,000 or more.
That is huge!
It is an incredible feat raising that kind of money in a few short months. What those numbers speak about the generosity of our community and the heart of thousands who contributed through time, talent and resources is truly touching.
We live in a region where people connect and care. Neighbors, co-workers, families and friends share in the responsibility of the health and vitality of our community greater than themselves. They understand that unity builds strength and together we are all better.
The United Way of Greater Cincinnati supports a whopping 280 community programs in our region. That $62+ million raised supports efforts helping troubled, abused and/or underserved youth to grow in positive ways; valuable therapy and emotional support for individuals and families impacted by diseases and other health conditions, financial crises, or other traumas; education and other efforts to help parents be better parents; work to empower and include people affected by disability; quality of life efforts for our community’s older adults.
“Reaching this goal in our centennial year is a major accomplishment and a testament to the incredible generosity of this community – one which recognizes the importance of ensuring children get off to a strong start and achieve success in school, families have the financial stability that can come with gainful employment, and individuals lead healthy lives,” United Way of Greater Cincinnati President Robert Reifsnyder told the Enquirer.
A major accomplishment, absolutely! To everyone who contributed to making that success happen, thank you!
Kennedy Heights Students Took The Good Things Pledge
All of us have within ourselves the power to make a positive contribution. Cultivating that good through a sincere respect, caring and appreciation is one of the most important gifts we can give.
In our hectic lives filled with deadlines and so many responsibilities, we sometimes need a little reminder. It is the here and now that counts, and every one and every moment that gives our life meaning.
That was the purpose behind my creating the Good Things Pledge several years ago and hundreds of people have signed up – either through my blog or in person – to be Good Things Pledge Champions.
I recently stopped by the Kennedy Heights Montessori Center where the entire school became Good Things Pledge Champions. Before handing out their certificates, I read a book and led a discussion with them about kindness, appreciation and friendship. Then one of the students read the Pledge aloud. Please see the video below to watch. I was so proud of them all!
What is the Good Things Pledge?
The Good Things Pledge is simply a promise – a personal vow that involves liking yourself and others, appreciating the little things that make life special, being kind, and being aware that every small act has the potential for a huge impact. Those behaviors are collectively called Good Things and many people already are already doing them.
By becoming a Good Things Pledge Champion, you are making a promise to remind yourself every day of what is positive…And you are helping to keep Good Things Going Around.
Every Champion receives a personalized Pledge certificate.
And, if your workplace, school or group would like to become Champions just as the staff of The Cincinnati Herald, please contact me. I’d love to stop by and take your photo!
