May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let’s support instead of demean our neighbors, family members, friends, parishioners, co-workers, medical practitioners, civil servants, leaders, baristas and so on. Most don’t realize the growing number of people who have some type of mental illness. All ages, groups, and backgrounds can be affected. It does not recognize race, class, religion (or lack thereof), political affiliation, etc. Very few people are aware of one’s experience of mental illness. Feelings can be describe as; overwhelmed, self destructive, impulsive, lost, angry, out of control, sad, anxious, helpless, defeated, compulsive, negative self image, and more. When your mind is at war and you feel like your world…

“Women’s History Week” can be dated back to 1981. It was not until 1987 it became Women’s History month and later celebrated yearly. Who knew? Throughout our history, women and young girls have made crucial contributions. Women often faced discrimination and unjustifiable hardship. Fearless women marched for our right to vote, fought against many injustices, and broke the glass ceiling on countless barriers. Women expanded the possibilities of not only the American dream, but made changes across the world. Every year women’s history month is an important opportunity for us to recognize the women that have paved the way for us and little girls. They have fought extraordinary battles and…

COVID-19 hit USA January of 2020 like a wrecking ball. COVID has affected everyone and all aspects of life with no regard. Health, jobs, politics, travel, food, entertainment, housing, leisure, and relationships have all been affected by this virus (to say the least). So, COVID messed up EVERYTHING! Dating is already challenging. Rules and expectations have definitely changed since the early 2000s. NEWS FLASH! Courting and long phone conversations are no longer a thing. Wooing went out of style along with all R&B groups. Say hello to social media, texting and internet slang/acronyms/jargon: w/e, ZZZ, SMH, NVM, ROFL, OMG, and way too many to count. There are a myriad of…

Who doesn’t like money?! I do a little shimmy every time I get paid. Some may define money as the root of all evil. Some may say, “money is not everything.” That may be true, but money can also give you a sense of freedom, empowerment, liberation, and peace of mind. People with disabilities should experience all the wonders of money by having a job. People with disabilities possess many skills; they are qualified and capable of learning new things. Being out in the community, and earning a wage gives them a sense of purpose, pride, and makes them feel like everyone else. I’ve seen people with disabilities working at…

While stepping “out” into the world may be fun, exciting, and not a thought for most, this is not the case for an individual with a disability, their caretakers and loved ones. The simplest task like buying groceries requires a little creative thinking, strategic planning, and can be nerve-racking. They have to consider accessibility, possible everyday distractions that can trigger a behavior, people’s reactions, and much more before actually getting out there. Sometimes all that preparation falls apart and to an outsider it looks like a three ring circus. How frustrating to get stares, laughter, and/or “tips” on how to behave in public or how to care for your loved…