South Suburban Citizen 12-21-2022

REP. ROBIN KELLY VOTES TO PASS THE ‘RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) voted to pass the ‘Respect for Marriage Act,’ codifying the rights of same-sex couples to marry into federal law. The legislation now goes to President Biden’s desk for signature.

After a series of decisions by the Supreme Court to roll back fundamental rights, especially the right to an abortion, Democrats acted swiftly to protect hardfought freedoms. The right of all people, no matter who they love, to marry is under attack. Representative Robin Kelly has been a steadfast supporter of marriage equality and has continued to proudly support Congressional efforts to safeguard this right.

“Today is a very good day in the House. I am so proud that Congress has taken this crucial step toward progress and codified the rights of all people to marry who they love,” said Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02). “As a committed supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, I will continue to work on behalf of my LGBTQ+ constituents to ensure that every person is treated equally, with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

ILLINOIS HUMANITIES ANNOUNCES $150,000 IN ENVISIONING JUSTICE GRANTS

CHICAGO — Illinois Humanities is proud to announce that new Envisioning Justice grants will provide funding totaling $150,000 to 23 organizations and individuals working statewide to address the injustice of mass incarceration. The projects receiving funding utilize the arts, humanities, and community organizing to enact change, influence public opinion, and promote a more just society through community-based approaches to accountability and public safety.

Since 2017, Illinois Humanities has provided more than half a million dollars in grants to individuals and organizations working in Illinois to develop events and resources for communities disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration, and for all Illinoisans to get involved in creating a more just state.

The 2022 Envisioning Justice grantee partners include: the Chicago Community Bond Fund (Chicago), which will create a multimedia campaign about the Pretrial Fairness Act; Knox College faculty member Leanne Trapedo Sims (Galesburg), who will create a new Inside-Out Prison Exchange program with Knox College students and students incarcerated at Henry Hill Correctional Center; Sonja Henderson and the Mothers Healing Circle (Chicago), who will create an art installation in North Lawndale created by mothers who have lost loved ones to violence; and Education Justice Project (Champaign), who will develop a reentry guide and zines to share knowledge and resources to support people returning from prison.

The 2022 Envisioning Justice grants are funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Polk Bros. Foundation. For a list of recipients, visit https:// tinyurl.com/34cbrdeb.

Southland College Prep celebrates being exemplary

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The Southland College Prep Charter High School opened in 2010 with 121 ninth grade students, with a vision to create and refine a model that could be replicated and established a new standard of academic achievement and college success.

Robert Lane, Director of College Admissions and Alumni Relations, announced the freshman class had the highest growth in the school’s history. Andrew Broy, President of Illinois Network of Charter Schools, made the announcement about the rating and presented a proclamation.

“Twelve years ago, I met Dr. Davis, who had a vision for this school that seemed audacious when I first heard it: A place of academic excellence, a place of community and a place where young people’s lives would be changed, was what her vision was. We’re here 12 years later to celebrate the realization of that,” Broy said.

Dr. Blondeen Davis, CEO of Southland College Prep, reflected on the school’s history and the last couple of years when the school operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Davis acknowledged the last three years were the most unusual of her career, with the freshman and sophomore classes spending the last two years 100 % on zoom, which was necessary but not as effective as in-person instruction. Then, the school went to hybrid learning, with some students in-person and some students doing remote learning.

“We went through the storm and all we’ve ever done and all we will continue to do is whatever we can do to help you to have a bright future,” Davis said, congratulating the students for perse-

vering. “I think that is a reflection of who you are, your integrity, your courage, but it’s also a reflection that you have dreams and hopes of your own and you know that Southland is just the vehicle that is going to help you to go on to have a successful future.”

Davis considers the faculty, students and staff of Southland College Prep Charter High School a family. She told the students how proud she was of them and the hard work they have been putting in. Jeffrey Johnson, Board Member of the Matteson School District 162, agreed stating, “The school getting all these ratings is because you all have been putting in the work, making your march toward your future.”

Davis took the time to acknowledge the teachers and thanked them. She added that she doesn’t believe in miracles, she just believes in good teachers. The teachers at Southland teach to mastery. Southland, in addition to its regular class schedule, also has Saturday classes. “We know there are no short-term solutions. Everything we do here is about the journey, it’s about the long-term, it’s about your futures,” she said.

Davis told the students they were courageous and determined and the rating was the reward. Davis believes the ratings validate to other educators and herself, but what means most to parents is having students get accepted to college, as well as the students getting scholarships for college.

“It also validates that our young people, regardless of color, can compete as equals. I believe that whole heartedly; given the same quality of education, the same standards and the same opportunities,” Davis said.

For more information about Southland College Prep Charter High School, visit sd162.org/Southland.

Steeped Coffee Partners with Connect Roasters to Bring Best-Selling Blends To Single-Serve Coffee Drinkers

Santa Cruz, Calif. and Chicago, Ill. – Steeped Coffee, a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation, announced today it is partnering with purpose-driven coffee company Connect Roasters to bring the company’s popular coffees to single-serve drinkers nationwide. Served to players in the clubhouse at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Connect Roasters is a notable addition to the 400+ specialty coffee roasters who use the Steeped Brewing Method to deliver single-serve benefits without any barriers.

Steeped is on a mission to make specialty coffee more ethical, more accessible, and more sustainable through its proprietary Steeped Brewing Method. Brewed like tea in pre-portioned compostable coffee bags, this game-changing method allows coffee lovers to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee by simply adding hot water. Each Steeped Coffee Bag contains craft-roasted coffee, precision ground to the micron then triple nitro-sealed in a full immersion filter for maximum flavor and freshness.

“Steeped doesn’t take its barista-approved standards lightly and we’ve worked closely with industry experts to validate every aspect of the Steeped Brewing Method, from extraction to taste to freshness,” said Josh Wilbur, Founder and CEO, Steeped Coffee. “Most importantly, we are bringing an authentic specialty coffee experience to single-serve coffee lovers everywhere. We are thrilled to partner with Connect Roasters to bring its premium roasts to as many people as possible.”

Connect Roasters was founded by Caleb Benoit in 2016 after inspirational mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The company’s vision is to use coffee as a vehicle to empower communities in coffee-sourcing countries as well as underserved neighborhoods closer to home. That mission is executed thanks to partnerships with organizations like Save the Children and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which are supported through proceeds from coffee sales. Connect’s purpose and high quality coffee attracted Major League Baseball All-Star and coffee enthusiast Ian Happ, who is now an investor and brand ambassador.

Two of the company’s bestselling coffees, the Guatemala Santa Clara and the Columbia Decaf, are now available in sustainable Steeped Packs. Sourced directly from a fourth-generation family farm

in the Acatenango Valley, the Guatemala Santa Clara coffee contains notes of chocolate with a sweet, clean finish. The Colombia Decaf is a bright coffee from the Valle del Cauca region that’s pleasantly sweet and easily stands up to its non-caffeinated cousins.

“Connect Roasters was founded to make a difference – using our business to improve lives around the world. We are proud to partner with Steeped Coffee and continue that mission through the use of sustainable single-serve packaging that makes our coffees accessible to more people, while minimizing our impact on the planet,” said Caleb Benoit, Founder and CEO, Connect Roasters.

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Steeped Coffee is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation helping to make great-tasting craft coffee more accessible, more ethical, and more sustainable through its proprietary and patent-pending Steeped Brewing Method. The method brews coffee similarly to tea in pre-portioned compostable coffee bags, allowing coffee lovers to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee anytime, anywhere. Licensed to over 400 of the top specialty roasters around the globe, the Steeped Brewing Method is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by simply adding water without depending on pods, plugs, or expensive equipment. Welcome to Coffee Simplified.

Steeped Coffee is available at steepedcoffee.com, on Amazon with Prime Free Delivery, at thousands of US supermarkets, premium hotels, offices, and for distribution through KeHE, UNFI, and other national distribution outlets. For business inquiries, contact sales@ steepedcoffee.com, (831) 316-4898, or visit steepedcoffee.com/business.

Based in Bourbonnais, Ill., Connect Roasters uses fully traceable, equitably sourced coffee as a vehicle to support communities abroad and close to home. It does that through partners like the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which has distributed 30,000 meals to those in need thanks to the sale of coffee. Connect’s coffees are shipped to mission-minded coffee lovers across the country and now served in major league clubhouses.

Connect Roasters is available at connectroasters.com and at select partners throughout Chicagoland, including retailers like Foxtrot, Dom’s Kitchen & Market and J.P. Graziano Grocery.

Dolton 149 “Breakfast with Santa” Brings Toys for Kids 1,000 Holiday Meal Boxes for Families

Calumet City, Ill. – With no warning to residents, Santa Claus last week slipped past the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s radar, and made an early, unscheduled stop in Calumet City.

Accompanied by Mrs. Claus, Santa swooped into Dolton School District 149’s Middle School on Dec. 3 for four hours to greet the district’s students, sit for photos, and, crucially, to hear the children whisper their Christmas list priorities into his ear.

Hundreds of cars jammed the school’s parking lot or found makeshift parking along South Pulaski Road leading to the school for the annual holiday event as families poured into the building to enjoy a hot breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and, most important, to get a photo with Santa and Mrs. C.

In addition to getting face time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hundreds of the children each received a toy and enjoyed face painting and holiday cookie designing crafts

during the event that ran from 8 a.m. to noon.

“For many children from low income families in the district, the toy that they received at Dolton 149’s ‘Breakfast with Santa’ may be the only toy that they receive on Christmas,” said Dolton 149 Superintendent Dr. Maureen White. “That’s why Dolton 149 goes all out with our ‘Breakfast with Santa’ event to ensure that we can bring holiday joy into the lives all of our students.”

Meanwhile, Dolton 149 Board President Wilbur Tillman, who opened the event with a breakfast prayer and helped Superintendent White manage the gift raffle and to greet parents, commended his other board of education colleagues for their support of Breakfast with Santa: Lolita Crisler-Liggons (Vice-President), Bertha Jolly (Secretary), Zacarias Castillo, Darlene Gray-Everett, Mercedes Francisco, and Teresa Jemine.

“I want to thank the entire board for their support of our Breakfast with Santa event,” said Tillman. “And I want to wish the entire Dolton 149 community a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”

While children received toys and other treats, moms, dads, and grandparents also

shared in the holiday season’s good will.

Board member Darlene Gray Everett partnered with Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard to distribute to parents more than 1,000 holiday turkeys and meal boxes stuffed with sweet potatoes, grits, gravy mix, mashed potato mix, and all the dinners fixings to feed an entire family.

“Having holiday spirit means more than just expressing holiday greetings, it means helping less fortunate children and families have the means to enjoy the season with food on their tables warm coats on their backs and know that they are loved, too,” said Gray Everett, who was on hand at the event all day to direct and help hand out holiday meal boxes. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Tiffany Henyard and Thornton Township for helping to provide more than 1,000 holiday meals. It’s a blessing to work with such generous people.”

Helping Gray Everett to hand out meal boxes and turkeys were Dolton 149 Board Members Zacarias Castillo and Mercedes Francisco.

The district’s winter break begins on Dec. 23; classes resume on Jan. 9.

Landmarks Illinois seeks nominations for the 2023 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

CHICAGO, Ill., PRNewswire -- Landmarks Illinois is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The annual Most Endangered list is our longest-running advocacy program that calls attention to historic and culturally significant sites across the state that are threatened with deterioration, demolition or inappropriate development. Nominations for the 2023 Most Endangered list can be made online here and are due January 17, 2023.

Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois routinely receive a heightened level of statewide attention from residents, governing bodies and media outlets, which help bolster advocacy efforts for preservation of the site. Inclusion on the Most Endangered list can also lead to legislative efforts that aid in a site’s eventual preservation.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

THE PERIOD PROUD ACT

Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) recently introduced the Period PROUD (Providing Resources to Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2022 to expand accessibility to menstrual products for those with limited access.

Menstrual products are often considered a luxury, with the cost averaging $13.25 a month, forcing many women to make difficult decisions such as choosing between sanitary pads or food. The Period PROUD Act would provide funding through the Social Services Block Grant program to remove cost barriers to menstrual products and educate school officials on how to best communicate with students in need of these products.

“No one should be forced to choose between paying their bills or buying menstrual products,” said Rep. Casten. “The Period PROUD Act removes that cost-barrier for the 22 million women living in poverty and ensures that a period will never have to prevent someone from going to school or showing up to work. Menstruation is a natural process and the products it requires should be freely accessible.”

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END

Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman,Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores,Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland,South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

BloomTownship, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,FordHeights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest,Sauk Village,South Chicago and Steger

Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast,South End, ChicagoWeekend,South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

Anyone, including residents, local community groups and city officials, can submit a nomination for a site in Illinois to be included on the 2023 Most Endangered list. Nominated sites should be in critical need of preservation. They do not need to be locally or nationally designated landmarks but should be valued by local residents and/or celebrate local history or culture.

All nominations submitted to the 2023 Most Endangered list will be reviewed by the Landmarks Illinois staff and board of directors. Landmarks Illinois particularly welcomes nominations for places that tell the stories of communities that have historically not received equal recognition from the preservation field. Nominators will be notified in early spring whether or not their place was selected. The 2023 Most Endangered list will be announced in May 2023.

Please review our FAQs for detailed information on the annual Most Endangered list, including how sites are selected and what is required of those who nominate a site.

BENEFITS OF ‘MOST ENDANGERED’ DESIGNATION

Sites included on Landmarks Illinois’

Landmarks Illinois promotes the Most Endangered properties throughout the year on its website, social media, email and print newsletters and more. These communications are seen by thousands of Illinois residents and preservation partners.

Also, once a property is included on Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered list, Landmarks Illinois staff remain committed to its preservation efforts, continuing communication and relationships with local advocates and providing resources (including small grants) and connections where possible. In many cases, this has led to years- or decades-long relationships between local advocates and Landmarks Illinois. Staff at Landmarks Illinois can also serve as a link to pro bono services from other preservation professionals such as architects, engineers, historians and more.

Explore previous Most Endangered lists and learn more about the program at https:// tinyurl.com/cf85awhz.

We are People Saving Places for People. Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based, historic preservation nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance, practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.Landmarks.org.

“Menstrual products are a health care right and a human right and no one should have to choose between buying food or buying basic needs like menstrual products. That is why I have led the fight in Congress to combat period poverty and ensure women and girls have safe and affordable access to menstrual products through my Menstrual Equity for All Act,” said Rep. Meng. “Period products are often classified as luxury products making them more expensive and often inaccessible to low-income individuals. The Period PROUD Act would provide funding to help remove cost barriers to menstrual products and I am proud to partner with Congressman Casten in the fight to end period poverty.”

“Menstruation products should be free for everyone regardless of status, income, or religion. The Period PROUD Act of 2022 is essential to making this a reality in the United States,” said Christian Nunes, President of the National Organization for Women. “Removing the cost barriers around menstruation products and increasing accessibility affects us all, especially low-income communities. Menstruation products should not be a luxury for some because they are a necessity for all. It’s time to enact a policy like the Period PROUD Act of 2022 to guarantee it.”

“I Support the Girls (ISTG) is thrilled to see the Period P.R.O.U.D. (Providing Resources to Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act being introduced, sponsored by Representatives Casten and Meng. Menstrual equity is so often ignored, but it crosses racial, social, and regional divides,” said Dana Marlowe, Executive Director of ISTG. “I am so pleased to see that this Act will combat period poverty and promote equity for menstruating individuals, will ensure equal opportunity to attend school or not miss work due to one’s period. Ample access to period products also reduces the potential for health complications. We support this legislation and are excited to see it move forward.”

The Gift That Keeps Giving for Your Child This Holiday Season

Financial education is crucial to longterm success – and that education begins at an early age. Research suggests many of the habits we carry into adulthood are set by age seven. For parents, it’s important to lay a foundation early that children can build on. Gifting a child a bank account this holiday season is one step to promoting financial literacy, empowering them to learn and develop healthy savings goals and budgeting habits that can help set them up for future financial success.

Unlike a regular savings account, a child’s savings account may come with additional perks, including no monthly account fees or opening balance requirements. Additionally, banks often create original content for younger audiences, making it easier for kids to learn responsible money managing basics. Often these learning tools are online/ mobile – for example, Chase provides new young customers with The Quest, an animated graphic novel that teaches kids about saving regularly, spending wisely and earning money – to help boost your child’s financial education.

Opening a savings account for your child can:

• Help them learn more about saving money. Teach your kids how to plan and prioritize their costs. Help them develop a realistic budget to build a foundation and monitor their spending.

Phocas Financial Issues First Quarter 2023 Investment Outlook for REIT Market

ALAMEDA, Calif., PRNewswire -- Phocas Financial Corporation (“Phocas”), an employee-owned registered investment adviser specializing in equity REIT and small-cap value equity investing, issued its Q4 2022 commentary and Q1 2023 REIT investment outlook.

Phocas manages some $750 million, and has managed REIT, Small Cap Value, and Equity Income investment strategies since its founding in 2005. Phocas’ Q4 REIT strategy highlights follow.

Investor concerns about decelerating earnings and softening fundamentals are discounting relatively strong 3Q22 earnings across most real estate sectors and often positive Wall Street views of higher quality names recovering from depressed prices during the quarter.

Aim to strike a balance between stable/defensive groups such as storage and cell ‘phone towers, as well as companies trading at steeper discounts such as offices and select healthcare and retail names.

Because of rising wages and labor shortages we expect labor pressure to remain a key concern for healthcare and other REITs in 4Q22 and into

2023.

Yolanda Foreman, President of Phocas, said, “Most of us will continue to live, work, shop, use our cell ‘phones, and secure our electronic data. These ongoing life activities will continue to present attractive REIT investment opportunities worthy of consideration even by conservative investors.”

James Murray, Portfolio Manager, commented on the outlook, “Entering the first quarter of 2023 investors should try to focus their portfolios on companies with attractively valued fundamentals in growth sectors like Health Care and Towers. Regarding REITs being able to adjust pricing rapidly to adapt to inflation, interest rate changes, and perceptions of economic health, consider the speed with which prices of hotel rooms can be changed.

We believe that commercial real estate remains attractive. For example, we continue to believe that Health Care deserves attention due to impacts of the Pandemic, including increased utilization and demand for medical office facilities. For example, dialysis centers in shopping centers can sustain and even boost valuations of retail real estate through increased consumer foot traffic.”

• Save money for a specific short-term financial goal. Take the opportunity to encourage your child to set aside funds in their savings account to make a special purchase –whether it’s saving up to buy that new game or bicycle they’ve been wanting

• Provide hands-on experience. Kids often learn by doing, so consider opening a child savings account as soon as they start receiving money. Empowering them with a child debit card can help build good money habits.

• Teach them more about banking. Your child can learn how to deposit checks in a branch, bank online, and withdraw cash at an ATM by helping co-manage their account.

Building a Healthy Financial Future

Opening a kids’ savings account provides a natural avenue for parents to talk to children about their financial wellness and, while they often don’t pay high yields, these accounts are meaningful tools to start a child on a responsible financial path from an early age.

It’s important to provide ways for kids to earn money through chores, an allowance or a summer job. Long-term, the goal is for children to gain real-life experience earning and managing money when they become adults. That way, they will be more equipped to be part of a larger discussion about debit cards, credit cards, auto loans or other financial products they may need as they enter adulthood.

Visit chase.com/parents to discover more tips and tools to teach your kids good money habits.

Yolanda Foreman, President of Phocas. PRNewsFoto.

Amber Ruffin Celebrates the Best Holiday Gifts with a Festive Neiman Marcus ‘White Elephant’ Event

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -Neiman Marcus celebrates the holiday season with a joyous White Elephant gifting event hosted by acclaimed comedian, talk show host and writer Amber Ruffin at Cucina Alba on Tuesday, Dec. 6. In the spirit of the Make the Moment holiday campaign and being creative in how you celebrate, guests participate in the third annual spirited fete. In addition to a selection of steal-worthy gifts curated to suit a range of price points and themes, there are a few twists on tradition that guarantee everyone goes home happy.

Notable attendees include Amber Ruffin, Joyelle Johnson, Evan Ross Katz, Sai de Silva, Tina Leung, Karen Blanchard, Alyssa Lenore, Monroe Steele, Cassie Thorpe and Melanie White.

Amber wears One33 Social Sequin Shawl-Collar Jacket, One33 Social High-Rise Straight-Leg Sequin Pants and FRAME Long Sleeve Bowtie Blouse all available at Neiman Marcus.

“I have been a fan of Neiman Marcus for years and I am thrilled to be hosting this year’s White Elephant event. It is important to have fun with fashion and to not take it too seriouslyand I love an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season in a fun, festive, original way. The gifts at Neiman Marcus are unparalleled and I am very inspired by the incredible range of products available- I cannot wait to start shopping for my family and friends.” says Amber Ruffin.

During the game, which is the first event at Cucina Alba’s new private dining space, guests preview and win some of Neiman Marcus’ ultimate gifts for the season, such as a Bottega Veneta handbag, Maison Francis Kurkdijan fragrance set, Versace bathrobe and slippers, Prada sunglasses, Gucci Snow Goggles and a Moncler beanie. The full list of covetable gifts here. Neiman Marcus introduces a few special surprises to the traditional game that upped the ante and excitement during the event. Featuring a wide range of products across various price points ($250, $100 and $50), Neiman Marcus curates the perfect assortment of gifts for everyone this holiday season.

Neiman Marcus is hosting White Elephant events across all 36 stores. Select customers are invited to join the luxury retailer for these exclusive, White Elephant celebrations hosted in gifting suites and private restaurant spaces. From exclusive fashion and beauty products to epicure and entertaining essentials, The Magazine has a collection of artfully crafted gift guides to take the stress out of holiday shopping. In addition to the expertly curated guide, Neiman Marcus style advisors are there to help create the best gifting moments, guiding customers every step of the way.

“The holidays are all about making moments

and who doesn’t love a spirited game of White Elephant? I look forward to this tradition with my friends every year, dying to know who ends up with the ultimate gift,” says Jodi Kahn, Vice President of Luxury Fashion, Neiman Marcus. “There is no better destination for gifting than Neiman Marcus and I start brainstorming ideas with my style advisor months in advance. I love finding the perfect pieces for friends and family- something I hope will surprise and excite them.”

To further highlight the range of offerings for seasonal gifting, Neiman Marcus creates a dedicated Instagram shop and Pinterest board featuring the White Elephant event gifts with a few additional customer favorites.

The Neiman Marcus curated gifting assortment is available now at Neiman Marcus stores and online at NeimanMarcus.com. Neiman Marcus customers can discover exclusive access, worldclass service, and one-of-a-kind experiences both online and in person. As a fashion authority and established industry leader, Neiman Marcus welcomes customers to visit our stores and explore private shopping appointments with expert style advisors. Neiman Marcus’ inCircle program is available to services such as gift wrapping, boxing, and more.

#NeimanMarcus | @neimanmarcus | #LiveYourLuxury

MasterClass Announces Naomi Campbell to Teach How to Take on Modeling and Life With Confidence

SAN FRANCISCO, PRNewswire -- MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, today announced that legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell will teach a class on modeling fundamentals. In her class, she will give members insight into the misconceptions of the modeling industry, share advice on how to handle rejection and give an inside look on how she is working to make fashion and modeling more inclusive. The class is available now exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers get unlimited access to all 180+ instructors with an annual membership.

“Naomi is a legend, whose confidence, poise and fearlessness have helped her inspire and advocate for younger generations coming up in the fashion world and beyond,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “In her class, she teaches members how to harness their power and show up as their best selves, both in front of the camera and in everyday life.”

In her class, Campbell teaches members how to navigate the business of the modeling industry, experiment with poses, feel confident and develop a signature walk. For members wanting to break into the fashion industry, she gives insight into the business of modeling, from how to find an agent and handle contracts to the importance of building a versatile lookbook. Making it her mission to create space for diversity and inclusion in the modeling industry through efforts like mentorship, she works with four London-based fashion models who are new to the industry to demonstrate how to find their stride on the catwalk. Campbell also shares her personal journey and celebrates the famous Black models who paved the way for her career, showing the importance of advocating for your culture and community. Members will walk away feeling empowered to overcome their fears, own a room more confidently and stand strong for what they believe in.

“Most people view fashion as an untouchable, glamorous fantasy, but modeling at its best is a source of inspiration that shows you who you can be in your best form,” Campbell said. “This class is about personal empowerment and authenticity, culture and community, and the power of giving back to open the doors for those who come after us.”

Naomi Campbell is one of the most iconic supermodels in history, having caught her big break at just 15 years old. She has since graced the covers of more than 500 magazines, specifically as the first Black model to appear on the cover of Time, French, Russian, and British Vogue. She has appeared in campaigns for some of the most notable brands in fashion, including Burberry, Prada, Versace, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and walked the runways for Azzedine Alaïa, Christian Dior and many others. In addition, Campbell is a fashion model pioneer and cultural advocate for the professional advancement of young Black women. As an activist, Campbell works alongside notable charities such as Fashion for Relief, Nelson Mandela Child Relief Fund and amfAR to improve the lives of those living with detrimental adversity and raise much-needed funds for AIDS research and resources.

Host Amber Ruffin. PRNewsFoto.

Naomi Campbell for MasterClass. Courtesy of MasterClass.

COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION COLLABORATIVE CELEBRATES ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Dec. 8, at the White House, the nation’s preeminent community violence intervention (CVI) organizations came together in a first-of-its-kind public safety summit to celebrate the unprecedented accomplishments of the White House-affiliated Community Violence Intervention Collaborative (CVIC or the Collaborative) and the group’s shared success in putting the “public” back in public safety.

Created by the White House and anchored by Hyphen, CVIC has, over the past 18 months, increased the reach of evidence-based, community-led strategies to reduce gun violence and make 17 cities and counties across the country safer. Thursday’s gathering at the White House marked the first time CVI leaders––45 of the country’s leading public safety experts and CVI practitioners––have gathered at such a scale and in recognition by the highest level of the federal government.

The Collaborative leveraged the American Rescue Plan’s unprecedented federal investment in CVI, strategic philanthropic investments, and state and local funding to advance a single, ambitious goal: establishing a truly durable national CVI infrastructure to stem the tide of gun violence now and over the long term.

“Community violence intervention is a key component to reducing crime, improving public safety, and combating gun violence. The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to have made a historic commitment to supporting proven methods and community-based groups that play such a crucial role in achieving public safety,” said Julie Chávez Rodriguez, Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Biden and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. “Giving support to the critically important and deeply impactful work performed by those who understand the causes of violence is part of the Administration’s comprehensive approach that treats violence as a public health issue. The end of the year marks the beginning of a new chapter in locally led efforts to create communities where people can feel safe and thrive.”

How Hyphen Brought CVI to the Forefront of the Public

Safety Agenda

While state- and local-level public-private partnerships are becoming increasingly common, such collaborations with the federal government are much less so, which is why they require an experienced team to develop, launch, and execute them.

Hyphen served as a conduit between the Biden-Harris Administration and philanthropic leaders to collaborate in efforts that augment a public safety model that involves police and justice system, community groups, and health-care organizations—a strategy that builds capacity for the years and decades ahead.

Hyphen drew on its team’s deep expertise and experience gained from serving in the Obama administration, working with influential philanthropists, and leading an advocacy organization. With their steadfast leadership and dogged stewardship of CVIC, all levels of government have come to recognize what has long been known—policing alone is necessary but insufficient to reduce gun violence. Strong, holistic, and well-resourced community-based programs are needed to stamp out violent crime and achieve lasting public safety.

“At Hyphen, we know that achieving a truly just democracy isn’t something government or philanthropists or communities can do on their own—it requires investment from all parties,” said Archana Sahgal, Founder and President of Hyphen. “CVIC has shown that we can make communities across the country safer by employing a holistic approach to public safety — one that supports the expertise, skills, and lived experiences community-based anti-violence organizations bring to the table. Our goal from the beginning has been to build capacity for CVI groups by leveraging federal and philanthropic investment; and CVIC comes to a close, we are confident that they have the infrastructure to build upon and achieve long-term success.”

18 Months of Historic Achievement & Accomplishments

It is increasingly rare for transformative policy initiatives, particularly in a charged environment, to be implemented with such speed and take root in every corner of the country. CVIC is a

noteworthy standout, doing just that.

In just 18 months, CVIC scaled evidence-based, community-led strategies to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety for children, families, and communities across the country. With support from 13 prominent philanthropies, CVIC provided training, technical assistance, and peer learning to help community-based organizations expand their efforts and increase their impact.

Specifically, CVIC has:

Partnered with stakeholders in 17 diverse jurisdictions across the country: Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Baton Rouge, LA; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; King County, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Memphis, TN; Miami-Dade, FL; Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN; Newark, NJ; Rapid City, SD; St. Louis, MO; Philadelphia, PA; and Washington, DC.

Multiplied a modest $7.4 million in philanthropic funding into hundreds of millions of dollars in public funding commitments for CVI, totaling $420 million including $250 million in Chicago, $50 million in Baltimore, $19 million in Newark, and $14.2 million in Baton Rouge.

Created an innovative training and technical assistance (TTA) program for local CVI groups to help them build solid organizational infrastructure, develop a sustainable and diversified funding base (including federal grants), optimize the use of data and technology, and expand the scope, scale, and impact of their ongoing CVI work.

Advised and supported municipal offices of violence prevention (OVPs) and mayoral staff to help them develop their CVI strategies.

Created a certification program on the best practices, standard operations, procedures, and protocols of street outreach and violence interruption for non-traditional CVI practitioners like former gang members and returning citizens.

Facilitated coordination and peer exchanges within and across jurisdictions to provide opportunities for local CVI groups to learn from one another and build relationships with other public safety stakeholders, including law enforcement.

Olympic Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee Wraps “The Lincoln Laureates” 2022 Season

(Springfield, IL) As a world champion athlete in the heptathlon and long jump, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee traveled the globe with a goal larger than sports: to return to her roots in Illinois and build a youth center to serve the community that raised her.

During this final episode of the 2022 season of The Lincoln Laureates, listeners hear the insights of a leader who preaches the power of resiliency.

“We were always there for each other, but we pushed each other,” said Laureate Joyner-Kersee when discussing growing up in what was a very competitive athletic family.“I once beat my brother Bob in a foot race in front of his friends, but he got the last laugh. He was the first in the family to win a gold medal. And I only got silver at the 1984 Olympics.”

Laureate Joyner-Kersee also suggests the heptathlon as a metaphor for your journey through life, “You learn that everything is not going to go as planned. How do you adapt? How do you adjust? You have to start each day and each event with a fresh mind set to achieve your ultimate goal.”

Promoted across the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ social channels (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn,) The Lincoln Laureates” is also available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher, with streaming available through the TuneIn App and via voice command. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lincoln-laureates/ id1553528425]]

Recorded in July of this year, the episode would be the last guest host appearance by award-winning broadcast journalist, syndicated radio personality, and Radio Hall of Famer Jim Bohannon. Bohannon, courageously battling cancer at the time of the interview, passed away in October of this year. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is greatly appreciative of Bohannon’s frequent guest hosting appearances for the podcast series, which debuted in 2021.

Created as a way for the Lincoln Academy of Illinois to showcase Lincoln Laureates to a global audience, the podcast serves as an audio textbook that deepens the honor the Laureates have brought to Illinois. The Lincoln Laureates podcast is a production of EarSight Studios, Todd Manley supervising producer. Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ Executive Director Leanne Barnhart and Academy

Americans are Turning to Side Hustles to Combat Inflation

(Family Features) As inflation increases, many Americans are looking for ways to make some extra cash to reach financial goals faster, save for a big purchase or simply make ends meet. In fact, 41% of Americans need additional income from sources like side hustles, according to a Bankrate survey, up from 31% in 2019.

The rise of the gig economy and a variety of side hustle options may be a solution for some. One option, the Spark Driver platform, powers delivery services for Walmart, Sam’s Club and other retailers, allowing drivers to deliver everything from groceries and cleaning supplies to tools and home decor. Available in more than 600 cities and all 50 states, the platform allows independent contractors to earn money by delivering or shopping and delivering orders in flexible, convenient time windows of their choosing.

What is a Side Hustle?

Different from full-time or part-time employment, a side hustle is a flexible way to provide services while being your own boss. You control which opportunities you want to take and can independently supplement your primary income or bridge the gap between jobs. Side hustles can even provide opportunities for people who can’t work traditional jobs. In fact, 93% of Americans have a side hustle, according to research from insuranks.com, and 44% of survey respondents said they’re doing it to make ends meet. Gig opportunities, like shopping orders and delivering goods using your personal vehicle, are increasingly popular as side hustles.

Benefits of Side Hustles

While most people turn to side hustles because of the potential for additional earnings, there are other benefits that can make them a fit for you and your situation, such as:

* Flexibility and Convenience: Available almost anywhere at times that work for your schedule, side hustles allow you to be your own boss and earn extra cash when you want. Be sure to pick one that fits your schedule and can be done at any time. Many offer different windows of time to complete the service and let you choose where you’re willing to travel to, which makes it easy to plan around other obligations.

* Earning Potential: Many people turn to side hustles as a supplement to full-time positions with specific, money-oriented goals in mind. For example, most drivers on the Spark Driver platform drive as a secondary source of income. In order to reach a desired goal, it’s important to know how much you can expect to earn. When receiving an offer, the platform will show the minimum amount you earn for completing the delivery, so drivers know their earnings before accepting offers. Most deliveries also allow for tips, and incentives and referrals create additional opportunities for increasing earnings.

“The Spark Driver platform has made a huge difference in my life,” driver Christina Hinssen said. “It gives me the flexibility to make deliveries when I want and I can spend more time with my daughter. It has given me extra cash to pay off my car and make extra house payments to get my house paid down.”

* Simplicity: The ideal side hustle is one that can be done without heavy investment or training. Many gig opportunities offer quick sign-up processes through easy-to-use apps and only require a background check, smartphone, valid driver’s license and operational vehicle.

Learn more about how to make extra cash through gig opportunities by visiting drive4spark.com or downloading the app.

Regent Dennis Lyle are the podcast’s Executive Producers, with Lincoln Laureate and award-winning broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis serving as consultant and announcer for the podcast series.

Established in 1964 by (then) Governor Otto Kerner, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois is a statewide organization created to recognize and honor those leaders of today who have contributed to the “Betterment of Humanity.”

Jordin Sparks Shines a Spotlight on Cantu Beauty In the Community as Brand Ambassador

STAMFORD, Conn., PRNewswire -- Award-winning hair care brand, Cantu Beauty, has announced Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jordin Sparks as the brand’s ambassador. As a longtime fan of the brand’s hydrating conditioning treatments and styling gels, Sparks is joining forces with Cantu to help shine a spotlight on the brand’s community initiatives that give back to young women all over the world, specifically with the brand’s partnership with global nonprofit, Women Empowering Nations.

“It’s a dream to be working with Cantu to help uplift the next generation of women who are on their own unique and powerful journeys to building their bright futures,” Sparks shares. “Beyond the products, Cantu really does so much for the community specifically for women empowerment in which I am super passionate about.”

Sparks officially kicked off the partnership last month as she made a surprise virtual visit to the final 11 young women who were awarded a spot in the Cantu GLOW Global Fellowship, a four-month hands-on experience in the beauty industry with Women Empowering Nations. The fellowship concluded with a capstone and group travel seminar to Accra, Ghana this month where each young woman was immersed in four areas within the beauty industry — consumer, concept, commercial, and campaign — allowing them to experience a beauty campaign from concept to shelf.

“We’re so honored to have Jordin Sparks join the Cantu Crew as our brand ambassador,” says Dametria Kinsley, Cantu’s Global Vice President of Marketing. “She has been a pillar in Black and Brown communities for years through her own philanthropic efforts and we’re excited to join forces to extend addi-

tional resources to women all around the world.”

The Cantu GLOW Global Fellowship is just one of Cantu Beauty’s commitments to elevate their communities through bespoke events, programming, and both financial and intellectual resources. This year, the brand continued a multi-year relationship with nonprofit Gyrl Wonder, to support Black and Latina communities by nurturing the next generation of female leaders from curl to toe. Additionally, the brand celebrated its second year of Cantu Elevate, the brandowned entrepreneurship accelerator program for Black female-led businesses in partnership with BrainTrust Founders Studio.

For more details on Cantu Beauty’s community initiatives or to join the Cantu Crew, follow @cantubeauty on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or visit them at cantubeauty.com.

It’s Cantu Beauty’s mission to celebrate you in all your glory. Whether you’re rocking coils, curls, waves, or straight tresses, Cantu designs products specifically with you and your hair’s versatility in mind. Cantu’s collection of award-winning products is inspired by beautifully textured hair to help you achieve any look you desire. With a one-of-a-kind formula, Cantu helps achieve everything from cutting-edge looks to classic styles. Cantu Beauty is a part of PDC Wellness & Personal Care. For more information, visit pdcwellness.com.

6 HBCU Marching Bands Selected to Perform in 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands

TORRANCE, PRNewswire -- The votes are in and six marching bands have been selected to perform at the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands and dance teams. HBOB marks its 18th year as one of the largest celebrations of Black culture and musical excellence, returning to a live event format and also livestreamed on February 18.

The 2023 HBOB Invitational Showcase will take place at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala., bringing the music and excitement to an HBCU campus for the first time with high-energy performances from the following six bands:

Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornets – 7th appearance

Langston University Marching Pride – 4th appearance

Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine – 1st appearance

Savannah State University Powerhouse of the South – 7th appearance

Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul – 3rd appearance

Virginia State University Trojan Explosion – 10th appearance

Each HBCU school represented by the six bands will receive an institutional grant from Honda to support their music education programs, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to the Invitational Showcase.

Honda invited all HBCU marching bands to participate in the 2022-2023 HBOB program. After fans nationwide cast more than 100,000 online votes, the final six bands were selected through a voting process that included HBOB fans, HBCU band directors and students, and Honda representatives. The four bands with the most votes automatically secured their spots in the lineup, while the other two bands were selected by the HBOB committee.

“Congratulations to all of the finalists! Honda is excited to carry on the HBOB tradition of bringing together students, alumni and fans to recognize the talents

of these spectacular marching bands and dance teams,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “For over 30 years Honda has supported HBCUs in their unique and critical role of providing higher education and opportunities for advancement to the Black community, so hosting HBOB on an HBCU campus for the first time feels like coming home.

“We are very excited to host the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase and provide a buzzing atmosphere of HBCU pride and culture on Alabama State University’s campus,” said ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.

Rickey Smiley, legendary comedian, author, television host, award-winning radio host and Alabama State

University alum, will serve as the host for the 2023 HBOB live event. Loni Love, the Emmy and two-time NAACP Image Award-winning host, comedian, actress, author and Prairie View A&M University alumna, will host the livestream.

“It is an honor to host the iconic Honda Battle of the Bands event, which has a long history of inspiring and energizing fans of music and Black culture across the country,” said Smiley. “HBOB is a one-of-a-kind experience for these talented student musicians and will be an unforgettable day for everyone.”

Ticket & Event Information

Tickets for the HBOB Invitational Showcase are on sale at www.hondabattleofthebands.com.

Fans can join the conversation using #HBOB and follow along as the final six bands’ journey commences to the Invitational Showcase on official HBOB social media channels:

Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

For over 30 years, Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students through initiatives including the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These programs provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for HBCU students, including meeting and networking with peers from other HBCU schools. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 200,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.

To advance its leading investment in HBCUs, Honda is a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus initiative that brings together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships. Honda also has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide annual scholarship funding to support HBCU students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related fields.

Award-winning hair care brand, Cantu Beauty, has announced Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jordin Sparks as the brand’s ambassador.

PRNewsfoto/Cantu Beauty

Six HBCU marching bands will bring the music and excitement to Montgomery, Ala. when Honda Battle of the Bands returns live on Feb. 18. PRNewsfoto/Honda.

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

Markham

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CDC Foundation Launches Tools for Cancer Patients and Healthcare Providers to Improve Overall Health Outcomes

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- The CDC Foundation announced a suite of new resources and tools to improve cancer outcomes as part of its Empowered Health program. These new resources include the Empowered Health Academy, with content tailored to both patients and providers, and a peer support community, including a group directory. Empowered Health is an evidence-based program designed to empower individuals to take an active role in their health, and to help patients and providers strengthen their relationships, improve their conversations, and make important medical decisions together.

“It is critical that individuals engage in meaningful discussion with their healthcare providers to make important medical decisions. When people feel empowered about their health it can lead to better health outcomes,” Lisa Richardson, MD, MPH, director, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. “I’m proud of these new tools that encourage meaningful, shared decision making. They take into account the provider’s medical expertise, as well as what’s important to the patient.”

Empowered Health is led by the CDC Foundation with technical support from CDC and financial support from Amgen. The new resources announced today include:

The Patient and Caregiver Academy features a five-part animated video series, with accompanying guides co-created with the Patient Empowerment Network, aimed at helping people with cancer and caregivers understand their role in shared decision making and empowering them to engage in treatment and healthcare decisions.

The Provider Academy features easily digestible educational resources provided in a variety of formats, including audio podcasts developed in collaboration with Medscape, videos and infographics. The academy aims to educate and inform providers about the benefits of shared decision making and best practices on how to

engage patients.

Also included as part of the program resources is a unique Peer Support Community including a Peer Support Group Directory that allows individuals to search for cancer support groups tailored to their needs, and a network of Empowered Health Ambassadors, a group of patients, survivors, caregivers and providers who share their experiences and tips on empowerment.

“We are honored to work with so many inspiring leaders in the oncology community on this program,” said Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “And, we are excited about the potential these tools will have to improve cancer care for

guage and format they understand. To meet this goal, Empowered Health has partnered with Rosa es Rojo, a non-profit organization supporting Hispanic women at high-risk of breast cancer, to make many of its Spanish resources culturally relevant to the Hispanic community.

“Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic people in the United States, yet many cancer resources are available only in English or simply translated without being rooted in our Hispanic culture,” said Aideé Granados, founder and CEO of ROSA es ROJO and a breast cancer survivor. “When you are talking about matters of life and death, culturally relevant content is crucial to saving lives. I am so pleased to be working with the CDC Foundation on the Empowered Health program. It’s refreshing to see an organization being proactive in addressing the needs of the Hispanic population.”

all, including those impacted by health inequity.”

“As personalized medicine continues to take prominence in oncology care, empowerment and shared decision making has never been more important. The resources launched today as part of the Empowered Health program will help people become active participants in their own care and enable providers to facilitate shared decision making with their patients.” said Darryl Sleep, MD, chief medical officer at Amgen. “We are proud of Amgen’s and the CDC Foundation’s long-standing work together and feel confident that Empowered Health can support meaningful improvements in cancer prevention and care.”

An important component of the Empowered Health program is inclusivity, and the belief that empowerment is only possible when patients have the right information, at the right time, in a lan-

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.6 billion and launched more than 1,200 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of CDC-led programs in the United States and in more than 160 countries last year. For more information, visit https://www.cdcfoundation.org.

For more information on Empowered Health, visit: www. EmpoweredHealth.org and follow us on Instagram.

OSF OnCall launches remote monitoring program for infants-toddlers with RSV

PEORIA, Ill., PRNewswire -- It’s the worst flu season in more than a decade. That, combined with an earlier and harsher season for another common virus RSV, has prompted OSF OnCall Digital Health to launch a no-cost, at-home monitoring program for RSV.

The collaborative effort with OSF clinical outpatient and hospital leaders will not only provide comfort and supportive care for patients and parents or guardians, it can also keep infants and toddlers out of the hospital. The remote patient monitoring (RPM) program is also in response to a state public health alert about a growing lack of pediatric ICU beds due to RSV.

RSV is the number one reason for hospitalization of children under age 1 in the United States. It can lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs), especially in babies.

However, Mary Stapel, MD, lead physician for Community Care for OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center says RSV can often be managed at home.

“For more common cold type symptoms, we can recommend the conservative treatments: at home nasal saline with some suctioning, a cool mist humidifier, just kind of frequent, small feedings to optimize keeping that child hydrated.”

Clinical Digital Care Supervisor Rose Smith, RN, says OSF OnCall was able to implement its 24/7 digitally-enabled, at-home support program for RSV quickly, because of its experience with similar efforts to help patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart failure. In the first week of the RSV support program, more than 70 parents and other at-home caregivers have enrolled newborns and children up to age 5. Smith says they love it.

“They love having support anytime of the day or night, however they want to do it – text message, phone call, video visit … anything. They can send us pictures. We’ve really kind of tailored it to what parents need to feel comfortable taking their children

home, you know, from a clinic; from the hospital during the scary time with RSV.”-Rose Smith, Clinical Digital Care Support Supervisor, OSF OnCall

OSF OnCall providers and caregivers at home use a software application that provides education or digital prompts to report relevant signs/symptoms for 10 days. Smith says upon enrollment, parents receive a care kit for at-home use from their provider following a visit or a digital community health worker can deliver one.

“So we have a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels and their heart rate and then we have a thermometer and we also provide saline spray, and a bulb syringe. A lot of parents, when their babies are born, they use them in the hospital, but they might not know that they can use them to help relieve any secretions especially before feeding their children.”

Smith adds, it’s also important to clear the nose before a nap or bedtime. Parents or guardians also receive step-by-step written instructions as well as a video demonstration for how to use what’s provided in the kit.

The OnCall RSV RPM program is for anyone in Illinois or Michigan. Patients must have a positive RSV test or a RSV diagnosis to qualify. Referrals can be made by providers in a hospital emergency department, OSF OnCall Urgent Care, OSF PromptCare, medical offices, or following hospital discharge.

Smith says parents who have a child in the program can request a video visit at any time. The nursing staff will also recommend a video visit if needed.

“If they think their child looks off, we just have another set of eyes. The providers will look at it (to see if they need higher level of care). Sometimes our nurses can tell the parents you know, ‘We think they need to be seen. Can we do a video visit just before you take your child out especially now that it’s colder out?’ You know, we don’t want them if they’re having trouble breathing to go outside, but we really just focus on what works best to still

get them the care that they need.”

Respiratory-related complaints made up half of all hospital emergency department visits at OSF in November, totaling 9,383 patients. Nearly 40% of those were infants and children.

At OSF HealthCare and across the country, there is concern that indoor family holiday gatherings could accelerate the transmission of RSV, the flu and COVID-19, spreading hospitals and their staff thin. Some pediatric groups have been urging the federal government to declare a public health emergency in response to the surge in RSV and other respiratory illnesses. Dr. Stapel, says the three viruses have already impacted staffing across the country.

“It’s not only a hard time with staffing already, but you add the holidays, you add illness, and so I think it’s going to be a challenge and I think we’re already doing this here, but I think preparing for what that surge, ongoing surge with staffing, and what surge capacity looks like … it’s an important thing for every institution.”

If you suspect your child has symptoms of RSV that don’t appear life-threatening, you can reach out to your pediatrician or primary care provider.

OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners in 150 locations, including 15 hospitals – ten acute care, five critical access – with 2,089 licensed beds, and two colleges of nursing throughout Illinois and Michigan. The OSF HealthCare physician network employs more than 1,500 primary care, specialist and advanced practice providers.

OSF HealthCare offers unique healthcare delivery options across its Ministry via a full scale digital health and convenient care program under the umbrella of OSF OnCall. OSF OnCall represents a wide array of services that include OSF OnCall Urgent Care and OSF OnCall Connect. Learn more at osfoncall.org or osfhealthcare. org.

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