What Can We Do About Homelessness?

Changing of the Seasons

As I get older, it seems that time passes so fast. Living in Texas, we don’t always see the distinct changing of the seasons. But eventually you know it will get cooler, the leaves will change colors, and you settle into that seasonal time. There is a saying that change is good. To me change equals progress.

I find that the “change is good” attitude is a good one for many things. Ujima just celebrated 14 years, so now we are looking ahead for changes that will keep us growing and engaging our readers.

As the Editor-in-Chief, I have to prepare myself for change of the season but also the staff and volunteers that are a part of what we do. The mission will not change but the delivery and the product you read every month will changeno matter how small or large. This is called growth. The harvest years of learning our place in our community and the continued commitment to serve our readers.

The harvest of change has begun. Where have you decided to grow and be committed?

Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief Damita@ujimamagazine.com

Black Women and Breast Cancer

Source: American Cancer Society | Cancer.org

Octoberis Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women and men are diagnosed daily with Breast Cancer. How many of us take the time to get a mammogram or do the self-exam to help recognize early there may be an issue? To be transparent, it took me a while to get my first mammogram, but I’m glad I now get one every year.

But as of 2019, breast cancer became the leading cause of cancer death for Black women. This surpassed Lung Cancer being number one for a long while.

Here are some findings I wanted to share:

• Black people are more likely to die from most cancers and to live the shortest amount of time after a cancer diagnosis than any other racial/ethnic group.

• Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite being less likely to be diagnosed with it.

• The main cause is inadequate health insurance.

• Expanding access to care for all low-income persons and increasing trust in the medical community through provider education can substantially reduce the burden of cancer in African Americans.”

We have work to do in educating our community and ensuring Black Women get their mammograms yearly.

Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazineAds@gmail.com

BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE

THE COMEBACK!

by Jacquie Johnson, founder of Jacquie ooh

Bouncing back! Rolling with it! Bending with it! The come back! I am sure we have all heard these phrases when it comes to facing adversity. We have all had to face some sort of trauma or significant stress in our lives. Whether it be with family and relationships problems, workplace, finances, our health and most recently with the global pandemic, COVID-19.

Yes, I said the C-word! When COVID hit us, we didn’t know what happened. This was foreign to us, and it seemed as if there was no real end in sight, and to be perfectly honest it still seems as if there is no real end in sight. People say all the time, “I just want to go back to normal!” Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news; we are never going to get back to normal. This was our new normal. We had to learn to adapt.

When the pandemic first hit, we found ourselves having to be stronger and braver. We were doing things we never imagined we could do. If we’re totally honest with ourselves there were times, we just didn’t know what to do or how to do. We had moments when we felt defeated, beat down, exhausted, stressed, and at our breaking point. Yet somehow, we made it through. We bounced back! We found our way to the next moment to carry on and even thrive. We were and are RESILIENT!

Resilient

adjective

1. (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. "babies are generally far more resilient than new parents realize"

Resilience means being able to adapt to life's misfortunes and setbacks.

When you have resilience, your inner strength helps you to rebound and make a comeback from the setback or challenge. Having resilience doesn’t make all your problems go away, however it can give you the ability to see past them, find the enjoyment in what’s going right, even when some areas are feeling rocky. When you have resilience, it helps you to handle stress better. Now, don’t get me wrong you can have resilience and still experience anger, fear, pain, and loss—you just aren’t as consumed by them. You’re able to keep your head above water and maintain.

Did you know that even If you aren't as resilient as you'd like to be, you can develop and learn skills to become more resilient? Try these 7 steps for building resilience:

Staying connected, relationships matter…

Learning from your experiences, the good and the bad…

Cultivating forgiveness, learning how to forgive yourself and others… Taking care of yourself, practicing self-care…

Remaining thankful, grateful, positive, and hopeful…

Finding your purpose… And knowing when to ask for help

Like any skill, resilience takes practice. Give it time to develop and just keep at it. Timing is Everything!

Contributing Writer, Jacquie “ooh” Johnson

Jacquie Johnson is a native Texan who resides in Denton, TX with her husband and two daughters. She has two older sons who reside in California, and one grandson. Jacquie is the founder of Jacquie ooh an online resource hub for women. Her goal is help women think well and live well. She is the creator of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an organic skincare line where she provides gourmet food for your skin. She is the host of a monthly online talk show, Motivational Monday with Jacquie ooh. She is heavily involved in her community where she has been sworn in as a precinct chair for the Democrats of Denton County. She is also a new author to two books: Glow Through It 21 Day Devotional Journal for Women and Dare to Sparkle Entrepreneur Startup Guide+Dream Big 4 Day Devotional. For more information on Jacquie “ooh” Johnson please visit her website at www.jacquieooh.com

SHE SPEAKS WELLNESS:

Changing of Seasons –A New Thing!

"Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

In this scripture, we learn that God is telling his people to stop thinking about what has happened; do not keep going over old history. Old experiences. Old mindsets. God has led the Israelites out of captivity and back into the land of blessings. How can you hold on to the old, and expect a change in your life? You cannot wear the same shoes and dress you wore as a child. It is time to put on a new wardrobe. Keep your eyes open, and be aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, which can detour and distract you. I am about to do something brand-new. I am making rivers in the desert. There is an overflow!

Women, can you see it? I am confident that you ask how can anything good come out of the wilderness and rivers in the desert? God will purposely leave us in the wilderness. A wilderness experience can be a place of uncertainty and testing. We acknowledge we cannot do anything without God. He puts us in a place where we seek Him for guidance and comfort. We might not know what God is doing and how he is doing it. But change is coming!

Can you see it? When it appears impossible to have a river in the desert. God is going to do the impossible in a dry place. Women, position yourself. You are going to witness the move of God like never before. He will take your trauma and make it a best seller. He will take your pain and propel you to your purpose.

This new season brings a new revelation and new victories.

Your first step this season is your "YES” God is doing a "NEW THING."

Minister Sonya Hosey, Founder of She Speaks Wellness, a program of Moore 4 Sisters Ministries (501c3)

feature BLACKS AND HOMELESSNESS

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

Homelessness requires resilience especially when it is not by choice. “At least 2,300 eviction filings were logged in total from April 2020 through December 2021, an average of just over 110 per month. However, 2,517 filings have been tracked so far in 2022—more than 50% of Travis County's pandemic-era total in just three months.”

Source: https:kut//tinyurl.com/2vxafsm6

understood that many people we see on the street corner have made the choice to live that way. I worry about the women with children who have been displaced due to abusive situations, loss of a job, and evictions to name a few. The person who suffers from Mental illness and needs continued support. In Austin, the City Council has acknowledged that homelessness is a priority, not just for women and children but for all individuals experiencing

It’s

homelessness. Andrew Weber, a reporter with KUT Austin, reported on July 7, 2022, that Blacks in Austin are six times more likely to experience homelessness than Whites in Austin. Source:

https:kut//tinyurl.com/2vxafsm6

Solving the homelessness issue is not an easy one. There is no quick-fix solution. But what can a person do while the City of Austin works on a plan? In February 2018, ECHO, Feature continues on p6

Solving the homelessness issue is not an easy one.

Feature continued from p5

Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, created a draft plan for the Austin City Council to review as possible options to consider for combating homelessness. The solutions that ECHO proposed were categorized into five areas as follows: Outreach and Shelter, Housing and Support Services, Addressing Disparities, System Effectiveness, and Community Commitment. To read more information about each area and review the whole plan, you can click the link https://Austintx.gov. This draft plan is a start. I could not find any information indicating the plan was approved.

I want to leave a few resources if you or someone you know needs assistance.

• Austin Shelter for Women and Children

• Caritas of Austin

• Salvation Army

• United Way for Greater Austin

These are just a few resources available to anyone who may need it. Homelessness is a community issue and an issue that affects cities and towns around the nation. For the people who need housing, we as a community have to find solutions that will work for different scenarios people find themselves in. The plan may not be one way fits all.

What are your thoughts about the homeless situation in Austin? If you have an opinion, let me know.

DID YOU KNOW ...

• Approximately 30% of those experiencing homelessness are younger than age 24. (1)

• 69% of youth experiencing homelessness indicated having mental health difficulties. (2)

• Struggles with mental health and substance abuse are significantly higher among students experiencing homelessness. (3)

• Students experiencing homelessness are at dire risk of rape, assault, suicide, substance abuse, hunger, bullying and other risks. (3)

• Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates have been steadily growing among school-age children.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Mary Linnen Editor

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT

active

FALL IS THE BEST TIME TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE COOLER WEATHER !!

Although it doesn't quite feel like it yet, Fall is just around the corner. What better time to start prepping your home for the weather to come.

Clean the Fireplace and Chimney

Before you fire up the fireplace this Winter, make sure it's clean and ready to go. Your fireplace & chimney should be cleaned and inspected every 50 burns.

Check Smoke Detectors

Remove Warm Clothes from Storage

The seasons will begin to change and soon you'll be trading in your tank tops for coats. This is a great time to sort through all of your warmer clothes and decide if you still want to keep or donate them to a charity.

As the season changes so do a lot of our routines. To be ready for fall and winter see your primary doctor and make sure you are vaccinated as needed.

Check your medicine cabinet to be sure you have your cold remedies of choice. Lots of holidays ahead and you want to be prepared for all the fun gatherings!!

Replace all batteries in your smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors throughout your home. Once you've replaced the batteries, press the test button to ensure they are working properly.

Check Windows & Doors for Leaks

As the year comes to a close, the weather will get colder. If your windows are not sealed properly, your home could lose lots of heat, causing your gas and heating bills to spike!

If you are a senior citizen check with your community center for information regarding any programs available to help winterize your home.

One Pan Roasted Harvest Vegetables Time Well Spent

Easy is the keyword!

Easy fall vegetable side dish, easy side dish recipe, easy vegetable recipe, healthy recipe.

•

1/2 lb (2-1/2 cups) Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved

• 1 medium carrot peeled and sliced into 1/2" thick rounds

•

1 medium sweet potato peeled and cut into cubes

• 1/2 lb (2-1/2 cups) baby potatoes halved

• 4 Tablespoons olive oil or more as needed

• 1 teaspoons sea salt or to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste

• 1 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoons garlic powder or 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup Panko crumbs

• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Lightly grease or line a large rimmed baking sheet (13x18 or a 10x15) with parchment paper, set aside

2. Combine all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat well.

3. Spread the vegetables evenly in a single layer over a prepared baking sheet, arranging the Brussels sprouts cut-side down. (do not overcrowd - use two baking sheets as needed)

4. Roast in preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes (stirring half-way through) or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned. If you like them slightly charred, you can leave them in longer.

5. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving dish.

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

Ujima Magazine celebrated its Fourteenth Anniversary. It is important to honor our accomplishments. Anyway, I wanted to share our celebration at The District @Anderson Lane.

My husband plans our event each year! The ladies look forward to what he pulls out of his hat. He came through again and everyone was happy.

The District is a Minority-Owned business. The food and the customer service were excellent. The food is made with fresh ingredients. The brunch menu offered many different options that we couldn’t make a decision on what we wanted to eat. Let me tell you what put us over the edge, it was the Honey Buttermilk Biscuits with Duck Gravy. Oh. My. Word!! This is why we had to box up our entrees because we were full of Biscuits, Hummus, and Rosemary Bread, each with condiments. To add to the already awesome meal, the Pastry Chef, Dennis Van, made a special cake for the occasion; it was heaven. It was 4 layers of Vanilla cake a layer of lemon and buttercream icing. I have so much to say I can’t get it all in.

I want to thank General Manager Wes and Assistant Manager Oliver. Our waiter was very nice and made sure we had what we needed. They took very good care of us and made the celebration very special. I recommend, along with the team, that you go by The District and enjoy the good food, atmosphere and staff. If you see Wes or Oliver, tell them Ujima Magazine sent you!!

Please follow them on Facebookfacebook.com/Districtaustinandersonlane - and for your next special event, give Wes a call and he will take good care of you.