Today is a beautiful day to worship You. Actually, everyday is such a day.
Father I reach out to You with love and thanksgiving for the life You have blessed me with. I pray that my love for You will never leave my heart. You are a good God. You are a loving God. You are an on time God.
Each day, Dear Lord, I am reminded that You have given me the blessing of life on this earth. I thank You as I continue to seek Your guidance and Your will for my life. Father, keep me mindful of the plight and the needs of others. Keep me focused on what You would have me do as I navigate each day. Open my eyes and open my heart. I love You Lord. - AMEN
The recent passing of Rev. Douglas Cook was a community heartbreaker not only for his Jordan Grove family but for all who were blessed to know him.
The bountiful outpouring of love for Rev. Cook was not surprising. He made his mark in this life. He made a difference in the community and his presence was felt. Known for his quiet kindness, Rev. Douglas Cook was a man who embraced a spirit of wisdom and generosity.
Rev. Douglas Cook was a seasoned pastor who savored the call to win souls for Christ. He had a heart to reign in an unchurched generation of parents and young people.
“People do horrible things because they don’t have the mind of Jesus in them,” Rev. Cook once said in a
Gospel Truth interview with Lavinia Freemen. “For some, it could be their background, and others get involved with the wrong crowd, but most times, it comes from a lack of home-training.”
His goal was to “build the Word of God in people and get them to accept Christ.” Rev. Cook said, “Jesus put his mind into the disciples so his work could go on. My aim on Sunday morning is to ‘further the gospel,’ like Paul says in Philippines 1:12.”
“They say age will teach you certain things,” he said with a chuckle. “I used to have it where ladies couldn’t wear pants to church and there were no drums, but to get the young people here and hold their attention and keep them coming, some things you lighten up on.”
“I had to change my style. They like hip-hop and loud music so they can jump and feel good all day long. At least we got them. We do our best to change them and if we can’t, age will.”
Rev. Cook said this generation is missing out on songs like Amazing Grace, Heaven Belongs to You, and If You Miss Me From Singing Down Here - a few of his favorites. However, it takes time and “we must keep talking to them because they will carry on the church.”
“My goal is to bring the church mind up and God will have an overflow for us to be able to move forward,” he said.
Pastor Cook was a visionary who has gone the extra mile to understand Biblical culture and tradition. He traveled to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and visited places featured prominently in the Bible. He said visiting the Holy Land is called the 5th Gospel.
“Now, when I’m reading, or teaching or preaching, I can go back in my mind to where Jesus was,” Rev. Cook said. “I went in the wilderness where he went, I washed my face in the Jordan and went to Bethlehem.
I went in the carpenter’s shop where Jesus worked.” Pastor Cook said the shop still has some of the tools that could have been what He worked with.
In addition to his travels, Rev. Cook used his gift of writing to expand his ministerial reach. He authored two books and a one-act play. Respectively, they are titled Chokers Sons (1962), Two Sons of God (1977), and He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Needs (2000).
Of all that Pastor Cook has accomplished, he said he is most proud of his role as a father and grandfather. After coming to Miami “with nothing,” he went to night school and put his children through school. “I’d say to them, ‘I’m the dumbest thing in the house, but y’all will get an education!” he said with a laugh.
Pastor Douglas Cook will be missed by his family, his church and his community. At The Gospel Truth he was a great friend and and early supporter. He was very welcoming and easy to talk to. We thank God for placing him in our lives and wish him well on his journey.
Jessie Trice Community Health System
Introduced New CEO and President, Ryan R. Hawkins, to the South Florida Community
It’s a new era for Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS)! In a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy and excitement, JTCHS introduced its new President and CEO, Ryan R. Hawkins, to the South Florida community. The event took place on June 11 at the JTCHS Barbara J. Jordan Community Health and Wellness Center.
The celebration brought together JTCHS board members, staff, state and local government representatives, healthcare and community leaders, members of the media, and other stakeholders, all eager to meet the man set to lead JTCHS into a promising future.
“Having the opportunity to lead an organization as JTCHS is a tremendous honor,” said Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS. “I am deeply committed to continuing JTCHS’s legacy of providing exceptional healthcare to the community. Together, we will build on our strengths, embrace new opportunities, and ensure that every person in our community has access to the quality care they deserve.”
No stranger to South Florida, Mr. Hawkins is a well-respected health system administrator and government executive with over 16 years of experience in the field. Prior to joining JTCHS, Hawkins spent the last eight years as an executive with Jackson Health
System, serving two years as the Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer and the last six as the Chief Operating Officer of Jackson North Medical.
“With Hawkins at the helm, we are entering a new era at JTCHS,” said Irene Taylor-Wooten, JTCHS Board Chair. “His leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence will propel us forward, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community.”
Mr. Hawkins’ leadership journey through roles in the Miami-Dade County Commission, Florida Senate, and community advocacy positions him well to guide JTCHS to new heights.
About Jessie Trice Community Health System:
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and a diverse, incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation,
Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eleven (11) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and are located in two (2) universities and forty (40) school-based health suites.
JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been styled. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
If I had my life to live over, I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
If I had my life to live over, there would have been more “I love yous”... more “I’m sorrys”...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.
Be courageous and bold. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, transportation, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, pharmacy, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org.
Dieting Tips for Seniors
Fewer Calories/ More Protein
For Amy Campbell, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator, the DASH, TLC and Mediterranean diets stood out as smart choices for older adults, because they’re good for weight loss as well as controlling conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
As with anyone, overweight and obesity can be issues for seniors, Campbell says. “People are living longer, so we’re seeing more of it in older adults.” And, she says, “As we get older, our calorie needs go down. People don’t need to eat as much as they did when they were 20 or 30.” Older women generally need anywhere from 1,600 to 2,200 calories per day, depending how active they are, Campbell says, while younger women need about 1,800 to 2,200 daily. For older men, the range is 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day, compared with 2,200 to 3,200 calories for younger men.
Frail elderly people face different issues. “One concern for older people is getting enough protein,” Campbell says. “We need more as we age.” A lack of protein puts people at risk for lower immune function and osteoporosis.
You don’t necessarily have to follow a specific diet, she says, “just a well-rounded diet with extra protein.” That means making the most of the calories you take in, she says, not just eating a bowl of cereal for dinner or making entire meals of toast and tea. “You don’t need animal protein in every meal,” says Campbell, who praises lentils, beans and chickpeas as great sources of inexpensive protein to round out meals.
Campbell says a very low-fat plan like the Ornish diet might be less appropriate and harder for seniors to follow. Similarly, she says, the Biggest Loser diet would not be
ideal, and the phases could be hard to comprehend.
“For diets in general, it’s best to try and make it easy and fit comfortably into a person’s life,” Campbell says. “Ones that promote good health but are as easy to follow as possible.”
Simplicity and Balance
Michael Davidson, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Chicago Medical Center and a Best Diets panelist, says Weight Watchers and diets with similar structures score well because of their simplicity. With Weight Watchers, for instance, foods are assigned different points, which you add up daily to stay at your personal target, which is based on your sex, weight, height and age. “You don’t have to do a lot of thinking about what type of balance of foods or menu plans,” Davidson says, which may be somewhat more challenging for seniors.
Long-term compliance was an important factor in ranking diets, Davidson says: “What can be a lifelong change instead of just a short-term fix for the patient?” Therefore, he says, “it’s really more about variety and food choices, as opposed to portion sizes, that are applicable to an elderly individual. So it’s the kind of diet I prefer for those patients.”
Davidson sometimes sees iron deficiency in frail older patients. “They don’t eat enough red meat; they don’t get enough iron in the diet,” he says. Although the paleo diet was lower-ranking among the Best Diets, he says “it could be a good diet. It’s had a little bit of a hype to it, but the principles are not far off, such as people eating more complex carbohydrates and more lean meats.” He points out that constipation can be an issue for seniors on low-carb, low-fiber diets.
UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS
If you have trouble moving around or feel pain and stiffness in your body, you could have arthritis. In the majority of cases arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints.
Eventually a swollen joint can suffer severe damage. In some cases, arthritis can cause problems in the patient’s eye, skin or other organs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in every 5 American adults, i.e. 50 million people, have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. As the country’s population ages, it is estimated that this number will increase to at least 67% by 2030. Arthritis is not a single disease - it is a term that covers over 100 medical conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and generally affects elderly patients. Some forms of arthritis can affect people at a very early age.
What causes arthritis?
In order to better understand what is going on when a person suffers from some form of arthritis, let us look at how a joint works.
Basically, a joint is where one bone moves on another bone. Ligaments hold the two bones together. The ligaments are like elastic bands, while they keep the bones in place your muscles relax or contract to make the joint move.
Cartilage covers the bone surface to stop the two bones from rubbing directly against each other. The covering of cartilage allows the joint to work smoothly and painlessly.
A capsule surrounds the joint. The space within the joint - the joint cavity - has synovial fluid. Synovial fluid nourishes the joint and the cartilage. The synovial fluid is produced by the synovium (synovial membrane) which lines the joint cavity.
If you have arthritis something goes wrong with the joint(s). What goes wrong depends on what type of arthritis you have. It could be that the cartilage is wearing away, a lack of fluid, autoimmunity (your body attacking itself), infection, or a combination of many factors. Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of several factors working together. The following factors may contribute towards a higher arthritis risk:
• Your genetic makeup.
• A physically demanding job, especially one with repetitive movements.
• A previous injury.
• Some infections or allergic reactions may cause shortterm arthritis. When it is caused by an infection it is known as “reactive arthritis”.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. It is important to take charge of your health by recognizing conditions within your body
Most Important Test Question
During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: ‘What is the first name ofthe woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. Absolutely, said the professor. “In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello”. I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
My Creed
By Author: Edgar A. Guest
To live as gently as I can;
To be, no matter where, a man; To take what comes of good or ill, And cling to faith and honor still; To do my best, and let that stand The record of my brain and hand; And then, should failure come to me, Still work and hope for victory. To have no secret place wherein I stoop unseen to shame or sin; To be the same when I’m alone
As when my every deed is known; To live undaunted, unafraid Of any step that I have made; To be without pretense or sham Exactly what men think I am. To leave some simple work behind To keep my having lived in mind; If enmity to aught I show, To be an honest, generous foe; To play my little part, nor whine That greater honors are not mine. This I believe is all I need For my philosophy and creed.
Private And Public Partners Hold Press Conference To Launch Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Initiative
On Tuesday, July 9th, a collaborative group of Miami-Dade County’s top public and private sector organizations held a news conference at Marva Y. Bannerman Park Pool in Brownsville to unveil the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade initiative, a large-scale swim safety program aimed at teaching fouryear-old children enrolled in public and private early learning centers and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) kindergarteners essential water safety lessons.
Drownings have become the leading cause of death in Miami-Dade County for children ages one to nine, but studies show that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce that risk by 88%.
Zero Drownings Miami-Dade is a comprehensive and collaborative effort between The Children’s Trust, Mi-
ami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the American Red Cross - South Florida Region, The Miami Foundation, United Way Miami, Edu Foundation, and the Templeton Family Foundation to reduce and ultimately prevent childhood drownings by providing swim lessons for young children, water safety education for families, and a communitywide water safety campaign. Both public and private funding is supporting the initiative.
The countywide swim safety program will facilitate free swim lessons, using American Red Cross-certified curriculum, for cohorts of four and five-yearolds during the school day at public or private water safety swim provider locations. Participating children will come from the County’s Head Start program, The Children’s Trust-funded Thrive by
5 private childcare centers in high-poverty neighborhoods, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools kindergarten classrooms. Each participating program and classroom will be pre-selected by M-DCPS, The Children’s Trust, and County staff. There is no general registration for this program.
The children will be transported to the nearest participating swim provider as a daily school field trip over the course of two weeks. Each student will be offered 10, 30-minute, group swim lessons with a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of one to six.
The program also includes a water safety curriculum to teach them to be smart in and around water, and a digital water safety course for their families. Providing free transportation and facilitating the free program during school hours
ensures access to open and available facilities and increases the likelihood of children completing the program.
Under this initiative, an Office of Drowning Prevention was created and is housed at Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department. The office will serve as a logistics hub for coordinating the evidence-based Zero Drownings Miami-Dade program.
The program is scaling up quickly over the next three years. A total of 4,000 children are expected to complete the program in the 2024-2025 school year, 10,000 children in the 2025-2026 school year, and 20,000 children in 2026-2027. The intent is to reach a minimum of 20,000 children each year following, in perpetuity.
The initiative will also offer family engagement and community education components to ensure a broader understanding of swim safety within the children’s homes and in their communities. It is a long-term, sustainable, multi-component drowning prevention and water education program for young children and their families across the county.
“Through education, resources, and heightened awareness, drownings are preventable, and we know that teaching children at this young age is preparing them for life,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This vital program is a testament to our community’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. Together, we can make our Miami-Dade a place where families can enjoy our beautiful waters without fear, and make zero drownings not just a goal, but a reality.”
“I am extremely proud to be part of this initiative,” said Miami-Dade County District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon. “We as community leaders needed to come together to create a uniform program that would reach some of our youngest and most vulnerable children, who may not otherwise have the means, or the opportunity to attend a learnto-swim program. Zero Drownings Miami-Dade is that program.”
“Collaborating with partners to help children learn to swim is a vital initiative that can save lives and foster confidence,” said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “Together we can create a positive change, ensuring that more children gain access to swim lessons and the confidence that comes with being skilled swimmers.”
“The Children’s Trust is proud to be a leader and primary funder of the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade initiative. Together, we are building a game-changing program to make generations of children safer when around pools and other
bodies of water,” says The Children’s Trust President & CEO James R. Haj.
“For more than 100 years, the Red Cross has helped millions of children and adults learn how to swim, become lifeguards and swim instructors so the water can be a safer place for everyone,” said American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys Executive Director, Deborah Koch. “We are proud to be part of Zero Drownings Miami-Dade as the lead for education materials and swim safety certifications for students, families, educators, participating water safety instructors and pool safety personnel.”
“At The Miami Foundation, we envision a Greater Miami where safety and thriving go hand in hand. Protecting our children through essential swim lessons is not just a step towards preventing drownings—it’s a step towards ensuring every member of our community can flourish. True progress demands bold, collective action, and we are honored to support Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, the American Red Cross, Edu Foundation, Templeton Family Foundation, and United Way Miami in this transformational initiative. Together, we can build a safer, more vibrant Miami for all.”
“Through this partnership, United Way Miami is addressing the significant local swimming disparity. Reports show that 70% of Black, 60% of Hispanic, and 40% of White children are unable to swim. Every child, regardless of background, deserves access to water safety training,” said Symeria Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. “The Zero Drownings Initiative aligns perfectly with United Way Miami’s mission, and we are proud to help make this life-saving skill accessible to our community.”
For more information, please visit www.zerodrowningsmiamidade.org and contact the following agencies:
Miami-Dade County - Julienne Gage at 305-310-8349 or at Julienne.Gage@MiamiDade.gov
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) - Elmo R. Lugo at 786-697-8659 or at erlugo@dadeschools.net
The Children’s Trust - Natalia Zea at 786.566.0920 or at natalia@thechildrenstrust
Nelson Mandela International DayJULY 18th
The recently celebrated Independence Day, commonly referred to as the Fourth of July, is a significant day in American history, as it marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776) and the United States became its own nation. It’s a day filled with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings, reminding us of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Later in the month, Nelson Mandela International Day commemorates the extraordinary legacy of Nelson Mandela, who devoted his life to the service of humanity. Mandela’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation continues to inspire us all. As Mandela wisely said, “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.” This day encourages us to take action and inspire change by making a positive impact in our communities, embodying the spirit of Madiba.
It’s National Black Family Month
July is Black Family Month! A special time for us to honor the strength, resilience and rich heritage of our families. The family is the backbone of society, playing a vital role in shaping communities and generations. It is within our families that we learn many things, such as values, life lessons, and build confidence and self-esteem.
This month is the perfect time to strengthen family ties, support one another, and cultivate a sense of belonging and pride. Whether it’s cooking family recipes,
going on a trip organizing a family reunion, enjoying a delicious barbecue, or having a storytelling session with our elders, let’s make it a point to engage in activities that bring us closer.
Black Family Month is our time to affirm the enduring spirit of our families, celebrate our legacy, and inspire future generations to carry forward our traditions and purpose. Let’s make this month a celebration of who we are and the love that binds us together.
Little Haiti Cultural Center Director Resigns
Qunyatta Warren has submitted his letter of resignation as Director of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex after serving just one year. Warren has expressed concern about a lack of attention to the needs of the LHCC, citing extensive repairs that have gone unaddressed. These ongoing issues have caused Warren and others to feel as if the needs of the LHCC are not a priority. Previous directors have expressed similar concerns. Warren relocated to Miami from Jacksonville to lead the Center in June of 2023 and has spearheaded more than two dozen events there.
Previous directors of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex have expressed concerns over the years and questioned why there appears to be a disconnect as it pertains to its needs. The LHCC is a jewel in the City of Miami and its programming is enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area. The Marketplace at the Complex serves as a community treasure that is appreciated for its vibrancy and cultural significance. Warren’s resignation is effective July 19th.
Famous Amos Begins National Search To Award Three Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
With $150,000
In its fourth year, the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative Helps Black Small Businesses Excel Long-Term
Recently, Ferrero North America, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., announced its 2024 Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, an annual national program in its fourth year that provides a capital award, resources and mentorship services to Black early-stage businesses. The program invites eligible start-up businesses to apply for the opportunity to receive a $50,000 award on the website FamousAmosIngredientsForSuccess.com through August 4, 2024.
Eligible businesses must be at minimum 90% Blackowned, in business for five years or less, and headquartered in the United States. The businesses must be owned by individuals 21 years or older. To be considered, applicants must submit a 90-120 second pitch video that explains why they should receive the $50,000 award for their business. This year’s winners and finalists will join an established network of entrepreneurs who have grown their businesses with the help of the program.
“Ferrero North America and Famous Amos continue to support the Ingredients for Success program in its fourth year to honor the legacy of Wally Amos,” said Rachna Patel, Vice President of Marketing for Famous Amos. “The purpose of Ingredients for Success is to help Black-owned businesses grow and ensure they are equipped with resources that lead to long-term success. We look forward to continuing to make an equitable impact on the Black business community with the help of our partner this year, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.”
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. will serve as the community partner of Famous Amos in the fourth year of the Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative. The partner’s support for the program includes a range
of services designed to assist entrepreneurs, including workshops, mentor pairing, educational resources and more.
“The U.S. Black Chambers is proud to bring our vast experience in supporting and uplifting Black business – from advocacy to mentorship – to the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success network,” said Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “Ingredients for Success has impacted nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs so far with its mission to reach and empower start-up Black businesses. As the National Voice of Black Business, we are committed to providing even more Black business owners with the benefits of the program and access to additional resources and support so that this strong community of leaders has everything they need to reach their potential.”
At the close of this fourth program cycle, three grandprize winners will be selected by a panel of renowned Black entrepreneurs including Steve Canal, Grant Warner, and Kendra Bracken-Ferguson to receive an award of $50,000 in capital business funds, wrap-around business resources and services, as well as publicity. There have been three previous program cycles since 2021, so far awarding $450,000 to a total of nine winners. Each year, the program receives more than 2,000 applications for review and consideration.
For more information, please visit FamousAmosIngredientsForSuccess.com.
Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and @FerreroNACorp on Instagram. For all media inquiries, please email: northamericamediainquiries@ferrero.com
