Embrace’s Post

If you know me, you already know my take on this. There are no such things as safe or unsafe 'places' - only safe or unsafe 'people'. Yet another unfortunate example below. Just last year I did two separate 3-hour professional in-service seminars for #churches, #privateschools and #nonprofits on both sides of the DFW area addressing numerous physical, data and reputational concerns for the same at the leadership level. But I also offer the same at the employee/staff and even volunteer level. Even the current #onlinecourse #onlinetraining I offer for "internal/in-house employees" addresses many of the main concerns. But technology can only address so much, especially where 'prevention' (vs. reaction) can be applied prior to such incidents. For any #insurancebroker or #insurancecompany interested in helping clients address the same, let's also talk. I know someone who can help, online and in-person. #defensebydesign

⭐ Movember: Let's Talk About Men's Health ⭐ Have you noticed any freshly sprouting moustaches around you lately? Beyond the 'stache fun, this month is all about raising awareness for men's health issues like mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer 💙 Did you know men die on average 4.5 years earlier than women? It's a reminder to start those important conversations! 💬Many people feel unsure about how to approach these topics. You might think, "I didn't know what to ask" or "I didn't know what to say." That's perfectly okay! Just asking, "How are you really doing?" can open the door to deeper discussions 🤔 Here's a few great Charities to check out 🤝 Movember: Funds research and programmes for men's health 🎗️ Mind: Offers mental health support 🧠 Samaritans: Provides 24/7 emotional support📞 There are also many local social groups like #MenThatMerlot in Dorset with Richard Walker that provide a great community environment 🗣️ This Movember, let's break the silence around men's health together! If you know of any charities or local groups that support men's mental health, please share them in the comments. Let's keep the conversation going! 🙌 #Movember #MensHealth #4FrontRecruitment https://lnkd.in/e8PAvgMb

If you know me, you already know my take on this. There are no such things as safe or unsafe 'places' - only safe or unsafe 'people'. Yet another unfortunate example below. Just last year I did two separate 3-hour professional in-service seminars for #churches, #privateschools and #nonprofits on both sides of the DFW area addressing numerous physical, data and reputational concerns for the same at the leadership level. But I also offer the same at the employee/staff and even volunteer level. Even the current #onlinecourse #onlinetraining I offer for "internal/in-house employees" addresses many of the main concerns. But technology can only address so much, especially where 'prevention' (vs. reaction) can be applied prior to such incidents. For any #insurancebroker or #insurancecompany interested in helping clients address the same, let's also talk. I know someone who can help, online and in-person. #defensebydesign

On 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗, Living Resources, along with other I/DD advocates gathered in the War Room at the New York State Capital for the very first rally of advocacy season! Our CEO, Elizabeth Martin opened up the rally with a powerful speech. Check it out! 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬: • Investment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies. • Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work. • Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝: - The Arc New York has launched a website that you can use to send a customizable message directly to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature demanding that they invest in the workforce that supports the I/DD community. Click here to access that tool and make your voice heard: https://p2a.co/dk6jiuq

We can easily change things to build a better world for everyone, my only questions are. 1. why haven't we done so when we have so many people protesting, rioting, separate bandaid solutions, etc? 2. what support systems do we need to accomplish this? 3. when can we get it done? A: anytime, it just takes people understanding newer systems and getting off their butts to volunteer to get it done. Larry King 1974 with Jacque Fresco explaining the basics: https://lnkd.in/g76_C5h8 The Venus Project website for volunteering: https://lnkd.in/g4pxzQ3c

The amazing organisation that is #parkrun is 20 years old today. There is clear evidence of the significant impact it has on mental health, local community cohesion and encouraging people into/back into exercise. Through a recent research project on parkrun, published in the #EuropeanJournalofMarketing, I explored how innovative it's approach to volunteering was. A complete game changer with flexible roles, flexible commitment and a genuine sense of ownership. You can read the paper here: https://lnkd.in/en5YGv-c

📣 Calling on my LinkedIn community for help! On October 11, we’re hosting the Notes of Friendship Benefit Concert in Downtown Woodstock and looking for supportive businesses to get involved. We're $9,000 away from reaching our fundraising goal for Erin’s Hope for Friends (EHFF), a small but mighty nonprofit that supports teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you know businesses or individuals who might be interested, please connect them with me! Your help can make a huge difference! 😍 Sponsorship Guide: https://lnkd.in/ekpPHMGP We also have opportunities for individuals to support—bring friends and buy a table, or purchase a seat to donate so someone served by the organization can enjoy the concert! ------------ About Erin's Hope for Friends: Erin’s Hope for Friends (EHFF) is a local nonprofit with a mission close to our hearts: fostering meaningful friendships and support systems for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since 2016, our E’s Club has provided over 5,000 teens and young adults with a safe and welcoming environment to connect, be themselves, and build lasting relationships without fear of judgment or social isolation. Friendships are significant for individuals with ASD. Unfortunately, 60% of them experience bullying, with high schoolers targeted most often. These experiences may lead to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. Providing these individuals the opportunity to make friends in a supportive environment can significantly reduce these risks and enhance their overall well-being. Learn more: erinshopeforfriends.org

Let's Celebrate Community, Mental Health, and the Beautiful Game Soccer has been a central part of my life—playing in the English Premier League, and working with the U.S. Women’s National Team during our gold-medal-winning quest at the 2012 London Olympics. It’s a sport that has shaped me, revealing my character and teaching me lessons about discipline, focus, camaraderie, strategy, teamwork, determination, and so much more. That’s why I’m thrilled to support and advise The Sensational League, which is bringing the power of play to cities across the country, starting with my hometown. It’s more than just a league—it’s a movement rooted in community and mental health, with soccer as the unifying force. At a time when life feels increasingly stressful, The Sensational League reminds us of the joy and connection that come from play. Over the years, I’ve heard some say that women shouldn’t compete, as if competition is somehow incompatible with collaboration or belonging. I couldn’t disagree more. Competition calls us to grow, to bring our best, and to inspire others to do the same. Today, we’re finally starting to see the recognition women’s sports deserve—not just for the incredible quality on the field but for the impact it makes off the field as well. The Sensational League is led by one of my favorite people, Majken Gilmartin, a visionary who we're also proud to call a member of Angel Club. If you’re passionate about creating vibrant communities through soccer—or if you’re simply curious about how you can bring this league to your city—I encourage you to reach out to Majken directly to explore partnership opportunities. Let’s keep building a world where connection, play, and inclusion thrive. Who do you want to win with? Let's win together.

Reasons you should watch this video: 1. You believe that improving mental health outcomes is important 2. You believe that being present in the moment is key to those improvements 3. You like watching people have the time of their lives 22 Jumps Elevate Outdoors Rope Swing Moab Matthew LaJeunesse

Why have I always loved "The Boxer" by Paul Simon so much? Because, despite being from decades ago, the lyrics are as relevant as ever. We live in a society of inequity, a national housing crisis. Hard working Americans struggle to make ends meet, as wages are stagnant for years while the cost of everything soars. People turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, Corporate landlords and unregulated healthcare insurance industries putting profit before people contribute to people traumatized, emotionally distressed, and a record number experiencing homelessness. How do local governments and our society within municipalities and cities respond to this crisis? By continuing to only allow low density residential housing to be zoned. By criminalizing the victims- people who lost their homes. We jail them for trying to exist because we deem it a "nuisance". Police violate constitutional rights, and once homeless, many see you as less than human. Not afforded the same basic dignity as someone with clean clothes and a home. Our local governments keep the ACLU very busy and with plenty of work. And despite federal court rulings, our cities continue to defy court-orders to cease and desist unconstitutional conduct deemed cruel and unusual punishment against homeless. Those already the most vulnerable in our society. Paul Simon's song is a sad but beautiful ballad, the narrative of a man in poverty in New York City, and his trials and tribulations. The fallacies of our world, the apathy, and the emotional isolation that results.