Freedom Reads Partners With the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) to Empower Youth Through Literature
Freedom Library conceived by Reginald Dwayne Betts, former prisoner-turned-acclaimed-poet, opens at DYS’ Edward J. Loughran Memorial Library in Dorchester, Massachusetts
NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 28, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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Today, the national nonprofit Freedom Reads opened a Freedom Library within the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services’ (DYS) Metropolitan Boston Youth Service Center. This Freedom Library, the first to be opened in a Massachusetts youth facility, is part of an ongoing partnership between Freedom Reads and DYS. Freedom Libraries have previously opened in adult facilities across Massachusetts, including at MCI-Norfolk, Old Colony Correctional Center, MCI-Concord, and MCI Pondville.
The brainchild of 2021 MacArthur Fellow and Yale Law School graduate Reginald Dwayne Betts, who was sentenced to nine years in prison at age 16, the Freedom Libraries seek to create a space to encourage community and where reaching for a book can be as spontaneous as human curiosity. Each bookshelf is handcrafted out of maple, walnut or cherry and is curved to contrast straight lines and bars of prisons as well as to evoke Martin Luther King Jr.’s line about the “arc of the universe” bending “toward justice.”
Betts’ nonprofit is a first-of-its-kind organization that empowers people through literature to imagine new possibilities for their lives. Books in the Freedom Library have been carefully curated through consultations with hundreds of poets, novelists, philosophers, teachers, friends, and voracious readers, resulting in a collection of books that are not only beloved but indispensable. The libraries include contemporary poets, novelists, and essayists alongside classic works from Homer’s The Odyssey to the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, titles that remind us the book has long been a freedom project.
“Our very first Freedom Library was opened in a Massachusetts facility. With the opening of this Freedom Library at the Metropolitan Boston Youth Service Center, we hope to continue to create community spaces where young readers can find beauty and imagine new possibilities for their lives,” said Reginald Dwayne Betts, Founder and CEO of Freedom Reads. “We are grateful that the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services continues to share our goal of creating opportunities for daily engagement with literature inside their facilities and a space for books, inquiry, imagination, and community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Reginald Dwayne Betts and Freedom Reads on this important initiative,” said DYS Commissioner Cecely Reardon. “The addition of a Freedom Library to the Edward J. Loughran Memorial Library provides our young people with an invaluable opportunity to explore a variety of literary genres and discover texts that speak to their experiences. The Freedom Library is a fantastic complement to the Edward J. Loughran Memorial Library and builds on the legacy of Edward ‘Ned’ Loughran, who led the agency during a critical period of development and whose vision is still evident in our programming.”
About Freedom Reads:
Founded by Reginald Dwayne Betts, who knows firsthand the dispiriting forces of prison, Freedom Reads works to empower people through literature to confront what prison does to the spirit. Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and inspired by the recognition that freedom begins with a book, Freedom Reads supports the efforts of people in prison to transform their lives through increased access to books and writers. For more information about Freedom Reads and the Freedom Libraries project, please visit https://freedomreads.org/.
About Massachusetts Department of Youth Services:
For more information on the Department of Youth Services please go to www.mass.gov/DYS.
Contact Information:
Kathryn Laverriere
Department of Youth Services
Megan Stencel
Account Executive
7034908845
Original Source:
Freedom Reads Partners With the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) to Empower Youth Through Literature
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Unify Medical Announces Know-How Agreement With Mayo Clinic for Fluorescence-Guided Visualization
Unify Medical, Inc., a privately-held, smart, surgical visualization technology company, announced it has entered into a know-how agreement with Mayo Clinic to assess and develop clinical applications using Unify’s fluorescence-guided visualization technology
Unify Medical
Unify Medical Logo
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 28, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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Unify Medical, Inc., a privately-held, smart, surgical visualization technology company, announced it has entered into a know-how agreement with Mayo Clinic to assess and develop clinical applications using Unify’s fluorescence-guided visualization technology.
Michael Kendrick, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, will be the principal investigator. This collaboration will leverage Unify Medical’s wearable fluorescence-guided, surgical device technology for pancreatic cancer applications.
“We believe this collaboration will aid in the advancement of specific applications for pancreatic cancer,” said Rick Kovach, CEO of Unify Medical.
About Fluorescence-guided Surgery
To date, surgeons have faced limitations in confidently assessing the location and full extent of cancerous tissue while operating. Unify Medical’s fluorescent visualization technology will allow surgeons to see tissue perfusion and optimize surgical planning.
Mayo Clinic has a financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit missions in patient care, education, and research.
About Unify Medical, Inc.
Unify Medical develops several surgical visualization technologies, including fluorescence-imaging solutions. The Company’s first product is currently under development for use during multiple surgical applications and is not yet FDA-approved. For more information, visit www.unifymedical.com.
Contact Information:
Rick Kovach
President & CEO
Original Source:
Unify Medical Announces Know-How Agreement With Mayo Clinic for Fluorescence-Guided Visualization
VALO Holdings Group and SurgeTrader CEO Jana Seaman Rally Behind San Diego Charity Third Avenue Charitable Organization at Gold Rush Rally’s First Stop
VALO Holdings Group and its CEO Jana Seaman announce their support of the California-based organization Third Avenue Charitable Organization as part of their Gold Rush Rally philanthropic tour across the western United States.
SAN DIEGO, July 28, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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VALO Holdings Group, a leading investment firm, and SurgeTrader, a prominent trader funding platform, proudly announce their support for Third Avenue Charitable Organization as the dedicated charity for the first stop of the highly anticipated Gold Rush Rally. The VALO Holdings Group team, led by their CEO, Jana Seaman, actively participated in the rally and made a generous donation to Third Avenue Charitable Organization.
The Gold Rush Rally, known for its exhilarating cross-country journey featuring a fleet of incredible sports cars, began with a powerful gesture of philanthropy. As part of their commitment to giving back, the VALO Holdings Group team pledged to make a charitable donation at each stop of the rally. For the first leg of the rally, they selected Third Avenue Charitable Organization as the recipient of their support.
Upon arriving in San Diego, the VALO Holdings Group team demonstrated their dedication to making a positive impact in the community by presenting a substantial donation to Third Avenue Charitable Organization. This donation will further support the organization’s mission of aiding those among us experiencing homelessness and poverty, fostering dignity, health, and well-being in the local community.
“We are honored to be part of the Gold Rush Rally and to support Third Avenue Charitable Organization,” stated Jana Seaman, CEO of SurgeTrader. “Through our participation in this extraordinary event, we aim to raise awareness and funds to aid those facing homelessness and poverty in San Diego.”
Third Avenue Charitable Organization, a compassionate non-profit, brings together a community dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in San Diego. Their vital work encompasses providing essential services, resources, and support to empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
The collaboration between VALO Holdings Group and SurgeTrader with Third Avenue Charitable Organization exemplifies their shared commitment to corporate social responsibility and creating positive change in the communities they visit during the Gold Rush Rally.
For more information about Third Avenue Charitable Organization and its impactful mission, please visit https://www.tacosd.org/.
About VALO Holdings Group:
VALO Holdings Group is a leading global investment firm with a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning various industries. Committed to creating positive change, VALO Holdings Group focuses on strategic investments and philanthropic efforts that empower communities and drive innovation. More at https://www.valoholdings.com/
About SurgeTrader:
SurgeTrader, LLC is a U.S.-based proprietary trading — or prop trading — firm, with a mission to accelerate trader funding and provide capital to profitable traders. Once traders have proven they can be profitable by passing an Audition, they become a part of the SurgeTrader-funded trader community, with access to an account funded with up to $10 million in buying power. For more information on SurgeTrader or how to become a funded trader, visit https://www.surgetrader.com.
Contact Information:
Chrissa Alghini
Marketing Director
239-249-5806
Original Source:
VALO Holdings Group and SurgeTrader CEO Jana Seaman Rally Behind San Diego Charity Third Avenue Charitable Organization at Gold Rush Rally’s First Stop
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Billy Jensen to Publish Latest True Crime Book, Killers Amidst Killers
Post Hill Press is publishing his new true crime book, Killers Amidst Killers: Hunting Serial Killers Operating Under the Cloak of the Opioid Epidemic.
…
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The Glidewell Silent Nite Sleep Appliance is Now PDAC-Approved for Medicare (E0486)
Glidewell Receives PDAC-Approval for Silent Nite Sleep Appliance, Making It the Second Silent Nite Appliance Eligible for Medicare Reimbursement Using Code E0486
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Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry: A Lifeline for the Community
Harlem Dowling-West Side Center and Biz Markie’s Just a Friend Foundation Unite To Fight Hunger
Biz Markie
Biz Markie In The Grocery Store
HARLEM, N.Y., July 27, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services and Biz Markie’s Just A Friend Foundation proudly announce a groundbreaking collaboration to establish Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry, a vital resource aimed at alleviating food insecurity in the community. The food pantry will be open to the public every Friday, providing needed support to individuals and families facing hardships. The partnership between two esteemed organizations, renowned for their commitment to empowering communities and enhancing lives, marks a significant step in addressing the urgent needs of those affected by food insecurity in the greater New York area.
**About Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services**
Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services has been a pillar of hope and support for vulnerable children, families, and individuals since its establishment in 1836. Through a wide range of programs and services, the organization aims to build stronger communities, foster resilience, and create opportunities for growth and success.
**About Biz Markie’s Just A Friend Foundation**
Biz Markie’s Just A Friend Foundation, inspired by the late rapper and humanitarian, Biz Markie, continues his legacy of giving back to communities. The foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through initiatives that address hunger, education, and health disparities.
*Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry: A Lifeline for the Community*
2139 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry is set to open its doors on Friday, 8/11, the same day the late icon’s biopic/documentary, All Up In The Biz is being released on Showtime. The pantry will operate every Friday from 12 p.m.-2 p.m., serving as a reliable source of nutritious food for those facing economic hardship.
“We believe that no one should go hungry, and through Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors,” stated Karen Dixon, the Executive Director of Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services.
“This collaboration with Harlem Dowling-West Side Center is an extension of Biz Markie’s vision to bring communities together, and we are honored to be part of this endeavor,” said Tara Hall, Executive Director of Biz Markie’s Just A Friend Foundation.
**How to Get Involved**
The success of Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry relies on the support of caring individuals and organizations. To join in the effort to combat food insecurity, community members can contribute by volunteering their time or making donations to help sustain the pantry’s operations.
For volunteer opportunities or to make a contribution, please visit our website.
**Media Contact**
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry, please contact:
*Follow Harlem Dowling-West Side Center and Biz Markie’s Just A Friend Foundation on social media:*
https://www.harlemdowling.org
https://instagram.com/harlemdowling_westsidecenter
https://instagram.com/just.a.friend.foundation
https://www.bizmarkiesjustafriend.org/emergency-food-pantry
Contact Information:
Tara Hall
Executive Director
240-619-8480
Original Source:
Biz Markie’s Emergency Food Pantry: A Lifeline for the Community
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Over 40 New Travel Ranking Lists Launched by Visited Travel App
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TORON…
The post Over 40 New Travel Ranking Lists Launched by Visited Travel App first appeared on RSVTV news.
American Medical Administrators, Inc. Announces Doctor James Poindexter Joining the Organization and the Acquisition of Georgia Vascular Specialists, PC.
Dr James Poindexter
ATLANTA, July 27, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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American Medical Administrators, Inc., (American Medical), a new and innovative healthcare …
Otrium Names Zuhairah Washington as Chief Executive Officer & Appoints Co-Founder, Max Klijnstra, as Chief Sustainability & Growth Officer
Zuhairah Washington
AMSTERDAM, July 27, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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Otrium, the digital fashion outlet tackling the industry’s growing challenge of excess in…
The post Otrium Names Zuhairah Washington as Chief Executive Officer & Appoints Co-Founder, Max Klijnstra, as Chief Sustainability & Growth Officer first appeared on RSVTV news.
Bona Fide Masks Corp. Inks Exclusive U.S. Distribution Agreement With Harley Commodity for NIOSH- and FDA-Approved Surgical N95 Masks
Company Expands Mask Product Line Approved for Medical Settings
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y., July 27, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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