The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side

Friday, June 1, 2012

Chance Ministries Celebrates 7th Anniversary Of Chance Ministries

First Lady Belinda Martin leads the congregation & guests in celebrating the 7th Anniversary of Chance Ministries. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Rev. William L. Martin, Sr., Pastor of Chance Ministries, 305 N. Cicero Ave., introduces Pastor T.L. Barrett of Life Center COGIC, guest speaker for the 7th Anniversary celebration climax May 6. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Rev. William Martin, Sr. & First Lady Belinda Martin with Loretta Ellis & ministers with Pastor T.L. Barrett & First Lady Cleo Barrett at Chance Ministries’ 7th Anniversary celebration. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Gearing Up For Graduation!

By Executive Director Bonnie Johnson
If there is one universal truth in the recovery community it is that no one ever really graduates from recovery. They might complete treatment, training programs, or schooling, but the path of substance abuse recovery is a lifetime journey that requires constant diligence. That being said, the arduous and structured program that SisterHouse residents complete is one that deserves recognition and accolades. The three phase “Recovery is Possible” program that we offer here is part of the educational ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Any educational accomplishment is appropriately celebrated with a graduation ceremony. Similar to more traditional educational models, what is learned at SisterHouse is best when implemented into the practical experience of life.

Thinking back to those math classes I resented back in school and the resounding “when are we ever going to use this?!” question that I kept arguing, only today with Quickbooks profit and loss reports I must admit all those lessons have been crucial. Even more so are the lessons learned at SisterHouse. I dare anyone to share a home with 20 women and not learn about conflict resolution, compromise, compassion, and community. Upon completing our program, residents have acquired at least one year of sobriety, which means they have learned to deal with life on life’s terms, to suit up and show up even on the days they didn’t want to, and to take actions contrary to the way they feel. So we congratulate the next group of SisterHouse alumnae who shall emerge as leaders in their families and communities and come back to remind the next group of residents that hope remains through all the challenges and strife.

For more information on SisterHouse’s services for women or donation and service opportunities, or to purchase tickets to our upcoming events, please visit www.sisterhousechicago.org.

Family Over Each Other Annual Easter Basket Giveaway

The entire community came out to support Catina White (known as Mz Diva) and the staff of Family Over Each Other in giving out over 800 Easter Baskets. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)(Left)

Everyone joins the Easter Bunny and Mz Diva’s Family Over Each Other for the 2nd Annual Easter Basket giveaway. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)(Bottom)

Morton School

Members of the Morton School of Excellence winning Scholastic Spectacular team show off their trophy. (top)

Excited Ryerson students are ready to compete in the 2nd Annual YMCA Scholastic Spectacular at the Chicago History Museum.(Right )

Eight students from Morton School of Excellence, 431 North Troy, beat back challenges from six schools in a 2-round sudden-death trivia contest. Teams consisted of eight students each from 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The schools competing were: May Community Academy, Ryerson Elementary, Libby Elementary & Middle School, Oglesby Elementary, and Whistler Elementary.

This is the 2nd annual Scholastic Spectacular hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. It was a night of trivia and entertainment from participants of its Community Schools Initiative. The event was held in the auditorium of the Chicago History Museum. The Morton Step Team also performed after each semi-final round.

Report From The Alderman!

Celebrating the Artistic Talents of a Local 37th Ward HOWE School Student – Javonte Guyton

Each and every single day in Chicago, we hear negative news stories about young people and students of the Chicago Public Schools. Well this is not one of those days. Today we are celebrating the artistic talents of one of the 37th Ward’s very own 7th grade students - - Mr. Javonte Guyton.
Why are we highlighting this young man today? Because through the strategic use of his love of drawing and art-related pursuits, he is being honored by the HOWE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE, located at 720 North Lorel, at a special award ceremony on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the school auditorium. Through the encouragement of his art teacher, who recognized the depth of his artistic ability – he won the first place prize in an art contest sponsored by United Stationers and the Boise Paper Company. He has won a $5,000 donation to his school, HOWE elementary, from the sponsors and equally important - - his winning designs will appear on the packaging of their paper products in Chicago, the Midwest and across the United States!!!
Pretty impressive for a local 7th grader, isn’t it? He deserves the highest accolades and best wishes for even greater future success! Well done Javonte! He has two siblings who also attend HOWE, a twin brother and a sister, an 8th grader who will be graduating this June. His parents should be justifiably very, very proud. I will be there to cheer this young man and to emphasize to ALL the HOWE students and students throughout the 37th Ward of one simple fact - - it is Cool to Perform Well in School!!
Mark Your Calendars Get Ready to Set Sail on the Saturday, June 8, 2012 for the The ANNUAL 37th Ward ‘All White at Midnight Birthday Party Cruise’. This exciting and fun-filled evening will board at Navy Pier on the Mystic Blue. Tell your friends and family and join me, Emma Mitts. You don’t want to miss will be there for the kick-off festivities! Interested and want to know more? Call us at 773.889.1854. We will look to see you there!!!

Need a service or have a question? Contact my ward office at 773-745-2894, or send an email:
emitts@cityofchicago.org

Friday, May 25, 2012

PATHFINDERS PREVENTION EDUCATION FUND HOSTS FESTIVE OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW OFFICE

Brenetta Howell Barrett, CEO of Pathfinders Prevention Education Fund, hosted an Open House introducing the organization’s new office at 1140 North Lamon Avenue in the Bethel Small Business Center. Dr. Terry Mason, Chief Medical Officer for the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, was the special guest speaker. He delivered a dire warning for those dependent upon the county for medical care. Dr. Mason predicted that if President Obama’s national healthcare act is overturned by the Supreme Court or repealed by Congress, it would doom the Cook County hospitals and clinics because there would not be sufficient money to operate them and provide medical care to the poor and uninsured. Dr. Mason encouraged young people attending the Open House to consider careers in medicine and healthcare despite the cost of college and the problems facing the profession. He also urged them to strive for their dreams and not to let anyone deter them from achieving their goals. Artists Patrick Thompson and Darrell Spicy presented a mini-gallery of fine art in the outer hallway. They were joined by samples from the quilt project of the Lawndale Alliance, headed by Valerie Leonard, who also served as MC for the event. Achievement awards were presented to Dr. Mason, Prentiss Jackson, and Joyce Wade. Brenetta Howell Barrett thanked Pathfinders board members and volunteers for their hard work, including: Linda Kay Goodine, Dr. Patricia R. Bush, Dr. Susan Rogers, Bernard Clay, Darrell Gordon, Sam Houston, Dr. Richard Stephenson, Maeomia Oden, Matthew Jackson, Reginald Mister, and Dorothy Finley. Pathfinders provides HIV, AIDS, and sexually transmitted disease information through lectures, workshops, interactive roundtables, and literature tables for adults and youth. It serves the Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale, West Humboldt Park, Near West Side, West Haven, and west suburban communities. To schedule a presentation and to obtain information, call 773/287-5523.

News You Can Use From 24th Ward Alderman Michael D. Chandler

Expungement Summit
Sponsored By Clerk of Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown
24th Alderman Michael D. Chandler is strongly encouraging all eligible ex-offenders to attend the upcoming Adult & Juvenile Expungement Summit sponsored by Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Apostolic Church of God, located at 6320 S. Dorchester Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Registration for the summit begins at 8:30 a.m and will conclude at 6:00 p.m.
The summit is focused on providing services such as free legal services, application and filing assistance to ex-offenders who seek to have prior adult or juvenile felony or misdemeanor offenses expunged or sealed. Information will also be provided for clemency and certificate information.         Other on-site information regarding child support, identity theft protection, and job training, housing and other community services resources will also be available.
“I am proud to work with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown and other local elective officials, community, legal and social service organizations throughout the city in this effort, stated Alderman Chandler. “We need to provide every resource we can to reintegrate ex-offenders back into our communities in a positive, productive and effective manner. This expungement summit and the information that will be provided to ex-offenders at this activity is a significant step in achieving this goal.”
    Information that ex-offenders need to have with them for assistance at the summit is the following: 1) Drug Test Results needed for persons with felony drug convictions. Test should be taken before June 1st so results can be available for June 2nd summit; 2) Copy of Adult Rap Sheet; 3) Copy of Juvenile Rap Sheet; and 4) For Suburban Cases, obtain copy of criminal case information from the local police agency where your arrest occurred by requesting a Right to Access and Review.
    Costs of Fees for depositions and expungement/sealing filings that can be completed at the Summit include: 1) Adult Certified Dispositions ($9.00 per case); 2) Adult Expungement/Sealing & Illinois State Police Fee ($120.00) per petition; and 3) Juvenile Expungement & Illinois State Police Fee ($124.00) per petition.”
Stop in at our Constituent Service Office, 1158 South Keeler Avenue, or call 773/533-2400.

Voise Academy Awards

Aaryn Finklea, 19, a senior at VOISE Academy in the Austin Multiplex, has been awarded a Gates Scholarship paying all expenses for his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. Only 20 Gates full-ride scholarships are awarded in each state annually. Aaryn is attending Columbia College in the fall, studying Film & Digital Media Production. He says he wants to be a Hollywood moviemaker. He carries a 3.6 unweighted GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Aaryn is a graduate of Milton Brunson Math & Science Specialty School. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

Andre Goins is a sophomore at VOISE Academy and is a member of the Varsity Debate Team. This is his second year as a debater. He won 4 team awards this season and several personal speaking awards. Andre will attend a high school debate camp in Indiana for a week this summer and will attend the Chicago Debate League Camp for Chicago Public School debaters. Robert Wysocki is the VOISE Debate Coach. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

Chaquille Gales, 17, a senior at VOISE Academy, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He is attending Southern Illinois University in the fall, majoring in Business Administration. He carries a 3.4 unweighted GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Chaquille wants to be an entrepreneur working in real estate. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

2012 Junior Honor Society

ST. CATHERINE-ST. LUCY STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

Five 7th grade students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society Chapter at St. Catherine-St. Lucy School, 27 Washington Boulevard, Oak Park, at a ceremony in the parish church before relatives, teachers, and fellow students. St. Catherine-St. Lucy’s fourth National Junior Honor Society inductees are: Nia Singleton, K’lyn Glass, Iman Randle, Akeelah Taylor, and Jamari Taylor. They were pinned and welcomed into the society by last year’s inductees Kristopher Boyce, Shakari Brown, D’eana Fenn, Tio Hardiman, and Jaylon Mitchell. The National Junior Honor Society was founded more than 80 years ago to recognize young men and women for being good students and responsible citizens. Each member is required to maintain a B average and be on the school Honor Roll. They also must perform a variety of volunteer services at their school and in the community. Mrs. Sharon Leamy is the National Junior Honor Society Chapter Moderator. Sister Marion Cypser, RSM, is Principal of St. Catherine-St. Lucy School. Although located in Oak Park, more than 90% of St. Catherine-St. Lucy students reside in Chicago. For information on admission requirements, course offerings, and financial aid at St. Catherine-St. Lucy School, call 708/386-5286.

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REPORT FROM ALDERMAN EMMA MITTS

Happy April 2025 Everyone! I hope you have a great month ahead and here’s some interesting 37th Ward community news for you:

37th Ward Block Club President’s Meeting Saturday, April 5, 2025 Calling All 37th Ward Block Club Presidents! Join us at the 37th Ward Public Service Office, 4924 West Chicago Avenue, @ 8:30am on Saturday, April 2, 2025 as we inform, update, and engage you with vital local news updates happening in our Ward. Learn exciting details about new and current initiatives presented by speakers from these City Agencies: Department of Streets & Sanitation and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). Additionally, hear information from the West Side Long Term Recovery Group. Look Forward to Seeing You on Saturday! Citywide Annual ‘CLEAN & GREEN” Day Saturday, April 12, 2025 This year, the City’s Annual Clean & Green Day of Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025. Across the city on this day people work together for positive change. 37W residents, school groups and community organizations volunteer and join up to clean, de-clutter and beautify our neighborhood areas. All volunteer groups are welcome to participate! Call 311 to register, and the Department of Streets and Sanitation will lend brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags for the clean-up projects. IMPORTANT – THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025! CALL NOW! ONE SUMMER CHICAGO Youth 14-24 Job Opportunities May 30! Attention City Youth, ages 14-24 Looking for Summer Jobs! ACT NOW! Apply before the May 30th Deadline!! Go to: https://OneSummerChicago.org!! .

The 37th Ward office, 4924 West Chicago Avenue, is open Monday-Friday, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Contact the 37th Ward Office at 773-379-0960 or ward37@cityofchicago.org. You can also follow Alderman Mitts on Twitter: @EmmaMittsAld371

A Call To Action: By Reverend Charles C. Brown, Ph.D. - Pastor, New Heaven Christian Church

Narcotics Anonymous: A Path to Recovery and Healing

Substance use and abuse is a complex and often devastating condition that affects millions of people from all walks of life. It knows no boundaries, does not discriminate, and is not limited by age, gender, or social status. It is a destructive disease whose grip seems unbreakable. However, there is hope through Narcotics Anonymous (NA), a global community-based organization that provides help and support to individuals recovering from substance use and abuse. Founded in 1953, NA follows a 12-step approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability, peer support, and spiritual growth. NA provides a path to healing, and I know individuals whose lives were transformed through NA and went on to help others overcome their struggle with substance use and abuse. The 12-step program, the foundation of Narcotics Anonymous, is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous or AA’s principles. However, these principles are modified to address substance use, making NA an inclusive space for all struggling with addiction. These steps encourage individuals to acknowledge their powerlessness over addiction, seek help from a higher power (as they understand it), make amends for past wrongs, and commit to continuous self-improvement. It is a program based on accountability and ownership of one’s issues, and to heal, an individual must utilize and implement the program’s principles. Consequently, the four main principles that govern NA are the concepts of anonymity, spirituality, attending meetings, and seeking sponsorships. Anonymity is a significant factor that makes the program so successful because it ensures that members can share openly and honestly without fear of judgment or exposure. During meetings, people talk freely while others listen without judgment. This confidentiality fosters a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly discuss their concerns, hesitations, and struggles with a sense of vulnerability and trust. NA’s emphasis on spirituality moves the individual outside of themselves, inspiring a sense of hope and connection. Although NA as a program is not affiliated with any religion, members are encouraged to seek strength from a higher power, which can be defined in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs. This open-ended approach makes NA accessible to people of all faiths, as well as those who identify as agnostic or atheist. It is essential to recognize that the spiritual aspect of NA is not about promoting a specific religion but rather about discovering a source of strength and guidance that resonates with everyone. Without a doubt, meetings serve as the core or foundation of NA’s support system, providing a sense of support and connection. Although the meetings vary in format and structure, they all provide a judgment-free space where recovering people with a substance use disorder can share their experiences and support one another. Ordinary meeting formats include: • Speaker Meetings – A member shares their story, focusing on their journey through addiction, recovery, and personal growth. • Discussion Meetings – Members discuss specific topics related to recovery, such as coping with cravings, dealing with emotions, or rebuilding relationships. • Step Study Meetings – Participants study and reflect on one of the 12 steps, exploring how to apply it in their lives. Meetings can be held in person or virtually. There are also specialized meetings for certain groups, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those in the early stages of recovery. The wide variety of meeting formats makes NA accessible to individuals in all situations, which adds to NA’s success rate. Sponsorship is also a valuable aspect of NA. A sponsor is an experienced member who offers guidance and support to newcomers. They help individuals navigate the 12 steps and provide encouragement during difficult times. Sponsors play a crucial role in maintaining accountability and fostering long-term sobriety. As a member of the West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force, a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in our community, I have witnessed the devastating effects of substance use disorder on many lives. While some have lost hope, it is essential to remember that help is available. Together, as a united community, we can restore lives and bring back hope.

Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, Advisor to State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, and Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

AS I SEE IT By Representative La Shawn K. Ford

Violence and Mental Health

The epidemic of violence continues to destroy families and communities in Chicago. We need mental health support to match the police deployment on the South and West sides of Chicago.
At least 108 people were shot and 17 were killed in Chicago over the 2021 Fourth of July weekend, according to the Chicago Tribune. This compares with last year during the pandemic, when 79 people were shot and 15 were killed over the 2020 Fourth of July weekend, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Whenever there are killings in schools or workplaces, trauma support is routinely sent in to help the people directly impacted by the acts of violence. The city of Chicago continues to experience deadly violence, and there has been little to no mental health response for the people affected in our communities.
In addition, I believe in the public health approach to violence, which sees violence as being preventable, not inevitable. We must curb violence and stop it before it starts. Preventing violence is not solely a punitive approach. We need a comprehensive approach to prevent violence, starting with immediate deployment of state, county, and city of health departments to organize and bring in mental health support for the communities impacted by ongoing violence. We must strengthen the work of violence interrupters who are working now by augmenting their work with mental health outreach trauma workers.
Although Black and Latino people have similar rates of behavioral health disorders as the general population, they have substantially lower access to mental health and substance use treatment services, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2018, 69.4% of Black and 67.1% of Hispanic adults with any mental illness reported receiving NO treatment the previous year compared with 56.7% of the overall US population, according to a recent SAMHSA report.
However, we must not stigmatize those with mental illnesses. Studies have repeatedly shown that the majority of individuals with mental illness are not violent, and that the majority of violent acts are not committed by those with mental illness, according to a 2020 review by Emilee Green of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). The MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study, one of the most robust and detailed studies examining the link between mental illness and risk for violence, found after controlling for a co-occurring substance use disorder, those with mental illness had no greater risk of violence than those without mental illness.
I like to quote Rashad K. Saafir, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health, because what he says is so important. Dr. Saafir says, “It is time that we recognize that violence in Black and Brown communities is deeply rooted in historical and cultural factors including racism and ethnocultural discrimination. These factors have produced social and environmental conditions that impair the ability of some Black and Brown people to contribute productively to the community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
So, what can be done? In the review by Emilee Green, in contrast with risk factors that increase the likelihood of violent behavior, protective factors work to prevent or deter violent behavior. The American Psychological Association notes that factors such as a person’s family, career, and home environment can reduce risk of violence. Other protective factors may include religious beliefs, positive peer relationships, and involvement in prosocial activities. For those with mental illness, the strongest protective factor may be effective behavioral health treatment. What is considered effective may vary person to person, but effective treatment plans often include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes (e.g., exercising, eating healthy), illness self-management (e.g., developing coping skills, setting goals for recovery), and joining support groups.
Fazel and colleagues (2010) noted that for those with substance use disorders, treatment may be the most protective against violent behavior due to the strong relationship between these disorders and violence. Receiving integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders can reduce substance use and increase motivation for treatment in persons with mental illness.
Violence is something that impacts all of us directly or indirectly, and it will take all of us working together to save lives in Chicago by paying attention to treatment and protective factors, while effectively bringing trauma care to the families that have been so greatly affected by violence.

For more information, contact one of Ford’s Constituent Service Offices: 816 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park at 708-445-3673, 4800 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago at 773-378-5902 or in the Stratton Office Building in Springfield at 217-782-5962, or visit www.lashawnford.com.

What Does God Have To Do With It? Who’s Running It?By Angie Mims

WAR

“I’m not religious in any way, but this is the closest I have felt to God in my entire life! Fantastic service! I wish we had these in Australia!” – Marcus Backman

These are the words of an Australian man who witnessed via YouTube, a snippet of the potent anointing that rests within the hands of Willie James Jones Jr. With close to one million views, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, senior pastor of The House of Hope in Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, marveled as Jones Jr. seamlessly graced the keys of a Hammond B3 organ.
Hailing from Chicago, Jones Jr. is the proud product of Pastor Willie and Loretta Jones Sr. At fourteen years of age, his interest in music reached a monumental mark as he admired his mother’s ability to play the piano. Through unrelenting determination, Jones Jr. mastered the art of atmospheric change through the conduit of music. And while many effective artists have the capability of changing an environment, it is Jones Jr.’s zeal to change the atmosphere for the glory of God that makes him stand out from the rest.
When Pastor Emeritus Charles Jenkins of Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago saw an unmatched gift within Jones Jr. and began collaborating with him, this professional bond took his musical aim to heights that only a sovereign God could achieve. With an outstanding fusion of both music and technology, he was able to impact many globally. Billboard hits like “War” and “Awesome” are just some of the songs that he’s helped arrange.
Jones Jr. is extremely creative. He’s been a part of great projects with artists such as Anita Wilson, Erica Campbell, Kevin Vasser and many others. Needless to say, his zeal remains the same. Whether he’s in London, Barbados, Italy or in his hometown, Chicago, he remains planted in the gospel genre. Perhaps this is why he’s been able to laugh it up with iconic actors such as Chris Tucker or why he’s able to be a part of national programs such as Cathy Hughes’ Urban One Honors. He now knows, without fail, that his immense gift is because of God our Father.
So, what does God have to do with it? All of his accomplishments haven’t been itemized in this article and yet, you better believe war was inevitable in his journey. From health complications, family challenges and career decisions, Satan has certainly tried to wear him down.
From time to time, Jones Jr. will reference “the dark room.” In these dark rooms are thoughts that many aren’t privileged to see. Not many know of the inner struggles that successful people have to face. It’s true – we see their glory but we don’t know their story. We don’t always get the chance to witness the tears that stream down their face in private times. We don’t always get the chance to experience their fleeting moments of defeat. Nor do we get the chance to journey to the “dark places” that many impactful artists like Jones Jr. have had to travel – alone.
As a graduate of Chicago State University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, he will tell you, much like Langston Hughes, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” And yet, Jones Jr. decided to wage war in the spirit realm. He’s taken ownership of his own missteps and isn’t quick to always point the finger.
Often times, in the midst of intense projects, he will speak words of affirmation, declaring victory before it’s been won. His life often times epitomizes Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers’ declaration, “Encourage Yourself.” With prayer and the inner strength of a king, given to him by God, he continues to press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Conceivably, we can take a chapter from Willie James Jones Jr.’s book – you want success? Be willing to wage a war to preserve what God has given you – life. Even the unsaved will marvel at the warrior within.

Angie Mims is a radio personality for the Promoting Precision Radio Show. She has interviewed many greats on her show such as NBC 5’s Art Norman, CLTV News Dr. Garrard McClendon, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Ebony Magazine’s Senior Editor, Lynn Norment, the former president of Nigeria, General Olesugun Obasanjo, NBA players and many others. Visit her online at www.promotingprecision.com. Angie loves to meet new people and is in a constant attempt to unite people from all over the world. If you have a great story, don’t hesitate! Email her at AngieMims@PromotingPrecision.com today! You may also call (708)-612-4864. Support The Austin Voice Newspaper and let them know your thoughts about her column.

REACHING BEYOND THE WALLS By Reverend Dr. T.C. Thomas, Sr. Pastor

SON Rise!

Grace and peace to you all! As we are preparing to celebrate resurrection Sunday, we should be excited about HIS story. Jesus came to share his ministry of redemption thus allowing anyone who asks him for salvation will receive it. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” Jesus came to be the light of the world and to spread the good news of His saving grace.
We are thrust into this season and how amazing that we are alive to march towards Easter. When the SON rises, the sun will shine no matter what the struggles or the issues, God is still on the throne. As we prepare to celebrate this Easter service, remember the extreme sacrifice that Jesus endured for us to have the right to the tree of life. He hung, bled and died, then rose again for us all. Don’t let this praise moment and opportunity pass you by. Worship and praise His name!

Stay rooted and grounded in Him!

Rev. Dr. T.C. Thomas is the Pastor of Walls Memorial C.M.E. Church, 200 S. Sacramento Blvd., on Chicago’s west Side. He is a strong advocate for children, education, healthcare and most of all the people of God “being better and not bitter.” Rev. Thomas is the author of the young reader series: “Who Am I Really?” and “Me and My Crew, Change is Coming.” Copies may be purchased by contacting the church office. Rev. Dr. Thomas may be contacted at 773-533-2721.

JESUS FREEWAY EXPRESS by Apostle/Prophet Emanuel Dada

A REPLY TO IMMORALITY ON FACEBOOK

Greetings my Dear Brethren, Note: The message I sent to facebook below in response to evil videos of women totally nude (naked) with nothing on, even having sex with men on facebook. Please read on: Today’s very important message is for my Dear Sisters who 2 days ago exposed themselves to the whole world in Total nudity (Naked); even showing sexual activity video on Facebook without regard for the moral values of Facebook and its public users in general. Dear Sisters in public nudity on Facebook, Be aware of The Living God for He created you In His own image In Holiness ------- Do not pollute your body with sexual immoralities (indecent exposure of your ladyship, note Galatians 5:19--21). God calls you Special and He will not tolerate another Sodom and Gomorrah which was destroyed by God due to their extreme sexual public immoralities. If your Facebook sexual exposure is for money; you can be sure that Father God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Don’t yield to the devil (Satan) to deceive you and lure you to commit these abominations (sins) in order to get you destroyed in hell with his demons torturing you while satan himself laughs at you saying, “l fool you.” Stop, Stop, Stop! Repent, change to be Forgiven by God. Run to Jesus Today before you die in the sins --- then it is too late. So many regrets in hell because No pardon (No Forgiveness of sins) by God in hell ---it is too late!!! and the devil (satan) knows it. God loves you. Don’t hurt His feelings any longer. Turn your life around Now. Jesus is waiting to welcome you back to God --- Make God happy with you; Run to Jesus Today. Be born again.Tell the loser (satan) to go to hell with his demon workers of hell, and run away from him. Don’t follow him to suffer forever and ever --- Big Regrets. T’is time to Repent and clean up!!! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Start Reading The Word (Bible). God wants to speak to you Today --- You will be happy to hear from your Heavenly father God. Start Reading Psalm 23 of The Bible. Jesus loves you and God bless you. In the vineyard of Christ, Jesus is my strength and hope. Your brother In Christ, Apostle/Prophet & (Mrs.) Evangelist Dada. As always, please call for prayer support at (630)965-0256. God bless. Apostle/Prophet E. Dada.

For Prayer support, please call me at (630) 965-0056. Thanks and God bless. Pastor (Senior Apostle/Prophet) Emanuel Dada.

Dr. James Poulos Presents:

Teeth Grinding

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as you sleep.
Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. A study in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that teeth grinding is also associated with alcohol and tobacco use. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth.

The symptoms of teeth grinding include:
• dull headaches
• jaw soreness
• teeth that are painful or loose
• fractured teeth

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.
Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children.

Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:
• irritation in the mouth
• allergies
• misaligned teeth

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your child’s dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

James Poulos, DDS, leads a team of dental specialists at Madison Pine Dental Clinic, 5470 West Madison Street, Chicago. Kidzone is a part of Madison Pine Clinic providing care to children and teenagers in a comfortable, nonthreatening setting. The clinic provides orthodontic care, braces, implants, and cleaning, in addition to fillings, crowns, and dentures for patients of all ages. Madison Pine accepts Medicaid patients and most insurance plans. For an appointment, call (773) 287-2277.

COMMENTARY - Rev. Mitchell Johnson

$200 million to fund our community’s needs – the case for safe and legal sports wagering.
With underfunded health care facilities and schools in our communities crying out for resources, it is essential that we look for new state revenue sources that can address these challenges – immediately.
There is now a simple and responsible way to generate $200 million to help our state meet its budget needs. A recent US Supreme Court decision effectively allowed all 50 states to legalize, regulate and tax wagering on sports if they so choose.
Other states are already bringing in millions to address their budget needs by legalizing sports wagering – and they are helping their residents by taking the market out of the shadows where it was dominated by unethical black-market operators and unregulated offshore websites. As a talk show host, resident, and community organizer who works with blighted communities, I have seen the negative impact that dangerous and illegal operators have had preying on our community. Change is sorely needed.
If Illinois acts quickly and implements a simple and fair sports wagering policy, it can almost immediately start generating revenue for key state services without further burdening taxpayers, while creating jobs and better protecting its residents. Every day that Illinois waits to legalize, regulate and tax sports wagering, significant amounts of money go to other states, which have already done so -- or to the illegal black market.
There is a big difference between legalizing sports wagering and other gaming expansion proposals such as building new casinos. Most importantly, legalized sports wagering can begin generating significant revenue for the state almost immediately after its enactment and implementation. Alternatively, the process of licensing and building new casinos will take many years and can be fraught with unforeseen challenges and delays. Illinois has pressing budget needs – particularly for education and health care – that cannot wait for years to be met.
Illinois already has ten operating casinos and over 30,000 video gaming machines in 6,000 locations. Expansion of casinos may simply further cannibalize an existing and saturated industry, forcing communities and casinos to fight for smaller slices of the same pie. This could put at risk the jobs of 6,200 employees at the existing casinos. Alternatively, legalized responsible sports wagering will bring an entirely new market out of the shadows and generate revenue and jobs without harming existing businesses. The large demand for sports wagering in Illinois is already clear; residents already wager on sports through offshore websites, through the large black market, or by traveling to the states that have already successfully legalized sports wagering. These wagers currently generate zero dollars for our community’s needs.
The creation of a legal and responsible sports wagering system in Illinois – run by experienced and qualified operators - will dramatically reduce the reach and impact of unethical and dangerous black market operators who prey on our communities, while helping us fund vital services and projects.
Illinois should pass a simple and responsible sports wagering legalization plan in to law as soon as possible. It is the right thing to do for our budget, our residents and our communities.

MONEY RUN By Kevin Pearson

Plan to Plan

Have you ever wondered why do I need a business plan? One may say to ones self “ I know what I want to sale. Can I just open my doors and start making money.” This is a thought that has crossed many entrepreneur minds, but having or not having a business plan can be the beginning or the end of ones business.
In early 2001, you all may know I published a hip-hop magazine that circulated in Chicago and two other major cities. The idea to start the magazine came over night. I can remember sitting on the floor in my brother’s room flipping through some old magazines. I looked him right in the eye and said, “ I want to start a hip-hop magazine.” Neither of us had writing experience and definitely no publishing experience, yet he was all in. Our entire business plan was fluttering in our imaginations.
Finally in 2003, after hundreds of hit or miss (only by the grace of God) we put out a full color glossy magazine. The hip-hop community loved the publication. We were on the media list of major music labels; we got passes to just about every hip-hop event. So what was wrong with that you ask? NO MONEY. We had zero revenue coming in, and no strategy in place to get any. We were the new guys on the block, and no ad agency would touch us. Also, big hip-hop publications where adding online versions of them selves, called e-zines, yet we still owed the printer. We hung on for a few years but closed shop in 2006.
In the end, we had a great product and tenacity, but no plan to execute anything. Today I plan everything, ever phone call, email, I even wrote a plan to write this column. “Remember no business has ever been totally successful with out a plan in place to make it successful.”

Want to increase your customers and profit, but don’t know where to start? Let us help, contact the Voice Newspapers at Ph: 773-889-0880 or email: austinvoiceads@gmail.com

PCC WELLNESS CENTER By Alexandra T. Chavez, Development Coordinator

PCC Offers Care Centered Around You
Pregnant and struggling with addiction?

With growing heroin use on the west side of Chicago, PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) has started a chemical dependency program that offers combined prenatal care and substance abuse treatment for pregnant women. In this program, the treatment of heroin, alcohol, and prescription drug abuse is offered right in the doctor’s office.
PCC’s goal is to meet patients where they are in their recovery and help them to set goals without judgment. PCC can help improve the patients’ health and the health of their babies. Patients in this program receive safe, medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and counseling. They visit weekly, are given ultrasounds, and deliver their babies at West Suburban Medical Center with a PCC doctor.
Services are available at our Chemical Dependency Clinic, located inside PCC Walk-In Wellness Center at West Suburban Medical Center at 1 Erie Court, Suite 1300, Oak Park, IL 60302. Pregnant women and their families in this program may continue to receive primary care, pediatric care, and behavioral health care at a nearby PCC location.
PCC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many health plans and also offers a sliding fee program for patients without insurance. They do not deny services because of inability to pay.

CANCER SOCIETY WARNS WOMEN OF THREAT FROM RADON EXPOSURE

A new report finds a statistically significant positive association between high levels of residential radon and the risk of hematologic (blood) cancer in women. This study is the first prospective population-based study of residential radon exposure and hematologic cancer risk, leading the authors to caution that it requires replication and whether it truly differs by sex.
Radon is a naturally-occurring byproduct of the decay of radium and is a known human lung carcinogen, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Modeling studies show that radon delivers a non-negligible dose of alpha radiation to the bone marrow and therefore could be related to risk of hematologic cancers. More than 171,000 new cases of hematologic cancer and more than 58,000 deaths are expected in the United States in 2016. Hematologic cancers are the most expensive cancers to treat per quality-adjusted life year gained.
For the current study, researchers led by Lauren Teras, Ph.D., of the American Cancer Society used data from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort established in 1992, to examine the association between county-level residential radon exposure and risk of Hematologic cancer. The analysis included 140,652 participants among whom there were 3,019 hematologic cancers during 19 years of follow-up. They found women living in counties with the highest mean radon concentration had a statistically significant 63% higher risk of hematologic cancer compared to those living in counties with the lowest radon levels. They also found evidence of a dose-response relationship.
The authors say men may have a higher baseline risk, possibly because of more exposure to occupational or other risk factors for hematologic cancer, reducing the impact of any additional risk from residential radon. In women, who have a smaller baseline risk, residential radon exposure might be a larger contributor to overall risk. Another reason may be that the women of this generation spent more time in their homes, so had more residential exposure than men.
According to Dr. Teras, “Radon is already associated with lung cancer and if other studies confirm the link to blood cancers, we think it would warrant strengthened public health efforts to mitigate residential radon risks.”