We Survive’s

VOICES – Passport to Art

March 24, 2018

Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center

The cold weather and rain did not dampen the spirits of those who ventured to the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center (MAEC) on March 24, 2018, to participate in We Survive’s VOICES – Passport to ART kicked off 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.

Emcee Tara Bassett opened the event with a Fashion Show featuring a spring line of clothes from Just Creations, a not for profit Fair Trade store, and The Farmer’s Daughter Designs. Coordinated by Jacqueline “Blue” Browning and Erica Rhones, Kentucky Pageant titleholders EmmaRae Durbin, Kesley Moorefield, Adrienne Poole, Tiffany Nickleson and Aneisha Cox modeled along with Joey Bohn, Jr.

Interactive activities, acknowledgements and recognitions began with “Sunshine” Joe Mallard who was presented with a plaque from We Survive and recognized as the 2018 Honorary LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Ambassador.  Rev. Doug Meister, Jeffersontown Christian Church was presented with an art piece created during the 2006 ScrumbleThon.  The Scrumble piece honors Tyler Diemer Taylor (1932 – 2018) founder of the Grateful Threads, which is based out of Jeffersontown Christian Church. Master Artisan “Sunshine” Joe Mallard presented the 2017 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Tapestry honoring We Survive’s co-founder, Moody Cecil (1932-2016) to be presented to St. Augustine during the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited event on November 3.

The event concluded with the creation of an original art piece dedicated to MAEC.  This activity was led by Nevia Greenwell, Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Manager of Activity Therapies at KentuckyOne—Our Lady of Peace.  The unveiling will be announced soon.

HOPE is what keeps challenges from defeating us!

VOICES, a participatory arts and crafts event, showcased local businesses and artisans and allowed participants to learn and understand the importance of art in our society. Exposure to art is vital to individuals in our community who are dealing with poverty, hunger and homelessness. VOICES provided education to participants on how art can be a vehicle for personal transformation and social change. 

Thank you to our supporters:  Mellwood Art Center, Danny Mac Pizza – Mellwood, We Survive-LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited, KentuckyOne—Our Lady of Peace, Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, Just Creations, The Farmer’s Daughter Designs, 502 Power Yoga, Kentucky Yoga Initiative, “Sunshine” Joe Mallard, Lynn Nackson, Dr. Fred Schloemer, Jeffersontown Christian Church-Grateful Threads, and the many artisans and businesses involved with this event. 

A special thanks to all our wonderful volunteers!

We apologize if we have forgotten anyone

Participant comments:

“It turned out beautifully! You could just feel the love in the room.”

“Everyone learned something positive today”

“Thank you ALL so much for giving and sharing it made all the difference.”

“Art Saves Lives”

“What an honor, and what a lovely group of courageous, creative “survivors” I met there! Their stories will inspire me forever.”

You can now purchase tickets for VOICES – Passport to Art!

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Do you believe in Miracles???

” Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.” ~~Roy T. Bennett

Sharon Cecil, Executive Director of We Survive does believe in Miracles.

Several weeks ago, Sharon was on the phone talking with a young woman who had just graduated with her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. During the conversation, this young woman said that she was looking to find her niche. Sharon shared about We Survive and LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited. While they were talking the young woman took the time to look at the websites. A few days later, this young woman got back with Sharon stating she wanted to explore further opportunities at We Survive.

Her name—MIRACLE
Miracle Howard began working in healthcare when she was in high school. Since graduating with a Master’s Degree in Health Administration in 2017, she plans to begin working on her doctorate. We Survive appealed to Miracle. She said to Sharon, “I would like to work with an organization that offers programming that will change lives while empowering those affected by poverty, hunger and homelessness.”

Being part of the We Survive team Miracle feels that she will be able to explore opportunities in healthcare while utilizing her skills. Miracle enjoyed working as a Life Enrichment Director while in college. The position gave her the opportunity to manage day-to day activities for a Family Care Home. As a liaison between the facility and the outside community, Miracle directed and coordinated the activities of all programs.

Miracle will bring her skills to We Survive in order to expand the health and wellness components of We Survive programming.
WELCOME Miracle Howard, Healthcare Management Coordinator; to the We Survive—LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Team

Welcoming Erica Rhodes to the We Survive Team

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.  ~~ Harriet Tubman

College student Erica Rhodes contacted We Survive wanting to be part of a team that inspires Hopes and Dreams.  She wrote, “I am interested in an opportunity to be a part of helping change the lives of impoverished children.”  When we talked she loved the idea LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited and shining a Light of Hope around the world while bringing awareness to poverty, hunger and homelessness.  Erica will be part of a LIGHTFEST event in March 2018

In 2012 Erica started an organization called Gifts for Angels, with the purpose to collect toys and funds for children at Norton Children’s Hospital in memory of her brother who spent his life in the NICU. Erica says, “I wanted to give back to the hospital who took such great care of my family during our time with my brother Jacobi Hager.”

Erica founded Gifts for Angels, “because I know how it feels to sit in the hospital with a family member not knowing what tomorrow will bring, I wanted to brighten the days of the children and their families during their rough times”.

For more information about Gifts for Angels

https://www.facebook.com/GiftsForAngels/

http://giftsforangels.webs.com/

The Love Lights Story

by Annie Justice

I began embellishing candles over 20 years ago at the request of my mother in law. She asked me to make a memorial candle for her daughter’s wedding to light in memory of her son. This was an honor for me to be considered for the task. After making that first candle, other requests poured in over the years. I have crafted candle sets for weddings and memorial candles for funerals. A year and a half ago, I gave a candle to my sister after her son’s passing. She shared with me how much comfort that this gift has brought to her as she continues to light it up each evening. Something I discovered through the years is that the lighting of memorial candles during family gatherings are also a wonderful way to remember our beloved and how powerful they can be in the healing of grief. I name my creations “Love Lights” as these creations touch my heart and are created out of love. Because I like to spread words of encouragement and meaning as well, I create candle sets for meditation , gift giving and home decor.  Items are available for purchase at Kim’s Pickins on Fegenbush Lane in Louisville, KY.  Special orders are always welcome and local delivery is available.

LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited 2017

November 4, 2017

Love Lights Broadway

Louisville, Kentucky

St. Augustine Catholic Church

As LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Ambassador Heather French Henry says, “Poverty knows no barriers, it has touched us all. Stay strong. Today is your choice. Be the one who determines your future. No matter how hard it gets, you can survive.”

On a Beautifully Bright Autumn Day, LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited once again brought education and awareness to communities regarding issues faced by those vulnerable to poverty, hunger and homelessness while providing activities for all that attended.

There was educational information from health providers, there was face painting, jewelry making and other crafts along with puppeteers, rappers from a Portland Youth Center.

Annie Justice shared her creative candle embellishing talents for the Love Lights. Sunshine Joe Mallard designed a tapestry piece for LIGHTFEST 2017. Children added their creative artistic touches for an original “Sunshine” Joe creation. This tapestry will be unveiled in March 2018.

There was a diverse group of participants including those within the homeless community that took part in the Light of Hope Walk. A talented young man agreed to walk with Brad DeZern leading the walk as they sang the song—This Little Light of Mine.

Sponsor—Passport Health Plans

Host—St. Augustine Catholic Church

Volunteers

Puppeteers—College Heights UMC Puppet Team

Debbie Lewis

Girl Scout Troop 476 Jacqueline McMillian-Bohler

Jacqueline Browning

Kentucky One Health—Our Lady of Peace

Jacqueline Browning

Last Days Motorcycle Ministry

Brad DeZern

Linda Young

Matthew Simons—Simons Electric

Paulette Stinnett

PurpMe

Jason Reynolds

Annie Justice

Sunshine Joe Mallard Tapestry Creation

Michelle Wolf

Matt Wolf

Sharon Moody

Hometown Pizza

Diane Corsey

In case we have missed anyone, please know we appreciate your help. To read more about the event and to see pictures go here.

We Survive Hurricane Harvey Relief

We Survive is aware that Hurricane Harvey brought storms, tornadoes, record rainfall and flooding to communities in Texas and Louisiana.

The needs will change daily, weekly and monthly for those recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, We Survive is joining with St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Missouri City, Texas—a suburb of Houston, Texas.

We Survive is asking that you donate Gift Cards that will help those in need to get their basic needs of food, clothing and repairs for shelter.

Kroger, WalMart, Target, and Lowe’s have stores in the areas where support is needed.

You can send your gift card to:

We Survive

P.O. Box 91401

Louisville, Ky 40291

Attn: Hurricane Harvey

Together We Will Change Lives!!

This collection will continue through the month of September.

September is Hunger Action Month

Plan now to make September 2017 a time to stand together against hunger.

Join We Survive in supporting hurricane relief efforts in Texas. The goal of National Hunger Action Month is to create a movement throughout September that has a real and lasting impact on the issue of hunger in our communities.

Contact:   

            WE SURVIVE  (502) 558-8317                   

            St. Angela Merici Catholic Church  (713) 306-0583                            

Giving with Abundance

During the summer, you can’t help but have an awareness of Vacation Bible School (VBS).  The little signs in front yards and in front of churches let us know that VBS is on its way.

“Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a specialized form of religious education which focuses on children… The origins of Vacation Bible School can be traced back to Hopedale, Illinois in 1894. Sunday school teacher D. T. Miles, who also was a public school teacher, felt she was limited by time constraints in teaching the Bible to children. So, she started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer.” Vacation Bible School – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacation_Bible_School

Being involved with summer activities with children reaps great rewards.

Jeffersontown Christian Church (JCC) VBS 2017 was called Abundance Orchard. It was in coordination with The Society of St Andrews (SOSA). SOSA is an organization that promotes feeding America’s hungry by decreasing waste and gleaning fields.

At JCC’s VBS, the children heard stories about bible situations where people shared a meal with those in need. The children learned about gleaning fields to collect the leftover produce that may not be marketable but serves to feed the hungry. They created Barrel gardens decorated with great accessories from glowdecoration.com, bird feeders and made a video for their congregation to promote gleaning and not wasting usable food.

The children and congregation collected $600 in change to help deliver servings of the gleaned food to food kitchens and other programs that feed the hungry in the United States.

It is JCC’s HOPE to become more active with SOSA. At present, JCC is talking to the Young Adult Ministry and will be talking to the Youth leaders looking into the possibility of JCC volunteering in surrounding state’s gleaning efforts. A representative of JCC is in contact with the leadership of SOSA exploring options.

A Thank You—From: Becky Easter, Director of Church Relations, Society of St. Andrew

“Dear Friends in Christ, Thank you for caring for people who are hungry! Through the $600.00 gift from your recent VBS, Jeffersontown Christian Church will put healthy, nourishing food on the tables of individuals and families who are struggling to get by. Partnering with the Society of St. Andrew, you engage volunteer gleaners in hands on mission and service. You help send large loads of fruit and vegetables to areas where they are in most need. You support local feeding agencies in every area of the country and you reduce food waste-all as you follow Jesus’ command to feed the hungry. Thank you for this gift and for joining the Society of St. Andrew in our mission of working toward feeding physical and spiritual hunger.”

For more information go to SOSA website.   http://endhunger.org/gleaning-network/

The Society of St Andrews Gleaning Network http://endhunger.org/gleaning-network/  Gleaning Americas Fields Feeding Americas Hungry.

JCC Thanks all the parents and family members that came out for Abundance Orchard Country Fair. Over 80 people took part in singing, games, a petting farm, snacks and fellowship. The coin collection was a wonderful sight to behold. The congregation and children collected $600. That is 30,000 servings of food delivered to hungry families in America. The congregation has an opportunity to view the children’s barrel gardens whenever they are on the church grounds.

We Survive’s LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited http://lightfestreignited.info/  sends a message of hope while bringing awareness and educates about those who are susceptible to or struggling with the issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness.  We Survive encourages everyone to shine a Light of HOPE on November 4, 2017.  All it takes is a single act of kindness, stepping outside at 7pm EDT wherever you are. It can be a cell phone, flashlight, candle or turn on your porch light.

The Ebb – Tide of Vibes

Written by LOL PJKA

Tell me as only my and not your pendulum swings in the aftermath

          of your being, what is the formula to ~ live without you, ~ a

          mix that no longer exists?

Pi r = lonely and incomplete.  1 + 1 = 2 is beyond my thought

          process, a full life lived with out you?

While continuing on with rhyme, rhythm and blues, improvisational

          flickers, atypical vibes from this unsteady, scripting

          writing-pen ~ surfaces to annoy; ~~ AH~HA ~~ brings joy

          within a spontaneous rhythm I once employed!!!

Is that vibrato in the sound of my voice, ~ The Ebb-Tide of Vibes

          a nuance emanating of hope; a formula to mix up my existence,

          old to new ascribing a song, a rhyme a vibe, a cauldron

          filled with a wealth of joy to just be alive?

Conversion, and not a minute too soon ~ from doom and gloom

          transitioning into life, living, reasons to be; fields of

          dreams, a futuristic life of peacefulness ahead for me.

Oh ~  my spirit ascends in an emotional climb to heights unknown,

          known to him my beloved friend, my husband.  Someday the

          heights that we both have achieved will place us in each

          others company.  Till then my life to live is this side of the

          veil; to soar in all the peace, patience, love and joy to be

          found in this world. 

                                                                             LOL PJKA