St. Patrick Center’s Post

I was privileged as a board member of Collaborative Healing Initiative Within Communities to attend a press conference yesterday at which our CEO Sade Cooper, along with State Representative Jennifer Bacon (she, her) and State Senator James Coleman and other leaders formally announced introducing legislation which would empower a detailed racial justice (or injustices as the case may be) study in the State of Colorado. This initiative, titled Justice for Black Coloradans, is an historic step forward in identifying, documenting and understanding the specific policies and actions over the past 150 years Colorado has been a state that have contributed to the enormous disparities in education, income, wealth, and other economic opportunities between black Coloradans and so many of their fellow citizens. This vanguard study, to be led by History Colorado and funded by private sector donations, can lay the groundwork for smart, compassionate and consensus-driven policies to ameliorate the obvious legacy of historical (and on-going) injustices and ensuring a future of equal justice for all of us. As one of the speakers yesterday aptly remarked, this isn’t about critical race theory but about critical race history. What is proposed is just a study, but is nonetheless a monumental step forward in a rational path to justice and reconciliation. If you are interested you can learn more about it at https://lnkd.in/gXqEqpvp.

August is National Civic Health Month. The National Civic League has created a civic health index that includes seven components of community-based civic capital: engaged residents, inclusive community leadership, collaborative institutions, embracing diversity and equity, authentic communication, a culture of engagement, and shared vision and values. Here in Arkansas, it is in our best interests, and in the best interests of our children and grandchildren, that we elect leaders who make it their mission to create and sustain civic health infrastructure that empowers the citizens of Arkansas to build livable communities where we all can thrive together. Read the 2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index, that I co-authored, to find out what our elected officials should be thinking about to improve our state's civic health: https://lnkd.in/gqaPARWU

Dear colleagues, Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a project that has been a true labor of love for me: Restore Forward. Restore Forward is a groundbreaking initiative from Black Women's Blueprint, and it represents so much more than just a project—it's about fostering deep human connections across our differences, forging paths to holistic reconciliation, and championing economic and environmental justice. Picture this: a vibrant, co-created, and safe community set on 300 acres of serene land in upstate New York. A place where restoration and healing are interwoven with the lessons of tradition, ancestral evolution, and nature. This is Restore Forward, and it's built on the belief that true healing must reconnect people with the Earth and each other. Our commitment is unwavering: we are building a space where women and all people can live lives of sovereignty and dignity. We're creating innovative communities designed to respond to the profound effects of injustice, violence, and exploitation. Restore Forward is not just a physical location; it is a movement towards a new social contract grounded in peace, justice, and sustainability. Imagine a sanctuary where holistic healing merges with empowerment and sovereignty. A place where innovative communities unite to overcome the impacts of injustice. This is the heart of Restore Forward.

If you want a glimpse at the extraordinary heart, soul, and intellect of New York’s Chief Judge, watch this short video of his remarks at our recent event.

Leaders from many different sectors, including government, arts, and philanthropy, come together on Jan. 30 to explore how the arts and humanities can strengthen individuals and communities. Tune in at arts.gov.

Life is unpredictable, but saying goodbye shouldn't be.  That's where Mary comes in, your friend at Mueller Memorial, guiding you through the toughest decisions with a gentle touch.  Let's talk about making those final moments as meaningful as the life we celebrate.  Ever thought about leaving a green legacy? Let's chat in the comments. #CommunityCare #NaturalReturn #PrePlanning

Jeff's Short (not quite a blog 👨🚀): The last letter Thomas Jefferson ever wrote was in 1826 to decline a trip to Washington DC to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (now, my high school history teachers would be proud 😉). In it, he refers to our relatively young government as “the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion.” We are lucky to live in a country where people have access to knowledge, the potential to think critically, and the freedom see things differently. This diversity of thought and ability to make personal life choices are two of our greatest strengths. He ended the letter with, “For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.” Because of our busy daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of our foundation and what drove this great experiment. As I wrote in the recent blog, Stars and Stripes (Why I Fly the Flag), “We are all part of one nation, even though we may live our lives differently.” As we interact with each other, let us refresh our recollections and renew our devotion to the gifts we have and are due. After all, many people in the world live with such limited rights. We have room to grow and changes to be made, but much to hold on to and much to celebrate. Happy 4th (a day late) and 5th and 6th and… #CEGspaces #CommercialRealEstate #Broker #SDVOSB #veteranowned #WeKnowSpace #commercialproperty #BNI #AbsoluteConnections #4thofJuly #celebrate

SAL Community Services' President & CEO, Marcy Mendenhall, shared about the Illinois Department of Early Childhood Act (IL HB5451) which would consolidate Illinois early childhood services into a single state agency as a means to enhance coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness. Learn more about the importance of this new state level alignment and the impact it will have on local families as we strive to create equitable access to child care in our region. https://lnkd.in/gjVjmHCv

Transportation is so important for ALICE maintaining job stability, getting their children to child care, accessing social services and health care. Thank you, Stephanie Hoopes and Cambridge Systematics, Inc. for highlighting this issue. #UnitedForALICE #transportationindustry

"The journey towards healing and racial justice for AFP must involve truth-telling and amplifying courageous testimonies. Acknowledging those who dare to speak truth to power, is vital for stories to emerge without further oppression, and crucial to cultivating a racially and socially just AFP." Read more about The Journey Towards Healing and Racial Justice with Birgit Smith Burton, AFP Global Board Chair at https://ow.ly/v77T50QzNvt