Believers of Authority Ministries “Spreading the Gospel for 25 Years”
Sandy Walker, Publisher
Father,
We know who You are in times of joy, and we know who You are in times of uncertainty and discomfort. You are the light that we seek on this journey through life. I ask Dear Lord that as the world shifts from that which we have come to know as normal, that You will allow us to embrace a new normal with the unwavering knowledge that You are with us. Replace, Dear Lord, our fears with faith. Replace our doubts with thoughtful decisions. Replace panic with peace. Fill our hearts with compassion for others. Keep us mindful of the many ways we can be a blessing without compromising safety and
PUBLISHER
Sandy Walker
Publisher’s Prayer
Sandy Walker
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Sommer W. Davis
EDITOR
Jamil Rivers
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Robert Walker
My Father, My God:
Father, in the Name of Jesus:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Moderator Johnny L. Barber
Anika Madison
All is well with my soul as I focus my attention solely on You. I am thankful as I breathe the air You so graciously provide to me each day. How wonderful it is to be Your child. How wonderful it is to know that You are in charge. I am thankful Dear Lord for the blessings You continue to bestow. Father I know that I am in no way worthy of all that You give to me. You give me peace and love. You give me food to nourish my body. You give me all that I need to survive. Your blessings are so much appreciated as You place the right people in my life and in my path each day. I know Father that You are also placing me in the path of others so that I might do Your will in being a blessing as well. Keep my eyes open, Dear Lord, so that I might see those in need.
The Gospel Truth Magazine 11285 SW 211th St. Suite 208
I am eternally grateful for the love You continue to bestow upon me. You love me unconditionally with all of my issues and all of my faults. You love me, Father, in spite of myself. I thank You for being with me always. I am comforted by the knowledge that You are with me every moment of my life.
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
(786)295-5596 | sandygtnews@aol.com www.thegospeltruthnews.com facebook.com/TheGospelTruthMagazine/ THE GOSPEL TRUTH
Lord as I navigate this wonderful journey called life I am eternally thankful for the love you continue to surround me with. I am thankful for the love and support of my amazing family. There is nothing I have done or could ever do to earn the blessings You continue to bestow upon me. Father I pray to be a blessing to others as you so generously bless me. You, my Lord are so worthy to be praised.
COVER PACKAGE
The Gospel Truth Magazine provides excellent exposure for your business, organization, church, or ministry.
Cover Photo by Greg Reed
Father I pray for peace during these uncertain times. As much as we try to figure it all out, Lord You already know. When I find myself pondering the circumstances of the day I take comfort in the fact that You are in
Father I pray for all of Your children who are feeling
health. Lord You have created a world where we are so inter-connected. It is a blessing that even as we are directed to maintain social distance and to retreat into our homes, we can still be social. I can share my prayers and my thoughts with others and reflect on the thoughts of others in return. I can enjoy postings and pictures and jokes and memes. You, my Lord, are always a step ahead!!! Nothing can separate us from the love of the Lord.
Father, I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future! That statement has never been more meaningful than it is today. To God be the Glory!!!
14707 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 101
Guardian ad Litem partners with FAMU to help recruit volunteers
By Calvin Martin, Director of Program Advocacy and Inclusion
Our mission at Guardian ad Litem is to represent abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency courts – a tremendous challenge. We have more than 10,000 volunteers but always need more, as more children come into foster care and many stay longer. Ideally, we strive to have volunteers who reflect the racial and ethnic mix of our foster care population.
Nationally, children of color are over-represented in the child protection system. According to a January 2020 analysis by the National Center for Health Statistics and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, “about 2.6 percent of American adults ages 18 to 44, or roughly 2.9 million people, had spent time in foster care. The rate was higher for African Americans — 3.8 percent of black men and 5 percent of black women.”
That’s why Guardian ad Litem created the statewide position of Director of Program Advocacy and Inclusion. And it’s why we’re proud to be collaborating with Florida A&M University’s (FAMU’s) School of Journalism and Graphic Communications for help in recruiting more people of color, males and young adults as volunteers.
Over the past few months, FAMU public relations students have been devising surveys and conducting focus groups. Multimedia students have been creating
video public service announcements. We did a public radio show together. And Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers are visiting classes to talk about and brainstorm child advocacy and recruitment in communities of color.
At one class I visited, students discussed the challenges faced by young people who come out of the foster care system. Some students said they have friends and classmates who now face food insecurity or having nowhere to go during the holidays.
This is part of our challenge. Communities vary widely in responding to a call for volunteers, and some are mistrustful. So we have to figure out a way to do specific types of engagement efforts, which is where I think this partnership comes into play.
This is an exciting time, and we are making a difference. Thank you to the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communications and to all our Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers who have been so supportive of this initiative.
Join us! To learn more about the Guardian ad Litem Program or to become a volunteer, visit GuardianAdLitem.org or call 1-866-341-1425.
APOSTLE DR. JOHN H. CHAMBERS, III Founder and
Senior Pastor
Believers of Authority Ministries
“Spreading
the Gospel for 25 Years”
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
{Romans 8:14}
Apostle Dr. John H. Chambers is a “servant” appointed by God to spread the gospel. As Founder and Senior Pastor of Believers of Authority Ministries (BOA), a non-denominational, “Word” Church, in Miami (Coconut Grove), Florida he understands his primary role is to Pray, Preach and Teach. {Acts 6:4}. He is anointed as an Apostle and gifted as a Prophet and Teacher to feed knowledge and understanding to hurting people.
Apostle Chambers was formally educated in the Miami-Dade Public School System, Miami-Dade Community College and Florida A&M University (FAMU). On November 12, 2016, Apostle Chambers received his Doctorate Degree in Theology from C.E.L.A. International University. Apostle Chambers was influenced most by his grandmother, Everlena Crawford, a Godfearing pillar in Wells Temple-Church of God in Christ. She proclaimed at a very early age that her grandson would preach the gospel. In 1995, Apostle Chambers was ordained as a Pastor, started BOA, and proceeded with devoting full time to spreading the gospel and building BOA Ministries. Knowing that promotions come from God, Apostle Chambers accepted the mantle to be ordained to the office of Prophet, by the late Apostle Joseph Sims, President, End Times Ministries International (ETM), headquartered in Riverside, CA. He served as Chief Prophet International with ETM from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, he was ordained to the office of Apostle by order of End Times Ministries International. From 2011 to 2013 he served as Chaplain for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, headquartered in Lanham, Maryland.
Under the leadership and tutelage of Apostle Chambers, BOA operates as a prophetic deliverance ministry whose mission is to win souls, train leaders to spread the gospel, inspire and motivate young people, and to speak health and hope into the lives of people.
BOA is a refuge where individuals can be fed spiritually, have their needs met naturally, and become a vital part of the community and society; with love and faith serving as key ingredients. God has led Apostle Chambers to successfully establish BOA Job Placement Services. For two decades, Apostle Chambers desire to inspire and motivate young people has manifested with “Back-to-the-Hood”, a motivational forum targeted to youth and teenagers, to remind them that success begins with Romans 12:2, to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This year’s forum is scheduled to be in summer 2020; at Virrick Park, in Coconut Grove.
In 2013, BOA purchased the church in Coconut Grove that God promised to Apostle Chambers. Also, Apostle Chambers serves as the elected President of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance (CGMA). Apostle Chambers’ vision for the CGMA is to implement “systems integration” which will bring churches together to resolve community issues. In addition to serving as President of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance, Apostle Chambers serves as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Miami School of Law Center for Ethics and Public Service (CEPS); and as a Board of Director for the Collective Empowerment Group (CEG) of South Florida. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Fellowship Covenant Ministries International (FCMI); and a member of Right Connection Evangelistic Association. Apostle Chambers is the proud father of a daughter, Jaelyn (husband Philip) who resides in Jacksonville, Florida and a son, David Isaiah, a graduate in music from Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a master’s in film from Florida State University (FSU). Apostle Chambers is also a proud grandfather of three---Jeremy, Ashlyn and Christopher.
On Friday, May 15, 2020, BOA Ministries will celebrate the 25th Pastoral and Church Anniversary. Apostle Dr. John Chambers is a Man of God whose ultimate goal is to do the will of God and to follow the motto God gave him for Believers of Authority Ministries:
“Adversity: It Really Doesn’t Matter.”
He is committed to lead by example, live by faith, operate in love, pray to get results, and walk in authority. [I thank God for 25 years of miracles, signs and wonders and I look forward to the continuous manifestation of the promises of God.]
How to Protect Yourself From Coronavirus When Grocery Shopping
Here are precautions to take whether you shop in-store or online
With experts saying people should avoid crowded places because of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, how should you handle grocery shopping? One option people are turning to is grocery delivery services.
Grocery and meal delivery services are seeing huge spikes in business. Instacart, the largest grocerydelivery company, reported record customer demand in the past week. Competitors FreshDirect and Shipt said they also were seeing big surges in orders, as did Amazon, owner of grocery delivery services Amazon Fresh and Amazon Prime Now.
“For older people and those with underlying health conditions, the group that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends stay home, I would highly recommend using a grocery delivery service,” says Jim Rogers, CR’s director of food safety research and testing.
But whether you buy groceries online or in stores, there are some simple steps you can take to try to limit your exposure to coronavirus, and they’re not so different from what CR recommends you typically do. Be sure to:
Wash nonporous containers. The FDA says there’s no current evidence to support the transmission of the virus from food packaging. But if you’re concerned, it can’t hurt to wipe down non-porous containers like glass or cans with disinfectant wipes.
If that’s not practical, wash your hands well after putting away all packaging, including paper boxes and
bags. “It all comes down to hand hygiene,” says Liz Garman, a spokesperson for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology in Arlington, Va.
It also doesn’t hurt to wash your hands after opening the containers and using their contents.
“But if you use a pasta box a few days after you get it, there is little likelihood that the virus could still be live on the box and cause an infection,” says Eike Steinmann, a virologist at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum in Germany who has studied how long viruses live on different surfaces.
One preliminary study found that the coronavirus responsible for the current pandemic doesn’t survive on cardboard longer than 24 hours. Results of the study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other experts, were published on March 17 in a letter to the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Wash your hands, counter, and other surfaces you’ve touched. Do this after you’ve put away the groceries. Keep in mind that using a disinfectant isn’t necessary unless you’re sharing a space with someone who is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness or has been exposed to the virus.
Wash produce. Rubbing fruit and vegetables under running water and scrubbing those with hard skins can help remove pesticides.
But Rogers says there’s no data to show that COVID-19 is spread by consuming food. “The risk of getting the virus from your food is considered low,” he says.
Other steps may not make much difference. For instance, buying frozen vegetables rather than fresh under the assumption that they’re packed in a more sanitary way is not an approach that has been backed up by evidence, says Rogers.
If You’re Getting Your Groceries Delivered
Even if a grocery store or warehouse is thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, the delivery person needs to take the same precautions to prevent the spread of a virus to you.
(Among the six services in our review of grocery delivery services, AmazonFresh, Amazon Prime Now, Instacart, and Shipt employ independent contractors for deliveries. Instacart has begun offering up to 14 days of pay to all shoppers—including independent contractors—sidelined by coronavirus, plus sick pay to its part-time in-store shoppers. FreshDirect and Peapod delivery personnel are company employees; and Walmart, which wasn’t part of our ratings, uses DoorDash for deliveries.)
While those companies might recommend that deliverers wash their hands often, practice other hygiene measures, and stay home when they’re feeling sick, they can’t monitor whether drivers are actually taking those precautions, says Erin Hatton, an associate professor of sociology and a labor scholar at the University of Buffalo. “And without paid sick leave, workers are going to try to push through as much as they can,” Hatton says.
Follow these steps when ordering deliveries:
Avoid a direct hand-off. Arrange to have the items delivered to your doorstep or a place nearby instead. Instacart added that option last week; other companies have a way to indicate special delivery instructions on their order forms. FreshDirect says its drivers will no longer bring groceries into a home.
Tip electronically. One benefit of ordering deliveries online or via an app is that you don’t have to hand the delivery person money. Opportunities to tip the delivery person are included in most of the delivery apps and online ordering systems.
Order earlier than you usually do. Though it’s not a safety issue, you may find that in the midst of higher
demand you have to wait longer. FreshDirect, for instance, mentions on its home page that delivery times are filling up faster than usual. Amazon Prime Now, which chiefly delivers from Whole Foods, also mentions that “availability may be limited,” though it’s not clear whether that means delivery times are limited, items are limited, or both. (An Amazon representative didn’t respond to a CR request for comment.)
If You’re Picking Up Prepacked Groceries
The steps are basically the same for this option as for delivery. If you’ve ordered and are merely having someone put the groceries in your car in a parking lot—an option at about 3,000 Walmart locations nationwide—consider opening your car door yourself rather than having the person bringing the items to your car touch the handle. And if you can tip on a supermarket’s app, do so rather than handing over cash. (Walmart’s employees aren’t permitted to take tips.)
If You’re Buying Groceries in a Store
A key way to prevent the virus’s spread is to stay 6 feet away from other people. The CDC notes that’s generally the distance within which people pick up coronavirus droplets through the air from a cough or sneeze. Such “social distancing” is a good strategy in any situation outside the home, Rogers says. Other ideas:
Go shopping at a time that’s less busy. If you type in the store’s name and location in Google search, a box often will pop up showing when foot traffic there is highest.
Take germicide with you. Use it to wipe your hands and the cart before and after you shop.
Use a credit or debit card. That way, you don’t have to hand over bills or receive change. Also, use your own pen to sign receipts. If you can, use a virtual payment system like Apple Pay so that you don’t have to open your wallet at all.
Editor’s Note: This article, originally published on March 9, 2020, was updated to clarify our advice on how to handle produce and food packaging, as well as to include news on Instacart’s delivery service and how long coronaviruses live on cardboard.
Aerica Karriem, an acclaimed Family Mediator and Relationship Coach expert, has taken an unprecedented step to launch Black Online Therapy dedicated to serving black families globally. As many people stay at home to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Virus, also known as coronavirus, the arguments while everyone is together are increasing. Rather stress, built up frustration, or the pain they have been carrying but avoiding for years are now coming to the surface. Families can now access the support they need from the comfort of their homes for themselves and their loved ones for their overall emotional health and well-being and mental health tools that are common.
“Our main focus is to provide a confidential, convenient and affordable way to help prevent the onset or worsening of mental breakdowns or mental health conditions,” says Karriem. “We provide social emotional learning and effective communica-
tion techniques to help repair and restore families all over the world.” Black Online Therapy is an innovative company that is founded on three guiding principles: love for humanity, integrity no matter what, and unity to those who matter the most. The business is dedicated to being a great resource for our communities which is important to the company.
Despite stereotypes, this is not just a low income, poverty need. The fact is that no matter your sex, age, income level, education, religion, or culture we all have life’s highs and lows. We need guidance that our girlfriends sometimes can’t help us with. Or our close relatives may be going through things they can’t seem to overcome themselves. It’s wise to allow a professional to help assist you through your trying times.
Aerica Karriem is an esteemed community leader of remarkable vision and character. Her commitment and mission are innova-
Statement from Chairwoman Audrey M. Edmonson:
“Father Richard Marquess-Barry embodied the meaning of service spoken of in the Scriptures, which state “for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Father Barry was a servant through and through. Not only did he serve faithfully as Pastor at Saint Agnes Episcopal Church, but he also faithfully served his community. His love for Overtown and the community was evident in everything he did. He was my dear friend, but he held my feet to the fire. Whether it be late night chats or urgent meetings at the church’s Parish Hall, often accompanied by shrimp & rice and conch, Father Barry never minced words. He was passionate about affordable housing, our children and the elderly, economic development and disparities wherever they were to be found. Action was not just a word for him, but a way of living. I, along with this community, will miss this giant of a man – one who believed in helping the least among us. His legacy will live on, and the projects that he was diligently working on until the end will leave a lasting mark on the community he loved so much.“
- Miami-Dade County Commission Chairwoman Audrey M. Edmonson
tive, impactful ways to heal black families and to elevate our next generation, but it hasn’t always been that way. Aerica was a stay at home mom for 14 years. She lost herself and when she realized she had had enough, she decided change was necessary but she didn’t know where and who to turn to. She felt broke and broken. There was no place she was aware of and felt comfortable enough without feeling unfairly judged, like many others. So she decided to take classes, go to seminars, read hundreds of hours of related family and healing books and more importantly she got involved in her community. She became a certified family mediator and relationship coach. Aerica has created a successful curriculum and now she certifies others to do the same.
For more information about Black Online Therapy, please visit http://blackonlinetherapy.com/
Bishop Victor T. Curry Celebrates
60 with Harlem Nights Soiree during WMBM’s 25th Anniversary Weekend
n March 6th, 2020, the Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami welcomed a sold-out elegant gathering of honored guests and community leaders celebrating Bishop Victor T. Curry’s 60th birthday. The event also served as the launch of Gospel AM1490’s 25th Anniversary yearlong celebration where Bishop Curry serves as President and General Manager.
The Harlem Nights Soiree featured a Ted Vernon specialty vehicle. A Red and Black with white trim 1920 Roadster Royal served as an evening show stopper along with the Orchestra styles of Melodious Vibrations who sang the Harlem themed tunes of James Brown as Bishop Curry joined the Celebration escorted by his three lovely daughters Victoria, Veronica and Victory. Bishop’s “Angels” later delivered a moving tribute full of love and humor to their Dad and rolled out a stunning custom designed cake with crystals and sparklers taking the celebration to heightened excitement!
The evening was dripped with elegance, glamour and entertainment, from Saxophonist Michael Emmanuel’s performance during the reception to an unending list of entertainers captivating the attention of 500 Guests throughout the evening. While candles twinkled in crystal studded candelabras over black and white table tops with hints of red accents and a royal red draped stage, an entourage of family, friends, community leaders, showered Bishop as he danced to old school tunes in a classic sea of 1920’s
royalty. Broderick Rice’s Comedy Show garnished the dinner hour and an Old School Gang Performance topped the evening as Bishop Curry was presented with an Honorary OSG Jacket as he joined them in the spotlight. Hosted by the illustrious Tamara G and WMBM’s DJ MJ with after party sounds of DJ Spencer, Bishop Victor T. Curry’s 60th Birthday Soiree stands out as this year’s top event with design and décor powered by TDG Events.
The celebration continued March 8th, with Bishop’s Birthday and the Anniversary of Gospel AM 1490 WMBM. Sunday’s packed worship experience at New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International included an inspirational praise, dance, and a powerful Word delivered by WMBM Interim Chair, Elder Kenneth A. Duke, Senior Pastor Teacher of the New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church. Well-wishes from the local, national and global community were shared including International Gospel Recording Artist Pastor Shirley Cesar, Attorney Ben Crump, Dr. Dorsey C. Miller, Jr., 35th Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Karla Hernandez-Mats, President United Teachers of Dade, Marleine Bastien, Executive Director FANM, Pastor John P. Kee, members, community partners, friends and family.
A US Congressional recognition was presented to Bishop Curry by Mr. Jamal Ingram and Dr. Marcus Bright, on behalf of the Honorable Frederica S. Wilson of Florida’s 24th Congressional District and the 5000 Role Models of Excel-
lence Project, along with a County Proclamation presented by Miami-Dade County Deputy Mayor Maurice Kemp and District 2 Commissioner Jean Monestine. Proclamations from the City of Miami and the City of Opa-Locka were also presented to honor our walking miracle, Bishop Victor T. Curry along with others who showered Bishop with videos, personal greetings and expressions of love and appreciation.
The celebration continued on March 10th at the New Birth Baptist Church with a Community Worship Experience, where the Lamp of Knowledge Award was presented to Bishop Victor T. Curry celebrating 25 years of visionary guidance, knowledge and unwavering leadership while recognizing his historic and selfless support and healing of the local, national and global community with an empowering legacy for generations to come. Highlights of WMBM’s rich history, greetings from the WMBM 25th Anniversary Chair, Attorney Larry Handfield and a high time of Praise and Worship led by the Second Baptist Church Community Choir accompanied a timely message delivered by Senior Pastor Teacher, Rev. Dr. Alphonso Jackson, Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Richmond Heights and Chairman of WMBM Cares, propelling WMBM into the welcomed future!
All paused in honor and appreciation during the twinkling light celebration of the life and legacy of the late Pastor Joe C. Johnson, the Inaugural Chairman of the Board, Gospel AM1490 WMBM. The Spirit of Light Flame Award was presented posthumously to Queen Inez, the beloved wife of Pastor Johnson and the entire Johnson family.
A Celebration highlight included the Pastors’ Band reunion as Pastors from the original 15-member group along with young Pastors, under the direction of Music Director, Award winning Elder Marc Cooper took the celebration into high praise. The Pastors’ Band featured Bishop Victor T. Curry on drums!!!!
“I am truly humbled and honored as I give God the glory for 60 years of life and the blessing of Gospel AM1490, New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International and our newly launched WMBM Cares, Inc. which speaks to the vision of perpetuating a legacy of youth in broadcasting and communications and being an advocate for our elderly, said Bishop Curry. “He continues to show Himself faithful.”
We are saddened by the devastation caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and encourage the faithful members of New Birth and the community at-large, the listeners, partners and advertisers to remain safe and prayerful during these times. Gospel AM1490 along with WMBM Cares will continue to do our best to assist everyone in navigating through this season.
Sponsors of the weekend celebrations included John and Kim Kirtley, New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International, WMBM Cares, Inc, The Handfield Firm, Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan, MDCC, District 1, Kenneth A. Duke, Pastor, New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church, Dr. Nelson and Effie Adams, Reverend Dr. Alphonso Jackson, Sr., Pastor Second Baptist Church, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson of Florida 24th District, 5000 Role Models of Excellence, Law Offices of Robinson & Robinson, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, Commissioner Jean Monestine, MDCC District 2, Commissioner Daniella Levine-Cava, MDCC, District 8, Commissioner Dennis Moss, MDCC District 9, Former Mayor Alex Penelas, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, City of Miami District 5, Councilman Erhabor Ighadoro, City Council-Seat 6, Miami Gardens, Senator Oscar Braynon II, Florida Senate-District 35, NAACP Miami Dade Branch, Bishop W. Oshea Granger & the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, National African American Clergy Network (NAACN) and Tax Partners USA.
Note: Photo credits – Kevin Lewis Photography
The Children’s Trust Keeps Focus on Supporting Vulnerable Early Learning Teachers with Salary Supplement Program
The Children’s Trust is doing its part to make sure that the early learning educators whose job it is to care for the children of first-responders and essential workers continue to receive the salary supplements they depend on despite the current coronavirus pandemic. Trust CEO and President James R. Haj and Associate Director of Programs Rachel Spector made a special trip to The Children’s Trust headquarters on Friday, March 27, specifically to sign checks as part of an incentive program for the early learning educators that rewards quality instruction and stability in the critical education sector. They even made a special delivery for one lucky such teacher.
Elisa Rosales, an early learning educator at Lincoln-Marti Child Care Center 9th Street location, is part of the workforce considered essential in today’s limited-access world. When she showed up to work today she got a welcomed surprise – a hand-delivered check from The Trust’s top executive. “Early learning educators are essential workers that take care of our children during their most critical phase of learning,” said Haj. “And yet, they make an average of $10 an hour, with no benefits or unions to fall back on. That’s why we are committed to continuing to support these teachers with salary supplements that they earn through quality
teaching and commitment.”
The salary supplements are part of the Child Care INCENTIVE$ Florida (formerly known as WAGE$ Florida) program that rewards retention and quality teaching for early learning teachers. The program provides biannual checks to teachers like Rosales and hundreds of others with positive results – turnover rates for early learning teachers participating in the Thrive by 5 INCENTIVE$ program is about 7 percent, compared to a national average of approximately 30 percent.
Because early learning teachers make less than public school teachers and do not have regular access to benefits or unions to fight on their behalf they have been left particularly vulnerable during the Coronavirus pandemic, making the salary supplement program even more crucial. The Trust remains committed to the program and delivering the much-needed checks throughout the current situation.
The Children’s Trust will maintain continuity of operation during this time, while allowing its staff to work remotely. The Trust will continue to monitor this quickly evolving situation and will announce additional measures as needs evolve. For more information visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org
MIAMI SMOOTH JAZZ MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020
The Miami Smooth Jazz Festival’s Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
As organizers of the Miami Smooth Jazz Festival, we understand that these are uncertain times for all of us throughout the world. In our planning for year two of what is already South Florida’s premiere smooth jazz festival, you should know that your health and well-being are an integral part of any decision that we make about the second annual Miami Smooth Jazz Festival.
Ultimately, our nation’s top health experts, along with state and local officials will establish if there is a risk to any events planned for the future, that will determine any postponements or cancellations. We are committed to keeping you updated, as we are informed about the status of our venue.
In the meantime, you can expect year two of the Miami Smooth Jazz Festival to be bigger and better than our inaugural event that brought thousands to Zoo Miami to enjoy the phenomenal line-up that included Smooth Jazz favorites Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Norman Brown, Lindsey Webster, Jeff Lorber and more. Our 2019 line-up also showcased R & B headliner Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, smooth vocalist Eric Benet, the amazing Vincent Ingala, the multi-talented Ben Tankard and many others, totaling 17 incredible artists.
Register now to be in included on our contact list, by sending your name and mobile number to info@MiamiSmoothJazzFestival.com. You’ll be the first to receive the line-up for the Miami Smooth Jazz Festival 2020, early bird specials, exclusive discounts, newly released video and music clips, behind the scenes footage and other incredible Goodies.
We value your support and look forward to you making the Miami Smooth Jazz Festival your destination event of the fall. Save the Dates, November 13-15, for the Miami Smooth Jazz Festival 2020.
Media Inquiries:
Interactive Professional Media Group
Pat Johnson
Phone: 404-565-4764
Email: info@ipmg.com
About the Miami Smooth Jazz Festival
The Miami Smooth Jazz launched its inaugural year in 2019 and is poised to bring about top caliber talent that will provide the best musical performers in Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Latin Jazz. The setting for our festival is on the grounds of Zoo Miami. For more information visit www.MiamiSmoothJazzFest.org
Churches Oppose “Pay By The Hour” Hotel Seeking To Build In The Heart Of The Community
The Alladin Hotel, known for seedy, pay by the hour hotels, has initiated the process to build a 45 room hotel at 7300 NW 27th Ave. These types of hotels are known for prostitution, crime, drugs, human trafficking and all sorts of unsavory activities. The Gospel Truth is strongly opposing this project as we cannot allow our communities to continuously be devalued by others who wish to make money at the expense of the quality of life for children, seniors and families.
The response from the churches and community groups who have expressed outrage at the prospect of this hotel at this location has been very significant. This community is
in transition as several welcomed commercial establishments and housing developments have been built several blocks south of the site in recent years. This progress will turn backwards if this type of business is allowed to move forward.
As always, our communities are only as strong as the commitments of those who are in a position to positively impact them. We will keep the community posted on the efforts to stop this project as your support and participation is crucial to success. This project is located in District 2 which is well represented by Commissioner Jean Monestime.
