finance – Unity With Community

Adult Education Resources, Community, Education, finance, Gifts, health, health care, humanity, Legal, lifestyle, Mental Health, motivation, Non- Profit, Parenting, planning, support group, Uncategorized

A Time for Unity, not of Worry.

April 3, 2020April 3, 2020 unitywithcommunity

Where millions around the globe are confined to their shelter, let us be reminded of the other millions who do not have this in way of safety. Let us take our time in solitude for reflection and thankfulness for the abundance that we are surrounded by. We may be physically behind our walls as we are utilizing our best health practices in order to take great precaution of infecting ourselves and others, but we must not isolate our minds, nor our hearts, and voices.

Keeping your mind, body, and spirit up is essential to keeping up our health too. Our best outcomes are determined how we are able to do so. Mental health is just as important as our physical. Reminding you that what each and everyone of us is going through is not our “new norm”, but a paradigm shift where our adaptation and coping mechanisms are being greatly challenged during this time of crisis. Many are silenced by adiversity. It is not a situation of pride nor embarrassment, but the perfect situation of faith, togetherness, openness, love, and charity. There are many levels to what others are experiencing now and how they are able to manage through crisis. The affects are greater where one lacks on the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The foundation of survival and the most basic to be met are the physiological needs, such as food, water, shelter, and clothes. Then the care of safety, such as job stability, health, and a safe environment. Love as forming bonds through relationships- even with our community, and uplifting others for self esteem. This is a time to take care of ourselves and do so for others where we recognize where we can.

What can we do to help your neighbors in community during this time of need? How can we give? What resources can we share? No one should fall at greater risk from the point we all commonly stand at this time. No one is exempt. We individually have our set of struggles that we hurdle each day. Where some differences can be challenged, others can be filled. This is the importance of community. One does not survive alone, but it is how we thrive together.

For the parents who have school aged children, reach out to your teachers and ask if there is a struggling family you can help. Adopt a family for a day and provide a meal where they otherwise may be missing. An easy and safe way is utilizing technology and apps online to have food directly delivered same day from the grocery stores. Pick up a couple of extra items while you do so for your household and share where you can. Spring clean and donate items directly to those in immediate need. Reach out to your family, friends, and neighbors and encourage to do the same. Where we individually can help one, together we help many.

I know that grocery stores are donating to their local organizations each day. Reach out to your local grocer’s to get the information on your local resources to direct those that are in need.

What professional, educational, or special training resources can you provide to others? Taking this ample time in positively utilizing your skills and talents, while helping pull others up on their feet.

Our minds and spirits need to remain lifted each day. Where many are not as safe, we can help our neighbors in community, family, and friends by sharing our voice, knowledge and resources. Our time is too precious to be held down by worry. Instead it should remain lifted by unity. How are you using this time optimally? Taking each day as new opportunity to use your time safely, wisely, productively, joyfully, and collectively.

Much love, stay safe, and keep sharing! Unity with Community!

– A.M.W

Our Virtual reality- Providing resources to our neighbors in community!

March 27, 2020March 27, 2020 unitywithcommunity

In hard times, I am always trying to find a way to help others. I am thankful that I am able to put on one of my hats to do so, especially in such a critical time. Having the ability to provide healthcare services to those with special needs couldn’t bring me more fulfillment and reward knowing that there is still available resources for this population.

As home shelter is in place for our nation and across the world, this can exacerbate ailments already in place for many. It is with out greatest efforts to stay safe but our hope to alleviate any additional stress. Families are home trying to manage each and every single role, and many are doing so with children. As these children are now forced into home school, this adds to the list and workload. It is a struggle for many families during this time. The challenges of keeping safe and sane alone is a struggle for all. Though it is more so for many whom lack supplies and resources as well. What is needed to keep their children active and educated all at the same time, managing minimal employment, childcare, even loss of employment are realities for the world right now, besides the highest concern for our health.

For those that are fortunate with being healthy and having a safe home, including their children, there are majority of families and single parents who are struggling with much more than just this aspect alone. Other concerns besides the basic resources that their children rely on so heavily by attending school each day. I also think about the fact that many have special health conditions and needs that are so crucial to be met. Other physical and mental health services that are scarce due to health and safety concern with the Corona Virus. Where their education and treatment is also at such a high risk for them as well as providers.

There is no underestimation to any line of healthcare professional and thank you to each and everyone in the world for your immense courage and passion for all that you tirelessly and selflessly do to serve each and every day!

Everyone is a hero and has the ability to share their gifts where they are able. There is always a need, especially during a crisis. Right now unity with our communities couldn’t be a better focus. Although, the physical part of us is not our reality, virtually it is. The truth is we are not alone, but together. We can thank technology for this. Think outside your walls and ask yourself, what special skill sets, professional training, and education do I have that I can share with my neighbors in community? What ideas are we implementing to make our lives a bit easier in the midst of a war on our health?Knowlege is power and as we come together, we are that much stronger!

Taking what we know, how can we begin to reach out and share this on a virtual level? Not only are you able to make productive and ample time for your talents, but you are providing resources and putting them to such a beautiful use. No matter how small or large a need is, no one should feel hopeless and left behind. Please continue to share!

Unity with Community!

-A. M. W

Adult Education Resources, Community, Education, finance, Gifts, health, health care, humanity, Legal, lifestyle, Mental Health, motivation, Non- Profit, Parenting, planning, support group, wellness

Letting Go.

November 3, 2019 unitywithcommunity

The thought of making a drastic change to any aspect of your life can be the scariest. When you look back at all of the time you have come up with every “solution” after solution in receiving that something you so desperately push for, but after each push to only find that the wall you are up against hasn’t moved. The persistence, strength, and power has brought you above and beyond your capabilities. Your resiliency doesn’t allow for you to give up. Though when you find that after all that you could do, didn’t make a positive difference, is letting go not the worst idea?

You tell yourself that there is a greater goal that you wish to reach. One or a few that brings you greater peace, fulfillment, and provides for your greater needs. There are situations where others may be entitled or superior in setting you back, pushing you in the opposite direction, and controllably imprisoned and stripping you from your best self. Maybe their power comes from a financial advantage. Perhaps an envious one against their views and wants. AS much as we humans keep going and pushing against our odds for what we feel is best for our future, we are not working for the present. Realistically this is where we are unable to see the clear paths we can take now for the latter road, and instead resisting the struggles we are going through trying to get to the place that is not yet available. Our fear comes from the uncertainty of what could come. Our faith can only bring you to what is there now. Each choice will lead you down a path. The best choice for the “now” will lead you down the path to your best future. When we continue to push to force what we feel is the best based on uncertain truths for what we want in the future, we create more struggle and loss of strength, time, and valuable assets. Trusting the process of working its best self out will only lift you to always being your best and bring that out of each of your days.

I know very well and understand the fight of never giving up, the don’t stop won’t stop, and sacrifice until there is gain; attitude. I have always had it. I have always been a fighter for all that I have believed in. The fighting will of goodness. However, when it comes to losing more than what has ever been positively given, the only conclusion is that it doesn’t work. Wen a certain situation doesn’t change no matter what solution and struggle behind it that you have come up with remains the same or negatively shifts you backwards, letting go and making that scary sacrificial change may be the answer you haven’t been listening to all along. I have seen others give a good fight for what was rightfully so. I have personally pushed against some of the greatest resistance for what I morally and justly pushed for, for years. Only finding that there will always be another type of strength that will deplete your strength and power as long as this power is more favored by the wrong and misguided perception of others. When do you know the difference of letting go versus giving up?

Letting go is not giving up once you have given all of your might to what you have been working for. The endless time of sacrifice, the struggle without borders, when the days and nights become one, and when your passions put your senses in overdrive. However, when you are pushing harder than what the position you are in currently in allows you to do, you are losing your strength, peace and self at a declining speed. You fall back harder than where you started and your recovery is much longer than what was necessary if at all.

After all that you have done to bring yourself to another door, you now have to make the necessary drastic change that will allow you to get there. Letting go is not giving up, but the ability to regain your strength and simple ability to open the next door, rather continue to push against the wall you cannot move. The best choices that are necessary for the present time can be some of the hardest, debilitating, and emotional journey’s for one to overcome. Our fear of uncertainty or the multiple paths of “what ifs”, will only bring you back to the very place you are currently standing. Have faith in letting go of the resistance you have been pushing against and see how far this resistance can actually propel you into the future you desire. Do not allow the uncertainty of a choice carry you through further danger. Carry on the best as you can in the present and you will arrive to the very place you wish and are meant to be. When you realize that letting go is not giving up, you will begin to receive the rewards and the very peace you were once losing before. This time it will come back, stay, and your gain will be greater than you could have ever imagined.

You know what is best for yourself and any situation that you may be facing. Don’t allow others to keep you pushing against the resistance and pulling you back in the process. Take the leap in making that drastic change that is only necessary for the only option that you have. Listening to others against your best interest is going against what is best for you. Listen to YOU and have faith in the strength that is within you to always carry you through. Let go of the pressure of others that breaks your abilities and peace. Give in to yourself instead, when it comes to reaching your best future.

– A.M.W

Adult Education Resources, Community, Education, finance, Gifts, health, humanity, Legal, lifestyle, Mental Health, motivation, Non- Profit, Parenting, planning, support group, wellness

Stepping out

October 6, 2019October 6, 2019 unitywithcommunity

Like everyone else on planet Earth, I relate to daily sacrifices, the bums and boo’s, an occasional outcry, and the disappointments that are inevitably uncontrolled.. especially by you. I even realized that most of us actually live with chronic stress in spite of how we think we manage it. The amount of relatable and contributing factors over at least a 6 month period of time may sound a lot less than a lifetime. Though, calculating what a lifetime of a system that is unbalanced, non-cared for (or properly), the daily risks are endless even for what we have come to believe is considered the norm. ie. Relationships, work, home, and add in the crisis situations most are actually faced with. We have a built in mechanism that helps balance what becomes unbalanced within our person. The fight or flight hormones released, or what I tend to call the “survive and thrive, don’t think, just do” that keeps us flying through our days of struggle. However, as our bodies are like our personal engines, they too get broken down over time of destruction.

I understood this mechanism of resiliency as a young person growing in this world. I was always in survival mode. It was an unfortunate practice that I adopted and ultimately what I only knew for years. Once becoming a young adult, it was habitual. My motto became “what next”? Sometimes challenges can be self inflicting, and often cured with a changed perception and value upon “what is”. Where we all go through the process of trial and error, learning and becoming; there are those too whom I relate to with the biggest challenges on managing what is uncontrolled with others. Growing up, you may have had the lack of support- even with the basic necessities that a child needs for healthy tools of development. This creates a survival pattern almost innately. However, what is most important is to grow up changing the order of others mistakes or their lack of, and not becoming yours. Count them as a blessing of lessons. Yes, we choose our friends, partners, employers, etc., over our lifetime, we also choose whether they fit well for the goodness in our lives and removing the toxicity when needed and not conforming and sacrificing otherwise. For those times we choose otherwise, you have to learn to understand that the only individual you can control is yourself. There is nothing wrong from stepping out and doing what is absolute best for you. Where many may stay in one place, whether it is good for them or not, due to the notion of “stability”, the truth of the issue is, toxicity is not stability. It is not nurturing, fulfilling, loving, and will never outweigh the benefits of what fulfills your absolute needs nonetheless.

The idea of others influencing you to settle down, stay with your daily routine of what ever that may consist of- that isn’t working for you, or bow down to the challenges that are unnecessarily placed in front of you; is not the best option I can imagine being available. However, studying yourself well enough to understand who you are, planting those seeds for the growth of those needs mind, body, and spirit first and foremost is one I will consider. Unfortunately, it seems that the world has lived according to the opposite of what seems to be simple logic. Complicating this and living a lifetime of chronic challenge before realizing it isn’t sustainable. Finally, starting to eliminate the modifiable factors in their lives. How is it that peace hasn’t been build innately in our person? Perhaps it is because it has become extinct in our society. The land in which we all share has been replanted and overturned. Peace is now becoming the biggest challenge for most to receive when we can teach love, kindness, compassion, giving, and unity early on. Replanting the seeds across our communities in which can be empowered with growth rather than demolished by self righteousness, selfishness, greed, hatred, envy, pain, violence, and disconnect. How is it we can’t be loathed with chronic peace instead?

Managing chronic stress is difficult when we fall into the pot of negativity that only continues to be stirred. Creating a sense of false hope and coping mechanisms that feed more to the toxicity which become a sustained release throughout our bodies. Through alcoholism, substance abuse, self discrimination, mental illness and even self inducing illness including: autoimmune disease and cancer is the result. These are real life conflicts which are produced by the masses. It is increasingly growing among communities and seen within the healthcare industry. Your most important concern should be attending to your person. Everything else will fall into the place it truly fits into your life that was freely given. Forget pressuring yourself in the wrong career, relationship, home, and everything else that makes this infinite list of life. What doesn’t fit, cant be pushed to do so and it will only push you against all that you truly are. Take your lessons from the mistakes provided by others to help identify your true path rather than being mislead by theirs. Manage the modifiable factors by process of elimination. This comes all to easy when you know who you truly are rather than what you may have been mistaken one time or another. It is absolutely OK to step out of an unstable structure that was once built and ultimately consumed you. Otherwise it is only a matter of time that structure will fall. Your recovery after that moment may be more painful and unnecessary than what should ever be in existence.

There are often times we are seeking a change in our lives but we allow the negative influences to deteriorate our being when we stay in that confined space. Your change begins with stepping out. Seeking ways to lift ourselves in the time of solitude is a practice we can give ourselves. Lifting and supporting others in a reciprocal matter is a simple unity that can easily be seen rather than overlooked. Recognizing where we each individually play a role in how we survive and thrive, and most importantly standing up and on a solid ground for what you only can provide for yourself. The path you pave will be visited by those who are seeking likeness. For those who don’t, one less factor to modify. Step out and discover your world and create it using the tools that you are given. What you are seeking will not be able to present itself unless you step out.

We were not born with cowardliness, but the continuous developing strength to form and uphold our power, knowing love, and self control. Not falling as a prisoner to anything that may fall short of this. Having your vision clear and plotting in an architectural form will allow you to build your visionary path in due time while becoming your map and keeping you on the track you pave. For those of whom you may come across on your path, understand this is by way of a common place. Each of you serving as a ripening strength and resource by sharing your journeys that brought you to meeting. Lifting oneself and doing so for others by sharing in unity.

Unity with community!

– A.M.W

Adult Education Resources, Community, Education, finance, health, health care, humanity, lifestyle, Mental Health, Non- Profit, support group, Uncategorized, wellness

When your health is in a crisis, your mind doesn’t have to go there! Resources for low income healthcare needs.

July 9, 2019July 9, 2019 unitywithcommunity

I spent years of my life without healthcare insurance. As a child, I was mostly on medicaid with my mother and when I was a teenager and young adult, I was working multiple jobs to get by and put myself through school. I couldn’t afford a private healthcare policy and I didn’t qualify for any assistance, as well as my part time job(s) didn’t offer plans. For years I managed to stay as healthy as possible and often paying high out of pocket costs going to see healthcare providers, dentists, and emergency care. When I had a life altering accident, the medical costs alone almost took the life out of me.

I have spent years researching different insurance companies and comparing the cost of private policies. This would be for anyone that is a student and not eligible to be on a parents healthcare policy, single, family with lower tax bracket, part time employment, single with low income but not eligible for medicaid or government assistance. I speak on the behalf of anyone who is in any one of these categories because I have been in each one myself. When I was enrolled in college for the first time, I was attending community college. The school did not provide an option to receive health insurance. I had two part time jobs- which neither of them provided healthcare with my part time status, I didn’t qualify for medicaid, and I was an independent living student, and didn’t have parents who could cover me either.

Flash forward a few years and I transferred to my University. They too, did not provide healthcare coverage as it was a private school. Unfortunately having healthcare insurance was mandatory for my degree plan as I was studying nursing at the time. It was required to attend clinical training in the hospital. During this time I was a full time nursing student, on every scholarship and grant out there, new mother, and feeling very frustrated over the years because I always felt that I fell into a gap where I was never qualified for anything either way I pulled. I managed to make just enough money where I couldn’t apply for medicaid or any other healthcare assistance program, but at the same time, I wasn’t in the financial position to be able to afford a private healthcare policy until I was finished with school and had a big girl job.. Makes sense right?

I was constantly researching and over the years, between the healthcare institutions, clinics, and organizations I have either worked or volunteered for, have found a couple of the best and affordable solutions for other individuals and families that may also have fallen through the cracks of this population gap! I understand the immense amount of stress it can be on one individual when it comes to health, medical bills, and a lack of resources! I also know that it is magnified when it comes to a family! Therefore, I will like to share with you a few resources that I have found extremely helpful over the years. You can check out and share for yourselves and others! It may not be for everyone, but if there is a way I can help someone, I am happy to be able to do so!

Oh and please, if there is anything else comparable on the market to what I have to present, please contact me to share!!! As a full disclosure: I am not by any means selling a product, hired by any insurance company or marketing for any company or organization. Every city and state differs from services that are available to your local community. I am only sharing the information that I have personally found that worked for me in particular circumstances and I believe many can relate. Always research and follow up on any changes that can occur with the different programs, as well as research the public and private healthcare programs and resources that are within your local community for information and further assistance. I am only speaking on a very narrowed scale but valuable information that can possibly direct you to resources that may alleviate your healthcare crisis!

For Private insurance: United Healthcare Golden Rule insurance Company is not restricted on enrollment dates. I was able to get coverage within 24 hrs of enrolling. I have found that their individual and family healthcare coverage plans are much lower than any other private insurance policy I personally have researched. As rates change according to what you may need to add to your personalized plan, please call or go online for a quote. Everything changes so don’t quote me!!! However, I was paying less than $100 a month for PPO medical insurance and dental. Adding my child to my plan was only a very small increase to my monthly bill. Oh and low deductibles!!!!

Go online at: https://www.uhone.com

or Call toll free at: 1800- 657- 8205 or 1800- 273- 8115

Anyone at anytime can shop around and compare private insurance policy quotes and choose to go with any insurance company that they find suitable for their individual needs. I only share from my experiences to give the chance to help those who are looking for resourceful options.

I understand that even $100 a month can go very far for some and may not be able to quite afford a private healthcare plan. For some they may manage to get by with seeing a doctor once a year and they bite the costs. Here are a couple of options that I have found as well and utilized before I was insured with a private policy.

Some of the big Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions have clinics that are branched off to help those patients with healthcare issues that are not suited for an emergency room visit just to be seen. These clinics that provide the same quality professionals as the Hospital are able to give affordable out of pocket care to be seen and treated if you do not have healthcare insurance. Every city and community differs but research your city’s public and private healthcare institutions and verify with those that may provide extra care as this. For Example: Memorial Hermann Hospital is the largest Non- for Profit Hospital in Southeast Texas. They have branched into the Memorial Hermann Neighborhood Health centers providing very affordable healthcare and access to Primary care physicians and specialists tending to every healthcare need. Before I was insured, I was able to see a primary care physician for as little as $50.00 a visit, receive medications, have examinations and lab testing done for a little more depending on the service needed. Depending on your healthcare need and how often, it changes but it was a lifesaver! Especially if you are a patient who has a medical condition that requires daily medications and requires continuous physician care. Beats hundreds of dollars in private physician costs and thousands in laboratory testing fees if you are uninsured!

For Self Pay (Uninsured patients) Memorial Hermann Neighborhood clinic

Go online at: https://communitybenefit.memorialhermann.org/healthcare-resources/neighborhood-health-centers/

For those who reside where this healthcare facility may not be available, contact your local non- for profit hospitals and private hospitals to see if there is a similar service that may be accessible to you through their institution.

If you are Homeless and not receiving any other healthcare assistance or low income family/individual (uninsured self pay):

In Harris County of Houston, TX, for those who are homeless or in low income to poverty level, there is the Harris Health care system. A system govern-mentally funded and operated. They provide healthcare financial assistance based on your income. You can apply for the GOLD CARD which provides financial assistance for healthcare coverage and is less strenuous to apply than Medicaid.

Please visit: https://www.harrishealth.org/ and https://www.harrishealth.org/access-care/patient-eligibility#tabGroup14 for eligibility requirements.

Gold card: Please go online: https://www.familyhouston.org/harris-health-the-gold-card-how-to-apply/

Gold card Online application: https://hchd-gold-card-application-form.pdffiller.com/

For homeless medical and dental services in Houston, TX :

Houston Healthcare for Homeless- //www.homeless-healthcare.org/ this non profit institution caters to the homeless population in providing access to medical physicians, nurse practitioners, and dentists for their medical and dental needs.

For all other cities, please check to find any institution in similarity, private or non- profit such as the Harris Health system and Healthcare for Homeless. Every community operates differently and resources will differ as well. These are pointers on where to start your research on a local level for these very specific needs.

For vaccinations I have found that there are some local church charity’s that provide little to no cost flu vaccinations. Again, check your local community. You can also visit your local pharmacy for certain vaccinations and testing that are low cost for those who are self pay. For those insured, you will need to refer to your insurance policy for fees and costs.

For urgent and minor care: There is also the option for 24 hour emergency clinics. However, the costs may not be much different than self pay out of pocket costs just as you would find going into a Hospital emergency room.

I hope any of this information is helpful! It helped me tremendously when I was uninsured or circumstantially on a lower income bracket. Some of us will have special circumstances and with this, fall through the gap of affording the adequate care they need, especially in crisis. Through some of these services I have found, I was able to help others in my community that were facing some of these difficult challenges. It is never fair to be left hanging when it comes to our health. Our health is needed to live, but the care we receive gives us the ability to live well.

Always, Always share with others where you can. Please contact me if you have other resources to share! I personally am limited to my experiences, but want to be able to share with as many people and different populations that may come across this, as much as possible! Thank you for helping me help others! I encourage you all to never stop doing so!

Unity with Community!

-Amanda Marie Wilkinson