Category: Non- Profit

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

Stepping out

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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, Gifts, humanity, lifestyle, Mental Health, motivation, Non- Profit, Parenting, planning, Uncategorized, wellness

Your Reality is in Your Hands. Explore the Wonder of Your Own land!

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In the most trying of times, the default feeling is of defeat. Bringing on greater fear and the inability to smile. The sleepless nights of worry to waking up to mornings that push you beyond your limits. In these times, it seems more difficult to see our light and gravitate to the light of others. A light that only reflects their shine, but not one’s shadow.

Adjust your lighting where you are always the over cast of your shadow. We all have one. It is a matter of which one you project the most. Are you choosing to guide your path by your light or closing it off with your shadow.

If you are drifting from your path because of the inability to see what is leading you  the only light we are able to see is that of others. Always remember this is not your path, and you are only seeing what others are choosing to shine for their own. Refocus and get back on your track. Set your goals and throw away what you have made your limits. Your reality is in your hands.

Redirect your energy with the ability to smile with the same smile you wake with.  Set your everyday up with your smile and keep this on your to do list!   This will always carry you through your day. No matter the stumps, you cannot fall as long as your light is guiding you.

Your journey is your wonderland. Take time to explore more of your path rather than drift off to those of others.
You will be amazed at just how magical yours truly is. Know your own roads like that of your hands. You hold much more than you have began to touch!
Let it be seen. Let it unfold.

 

 

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

The Persecution of Parenting

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When it comes to parenting, there is not one manual, book of rules, or even clues as to achieving the “Best Parent” award. Being the best is non- existent as “the best”  is so abstract that it is impossible to accurately define. Such a premature conception only sets unrealistic standards and relevancy to others based on individual life circumstances and family situations. There is no doubt that every parent is guaranteed to face some of the most difficult challenges throughout the path of parenthood. With this, having to make the the toughest, yet best decisions for the time being. Most often those decisions are the hardest because it requires a sacrifice for something else. For example, losing something for the sake of another.  Sometimes even giving up one necessity in desperation of another that may have a slightly higher priority for the time being.  This can be a devastation in itself. There are battles we have within as these experiences may come, and perhaps we have with others when it comes to the view of the art of parenting.

Over the period of my time as a parent, I have not only faced my own challenges, but I have witnessed some of the hardest battles from that of others. I can tell you that as a parent, I would never give another parent unsolicited advice on how to deliver their tools to their children. I had no information to their truth nor the knowledge of the tools they had or even those they may have lacked. It is not right to judge ones ability to deliver anything less or more than I could my own. For the life of one family is impossible to identify with for another. Within one individual, they are unique in their own self. The role of a parent, no matter the form, is uniquely based on life experiences, education, cultural background, support system, lack of support system, unexpected life events, loss, gain, and the list goes on. Our individual journeys are so different that the meaning of the title role of parent will not serve as the same meaning for all. However, the defining language of parenting can be described as the ultimate sacrifice and love. A language that will take you beyond what you can ever imagine being capable of. A language that only a parent can understand, but in the same to serving respect and support to another rather than placing judgment on a situation you truly are not capable of experiencing first yourself.

One should never judge another parent based on unforeseen circumstances. For instance, an economic status change. Where a parent could have been newly widowed or divorced. One leaving domestic abuse or a a two- parent household losing a job or making a career change. What about the single parent that is going back to school for a higher education and opportunity for brighter future for their child. The parent who became ill or disabled or even one that of a child. Consider the parents whom are living outside of an area of their core support, or the many who have very little to no support in place. Unfortunately when there are life changes or an occurrence of events, it can truly shake up the entire world of a household. For those families who are already lacking resources, this can be extremely altering and can be a very difficult road to recovery. For those who are blessed to have room for cushion, understand that your reality can be subject to change at anytime, but most importantly cannot be compared to that of others either. However, the unfortunate reality for those lacking is the unjust biases coming from society and more-so in the family court room. The lack of understanding and the remote ability to do so leaves for wrongful judgements and accusations. Closed- ended biases are only closed doors for those trying to prevail. When there is such a large discrepancy within one population to another, the lower of the denominator is often the sufferer and victim of oppression. What should be considered as logic, is instead a shunned truth. Where there is law, there are loopholes. What should be served morally, is done so righteously and unjust.

There are so many special circumstances in life that the world cannot count alone. Some cases for families can be more extreme or rare to see than others. Most factors uncontrolled but also unfairly controlled by another. The empty- minded norms that are unrelated from one family to another. The temporary altering circumstances as well as universal laws and rules written do not fit the mold of every family, which ultimately are under-served. When it comes to packaging a family, there is never a one size fits all. There are life changing disabilities short term and long term, career layoffs, going back to school to get a higher education, perhaps going to school to get an education for the brighter future for your family. Where these factors bare the truth of a portion of our community, all of these require sacrifice and enforce suffering. What should be remembered in these circumstances, this does not make one an incompetent parent and certainly does not make one a bad one either. There is a small percentage of people who have been very fortunate to not experience a traumatic event or loss. However, it is seen more within this portion of society, especially within a public system as the most biased when it comes to deciding what is best for a child. The majority of time where one parent is vulnerable, they are most often oppressed by society and the justice system. Even found to be pulled into an unnecessary battle at the expense of their child, job, and education path. Where the things that served as the climbing ladder to their future, is now taken away before their feet. How is this fair by any means and where does this benefit the person that matters the most- the child?

Where there are so many parents who may sacrifice tremendously to hold a job (sometimes multiple), juggling a full time school schedule in order to reach the desired future for their family, it can be misconstrued to instability. Sacrifice does not make one unstable, but in the long run, more secure.  Sometimes the boat of life is shaken when there is unexpected winds and storms, but as long as we are pulling the ropes where we need, we are able to keep sailing smoothly along to our destination. However, if one is continuously stricken by lightening throughout their journey, it makes it very difficult to maintain the momentum of the sail. Most often losing and sacrificing even more than before during the time of recovery.

To all parents (no matter the form) who are facing some of the biggest challenges and searching for the face of hope, remember that you are doing the absolute best under each and every one of your unique circumstances. This is what defines you as a parent. Keep pushing through those challenges and take it as your strength training. You need to keep building for your children as they only need you, and the best version that you can be. At the end of the day they are hugging and loving you. Not the size of the house they live in, the abundance of toys, the car they ride in, or the empty space they stand when they are not with you. Nothing in this world can compete with the love between a child and their parent, especially when it is the biggest love they know. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the Quality time and love that they receive. This is not something that can be given to them by anyone else. Therefore the persecution of parenting is not justified.

In the times of distress, just keep reminding yourself that bettering yourself for the sake of your child’s future is the most selfless and loving act that a parent can do for them. A role model who teaches work ethic, determination, strength, compassion, understanding and truly the greatest love for their child. In the times of adversity it is the easiest for anyone to give up and surrender, but it doesn’t move you forward and only pushes you further back than where you started. That alone does not bring goodness. Giving up is never the best choice. Only rest when needed. Keep your eye on the prize as it is closer to your reach than you think. There is so much more to your journey than what may appear. Something much larger than you and is only realized when you are determined to go above and beyond to to have it within your grasp.

Love and support others where you can during the times of adversity. Share your stories and offer them as a resource. Place no judgement on another but only a loving hand over those in need. Unity with community!

-Amanda Marie Wilkinson

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.

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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