Latest news with #Restore
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Willie Wilson: The Black church is left out of a key community rebuilding board in Illinois
The idea of having a reliable revenue stream from cannabis sales dedicated in part to rebuilding communities harmed by economic disinvestment, violence and the war on drugs is good. However, I am concerned the application of funding may be missing the mark. The Black church has no influence in the Restore, Reinvest and Renew grant program (R3) created under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). The 2019 law requires 25% of all cannabis revenue be used to support communities affected by economic disinvestment, violence and the damage caused by the war on drugs. As written, the law designated Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton as the chair of the board and empowered her to appoint several of the 40 board seats for the R3 program. The ICJIA has awarded more than $244 million in R3 program grants. The question must be asked — how can you talk about rebuilding the Black community without the Black church at the table? It is akin to passing legislation affecting children without having key stakeholders like parents and children involved. Also, should rebuilding Black communities be confined to those who have been involved with the criminal justice system? What about Ms. Velma Lewis, a 74-year-old African American woman who lost her Maywood home to a property tax sale because she made the decision to put a new roof on her house in lieu of paying her property taxes? Ms. Lewis' story is heartbreaking — her home had been paid off — she lost her Cook County home and all the equity to a tax buyer as reported by Injustice Watch. I wonder if the Black church could have helped save her home. The Black church is the backbone of the African American community. In addition to its spiritual function, churches provide social services including education, employment, political mobilization and fights for civil rights. The Black church was the catalyst for Civil Rights Movement. In light of deep cuts to federal and state programs, as well as rising utility and food costs, the Black church will be called upon to fill the gap in services. Additionally, churches must oppose efforts to rewrite the history of African Americans in the U.S. and the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion. There is no entity closer to the African American community than the Black church. It is an insult that Black church leaders are not at the table to make recommendations on what is needed to rebuild and stabilize the African American community. How can African American legislative leaders allow the Black church to be excluded? The law as established did not provide a seat for Black church representation. There are nine vacant R3 board seats appointed by the lieutenant governor. Interestingly, no Black church leaders are on the R3 board. The stated goals of the R3 program are to address disparities related to violence, unemployment, educational inequality and drug-related addiction, which are only becoming wider. Without question, the Black community was significantly harmed by the war on drugs. One provision of the 1994 Crime Bill was especially onerous and racially charged. The 100-1 sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and cocaine led to immeasurable harm on Black, brown and low-income communities. The damage continues in other forms of destabilizing efforts. Injustice Watch also found that Illinois is the last state to unlawfully strip wealth from homeowners facing property tax foreclosure. The report noted that since 2019 more than 1,000 owner-occupied homes in Cook County, like Lewis' property, were taken through foreclosure. The homes taken were concentrated in predominantly Black communities like Roseland, Englewood and Chicago Heights. Also, more than half of the homes were taken following an initial property tax debt of $1,600 or less. The Black church if properly resourced and unified could transform our communities. Widening racial gaps in unemployment, wealth, education, housing and other areas should cause leaders to reexamine the effectiveness of the R3 program and whether it should be expanded. The R3 grants fund programs in five areas: The Black church is the soil that helped grow phenomenal Black leaders. Any serious proposals to rebuild and stabilize the African American community must include the Black church at the table. The following are suggestions to consider that will empower the Black church and African American communities: The government working in concert with the Black church can help rebuild African American communities. I write this commentary to make those comfortable with excluding Black church leaders from directing resources for community rebuilding uncomfortable. Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Governor Greg Abbott Welcomes First Responders to Capitol; Recognizing May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
-- Texas House of Representatives and Senate Passed the Resolution; Governor Abbott Joins in Supporting Statewide Resolution Recognizing Mental Health; Struggles of Military Members, Veterans, First Responders and Frontline Professionals -- AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited first responders and American Warrior Association (AWA) leadership to the Capitol on May 14 to commend the group on its recent launch of R3 Respond, Restore, Resolve, and their commitment to raising awareness of moral injury. Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. Moral Injury Awareness Day will be recognized annually in Texas. "Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe," said Governor Greg Abbott. "Texas will now officially recognize Moral Injury Awareness Day to educate people about moral injuries and the impact they have on our first responders. Texas will continue to provide the heroic men and women who answered the call to serve with the resources and support they need to heal from unseen injuries. We are eternally grateful to all first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities and their fellow Texans across our great state." Recently, AWA launched R3 Respond. Restore. Resolve to provide first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. R3, initially launched in March 2024 in Fort Worth, provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. first responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit communities by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Governor Greg Abbott Welcomes First Responders to Capitol; Recognizing May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited first responders and American Warrior Association (AWA) leadership to the Capitol on May 14 to commend the group on its recent launch of R3 Respond, Restore, Resolve, and their commitment to raising awareness of moral injury. 'Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe,' said Governor Greg Abbott. Share Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. Moral Injury Awareness Day will be recognized annually in Texas. 'Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe,' said Governor Greg Abbott. 'Texas will now officially recognize Moral Injury Awareness Day to educate people about moral injuries and the impact they have on our first responders. Texas will continue to provide the heroic men and women who answered the call to serve with the resources and support they need to heal from unseen injuries. We are eternally grateful to all first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities and their fellow Texans across our great state.' Recently, AWA launched R3 Respond. Restore. Resolve to provide first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. R3, initially launched in March 2024 in Fort Worth, provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. first responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit communities by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit:
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Hillier Centre in Mount Maunganui closes after 37 years of service
It offered counselling, mental and physical health support, parenting programmes, community corrections services, and spaces for community groups to gather. The building was sold by Perpetual Guardian, which manages The Hillier Bequest Charitable Trust, to Metlifecare in 2022. A Metlifecare spokesperson confirmed the purchase and said the company had worked with the occupants to keep them informed throughout the process. The closure has prompted several organisations to relocate. Tauranga Family Works, a key tenant, moved its operations to 126 11th Ave on May 12, offering continued access to essential services such as counselling and social work services for children and families, Women Against Violence Education (WAVE), Social Workers in Schools, Parenting Through Separation and the Restore programme. Enliven, which provides home-based support and individualised funding, will also move into the new facility. A spokesperson for Presbyterian Support Northern, which manages both Family Works and Enliven, said the advantages of moving included a more central location for clients, ground floor access, greater service visibility, a purpose-built fit-out for its teams and more opportunity for collaboration. Headway Brain Injury Association BOP relocated to 53 Fraser St, co-locating with Breast Cancer Support Services. Headway longtime employee Dianne Beveridge, who retired last year after more than 30 years with the organisation, said news of the building's sale had been 'unsettling' at first, but the organisation was 'very happy' with its new space. The Department of Corrections service centre has been operating at the Hillier Centre since 2009, providing reintegration programmes and managing individuals serving community sentences. Corrections general manager Brent Reilly confirmed the current tenancy agreement, managed through Presbyterian Support Northern, expires on May 31. The department had hoped to renew the lease through September 2025, but Reilly said the building owner requested the space back. 'We are confident of securing space in the Mount Maunganui/Pāpāmoa community before the end of May. 'If there were to end up being a temporary period between leaving our current property and moving to a new one, we will still be able to provide comprehensive support and oversight of the people we manage, in the community and through our three offices in Tauranga and our office in Te Puke.' A legacy of love and community service The Hillier Centre's origins lie in a love story that spanned continents and decades. The facility was established through a charitable bequest by Lieutenant Colonel Victor Florian Hillier and his wife, Hilda Helen Halliday Hillier. The couple emigrated to New Zealand from India in 1946 after long careers in military and civil service under the British Empire. Initially envisioned as a sheltered workshop for people with physical disabilities in the Mount Maunganui area, the Hilliers' legacy evolved into something much broader. Trustees of the Hillier Trust partnered with the Tauranga Hospital Board and Presbyterian Support Northern after the couple's passing in the 1970s to build a community-focused centre that opened in 1986. In 1995, the centre was renamed 'The Hillier Centre,' and its mission was updated: 'To provide a safe place where people in our community can explore options and access resources that will enhance their health and wellbeing.' The Hillier Centre stood as an independent, non-governmental and non-council funded facility — an increasingly rare model in New Zealand's social services landscape. It accommodated many health and support organisations, offering office and consulting space, training venues, and meeting rooms for groups ranging from counselling services to fitness and card clubs. The centre adapted to the growing needs of the community over time, with space to host more than 100 people across its meeting and interview rooms. Its last building extension was completed in 2001, and its strategic location close to bus routes - between Baywave TECT Aquatic Centre and Somerville Retirement Village - made it accessible to many. Hundreds of people passed through its doors each week. Whether seeking help for mental health, escaping violence, managing physical rehabilitation, or simply needing a place to belong, the Hillier Centre was a safe harbour.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK Stocks That May Be Trading Below Their Estimated Value
As the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices face downward pressure from weak trade data out of China, investors in the United Kingdom are closely monitoring global economic cues that have impacted commodity prices and corporate earnings. In this environment, identifying stocks that may be trading below their estimated value can offer potential opportunities for investors seeking to navigate market volatility while focusing on long-term fundamentals. Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) £100.22 £191.51 47.7% Dr. Martens (LSE:DOCS) £0.5945 £1.13 47.3% Aptitude Software Group (LSE:APTD) £2.96 £5.15 42.6% Gooch & Housego (AIM:GHH) £4.71 £8.99 47.6% Victorian Plumbing Group (AIM:VIC) £0.808 £1.41 42.5% Informa (LSE:INF) £7.986 £15.26 47.7% Duke Capital (AIM:DUKE) £0.285 £0.54 47.3% Huddled Group (AIM:HUD) £0.0325 £0.065 49.9% Vistry Group (LSE:VTY) £6.134 £11.34 45.9% Deliveroo (LSE:ROO) £1.75 £3.08 43.1% Click here to see the full list of 48 stocks from our Undervalued UK Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener. Let's dive into some prime choices out of the screener. Overview: Restore plc, with a market cap of £338.20 million, offers services to offices and workplaces in both the public and private sectors primarily in the United Kingdom. Operations: The company's revenue segments consist of Datashred (£36 million), Technology (£36.10 million), Harrow Green (£35.30 million), and Information Management (£167.90 million). Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 38.8% Restore is trading at £2.47, significantly below its estimated fair value of £4.04, suggesting it may be undervalued based on cash flows. The company recently reported a net income of £12.4 million for 2024, rebounding from a loss the previous year. Earnings are forecast to grow at 24.8% annually, outpacing the UK market's growth rate and indicating strong future potential despite an unstable dividend history and lower revenue growth expectations relative to earnings growth. The growth report we've compiled suggests that Restore's future prospects could be on the up. Dive into the specifics of Restore here with our thorough financial health report. Overview: Dr. Martens plc designs, develops, procures, markets, sells, and distributes footwear under the Dr. Martens brand and has a market cap of approximately £573.81 million. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its footwear segment, totaling £805.90 million. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 47.3% Dr. Martens is trading at £0.59, below its estimated fair value of £1.13, highlighting potential undervaluation based on cash flows. Despite a lower profit margin this year compared to last, earnings are expected to grow significantly at 39.72% annually over the next three years, outpacing the UK market's growth rate of 14.1%. However, interest payments are not well covered by earnings and the dividend track record remains unstable. Our earnings growth report unveils the potential for significant increases in Dr. Martens' future results. Get an in-depth perspective on Dr. Martens' balance sheet by reading our health report here. Overview: Vanquis Banking Group plc provides personal credit products to the non-standard lending market in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, with a market cap of £192.11 million. Operations: The company's revenue is generated from several segments, including Cards (£238.10 million), Loans (£6.30 million), Vehicle Finance (£34.20 million), and Second Charge Mortgages (£1.70 million). Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 24.8% Vanquis Banking Group is trading at £0.75, below its estimated fair value of £1, suggesting potential undervaluation based on cash flows. Despite a significant net loss of £119.3 million in 2024, revenue is forecast to grow at 16.1% annually, outpacing the UK market's growth rate of 3.9%. However, the company's debt coverage by operating cash flow is weak and no final dividend was recommended for the financial year ended December 2024. According our earnings growth report, there's an indication that Vanquis Banking Group might be ready to expand. Take a closer look at Vanquis Banking Group's balance sheet health here in our report. Gain an insight into the universe of 48 Undervalued UK Stocks Based On Cash Flows by clicking here. Got skin in the game with these stocks? Elevate how you manage them by using Simply Wall St's portfolio, where intuitive tools await to help optimize your investment outcomes. Streamline your investment strategy with Simply Wall St's app for free and benefit from extensive research on stocks across all corners of the world. Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Diversify your portfolio with solid dividend payers offering reliable income streams to weather potential market turbulence. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include AIM:RST LSE:DOCS and LSE:VANQ. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
