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PHW Voices

PHW Intern Reflections

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Brian Hollingsworth, PHW Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity A few years ago, my faith needed a breath of new life. Despite having grown up in church, being heavily involved in youth group and college ministry, and even finding a wonderful job in full-time camp ministry after college, somehow I still felt something […]

PHW Intern Reflections

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Brian Hollingsworth, PHW Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity A few years ago, my faith needed a breath of new life. Despite having grown up in church, being heavily involved in youth group and college ministry, and even finding a wonderful job in full-time camp ministry after college, somehow I still felt something […]

CNN Honors Rev. Richard Joyner of Conetoe Family Life Center

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The garden at Conetoe Family Life Center in Conetoe, NC  is more than just about growing food; it’s about changing mindsets, bodies, and redefining food equity power structures. In response to the racialized history that keeps many blacks from farming and the health crisis experienced by many folks there, Reverend Richard Joyner says,  “When I […]

CNN Honors Rev. Richard Joyner of Conetoe Family Life Center

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The garden at Conetoe Family Life Center in Conetoe, NC  is more than just about growing food; it’s about changing mindsets, bodies, and redefining food equity power structures. In response to the racialized history that keeps many blacks from farming and the health crisis experienced by many folks there, Reverend Richard Joyner says,  “When I […]

Learning to Grieve, Part 2

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Grieving is a healthy response to life’s brokenness. When we grieve we allow our emotions to catch up with our minds. It allows us to think more clearly, make better choices, and we might be able to avoid the “comfort” foods that can mask our pain or negatively affect our own health. I noticed that […]

Learning to Grieve, Part 2

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Grieving is a healthy response to life’s brokenness. When we grieve we allow our emotions to catch up with our minds. It allows us to think more clearly, make better choices, and we might be able to avoid the “comfort” foods that can mask our pain or negatively affect our own health. I noticed that […]

Job Opening — Application Deadline November 30

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is hiring a full-time position for our Partners in Health and Wholeness program. Responsibilities for the Project Manager role include:| Administrative oversight for the Certification Programs and Mini-Grant Program. Specifically: disseminate information, oversee application process, solicit renewals, maintain databases, and organize files. Organize, prioritize, and respond to electronic and regular mail correspondence. Conduct outreach for regional […]

Job Opening — Application Deadline November 30

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is hiring a full-time position for our Partners in Health and Wholeness program. Responsibilities for the Project Manager role include:| Administrative oversight for the Certification Programs and Mini-Grant Program. Specifically: disseminate information, oversee application process, solicit renewals, maintain databases, and organize files. Organize, prioritize, and respond to electronic and regular mail correspondence. Conduct outreach for regional […]

Learning to Grieve, Part I

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I love the dark mornings, the tints of grey in the sky foreshadowing the brightness to come.  I especially love it when I wake at the fourth or fifth hour and get to just meditate, looking out my window into the mellow early day. This particular morning, I woke to a text. It was my […]

Learning to Grieve, Part I

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I love the dark mornings, the tints of grey in the sky foreshadowing the brightness to come.  I especially love it when I wake at the fourth or fifth hour and get to just meditate, looking out my window into the mellow early day. This particular morning, I woke to a text. It was my […]

Grant to Help HCFANC & Council Work on Medicaid Expansion

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC and the NC Council of Churches have received a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. The $25,000 grant from the Trust will allow HCFANC and the Council to educate 26 faith-based organizations in communities across North Carolina about the health and economic benefits of Medicaid Expansion. The project […]

Grant to Help HCFANC & Council Work on Medicaid Expansion

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC and the NC Council of Churches have received a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. The $25,000 grant from the Trust will allow HCFANC and the Council to educate 26 faith-based organizations in communities across North Carolina about the health and economic benefits of Medicaid Expansion. The project […]

Updated ACA and Medicaid Expansion Resources Available

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The open enrollment period for the Healthcare Marketplace will open on November 1, and the Council’s Affordable Care Act resource page has been updated to provide helpful information. It is important to look at what the 2016 health care plans have to offer and to be certain that you are enrolled in the best plan to meet […]

Updated ACA and Medicaid Expansion Resources Available

· by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The open enrollment period for the Healthcare Marketplace will open on November 1, and the Council’s Affordable Care Act resource page has been updated to provide helpful information. It is important to look at what the 2016 health care plans have to offer and to be certain that you are enrolled in the best plan to meet […]

Update: Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference Details

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Wednesday-Friday, November 4-6 Hilton Charlotte University Place 8629 Jim Keynes Drive, Charlotte Experience a world-class faculty convened to provide tools for sustainable health interventions. If you are a pastor or a person responsible for the health ministry, annual health fair, kitchen ministry, nurse’s ministry or other aspects of health education, promotion and compassion within your […]

Update: Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference Details

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Wednesday-Friday, November 4-6 Hilton Charlotte University Place 8629 Jim Keynes Drive, Charlotte Experience a world-class faculty convened to provide tools for sustainable health interventions. If you are a pastor or a person responsible for the health ministry, annual health fair, kitchen ministry, nurse’s ministry or other aspects of health education, promotion and compassion within your […]

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Breastfeeding Collaborative Update

By Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Breastfeeding Collaborative (BFC) mini-grant, certification, and training program will not continue at this time. The Partners in Health and Wholeness program is still fully committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding education, resources, services, practices, trainings, cultural competency, etc. within faith communities. Congregations can still support breastfeeding by signing the “Breastfeeding Friendly Congregation Statement.” Additionally, some […]

Breastfeeding Collaborative Update

· by Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Breastfeeding Collaborative (BFC) mini-grant, certification, and training program will not continue at this time. The Partners in Health and Wholeness program is still fully committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding education, resources, services, practices, trainings, cultural competency, etc. within faith communities. Congregations can still support breastfeeding by signing the “Breastfeeding Friendly Congregation Statement.” Additionally, some […]

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Being Tobacco-Free and Healthier

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

This week is Race to Quit, a campaign to inspire, encourage, and bring awareness to the importance of being tobacco free. As I was considering what to write, I thought about a conversation I had over the weekend in one of the churches I was attending. I was talking with my dear sister in the […]

Being Tobacco-Free and Healthier

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

This week is Race to Quit, a campaign to inspire, encourage, and bring awareness to the importance of being tobacco free. As I was considering what to write, I thought about a conversation I had over the weekend in one of the churches I was attending. I was talking with my dear sister in the […]

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Join the Race to Quit, NC

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Smoking is the most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death. One out of every five North Carolinians is a smoker and may be unaware of the support that exists to help them quit. Tobacco users and non-tobacco users can work together to help prevent and end this dangerous addiction. Jesus taught us about the need […]

Join the Race to Quit, NC

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Smoking is the most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death. One out of every five North Carolinians is a smoker and may be unaware of the support that exists to help them quit. Tobacco users and non-tobacco users can work together to help prevent and end this dangerous addiction. Jesus taught us about the need […]

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Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones Street. But all too often, the results are more scary than funny. OK, scary is a loaded term that has to be viewed within the […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones Street. But all too often, the results are more scary than funny. OK, scary is a loaded term that has to be viewed within the […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a mouse, then a state budget that is completely underwhelming as a vehicle for making North Carolina a better place for all of its residents to […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a mouse, then a state budget that is completely underwhelming as a vehicle for making North Carolina a better place for all of its residents to […]

Healthy Alternatives for Youth Groups

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I was talking with colleagues, friends, and co-laborers who strive for better health on a population level and discovered that many of us had the same problem within our faith community. We saw that our children, our beloved future leaders, were being fed high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soda, and sweets. […]

Healthy Alternatives for Youth Groups

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I was talking with colleagues, friends, and co-laborers who strive for better health on a population level and discovered that many of us had the same problem within our faith community. We saw that our children, our beloved future leaders, were being fed high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soda, and sweets. […]

Three Tips for Beginners to Get Your Congregation Healthier

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I love being in the North Carolina country. There is nothing better than riding with your windows down, smelling the fresh air (sometimes loaded with smells of farm animals), the wind blowing your lips into a smile, and just looking at open land. I love it! Small towns like Star, Pendleton, or Pembroke are just […]

Three Tips for Beginners to Get Your Congregation Healthier

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I love being in the North Carolina country. There is nothing better than riding with your windows down, smelling the fresh air (sometimes loaded with smells of farm animals), the wind blowing your lips into a smile, and just looking at open land. I love it! Small towns like Star, Pendleton, or Pembroke are just […]

PHW Featured in June Magazine Article

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Earlier this summer, Partners in Health and Wholeness was featured in an Atlanta-based magazine article on faith and health. The June feature appeared in “Upscale” magazine and shared information about PHW’s work including its highly successful mini-grant program. Read page 1 here, page 2 here, and page 3 here.

PHW Featured in June Magazine Article

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Earlier this summer, Partners in Health and Wholeness was featured in an Atlanta-based magazine article on faith and health. The June feature appeared in “Upscale” magazine and shared information about PHW’s work including its highly successful mini-grant program. Read page 1 here, page 2 here, and page 3 here.

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Foundations of Faith Community Nursing — Register by 8/14

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Have you ever met a faith community nurse? My guess is that if you have, you know it. They are go-getters. They know how to take an idea and make it happen.  Not only do they have the practical knowledge to care for the health of their congregations (like checking blood pressures after church on Sundays), they […]

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing — Register by 8/14

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Have you ever met a faith community nurse? My guess is that if you have, you know it. They are go-getters. They know how to take an idea and make it happen.  Not only do they have the practical knowledge to care for the health of their congregations (like checking blood pressures after church on Sundays), they […]

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Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends Service Committee calls this weapon system the “plane that ate the budget” and puts the lifetime cost at $1.5 trillion. Over the same period of years that Lockheed Martin has encouraged Congress to continue funding the most expensive weapon […]

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends Service Committee calls this weapon system the “plane that ate the budget” and puts the lifetime cost at $1.5 trillion. Over the same period of years that Lockheed Martin has encouraged Congress to continue funding the most expensive weapon […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act.  For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version of Obamacare does not reach that ultimate goal, it has proved to be a crucial step forward. We are grateful to the justices of the […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act.  For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version of Obamacare does not reach that ultimate goal, it has proved to be a crucial step forward. We are grateful to the justices of the […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law commonly known as SEPA, or the State Environmental Policy Act. It was enacted in 1971, during the great upsurge of the modern environmental movement that […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law commonly known as SEPA, or the State Environmental Policy Act. It was enacted in 1971, during the great upsurge of the modern environmental movement that […]

Warm Weather Recipe: Cranberry-Ginger Ade

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Looking for a cool and refreshing way to make use of those cranberries you have in the freezer from the holidays? I chose to make a spring digestive aid and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and light this drink is. I don’t like turning on my AC, especially when there is an outside breeze, […]

Warm Weather Recipe: Cranberry-Ginger Ade

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Looking for a cool and refreshing way to make use of those cranberries you have in the freezer from the holidays? I chose to make a spring digestive aid and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and light this drink is. I don’t like turning on my AC, especially when there is an outside breeze, […]

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Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say that this year’s version, held on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, succeeded on both counts. With the General Assembly moving into […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say that this year’s version, held on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, succeeded on both counts. With the General Assembly moving into […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand Medicaid come to a vote this year, or even receive a fair hearing in the committees they control. But by pressing the case, advocates continue […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand Medicaid come to a vote this year, or even receive a fair hearing in the committees they control. But by pressing the case, advocates continue […]

Diabetes Alert Day

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Today is Diabetes Alert Day. Seven million Americans don’t know they have diabetes. African Americans, Hispanics/Latino/as, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. PHW is proud to support “Diabetes Alert Day.” The American Diabetes Association, NC Division of […]

Diabetes Alert Day

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Today is Diabetes Alert Day. Seven million Americans don’t know they have diabetes. African Americans, Hispanics/Latino/as, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. PHW is proud to support “Diabetes Alert Day.” The American Diabetes Association, NC Division of […]

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Affordable Care Act and Taxes

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Any of you who have already done your tax return for 2014 have discovered new questions about your health insurance status. For many of us, it’s just a matter of checking a box on our 1040 forms stating that we have an acceptable form of health insurance (through an employer, Medicare, etc.) If, however, you […]

Affordable Care Act and Taxes

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Any of you who have already done your tax return for 2014 have discovered new questions about your health insurance status. For many of us, it’s just a matter of checking a box on our 1040 forms stating that we have an acceptable form of health insurance (through an employer, Medicare, etc.) If, however, you […]

We Believe

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Nicole Johnson, PHW Intern March is already here, with the official start of spring only days away.  Is your New Year’s resolution a distant memory?  Resolutions are so inspiring; it is a New Year and the future looks so bright. We’re more optimistic and believe that whatever comes next will be better in some way. […]

We Believe

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Nicole Johnson, PHW Intern March is already here, with the official start of spring only days away.  Is your New Year’s resolution a distant memory?  Resolutions are so inspiring; it is a New Year and the future looks so bright. We’re more optimistic and believe that whatever comes next will be better in some way. […]

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Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by the Council, none is more closely focused on those links than the Legislative Seminar – giving it a special prominence on the Council calendar. No, […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by the Council, none is more closely focused on those links than the Legislative Seminar – giving it a special prominence on the Council calendar. No, […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the information they need to be advocates on issues before the NC General Assembly. Registration with workshop options is below. Please scroll through the registration section […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the information they need to be advocates on issues before the NC General Assembly. Registration with workshop options is below. Please scroll through the registration section […]

A Note from PHW’s New Director

By Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Growing up in a household where one of my parents is a community activist and the other is a teacher, my brother and I were strongly encouraged to use our talents and skills to be a catalyst for change — not just a recipient of change. Further, as a quadruple minority originally from a rural […]

A Note from PHW’s New Director

· by Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Growing up in a household where one of my parents is a community activist and the other is a teacher, my brother and I were strongly encouraged to use our talents and skills to be a catalyst for change — not just a recipient of change. Further, as a quadruple minority originally from a rural […]

NC Alliance for Health Releases New Poll

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Alliance for Health recently released poll results that show 70% of North Carolina voters are in support of funding a Healthy Corner Store Initiative to improve access to healthy food.  The NC Alliance for Health, “is an independent, statewide coalition advocating for policies that promote wellness and reduce the impact of obesity and tobacco.”  Below are some […]

NC Alliance for Health Releases New Poll

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Alliance for Health recently released poll results that show 70% of North Carolina voters are in support of funding a Healthy Corner Store Initiative to improve access to healthy food.  The NC Alliance for Health, “is an independent, statewide coalition advocating for policies that promote wellness and reduce the impact of obesity and tobacco.”  Below are some […]

Snow Days?

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This week has been full of weather disruptions.  From school cancellations, missed Ash Wednesday services, to business closings, this has been a week of changed plans.  So, here are a few ideas to help you get through any upcoming snow days and the continuing winter weather. Healthy snack alternatives You may crave hot chocolate when […]

Snow Days?

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This week has been full of weather disruptions.  From school cancellations, missed Ash Wednesday services, to business closings, this has been a week of changed plans.  So, here are a few ideas to help you get through any upcoming snow days and the continuing winter weather. Healthy snack alternatives You may crave hot chocolate when […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.”  Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not to be compassionate. Such is the case with extending Medicaid to close the coverage gap and provide health insurance for all citizens in North Carolina. […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.”  Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not to be compassionate. Such is the case with extending Medicaid to close the coverage gap and provide health insurance for all citizens in North Carolina. […]

Share the Love by Caring for Yourself

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? I am getting away with a group of college friends for our annual girls weekend, while my husband will spend time with his best friends from college, too, (which, I might add, is a vast improvement over the original plan of him staying home alone with our […]

Share the Love by Caring for Yourself

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? I am getting away with a group of college friends for our annual girls weekend, while my husband will spend time with his best friends from college, too, (which, I might add, is a vast improvement over the original plan of him staying home alone with our […]

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Welcome Monica Motley as PHW Director

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I am delighted to announce that we have hired Monica Motley as program director for Partners in Health and Wholeness. She started with us in January. Monica holds master’s degrees in education and public health from Virginia Tech and is finishing her dissertation for her PhD from Tech. In conjunction with her excellent academic work, […]

Welcome Monica Motley as PHW Director

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I am delighted to announce that we have hired Monica Motley as program director for Partners in Health and Wholeness. She started with us in January. Monica holds master’s degrees in education and public health from Virginia Tech and is finishing her dissertation for her PhD from Tech. In conjunction with her excellent academic work, […]

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What Frightens Civitas?

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Apparently I scare Civitas. Maybe it’s my upbringing. I was raised by a single mom (my parents divorced when I was a toddler) who was fortunate to have a solid job with the federal government and a supportive family who were the safety net between us and poverty. We were lucky. Maybe it was my […]

What Frightens Civitas?

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Apparently I scare Civitas. Maybe it’s my upbringing. I was raised by a single mom (my parents divorced when I was a toddler) who was fortunate to have a solid job with the federal government and a supportive family who were the safety net between us and poverty. We were lucky. Maybe it was my […]

ACA Open Enrollment Deadline — Feb. 15

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The open enrollment period for those seeking coverage through the Affordable Care Act ends on February 15. As NC Policy Watch’s Chris Fitzsimon pointed out shortly after this latest round of enrollments began, the process is going smoothly, the website is working, and, most importantly, people’s lives are getting better. In some cases, lives are being […]

ACA Open Enrollment Deadline — Feb. 15

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The open enrollment period for those seeking coverage through the Affordable Care Act ends on February 15. As NC Policy Watch’s Chris Fitzsimon pointed out shortly after this latest round of enrollments began, the process is going smoothly, the website is working, and, most importantly, people’s lives are getting better. In some cases, lives are being […]

Happy, Healthy New Year!

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This is the time of resolutions, health goals, hope for transformation and new beginnings. As you set your goals and make your plans for 2015, we at PHW hope we can support you and your faith community in your health goals. We encourage you to make small, sustainable changes that become part of a healthy lifestyle […]

Happy, Healthy New Year!

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This is the time of resolutions, health goals, hope for transformation and new beginnings. As you set your goals and make your plans for 2015, we at PHW hope we can support you and your faith community in your health goals. We encourage you to make small, sustainable changes that become part of a healthy lifestyle […]

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Advent — Joy to the World

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing….” It is the final week of Advent, and Christmas is almost here. Today, we celebrate joy. I know I often let the weight of the world press down on my shoulders. I struggle […]

Advent — Joy to the World

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing….” It is the final week of Advent, and Christmas is almost here. Today, we celebrate joy. I know I often let the weight of the world press down on my shoulders. I struggle […]

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Advent — As Yourself

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

During the holiday season, we celebrate the love of friends and family, and this week of Advent we anticipate the love of the coming Christ. As we seek to live out Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor as yourself” throughout this season, we often forget an essential piece of the second greatest commandment. For many of […]

Advent — As Yourself

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

During the holiday season, we celebrate the love of friends and family, and this week of Advent we anticipate the love of the coming Christ. As we seek to live out Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor as yourself” throughout this season, we often forget an essential piece of the second greatest commandment. For many of […]

Advent – What Peace?

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This second week of Advent is often set aside to reflect on peace.  Reflection is a starting place; it does not take much reflection time to recognize that peace is very distant, and even seems impossible at times, in the current state of the world. We not only reflect on peace, but proclaim peace as […]

Advent – What Peace?

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This second week of Advent is often set aside to reflect on peace.  Reflection is a starting place; it does not take much reflection time to recognize that peace is very distant, and even seems impossible at times, in the current state of the world. We not only reflect on peace, but proclaim peace as […]

2014 Advent Guide

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take a social justice theme as a focus for these guides to be used during the season of Advent or Lent. For this Advent season, that focus is the care and well-being of children. As we say in the introduction: As […]

2014 Advent Guide

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take a social justice theme as a focus for these guides to be used during the season of Advent or Lent. For this Advent season, that focus is the care and well-being of children. As we say in the introduction: As […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The decision last year by the conservatives who control North Carolina’s state government not to expand the state’s Medicaid program has left an estimated half-million residents out in the cold when it comes to health insurance – that’s the number cited by the N.C. Institute of Medicine. These folks typically are among the state’s working […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The decision last year by the conservatives who control North Carolina’s state government not to expand the state’s Medicaid program has left an estimated half-million residents out in the cold when it comes to health insurance – that’s the number cited by the N.C. Institute of Medicine. These folks typically are among the state’s working […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches as we visit Charlotte and Asheville to discuss ways our programs are providing a progressive, faithful voice for issues facing NC residents and how […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches as we visit Charlotte and Asheville to discuss ways our programs are providing a progressive, faithful voice for issues facing NC residents and how […]

The Bounty of Fall: The Wisdom of Seasonal Eating

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The slight nip in the air during the early morning hours as I make my way to an 8:00 am class tells me that summer is over. Fresh strawberries, abundant cucumbers and zucchinis are giving way to pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, cabbage, kale, crisp apples, and luscious pears. The golds, reds and oranges that […]

The Bounty of Fall: The Wisdom of Seasonal Eating

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The slight nip in the air during the early morning hours as I make my way to an 8:00 am class tells me that summer is over. Fresh strawberries, abundant cucumbers and zucchinis are giving way to pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, cabbage, kale, crisp apples, and luscious pears. The golds, reds and oranges that […]

Job Posting — PHW Program Director

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

North Carolina Council of Churches Program Director for Partners in Health and Wholeness Position Description   Hours: Full-time, program-level position, based in Raleigh and requiring some in-state travel Reports to: Executive Director Salary: $52,000 – $58,000, depending on experience and qualifications Benefits: Excellent vacation/leave time. Health insurance (50% paid by employer), short-term disability (100% paid […]

Job Posting — PHW Program Director

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

North Carolina Council of Churches Program Director for Partners in Health and Wholeness Position Description   Hours: Full-time, program-level position, based in Raleigh and requiring some in-state travel Reports to: Executive Director Salary: $52,000 – $58,000, depending on experience and qualifications Benefits: Excellent vacation/leave time. Health insurance (50% paid by employer), short-term disability (100% paid […]

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Start Your Pre-Holiday Eating Survival Plan

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

“[God] has given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.” (Genesis 1:29, NRSV) Thank you, Lord, for this reminder during this upcoming holiday season. As you embark on this season, it can be daunting […]

Start Your Pre-Holiday Eating Survival Plan

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

“[God] has given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.” (Genesis 1:29, NRSV) Thank you, Lord, for this reminder during this upcoming holiday season. As you embark on this season, it can be daunting […]

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PHW Faith and Health Summit: Appreciation, Connection, and Moving Forward

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Months of planning and networking for the Partners in Health and Wholeness Faith and Health Summit culminated in a day that birthed a community choir and an anthem that was specially written for PHW. Jill Crainshaw, Blackburn Professor of Worship and Liturgical Theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity; Brad Wilson, President and Chief […]

PHW Faith and Health Summit: Appreciation, Connection, and Moving Forward

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Months of planning and networking for the Partners in Health and Wholeness Faith and Health Summit culminated in a day that birthed a community choir and an anthem that was specially written for PHW. Jill Crainshaw, Blackburn Professor of Worship and Liturgical Theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity; Brad Wilson, President and Chief […]

Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC is continuing the important work for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. The group is hoping concerned residents will add their names to a petition calling on the Governor and members of the General Assembly to immediately accept federal funds for the expansion. As the petition reads in part: By refusing to […]

Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC is continuing the important work for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. The group is hoping concerned residents will add their names to a petition calling on the Governor and members of the General Assembly to immediately accept federal funds for the expansion. As the petition reads in part: By refusing to […]

Olive Oil: What’s New to Know?

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

In the short duration of my food system studies (since 2000-ish), I have come across several controversial topics, one of which deals with  olive oil. I was once told that if you refrigerate olive oil and it solidifies, then it is authentic. Great. Simple. Done. However, as I have progressed in my health journey, I have […]

Olive Oil: What’s New to Know?

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

In the short duration of my food system studies (since 2000-ish), I have come across several controversial topics, one of which deals with  olive oil. I was once told that if you refrigerate olive oil and it solidifies, then it is authentic. Great. Simple. Done. However, as I have progressed in my health journey, I have […]

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2014 Faith & Health Summit: Registration Deadline Extended

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The deadline to register for the 2014 Faith and Health Summit has been extended until this Friday, October 3. More than 200 people have already reserved their space at this important event, but there’s still room for you! Click here to take advantage of this special opportunity. The Summit will take place on Friday, October […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Registration Deadline Extended

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The deadline to register for the 2014 Faith and Health Summit has been extended until this Friday, October 3. More than 200 people have already reserved their space at this important event, but there’s still room for you! Click here to take advantage of this special opportunity. The Summit will take place on Friday, October […]

Breastfeeding Collaborative Awards First Mini-Grant

By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Congratulations to Doorkeeper International Ministries, of Raleigh for being recognized as a breastfeeding-friendly congregation by the Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative. They were also presented with a $5000 mini-grant, the first to be awarded by the Collaborative. Congregations in the Breastfeeding Collaborative are recognized for signing on to the breastfeeding-friendly congregations statement, distributing written materials […]

Breastfeeding Collaborative Awards First Mini-Grant

· by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Congratulations to Doorkeeper International Ministries, of Raleigh for being recognized as a breastfeeding-friendly congregation by the Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative. They were also presented with a $5000 mini-grant, the first to be awarded by the Collaborative. Congregations in the Breastfeeding Collaborative are recognized for signing on to the breastfeeding-friendly congregations statement, distributing written materials […]

PHW Success Story – Paradise Outreach Ministry, Greenville

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

We at Paradise Outreach Ministry are making great strides in involving our congregation in healthy initiatives. It is a pleasure to announce that we just completed our 2nd Annual CPR and First Aid Training Class! As a member of the Health Ministry, we are in the process of organizing a walk-a-thon to improve health awareness […]

PHW Success Story – Paradise Outreach Ministry, Greenville

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

We at Paradise Outreach Ministry are making great strides in involving our congregation in healthy initiatives. It is a pleasure to announce that we just completed our 2nd Annual CPR and First Aid Training Class! As a member of the Health Ministry, we are in the process of organizing a walk-a-thon to improve health awareness […]

Fun Ways to Drink More Water

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

We can all relate to the desire to drink more water. However, the reality is that it just doesn’t happen for most of us. We forget it. Or some of us find the taste of water to be boring or off-putting. I personally love water. I am grateful that it helps to clear my skin […]

Fun Ways to Drink More Water

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

We can all relate to the desire to drink more water. However, the reality is that it just doesn’t happen for most of us. We forget it. Or some of us find the taste of water to be boring or off-putting. I personally love water. I am grateful that it helps to clear my skin […]

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet,”  I urge you to do so. You will find food justice interwoven with all of the Council’s areas of work. You will see how eating well affects your body, environment, farmworkers, and even […]

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet,”  I urge you to do so. You will find food justice interwoven with all of the Council’s areas of work. You will see how eating well affects your body, environment, farmworkers, and even […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Calling All Volunteers

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches’ 2014 Faith and Health Summit is now less than a month away, and we are delighted to have people of faith, public health professionals, faith and health experts, and other community members from all across the state joining us. The event will be held on Friday, October 10 at Ardmore […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Calling All Volunteers

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches’ 2014 Faith and Health Summit is now less than a month away, and we are delighted to have people of faith, public health professionals, faith and health experts, and other community members from all across the state joining us. The event will be held on Friday, October 10 at Ardmore […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants Are Cooking Up Thanks

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation partnered together to offer twenty churches Healthy Eating Equipment Grants. These churches received up to $5,000 to buy equipment that will help them provide healthy food options within their places of worship. Church of God of Prophecy of Morven and St. […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants Are Cooking Up Thanks

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation partnered together to offer twenty churches Healthy Eating Equipment Grants. These churches received up to $5,000 to buy equipment that will help them provide healthy food options within their places of worship. Church of God of Prophecy of Morven and St. […]

Corporations Model Taking Steps Toward Health

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are some exciting advances happening in the world of public health, and these are in the form of policies created by major corporations.  Although it is right to hold corporations accountable when they are not doing justly, we can also celebrate when they take steps in the right direction. After all, they have vast […]

Corporations Model Taking Steps Toward Health

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are some exciting advances happening in the world of public health, and these are in the form of policies created by major corporations.  Although it is right to hold corporations accountable when they are not doing justly, we can also celebrate when they take steps in the right direction. After all, they have vast […]

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The Right Step At Home—A New Fitness Guide

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Forget the yoga mats and fitness tapes, and step your way to health in your home, while using less toxic products. I enjoy the work of Partners in Health and Wholeness and I get excited about how we are connected to all the other programs at the Council. I appreciate even more when we can […]

The Right Step At Home—A New Fitness Guide

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Forget the yoga mats and fitness tapes, and step your way to health in your home, while using less toxic products. I enjoy the work of Partners in Health and Wholeness and I get excited about how we are connected to all the other programs at the Council. I appreciate even more when we can […]

American Eating Habits

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

A 12-year study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that Americans improved their eating habits slightly over the years, but that was not the case for America’s poor. Harvard assigned individuals different scores based on their food choices, creating a healthy diet index. A perfect score was 110 and reflected a higher […]

American Eating Habits

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

A 12-year study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that Americans improved their eating habits slightly over the years, but that was not the case for America’s poor. Harvard assigned individuals different scores based on their food choices, creating a healthy diet index. A perfect score was 110 and reflected a higher […]

Natural Oral Health Tips That Can Even Help Your Heart

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

By taking care of your teeth, you can gain a beautiful smile, fewer cavities, fresh breath, and possibly, according to increasing scientific evidence, better heart functioning…did I surprise you with that one? Yes, it is true. Although the medical community isn’t quite firm on the link, there is agreement that there is evidence tying the […]

Natural Oral Health Tips That Can Even Help Your Heart

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

By taking care of your teeth, you can gain a beautiful smile, fewer cavities, fresh breath, and possibly, according to increasing scientific evidence, better heart functioning…did I surprise you with that one? Yes, it is true. Although the medical community isn’t quite firm on the link, there is agreement that there is evidence tying the […]

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Blessed in the Small Things

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Bible states in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small things.” I have been constantly reminded of that verse lately. I saw it on Facebook, then I heard it in a sermon, and lastly, it was a daily verse on my phone. When I witness a recurring theme such as this, I wonder, Lord […]

Blessed in the Small Things

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Bible states in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small things.” I have been constantly reminded of that verse lately. I saw it on Facebook, then I heard it in a sermon, and lastly, it was a daily verse on my phone. When I witness a recurring theme such as this, I wonder, Lord […]

PHW Success Story – Savannah Missionary Baptist, Fayetteville

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Savannah Missionary Baptist Church is committed to developing a holistic ministry. For the past six years our congregation has made a concerted effort to improve the health of our members and reach out to the community. We have declared our campus Tobacco Free and have posted signs on church grounds. We also have a bulletin […]

PHW Success Story – Savannah Missionary Baptist, Fayetteville

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Savannah Missionary Baptist Church is committed to developing a holistic ministry. For the past six years our congregation has made a concerted effort to improve the health of our members and reach out to the community. We have declared our campus Tobacco Free and have posted signs on church grounds. We also have a bulletin […]

The 5K Challenge

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

When most people think of 5K, they think of running. Well, this time, not so much. This 5K challenge has to do with raising awareness of health and faith through driving. And, there is another hiccup. A 5K stands for 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles. However, I really mean 5,000 miles. Not correct in any sense, […]

The 5K Challenge

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

When most people think of 5K, they think of running. Well, this time, not so much. This 5K challenge has to do with raising awareness of health and faith through driving. And, there is another hiccup. A 5K stands for 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles. However, I really mean 5,000 miles. Not correct in any sense, […]

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Healing Ceilings at West Raleigh Presbyterian

By Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

I was not granted the gift of creativity, so I am always in awe when I come across ideas like that of Healing Ceilings. This month at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church the walls and ceilings of an otherwise standard meeting space are covered in painted ceiling tiles. These tiles will eventually be placed in cancer […]

Healing Ceilings at West Raleigh Presbyterian

· by Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

I was not granted the gift of creativity, so I am always in awe when I come across ideas like that of Healing Ceilings. This month at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church the walls and ceilings of an otherwise standard meeting space are covered in painted ceiling tiles. These tiles will eventually be placed in cancer […]

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Pressing On

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

As you may remember, I pledged to make some healthy lifestyle changes of my own. I stated that these changes would be incremental so as not to be overwhelming and make me contemplate giving up on them. In addition, I shared that these changes and the results were a journey and not a destination; they are a new lifestyle. So far […]

Pressing On

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

As you may remember, I pledged to make some healthy lifestyle changes of my own. I stated that these changes would be incremental so as not to be overwhelming and make me contemplate giving up on them. In addition, I shared that these changes and the results were a journey and not a destination; they are a new lifestyle. So far […]

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NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in rural parts of our state. This plan includes strategies that do not require additional funding to support, but rather stronger partnerships across different sectors, such […]

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in rural parts of our state. This plan includes strategies that do not require additional funding to support, but rather stronger partnerships across different sectors, such […]

Watershed Discipleship — Radical and Urgent Change

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Watershed Discipleship Course was held June 16-20 at in Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa.  This conference was sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Divinity with support from Kalleiopeia Foundation. Four of PHW’s influential liaisons came together along with other powerful minds to confront the “interlocking crises of deepening climate change, resource […]

Watershed Discipleship — Radical and Urgent Change

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Watershed Discipleship Course was held June 16-20 at in Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa.  This conference was sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Divinity with support from Kalleiopeia Foundation. Four of PHW’s influential liaisons came together along with other powerful minds to confront the “interlocking crises of deepening climate change, resource […]

Take Action For Health

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am roughly halfway through my internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, and the pressure is on. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes activities that make PHW successful. For instance, it can be difficult to engage the community to embrace the idea of a healthy lifestyle, coordinating the events, and research different topics as a small non-profit. […]

Take Action For Health

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am roughly halfway through my internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, and the pressure is on. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes activities that make PHW successful. For instance, it can be difficult to engage the community to embrace the idea of a healthy lifestyle, coordinating the events, and research different topics as a small non-profit. […]

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the phone when I started with PHW, and almost instantly we were kindred spirits. She was the reason PHW had our first webinar, and she continues to be a strong asset for the Central South-East Region where I work. She was […]

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the phone when I started with PHW, and almost instantly we were kindred spirits. She was the reason PHW had our first webinar, and she continues to be a strong asset for the Central South-East Region where I work. She was […]

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those of us with even brief personal ties to West Africa (I spent a couple of weeks in Togo and Burkina Faso in 1974) will never […]

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those of us with even brief personal ties to West Africa (I spent a couple of weeks in Togo and Burkina Faso in 1974) will never […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem (501 Miller Street). Special thanks to Wake Forest University’s Food, Faith and Religious Leadership Initiative for co-sponsoring the event! The program will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem (501 Miller Street). Special thanks to Wake Forest University’s Food, Faith and Religious Leadership Initiative for co-sponsoring the event! The program will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, […]

Finding Amazement With Teens and Worms

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness continues to amaze me. I had a chance to visit Laurinburg Presbyterian Church where PHW is incorporating their program for healthier lifestyles. Of course this is with the help of some congregation members and local teenagers in the community who seemed very excited to be a part of the health […]

Finding Amazement With Teens and Worms

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness continues to amaze me. I had a chance to visit Laurinburg Presbyterian Church where PHW is incorporating their program for healthier lifestyles. Of course this is with the help of some congregation members and local teenagers in the community who seemed very excited to be a part of the health […]

How to Make a Diabetes Emergency Kit for Your Congregation

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Do you have people in your congregation with type 2 diabetes? Have you considered creating an emergency kit especially for them? PHW liaison, Dr. Renee Lea-Currie of Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church in Burlington, shared the information below with PHW staff to pass along to you. Thank you, Renee! I have encountered too many type 2 […]

How to Make a Diabetes Emergency Kit for Your Congregation

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Do you have people in your congregation with type 2 diabetes? Have you considered creating an emergency kit especially for them? PHW liaison, Dr. Renee Lea-Currie of Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church in Burlington, shared the information below with PHW staff to pass along to you. Thank you, Renee! I have encountered too many type 2 […]

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Change is Not Easy, But Necessary

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The human body naturally seeks homeostasis or balance. This course does not need any thought or action from the individual; it is a natural process. Recently, I took the Partners in Health and Wholeness pledge to make some healthy lifestyle changes, seeking that homeostasis in my life. However, it doesn’t seem so easy. As an […]

Change is Not Easy, But Necessary

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The human body naturally seeks homeostasis or balance. This course does not need any thought or action from the individual; it is a natural process. Recently, I took the Partners in Health and Wholeness pledge to make some healthy lifestyle changes, seeking that homeostasis in my life. However, it doesn’t seem so easy. As an […]

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True Imaging Demonstration with PHW

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Wednesday, August 12, 1-2 p.m. Partnership for Children Building 404 North Main Street, #A, Troy One of our stellar volunteers for Montgomery County is hosting a curriculum demonstration two weeks from today. Cindy Taylor, native to Troy, has fought to keep health at the center of her worship in Randolph County. She has become a […]

True Imaging Demonstration with PHW

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Wednesday, August 12, 1-2 p.m. Partnership for Children Building 404 North Main Street, #A, Troy One of our stellar volunteers for Montgomery County is hosting a curriculum demonstration two weeks from today. Cindy Taylor, native to Troy, has fought to keep health at the center of her worship in Randolph County. She has become a […]

The Great Tomato Festival

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

On Saturday I had the chance to attend the 5th Annual Great Tomato Festival, which is a collaboration between the Cooperative Extension of Guilford County and NC A&T University. Extension master gardener volunteers plant, tend, harvest and prepare the tomatoes for the event. NC A&T provides land for growing the tomatoes and the venue for the […]

The Great Tomato Festival

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

On Saturday I had the chance to attend the 5th Annual Great Tomato Festival, which is a collaboration between the Cooperative Extension of Guilford County and NC A&T University. Extension master gardener volunteers plant, tend, harvest and prepare the tomatoes for the event. NC A&T provides land for growing the tomatoes and the venue for the […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below did not materialize. The approach of an agreement to keep North Carolina state government operating with a balanced budget, as required under the state constitution, […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below did not materialize. The approach of an agreement to keep North Carolina state government operating with a balanced budget, as required under the state constitution, […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Lord raised up Laquanda Bowden of Empowering Word Ministries and her church crew to organize an incredible 2014 Youth Conference. Yes, Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted this event, and I don’t want to downplay the role that Willona Stallings played or our summer intern, Johnny Rogers, without whom the PHW side could not […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Lord raised up Laquanda Bowden of Empowering Word Ministries and her church crew to organize an incredible 2014 Youth Conference. Yes, Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted this event, and I don’t want to downplay the role that Willona Stallings played or our summer intern, Johnny Rogers, without whom the PHW side could not […]

Food, Fairness and Faith

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

“How is this equal?!” I often articulate this simple phrase whenever I take a look at the world these days. Sometimes I mutter the sentence under my breath in disbelief, and sometimes I exclaim it with disgust or utter shock. The question of equality always surfaces whenever I acknowledge the issues we humans face, particularly […]

Food, Fairness and Faith

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

“How is this equal?!” I often articulate this simple phrase whenever I take a look at the world these days. Sometimes I mutter the sentence under my breath in disbelief, and sometimes I exclaim it with disgust or utter shock. The question of equality always surfaces whenever I acknowledge the issues we humans face, particularly […]

World Breastfeeding Week, August 1–7

By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Local North Carolina organizations are joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. According to the WHO website, “World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It […]

World Breastfeeding Week, August 1–7

· by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Local North Carolina organizations are joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. According to the WHO website, “World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It […]

Another Spirit-filled Weekend with Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted a youth conference on Saturday, July 12, with Empowering Word Ministries in Wadesboro.  I was honored to be able to participate as a PHW intern. Empowering Word Ministries Church held a spirit filled-praise and worship service with groups from the community and surrounding counties on Friday night, which I attended. […]

Another Spirit-filled Weekend with Partners in Health and Wholeness

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted a youth conference on Saturday, July 12, with Empowering Word Ministries in Wadesboro.  I was honored to be able to participate as a PHW intern. Empowering Word Ministries Church held a spirit filled-praise and worship service with groups from the community and surrounding counties on Friday night, which I attended. […]

PHW Welcomes Courtney Ward

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Courtney Ward is a summer intern with the Alliance of Baptists, working with Pullen Memorial Baptist Church and lending her aid to the Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative. Born and bred in Frederick, Maryland, Courtney received a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Bachelor’s degree in Religion (both concentrating in American Studies) from Hood […]

PHW Welcomes Courtney Ward

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Courtney Ward is a summer intern with the Alliance of Baptists, working with Pullen Memorial Baptist Church and lending her aid to the Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative. Born and bred in Frederick, Maryland, Courtney received a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Bachelor’s degree in Religion (both concentrating in American Studies) from Hood […]

Here’s Johnny!

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is my pleasure to introduce you to PHW Intern Johnny Rogers. He is a UNC-Pembroke student, and you can read more about him in the staff section of the Council’s home page. Johnny has completed three weeks of this internship, and he hit the ground running hard. He will be serving mostly Robeson County, however, he […]

Here’s Johnny!

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is my pleasure to introduce you to PHW Intern Johnny Rogers. He is a UNC-Pembroke student, and you can read more about him in the staff section of the Council’s home page. Johnny has completed three weeks of this internship, and he hit the ground running hard. He will be serving mostly Robeson County, however, he […]

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Internship with PHW More than Expected

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From this internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, my main expectations were to strengthen my employment applications after graduation by adding additional experiences. However, after my first day in the field with Joy Williams, my expectations have changed. Seeing her passion and commitment to her calling has made me realize how important this internship […]

Internship with PHW More than Expected

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From this internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, my main expectations were to strengthen my employment applications after graduation by adding additional experiences. However, after my first day in the field with Joy Williams, my expectations have changed. Seeing her passion and commitment to her calling has made me realize how important this internship […]

PHW Success Story – Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness, Ramseur

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC received a grant earlier this year from the Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation to build a walking track, which has since been completed. Such efforts to increase access to opportunities for physical activity can improve a community’s overall health. Partners in Health and Wholeness would like to […]

PHW Success Story – Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness, Ramseur

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC received a grant earlier this year from the Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation to build a walking track, which has since been completed. Such efforts to increase access to opportunities for physical activity can improve a community’s overall health. Partners in Health and Wholeness would like to […]

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“A Conspiracy of Sunlight and Sugar”

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Blueberries, blackberries, persimmons and plums!  What is your local fruit IQ?  Do you know when local fruit is in season and where to get it?  The blog  below, written by Barth Anderson, is about his discovery of in-season local fruit. I found it entertaining, enlightening and encouraging. It was also a humorous reminder that if you don’t […]

“A Conspiracy of Sunlight and Sugar”

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Blueberries, blackberries, persimmons and plums!  What is your local fruit IQ?  Do you know when local fruit is in season and where to get it?  The blog  below, written by Barth Anderson, is about his discovery of in-season local fruit. I found it entertaining, enlightening and encouraging. It was also a humorous reminder that if you don’t […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference is July 12

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I hope that you have saved the date for the 2014 Youth Conference in Wadesboro. Partners in Health and Wholeness is joining Empowering Word Ministries to create a spectacular day filled with spiritual growth and health education. Last year, more than 200 participants attended, drawn from multiple counties and including a group from Pennsylvania. This year, we hope to […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference is July 12

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I hope that you have saved the date for the 2014 Youth Conference in Wadesboro. Partners in Health and Wholeness is joining Empowering Word Ministries to create a spectacular day filled with spiritual growth and health education. Last year, more than 200 participants attended, drawn from multiple counties and including a group from Pennsylvania. This year, we hope to […]

An Interview with Mama Juggs’ Own Anita Woodley

By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Anita will be performing her show, "Mama Juggs," at 3 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin St, Raleigh. This funny and informative show will be a kickoff event for the Breastfeeding Collaborative, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches that helps congregations to be breastfeeding friendly. Interviewed by Marnie Cooper Priest, project director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative. How long have you been performing the "Mama Juggs" show? On June 20 it will be the fifth anniversary of the "Mama Juggs" show. Did you have another show before...

An Interview with Mama Juggs’ Own Anita Woodley

· by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Anita will be performing her show, “Mama Juggs,” at 3 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin St, Raleigh. This funny and informative show will be a kickoff event for the Breastfeeding Collaborative, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches that helps congregations to be breastfeeding friendly. Interviewed by Marnie Cooper Priest, project director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative. How long have you been performing the “Mama Juggs” show? On June 20 it will be the fifth anniversary of the “Mama Juggs” show. Did you have another show before…

Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Workers in tobacco fields suffer the same injustices that other farmworkers face, including the low wages, weak workplace protections, and harsh conditions. However, their work is even more unhealthy and dangerous because of risks posed by pesticides and Green Tobacco Sickness, a health risk specific to prolonged exposure to tobacco plants. Such abuses have been documented and […]

Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

· by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Workers in tobacco fields suffer the same injustices that other farmworkers face, including the low wages, weak workplace protections, and harsh conditions. However, their work is even more unhealthy and dangerous because of risks posed by pesticides and Green Tobacco Sickness, a health risk specific to prolonged exposure to tobacco plants. Such abuses have been documented and […]

Men’s Health Week and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

There’s lots to celebrate this month. Besides my birthday (smile), the month of June is when we observe Men’s Health Week and National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. These two issues, each important enough on their own, also overlap as men are encouraged to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals in order to remain healthy and strong. Our nation’s dietary guidelines are updated every five years, with the most recent set of guidelines released in 2010. In this report, the US Department of Agriculture advises both men and women to...

Men’s Health Week and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

There’s lots to celebrate this month. Besides my birthday (smile), the month of June is when we observe Men’s Health Week and National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. These two issues, each important enough on their own, also overlap as men are encouraged to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals in order to remain healthy and strong. Our nation’s dietary guidelines are updated every five years, with the most recent set of guidelines released in 2010. In this report, the US Department of Agriculture advises both men and women to…

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good shape, or whether the DMV has enough employees to keep wait times to a minimum. Then there are our neighbors for whom budget decisions can […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good shape, or whether the DMV has enough employees to keep wait times to a minimum. Then there are our neighbors for whom budget decisions can […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General Assembly was in only the second full week of its 2014 session. But already the Senate, marching quick-time to the cadence set by President Pro […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General Assembly was in only the second full week of its 2014 session. But already the Senate, marching quick-time to the cadence set by President Pro […]

In the Media: The Moral Urgency of Farmworkers

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, Human Rights Watch published a report on child labor in tobacco farming. Below, former NCCC intern John Zambenini comments on the large amount of media attention that this report has generated and how you can help children in the fields. This post was originally published on the Farmworker Advocacy Network blog. […]

In the Media: The Moral Urgency of Farmworkers

· by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, Human Rights Watch published a report on child labor in tobacco farming. Below, former NCCC intern John Zambenini comments on the large amount of media attention that this report has generated and how you can help children in the fields. This post was originally published on the Farmworker Advocacy Network blog. […]

PHW Success Story – United Progressive Baptist, Winston-Salem

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

United Progressive Baptist Church has had many successes improving the health of the members of our congregation. During our Vacation Bible School, we were able to engage the youth of the church and community in physical activity. During Revival, we provided the pastors with fruit as a healthy option. Most recently, the church members redid […]

PHW Success Story – United Progressive Baptist, Winston-Salem

· by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

United Progressive Baptist Church has had many successes improving the health of the members of our congregation. During our Vacation Bible School, we were able to engage the youth of the church and community in physical activity. During Revival, we provided the pastors with fruit as a healthy option. Most recently, the church members redid […]

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One-Woman Show Kicks Off Breastfeeding Collaborative

By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

The Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative kicks off with a performance by Anita Woodley of her one-woman show, “Mama Juggs.” Woodley is a nationally renowned local performer and former producer of WUNC-FM’s “The Story.” Her show about breastfeeding and the health of women and children is a fiercely funny, powerful experience that incorporates true stories […]

One-Woman Show Kicks Off Breastfeeding Collaborative

· by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

The Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative kicks off with a performance by Anita Woodley of her one-woman show, “Mama Juggs.” Woodley is a nationally renowned local performer and former producer of WUNC-FM’s “The Story.” Her show about breastfeeding and the health of women and children is a fiercely funny, powerful experience that incorporates true stories […]

Representative Holley Endorses the Breastfeeding Collaborative

By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

District 38 representative Yvonne Holley recently visited the offices of the North Carolina Council of Churches. She came to express her support for one of the Council’s newest initiatives, The Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative. Rep. Holley is pictured above with the Collaborative’s project director, Marnie Cooper Priest, and with PHW Coordinator Willona […]

Representative Holley Endorses the Breastfeeding Collaborative

· by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

District 38 representative Yvonne Holley recently visited the offices of the North Carolina Council of Churches. She came to express her support for one of the Council’s newest initiatives, The Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative. Rep. Holley is pictured above with the Collaborative’s project director, Marnie Cooper Priest, and with PHW Coordinator Willona […]

Food Drive at Critical Issues Seminar for Backpack Buddies

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

In conjunction with the Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education in June, the NC Council of Churches will be collecting non-perishable items to support Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s Backpack Buddies program. In addition, Catering with a Cause, an IFFS job-training program, is providing the lunch for seminar participants. According to Feeding America, North Carolina ranks in the ten worst […]

Food Drive at Critical Issues Seminar for Backpack Buddies

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

In conjunction with the Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education in June, the NC Council of Churches will be collecting non-perishable items to support Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s Backpack Buddies program. In addition, Catering with a Cause, an IFFS job-training program, is providing the lunch for seminar participants. According to Feeding America, North Carolina ranks in the ten worst […]

‘Tis the Season for Local Food

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wait, isn’t that a line from a Christmas song?  Well, yes.  But, when it comes to living a healthy life, what time of year could be better than right now? Temperatures are warming up and farmers markets are opening, making it more desirable to get outside to exercise […]

‘Tis the Season for Local Food

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wait, isn’t that a line from a Christmas song?  Well, yes.  But, when it comes to living a healthy life, what time of year could be better than right now? Temperatures are warming up and farmers markets are opening, making it more desirable to get outside to exercise […]

Screen-Free Week

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Did you know it is Screen-Free Week? During this annual, international celebration, schools, families, and community groups pledge to spend seven days without entertainment screen media. Instead of watching TV, surfing the web, or playing video games, they read, play, think, create, get physically active, and spend more time with friends and family. While there are […]

Screen-Free Week

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Did you know it is Screen-Free Week? During this annual, international celebration, schools, families, and community groups pledge to spend seven days without entertainment screen media. Instead of watching TV, surfing the web, or playing video games, they read, play, think, create, get physically active, and spend more time with friends and family. While there are […]

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