Mark McIntosh’s Post

It's that time again: Let's #MeetBDOG! Today, we're learning about Pearls of Wisdom Resource Services. Pearls of Wisdom Resource Services aspires to inspire by providing holistic support and resources that enhance the well-being and life prospects of families with children in need. Their team believes in creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors of childhood molestation by offering them the tools and resources needed to heal, regain their self-esteem, and rebuild their lives. Additionally, its team extends compassionate support to individuals struggling with loss, fostering a community that understands and embraces individuals during times of profound grief. "Our dedication is rooted in breaking down barriers and creating brighter, more prosperous communities for all," Pearls of Wisdom Resource Services Founder and CEO Yolanda Jackson told us. "What sets Pearls of Wisdom Resource Services apart is our multifaceted approach to community impact," Yolanda continued. "Beyond providing traditional support, we address the specific needs of survivors, families, and individuals facing adversity." Yolanda infuses her journey of triumph over adversity into every aspect of the organization's programs. "It's not just about addressing immediate needs; it's about equipping individuals with the tools for long-term success, from personal growth to navigating real estate opportunities. This unique aspect of our organization not only interests but educates our audience, demonstrating that Pearls of Wisdom Resource Services is not just a service provider but a comprehensive resource for empowerment and support." Learn more about Pearls of Wisdom Resource Services on its GivingEdge profile:

Pls check this out! ways to support in the post.

Last year more than 4,000 Americans of all ages and backgrounds united to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity through national service in Utah. AmeriCorps invested more than $15 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions, working hand in hand with local partners to empower individuals to help communities tackle their toughest challenges. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, helping communities and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting veterans to services, fighting the opioid epidemic, helping seniors live independently, rebuilding communities after disasters, and leading conservation efforts. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers served at more than 600 locations across Utah, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Through a unique public-private partnership, AmeriCorps and its partners generated more than $3.8 million in outside resources from businesses, foundations, public agencies, and other sources in Utah last year. This local support strengthened community impact and increased the return on taxpayer dollars. #AmeriCorpsWeek #AmeriCorpsUtah

Join Us to Help Widows Losing a spouse is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can go through. But for many widows, the pain doesn’t stop with grief. They face enormous challenges every day that can make their lives incredibly hard. We’ve watched these struggles up close and want to share their stories with you. These are the stories of women who need our help. Financial problems are a harsh reality for many widows. According to a study by the World Bank, 60% of widows struggle to make ends meet. Without their husband’s income, they often find themselves unable to pay for basic necessities like rent, utilities, and healthcare. We’ve seen widows sell their cherished belongings just to keep a roof over their heads. It’s heartbreaking to watch them make impossible choices, like whether to buy food or medicine. Speaking of food, a report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reveals that 30% of widows have trouble accessing basic food commodities. We’ve met women who regularly go hungry so their children can eat. They stand in long lines at food banks, feeling embarrassed and defeated. This constant battle for food isn’t just about hunger; it’s about the anxiety and shame that come with not being able to provide for your family. This lack of adequate nutrition can have serious, long-term effects on their health to mention a few. These are real, painful problems, but together, we can make a difference. We can help ease their financial burdens by providing financial assistance. We can ensure they have enough to eat by supporting food programs and local food banks. And we can help them feel less alone by creating support networks and community groups that offer emotional and practical support. Your involvement—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—can have a powerful impact. We can create a community where widows are not left to face their challenges alone, but are supported and empowered to thrive. Join us in helping widows rebuild their lives. Your compassion and support can bring hope and healing to those who need it most. Let’s stand together and ensure no widow is left behind. #OAFfoundation #retweet #SupportWidows #EmpowerWomen #EndHunger #CommunitySupport #StandTogether #HopeAndHealing #MakeADifference #WidowsMatter

More and more states and localities are investing in Family Resource Centers (also often known as Family Success Centers or Family Enrichment Centers). These community-based entities are hubs for families to access services and make social connections, and have been shown to reduce child abuse and neglect, to improve family self-sufficiency, and to achieve other positive outcomes. It’s good to see the first FRC coming to Cheyenne, Wyoming! https://lnkd.in/eCkQMc-s and https://lnkd.in/eVn9CZad

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” captures the essence of self-discovery through altruism 🌱. When we dedicate ourselves to helping others, we uncover hidden parts of our own nature 🧩, like compassion, resilience, and understanding 🕊️. Volunteering at shelters 🏥, mentoring youth 📚, or simply lending a listening ear 🗣️ can profoundly impact lives, including our own. This selfless journey not only brings light to those in dark places 🌟 but also fills our hearts with purpose and joy 🎈. Each act of kindness is a step towards a fuller, more empathetic self 💖. By giving, we receive; we grow; we transform 🌀. Embrace the path of service; it is where true fulfillment lies 🌼. #ServiceToOthers #FindYourself #Altruism #VolunteerJoy #CompassionInAction #HelpingHands #KindnessCounts #EmpathyEvolution #HeartOfWork #PurposeDriven #JoyOfGiving #SelfDiscoveryThroughService

As we wind down week 3 of National Recovery Month I wanted to share the focus and purpose for this week. As we begin next week, I'll create another poster to help promote recovery awareness tomorrow. Week 3 (Sep 15–21): Purpose This week we highlight the importance of purpose as a motivator for positive change. Key Message: Finding purpose in life may be a powerful driver for recovery. Purpose includes meaningful daily activities. Employment can support recovery, give a sense of purpose, and a way to provide for yourself and your family. Purpose may include a job, school, volunteering, caregiving, or creative pursuits. Spirituality can bring a sense of purpose and meaning that helps foster recovery. Helping others can bring a great sense of purpose and contribute to recovery.

Changing the balance of social program investment, together with the language we use about families struggling against adversity, has the potential to dramatically shift the dial for child safety, family integrity and long term individual and societal outcomes. It’s heartening to see greater investment being channeled to the highly successful Aboriginal Child & Family Centres model in this year’s NSW state budget. Kudos to AbSec and SNAICC - National Voice for our Children for their advocacy in securing this investment. That additional investment is just the start of what will be required to turn the tide for vulnerable families in our communities. In the words of my good colleague, Jessica Cocks, “backing children means backing their parents”. Supporting families means investing in models that provide useful support to reduce risk in ways that don’t channel families unnecessarily to child protection systems. The way we arrange and mobilise resources matters. The level of time, resource and opportunity wastage inherent in the Referral Merry-Go-Round is scandalous. Integrated, one-stop-shop models that wrap bespoke service combinations around families in partnership have a solid and growing evidence base, both here and overseas. They also make sense from an economical perspective, avoiding waste and duplication of overheads and back-office functions. The case for investment in these models is clear. #ChildProtection #FamilyStrengthening #PublicPolicy #EarlyIntervention

Building a longer table isn’t just about sharing meals; Helping is easier than you might think. How about sharing your vision for life, not just living. If you see a lack of vision and insight in humanity, why not be the one to share it? You don’t need to donate large sums of money or give away your possessions—unless you want to. What you can freely offer is your abilities, knowledge, and experience. And on the other hand! It’s easy to distance ourselves from those in need, dismissing them as vagrants or addicts who brought their circumstances upon themselves. But do we truly know their stories? Do we understand the challenges that led them to their current positions? Charles Dickens, in “A Christmas Carol,” presents a powerful moment when the Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge a starving homeless family. When Scrooge asks why he’s being shown this, the ghost replies, “Are they not of the human race?” Dickens reminds us that the circumstances don't matter; what matters is the shared humanity and the need to care. This lesson extends beyond the homeless. It applies to families and the working poor who struggle daily with basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Just because someone has a roof over their head doesn’t mean they aren’t in need of a helping hand. Remember the old adage, "Give a person a fish, and they'll eat for a day; teach them to fish, and they'll be fed for life." By sharing your skills and wisdom, you’re not just solving a temporary problem—you’re empowering others to create lasting change. Your impact goes far beyond a single act of kindness; it ripples out, creating a more compassionate and connected world. #Leadership #Empathy #Humanity #CommunitySupport #VisionSharing #Empowerment #SocialResponsibility #Compassion #GivingBack #KnowledgeSharing #Inspiration #MakingADifference #SocialImpact #LifeLessons

My goal as a mum? To raise kids whose hearts beat with empathy and whose actions spark change. This mama's mission is to raise her kids up, leaving a legacy—it’s what motivates everything I do. Two years ago, my daughter Kezia had a simple dream of collecting socks for people experiencing homelessness in winter. This vision blossomed into what is now Rostrata Primary School's Winter Warmer Drive. What started as a small idea transformed into an avalanche of kindness, with over 1,000 winter items collected for those in need. From 350 socks to a mountain of warmth, it’s clear: one spark can light up a community. It's never about what a single person can achieve. It’s about a collective spirit, a village of hearts working together. Watching my children and their friends pour their energy into this drive, I saw firsthand how they shattered the barriers of what's possible when we unite. We hope these beanies, socks, and scarves are keeping people warm tonight. Our children aren’t just learning—they’re leading by example, showing us all that the future is bright with their compassionate hearts. I feel incredibly moved to see how Kezia's small dream has grown, and it’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we encourage our kids to follow their hearts. To read full article in Dept of Education's website:, click here: https://lnkd.in/gN4K_mmj