Texas Disaster Recovery Relief

First I want to send prayers for all impacted by the Texas Disaster.

Here’s a few disaster relief resources to assist you:

USAA and your insurance companies may assist you with grocery coverage and other expenses for outages. Call your insurance agent and tell them if you’ve experienced a refrigerator outage (they replace food); had to relocate to a hotel; or other emergency needs.

FEMA aid is now available!

Texas will now have federal assistance to cover uninsured repairs, temporary housing, and recovery programs…damage to cars/homes or from water, loss of income, business losses, etc. Anything NOT covered under insurance will be covered up to $32,000.

Visit here for help:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4586?fbclid=IwAR3eUNjIA_HWLb6lWpRq-QxTq7M8iuSwB82W3IZN319HF2owFqvEBjo6Deg

Please pass it on to anyone you know who maybe in need of this information.

#TexasStrong #Texas #TexasRelief

Unemployment Insurance for Self-Employed and Gig Workers (Barbers, Stylists, Cosmetologists, Tattoo Artists, Lyft and Uber Drivers, Freelancers)

Self-Employed Workers! You are eligible to apply for Unemployment. This includes: Cosmetologists, Barbers, Tattoo Artists, Lyft Drivers, and other Freelancers.

File your claim for MD here: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uibenefits.shtml

FAQs: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uicaresfaqs.pdf

Other States seek info to file here: Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak | U.S. Department of Labor

https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/unemployment-insurance

Here Are Some Key Takeaways:
* Unemployment for self-employed workers is a new benefit in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

* You can apply for unemployment benefits through your state’s unemployment agency website.

* Applications May Vary By State.

* Once you get into the application there are some questions where you can state that you are self-employed, reasons you are unemployed etc. For example select the option of a “public health disaster.”

* Apply for conventional unemployment and fill the online for out completely. You may be provided a number to call and speak to a state rep about “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” (the new unemployment for self-employed workers). You’ll need your tax info from 2018 and 2019. You can apply online or call and do it over the phone. It takes time but it‘s worth it!

* The CARES Act allows state unemployment agencies to work with the federal government benefits to help streamline the application process. Visit your state unemployment agency website and sign up for benefits as you normally would, federal benefits will automatically be added to your claim.

* Some states are not prepared for self-employed applications so be patient and keep trying!

* Talk to a CPA or financial advisor if you have any specific questions about your finances.
For personalized assistance or questions:
Contact Ebony Johnson, ebony@simplyebony.com
http://www.simplyebonyconsulting.com

New Year Lessons

I started my New Year off with a BANG! I’m physically fine. Mentally a little shaken up. At this moment on January 1, 2019 my life once again flashed before my eyes. I realized right at this second that life is too short. At any given time my life can be taken away from me. I’m pleased with the way I’ve lived my life. I have no regrets. I have lived a purpose filled life. In 2019 I’m letting it all go. I forgive others who I have felt wronged me. I forgive myself. I’m walking into 2019 with one goal: Serve Others in LOVE! What can I do each day to SERVE? That’s it. I love each of you and pray that you have a New Year full of LOVE, BLESSINGS and PURPOSE.

Love,

Simply Ebony

United Way of the National Capital Area – Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for ways to volunteer during this Holiday Season?

United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community and offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups to make a tangible difference.

We hope you will join us for an upcoming volunteer opportunity!

Want to get involved?

Visit the UWNCA website and click “Get Connected” to create an account, access information and/or to sign up to volunteer for a United Way NCA-organized project or for one of our partner organizations. UWNCA website: http://volunteer.unitedwaynca.org/user/register/

LOGIN IN or SIGN UP to create account

Select “NEEDS” in left navigation bar

Review options

Click “VIEW DETAILS” to learn more

Choose “RESPOND” to reserve your slot

SHOW UP on time to honor your commitment

Current Needs:

Thursday, November 15, 2018 -Monthly Food Distribution in Prince George’s County (Riverdale, MD) Volunteers needed to help with logistics, registration, packaging and distributing food, and cleanup for monthly food bank.

Friday, November 16, 2018 – Linkages to Learning Need For Thanksgiving Baskets (Silver Spring, MD) Mario Loiederman Middle School seeks 12 thanksgiving baskets for students and their families. Bags are requested to be dropped off at Loiederman Middle School by Friday, November 16, 2018. Contact Natalia Seo, Community School Coordinator at, nseo@every-mind.org for additional information.

Friday, November 23, 2018 – SOME (SO Others Might Eat) Lunch Servers Volunteers are needed to serve lunch to hungry men, and women in an uplifting environment with music, seasonal decorations.

Thursday, November 29, 2018 – Brookland Middle School High School Fair Night Volunteers are needed to proof essays and conduct mock interviews.

Thursday, December 20, 2018 – Monthly Food Distribution in Prince George’s County (Riverdale, MD) Volunteers needed to help with logistics, registration, packaging and distributing food, and cleanup for monthly food bank.

Ongoing – Hyattsville Middle School Beautification Project: Muralist and Supplies (Hyattsville, MD) Volunteer muralists are needed at Hyattsville Middle School to finish mural located at school entrance, paint and other supplies for beautification project are also needed. Ends on Monday, January 28, 2019. Contact Dahiana Edwards, Community School Coordinator at, dahiana@layc-dc.org for additional information.

Ongoing – Bread for the City (Washington, DC) Volunteers are needed to assist in fulfilling daily tasks at food pantries, orchards, clothing rooms, rooftop gardens, events, and centers for Bread for the City.

Ongoing – Friendship Place Donation Delivery Champion (Washington, DC) Volunteers needed to help distribute important basic needs items, such as toiletry kits and household items, to our participants. Volunteers will transport donations in their personal vehicles from our administrative offices in NW DC to program sites around the city.

Upcoming Event:

Wednesday, December 5, 2018 – United Way NCA La Soirée A Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration (Washington, DC) (TICKETS REQUIRED) Gather your friends and family and join United Way at the Embassy of Canada as we kick-off the holiday season with warm, spiked drinks and lighting of the Embassy Holiday Tree all the way from Nova Scotia. The celebration continues inside the embassy with music, dancing, food and drinks. Don’t miss out on this enchanting evening! Contact Georgina Salguero, Philanthropic Engagement Manager, at gsalguero@uwnca.org for additional information.

Thank you, we invite you to join the journey with us to address community needs.

Remember we win when we LIVE UNITED!

Contact Torrance Hucks, Volunteer Engagement Manager, at thucks@uwnca.org for additional information.

#Volunteer #UnitedWay #UWNCA #Thanksgiving #VolunteerOpportunities

RIP to the Twins – Breast Reduction Surgery

Today, I’d like to take a moment to honor the memory of the twins!! 💜💜 For Years I carried the heavy weight. I fluctuated between 155-160 lbs. There was a battle to stay under 159 lbs for the Air Force weight requirements. 😒😒😒 I lost 10 lbs immediately following surgery. Running, push-ups, and crunches was a problem. I’d have to do the Patti Labelle trick and wrap up with an ace bandage and sports bra to keep my tatas in place. What prompted me to get the reduction was chronic back and neck pains.

The Korean Doctors simply diagnosed me with “Humongous Breasts.” True story. 🤣🤣🤣 They couldn’t measure my size with the tools on hand so they used a plastic bag to get the measurements.

I had my breast reduction surgery in Suwon, Korea at Ajou Hospital. I was in recovery for almost a month. The doctors and nurses spoke very little English so my Korean Linguist military friends would come and sit with me to translate. I remember SrA Zac Giroux (rest in peace) and his wife would visit almost daily and bring me books. It was helpful having translators it made my nurses smile and they took good care of me.

My recovery went well. My American Doctors were impressed by the work. I used this scar cream called Kelo-cote and Scar Guard repair liquid. My scars magically disappeared. I was so happy with the final results although I did mourn a little post-surgery. I was reduced initially from a 34I to a 34C. Overtime I’ve grown to a larger cup size. 😉😉😉

I’d highly suggest breast reduction surgery to those who suffer from chronic back pain or physical restrictions. If you are in the military the surgery can be authorized with a doctor’s referral. I was pleased with the care I received at Ajou hospital. It was an adjustment and essentially the breast reduction improved my overall quality of life.

The After Pic: “Happy!”

#BreastReduction #Surgery #CosmeticSurgery #RIPTwins #Before #After

Kweens Sip and Learn

Join us for the Kweens Sip and Learn!!! Why should you attend the Kween’s Sip and Learn?

Here’s what you get:

• “The Ten Steps to a Federal Job” guide (all registered guests receive a copy!)

• Fashion Tutorial with the “Thrift Diva” Ayana Wellington Pitterson on how to shop on a budget and look your personal best.

• Expert advice on: Resume Writing, Networking to Land the Job, Federal Employment Application Process and Building Your LinkedIn Profile.

• Speed Mentoring sessions – One-on-One time focused on interviewing, career tips and styling advice.

• Light appetizers, snacks, coffee/tea, water and the Kweens specialty drink will be provided.

• Register and Join Us! This event is worth your personal investment. Let us help you land your DREAM JOB!!! #KweenSipandLearn #CareerSeries #Jobs #Networking #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #WomenVeterans

Get Tickets Here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kweens-sip-and-learn-career-and-style-series-tickets-50893015379?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=eventcard https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kweens-sip-and-learn-career-and-style-series-tickets-50893015379?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=eventcard

Military Veterans – Need Help Finding a Job?

MILITARY VETERANS:

Need help finding work?
Separating from service?
Get started today!

https://www.dol.gov/veterans/findajob/

Mastering Civility in the Workplace

Moment of truth. My Civility in the workplace and in my personal relationships needs improvement. Based on feedback from my peers and management, I decided to take action to correct this gap. Today at WORK (yes I have a 9-5 lol), I’m taking a course on “Mastering Civility in the Workplace,” by Dr. Christine Porath. The Treasury Executive Institute offers great training AND Coaching for mid to senior government leaders in grades GS-14, GS-15, and the Senior Executive Service (SES). Just because we make the grade doesn’t mean we stop learning. My challenge to myself is to improve my Civility score over the next few months and work more on respecting others, being attentive, respecting people’s time, being inclusive, and giving more. There’s a lot of work to do!

If you want to find out your Civility score visit here: http://www.christineporath.com

Tips I was provided to improve:

• Use less Email and more Face-to-Face.

• Openly acknowledge the contributions of others.

• Respect others time and don’t keep people waiting unnecessarily.

• Stop talking down to others.

• Accept responsibility when I make mistakes.

• Stop spreading rumors and/or contributing to gossip.

• Avoid belittling others non-verbally.

• Stop shutting people out of my network.

• Pay more attention to others’ interest and opinions.

• Be a good listener.

• Stop insulting others.

• Show up on time to meetings.

• Don’t speak unkindly of others.

• Don’t interrupt others.

• Appreciate others’ efforts.

‪International Women’s Day 2018‬

All of the women in my life inspire me. You are Queens. You gave birth to nations. You deserve pay equality. You deserve equal rights. You deserve respect. You deserve to be safe. #InternationalWomensDay2018 #MeToo #InternationalWomansDay #EqualPay #EqualityForAll