Pleasantville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/21/2012 -- Twenty-two 16-year-old Harlem students, dressed in their blue and white school uniforms, peer out the window of their classroom to see a squash game in progress. They're focused not just on seeing who will become the winner of today's squash match. They have a much more serious goal in mind. These students are intent on mastering the game of getting into college. This unique study session is actually a new fundraising event called the GIFT SAT Study-A-Thon, sponsored by the nonprofit Graph It Forward Today (GIFT). GIFT launched its new program last week at Street Squash, a Harlem-based enrichment program/center. By hosting an event that combines the game of squash with academics, Street Squash and Graph It Forward Today have teamed up to help prepare students for the SAT exams in March, May and June. The GIFT SAT Study-A-Thon at Street Squash kicked off what will become a nationwide effort to take place in schools and communities throughout the country starting now thru June. The program is designed to motivate students to raise money for graphing calculators, which retail for about $100 and may be out-of-budget for low income students. On the SAT, graphing calculators are used to increase speed and accuracy, and they help the student with higher level math computations.

Graph It Forward Today (GIFT), a new nonprofit founded by a renowned test prep expert and author with her team of volunteers, also known as "SAT Angels" -- is working to clear the way for all high school students to have equal access to the tools and prep needed to take the SAT/ACT exams and to gain admission to college. Recent statistics show that students from lower socioeconomic classes have lower scores on the SAT than do students from higher income levels. GIFT was formed to "level the playing field for all college applicants" by providing supplies and services to high school students who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them and by creating fundraising programs like the GIFT SAT Study-A-Thon. The goal for students receiving the full "GIFT Package" of a graphing calculator paired with test prep services provided by WilsonDailyPrep is for their initial scores to increase by 230 points. Here's how the GIFT SAT Study-A-Thon program works: students reach out to teachers, relatives and friends to raise a minimum of $25 towards purchasing graphing calculators. Many organizations like Street Squash will also support fundraising efforts by reaching out to their donors. In return, students pledge to study for their SAT/ACT exam with prep services donated by the test prep company Wilson Prep, and specifically their online test prep service, wilsondailyprep.com that can be done from the convenience of the student's home. Students are then asked to watch a test prep video, complete four test prep worksheets, utilize exercises and lessons from the book Write the SAT Essay Right, and then take a full SAT or ACT exam.

Students of all income levels can participate in a Study-A-Thon by going on GIFT's website. Says Nina Auerbach, Program Director at GIFT: "Students in our GIFT SAT Study-A-Thon program are inspired to practice and review for their own SAT exam while raising funds so that others will also have access to essential SAT exam tools and prep. This program not only educates students but also provides invaluable community service, teaching students how to help themselves as well as help others."

During the GIFT SAT Study-A-Thon event at Street Squash, Nina asked each of the students to write down their goals. Here's what one student wrote, "My name is Ramsey. I am a very energetic and eclectic person who has an open mind to many things. I love animals and computers. In the future I hope to become a computer engineer and the graphing calculator that I'm raising money for will change my future by giving me greater access to the SAT, as well as upcoming college courses." On Thursday, March 1st at 5pm, Nina will return to the Street Squash classroom with a graphing calculator in hand for Ramsey and 21 other students. There will be much cheering, and a lot of hugs and hope. And, surely, there will also be a sense of relief that every student there will now have an equal chance of scoring high on this critical test. Let the SATs now begin!

About Graph It Forward Today (GIFT)
GIFT was founded in October, 2010 and granted 501 (c) status in January, 2011 to create educational opportunities for high school students nationwide by providing essential academic tools for students limited not by ability, but by means. GIFT donates online and onsite college test prep services with personal support, graphing calculators and gently used test prep books ("The GIFT Package"). GIFT is affiliated with other nonprofit organizations and school districts that serve disadvantaged students including Let's Get Ready, United Way NYC, United Way Boston, La Sociedad Latina, West End House, Dorchester Federated, Breakthrough Cambridge, Steppingstone Foundation, Kipp Charter School, Street Squash, Take Stock In Children, Reach Prep, Yonkers Public Schools and Harlem High School. All funds donated to GIFT will be used for the cost of test prep services, calculators and batteries, etc. All test prep services are donated in full by WilsonDailyPrep.com and many of GIFT's operating costs are being donated by Laura Wilson, founder of GIFT. For more information, please call 1-800-888-0692, email nina@graphitforward.org, or visit http://www.graphitforward.org.

Dawn Dankner-Rosen/Ilana Arazie
DDR Public Relations
(914) 747-2500 office/914) 420-8219 cell

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Pleasantville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/30/2012 -- Graph It Forward Today "Closes Gap" for Low Income High School Students, Ensures That All Students Have Essential Supplies & Services

It's "SAT Crunch Time" and there are many high school students who may be at a disadvantage when taking important college entrance exams. Graph It Forward Today (GIFT), a new nonprofit founded by a renowned test prep author and expert with a team of "SAT Angels" -- is working to clear the way for all high school students to have equal access to the tools and prep needed to take the SAT/ACT exams and gain admission to college.

GIFT was formed to "level the playing field for all college applicants" by providing supplies and services to high school students nationwide who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them.

There are now more than 200 students on the GIFT wait list to receive test prep services and supplies. To date, GIFT has donated test prep services to more than 1,800 students nationwide, of which 150 have received graphing calculators as well.

Says Laura Wilson, CEO of WilsonDailyPrep and founder of GIFT: "I've seen firsthand in my office that these tools make a significant difference. It pains me that I see so many students going into these tests unprepared -- not because they choose to be unprepared, but because they don't have the financial means. In our society it is touted that 'college is accessible to all.' I would like to make college more accessible to lower income students. Not only do these resources open up doors to higher education, but they also open up doors to necessary financial aid."

On its website, College Board, the organization that administers the SAT exam, recommends that students bring with them a calculator for the math section of the exam. A graphing calculator (which retails for about $100) can increase speed and accuracy, and also make it possible to perform the necessary functions needed for higher level math.

Wilson, a spirited and passionate former teacher who has worked with students at all socioeconomic levels throughout the U.S., founded GIFT a few years ago while working with Take Stock In Children, a Miami nonprofit that provides academic services to disadvantaged students. Wilson had a revelation there that sparked the concept for GIFT. At the time, she had been emphasizing the importance of remembering to bring along important tools to the SAT exam, and told the students, "Bring your graphing calculators with extra batteries!" One student raised her hand and asked, "what should I do if I can't afford a graphing calculator?" It was then that a "school bell" went off in Wilson's head and she became driven to offer low income students the same tools and resources that are accessible to students from families from higher incomes. Wilson has since donated thousands of dollars of her own to finance her nonprofit. She runs the organization with a team of dedicated volunteers that she calls "SAT Angels." These volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for their cause. The team has just launched a unique series of fundraising initiatives: Study-A-Thons for PSATs, SATs and ACTs; Read-a-Thons, and the Adopt-A-Student program. These student-run fundraisers benefit students at all income levels.

"This is a case of students helping other students, while helping themselves at the same time," said Nina Auerbach, program director at GIFT. "This effort is designed so that students at every income level who participate can improve their scores.

The two primary college entrance exams are best known as the SAT and ACT tests. Scores earned on these exams are now used by colleges as an eligibility criterion for merit aid and academic scholarships, as well as for determining admission. Recent statistics show that test scores increase with every additional $10,000 earned by the test-takers' family.

A survey that was released in The New York Times and in USA Today revealed that there were "disparities by race, gender and family income" for these college entrance exams. The findings indicated that students whose families earned less than $40,000 a year posted lower average scores than students from more affluent backgrounds.

In 2010, the College Board administered more than 3 million SAT exams. Over the last decade, participation by minority students has increased by 78 percent.

"In the short time that GIFT has been in existence, we have already seen positive results. Students in our test prep program have increased their scores on average 110 to 140 points,"

says Diane Thaler, a full-time volunteer and executive director at GIFT. "Our goal is to take steps to close the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students in today's college testing process."

She added, "Everyone should have the same opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations."

About GraphItForward Today (GIFT)
GIFT was founded in October, 2010 and granted 501 (c) status in January, 2011 to create educational opportunities for high school students nationwide by providing essential academic tools for students limited not by ability, but by means. GIFT donates online and onsite college test prep services with personal support, graphing calculators and gently used test prep books ("The GIFT Package").

GIFT is affiliated with other nonprofit organizations and school districts that serve disadvantaged students including Let's Get Ready, United Way NYC, United Way Boston, La Sociedad Latina, West End House, Dorchester Federated, Breakthrough Cambridge, Steppingstone Foundation, Kipp Charter School, Street Squash, Take Stock In Children, Reach Prep, Yonkers Public Schools and Harlem High School.

All funds donated to GIFT will be used solely for the cost of test prep services, graphing calculators, batteries and packaging. At this time, all test prep services and operating costs are donated in full by WilsonDailyPrep.com, the online test prep company founded by Laura Wilson in 2008. For more information, please call 1-800-888-0692, email nina@graphitforward.org, or visit http://www.graphitforward.org.

Dawn Dankner-Rosen/Ilana Arazie
DDR Public Relations
(914) 747-2500 office
(914) 420-8219 cell

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Pleasantville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/30/2012 -- "WeeZee…World of Yes I Can" Gets Ready to Open almost 25,000 Square Feet at Chappaqua Crossing

Westchester's first indoor sensory playspace and the largest facility of its kind in the country, WeeZee… World of Yes I Can, has broken ground and plans to open this spring. The indoor play space, to include an innovative concept and design, as well as state-of-the-art equipment, will span almost 16,000 square feet with an additional 8,500 square feet set aside for health care and other professionals at the new Chappaqua Crossing business development located at 480 Bedford Road in Chappaqua, NY. An original opening of 10,000 square feet in Armonk had been planned for WeeZee, but an expanded design and additional features made it necessary for the company to seek space that included more square footage and an open air concept.

WeeZee will offer a host of highly engaging, interactive and imaginative sensory experiences in a safe, supervised environment. The 35 different elements of training equipment -- designed to strengthen nervous system conduction in a way that improves academic performance, athletic coordination and social connections in children of all ages -- includes a Rainforest & Storm Zone (tactile water/wind experience), Reaction Training & Sports Enhancement Stalls (hand-eye coordination), a Vibration Station (core stabilization), a Cyber-action Floor (anticipation in movement), a Fiber Optic Light Room (visual optimization), and a state of the art Music Room (fully-equipped sound studio with karaoke room). Next to Wee-Wonz (Tot Zone) -- parents can wait while their children play and relax in the Wi-Fi, adults-only Zen Den.

This room is equipped with massage chairs and iPads for parents to chat, read, watch movies or catch up on the latest breakthroughs in children's learning patterns and learning disabilities.

"WeeZee is a family's fantasy come to life," says founder Louise Weadock, a registered Child Psychiatric Nurse, graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and owner of the 27 year old, ACCESS Nursing & Healthcare Services, based in Pleasantville, NY. "We have created a unique environment that offers children a time to play and learn that is unforgettable."

Weadock said that "similar to the way fitness clubs improve physical capability by focusing on muscle tone and flexibility, WeeZee seeks to improve cognitive capability by focusing on the senses to challenge intellectual curiosity in children of all abilities, ages 1-12."

WeeZee's program will also be sensitive to the needs of children with learning -disabilities spanning the spectrum from dyslexia to autism, and will offer them "the most appealing play options," she added.

Weadock, whose daughter was diagnosed at four years old with a severe Sensory Integration Disorder, became fascinated with the effects multi-sensory experiences had on her child's ability to understand, accept and adapt to her world. "As an athlete, I understood the value that constant training played on increased performance. I knew that any prescribed therapy twice a week was not enough to get my daughter's nervous system in sufficient sensory-shape to learn!" So, she purchased a diverse variety of sensory equipment and created a playground in the basement of her home for all the neighborhood children to enjoy with her daughter.

"We turned our home into a desensitizing "fun zone" for all. Our house became a place that was always full of kids having the time of their lives while increasing their ability to learn" said Weadock. "The kids thought I was a 'cool Mom'… their parents thought I was Nuts!!"

Sixteen years later, and following the growth of her successful regional healthcare personnel company, ACCESS Nursing & Healthcare Services; Weadock is launching what will become the largest and most cutting-edge indoor play space for cognitive development in Westchester County and the entire New York region.

With the additional square footage at Chappaqua Crossing, Weadock is creating "A Village" of offices to be licensed by sensory-focused and wellness-related, medical, non-medical, social and academic professionals that serve all family
members.

The remaining space will provide an office headquarters for Weadock's ACCESS Nursing & Healthcare Services, currently located on Manville Road in Pleasantville.

The opening of WeeZee in Westchester County will create more than 100 full- and part-time jobs in a variety of different fields including coaching, therapy, education, design and clerical. Weadock hopes that these positions can be filled by recent college grads and returning veterans "who are having the hardest time of all finding a job." There will also be opportunities for medical and academic internships for high school, college and medical school students. In addition, there will be an extensive Volunteer Program that provides opportunities to work with children who need extra support.

Consistent with other healthcare professionals employed by ACCESS Nursing, all WeeZee volunteers, interns, Villagers and employees seeking to be involved in this exciting new adventure in learning, will be subject to an extensive background check.

"Our vision is for WeeZee to become a fun place where kids can make friends, have unique experiences, expand their imaginations and improve their cognitive performance," says Weadock. "We want the sensory adventures and social relationships discovered inside WeeZee to inspire each child to believe, "Yes I Can"!!!

WeeZee will be open from 8:00am to 9:00pm seven days a week. Annual memberships are available.

Construction has begun and a Grand Opening event is scheduled to take place this spring.

To find out more about leasing space within the WeeZee location at Chappaqua Crossing, along with memberships and employment opportunities, visit http://www.weezeeworld.com or call 888-840-5653. Also, "Like" WeeZee on Facebook to learn about special promotions, events and news updates: http://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeZee-World-The-World-of-Yes-I-Can.

Contact:
Dawn Dankner-Rosen
DDR Public Relations
(914) 747-2500 office
(914) 420-8219 cell

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Pleasantville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2012 -- DDR Public Relations, Inc., a public relations firm specializing in creating brand identities and media relations campaigns for nonprofits, schools, real estate and health related companies, medical professionals and small and large businesses has been retained by WeeZee… World of Yes I Can, Westchester County's first indoor sensory playspace and the largest facility of its kind in the country. The indoor play space, to include an innovative concept and design, as well as state-of-the-art equipment, will span almost 16,000 square feet with an additional 8,500 square feet set aside for health care and other professionals at the new Chappaqua Crossing business development located at 480 Bedford Road in Chappaqua, NY.

DDRPR's campaign for WeeZee will include strategic communications, media relations, social media and the coordination of a Grand Opening event.

Says Dawn Dankner-Rosen, president of DDRPR, "We are so excited to be launching WeeZee, which is sure to become an extremely significant resource for families, parents, teachers, children and health care professionals throughout the region."

DDRPR recently moved its office location, including five employees, from Thornwood, NY to an expanded space at 444 Bedford Road in Pleasantville, NY. Founded in 1989, the firm is best known for its 15- year nationwide media relations program for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards sponsored by Prudential Financial, and its seven-year award-winning campaign for Gilda's Club Westchester, as well as a four-year campaign for the Westchester Institute for Human Development. Also notable are DDRPR's award-winning crisis communications campaigns for the Harrison Central School District and the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District.

For more than 20 years, DDR Public Relations has created new images and repositioned established ones with public relations, media relations, social media, special events, cause marketing and community relations campaigns. DDR Public Relations is located just 10 miles from White Plains and close to New York City at 444 Bedford Road in Pleasantville; phone is 914-747-2500 and email is ddr@ddrpr.com. For more information, please visit http://www.ddrpr.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

LB Kaye Commercial Realty cites importance of finding the best realtor to represent seller in today's market

New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2011 -- The commercial real estate market has seen a marked increase recently according to current reports. With a large number of affordable spaces still available to lease or buy, small and large businesses alike are now able to take "advantage of the market to negotiate more favorable lease terms or lower rates," reports a recent article in The New York Times. It is more important than ever now to find a real estate professional that can negotiate the best lease terms or purchase price, as well as to secure a brokerage agreement that is equitable and fair," says Lewis B. Kaye, president of LB Kaye International Commercial Realty, now celebrating its 50th year in business.

He continued, "Many people choose a neighbor or family member that happens to be a real estate broker, but there is much more to think about when choosing the right professional that can work out a deal that is in your best interest, as well as negotiating broker commission rates."

In a buyer's market, broker commissions are not always split evenly, explains Kaye. It is important to first determine the appropriate percentages for the buying and selling brokers before entering into an exclusive agreement with the seller.

Kaye lists the following as key factors to look for when choosing a commercial Realtor:

• Distinguish between a broker that represents the seller and a broker that represents the buyer
• Number of years in the commercial real estate business
• Experience in representing the seller in commercial real estatetransactions
• Specialization in your geographic market
• Awards received and industry success/recognition
• Integration of the latest technology and global internet sites are key

"It is important to find out whether the individual you select is a real estate broker or a Realtor®. This can make a big difference regarding the accessible sites for your property listing," he said. He continued, "A Realtor® has access to Realtor.com, which is now for both commercial and residential listings. Realtor.com is the largest website in the world with the most hits."

According to Kaye, another important credential specific to being a Realtor is adhering to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) Code of Ethics. The NAR standards a Realtor needs to adhere to are:

• When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client.

• REALTORS® shall avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to the property or the transaction.

• REALTORS® shall cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client's best interest.

• REALTORS® shall not acquire an interest in or buy or present offers from themselves, any member of their immediate families, their firms or any member thereof, or any entities in which they have any ownership interest, any real property without making their true position known to the owner or the owner's agent or broker.

• REALTORS® shall not acquire an interest in or buy or present offers from themselves, any member of their immediate families, their firms or any member thereof, or any entities in which they have any ownership interest, any real property without making their true position known to the owner or the owner's agent or broker.

Lewis B. Kaye, president of LBKaye International Commercial Realty was recently honored with the 2011 Realtor of the Year award by the NYC BMAR Board of National Association of Realtors. Realtor of the Year is the highest honor that BMAR bestows upon one of its members.

Kaye has been a creative broker and has handled some of New York's most prestigious commercial and residential properties. His average sale is $10 million. He has also personally converted and made over 10,000 sales including co-operatives, condominiums, townhouses and investment properties – to include both land and waterfront. Kaye put the first flip tax in one of his buildings, which is used today to reduce building costs. The first condominium was The Century on Central Park West and the Schwab House on Riverside Drive – the largest cooperative conversion. Lewis Kaye is planning some new real estate launches in the near future.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Thornwood, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/25/2011 -- WHO: The Indie Book Event, now in its second year, was created to offer independent publishers and self-published authors the opportunity to promote
their work. The admission fee is only $5.00.

WHEN: Saturday, July 30th, 8:00am-7:00pm. The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Avenue, 34th Street and Eighth Avenue outside of Penn Station, New York, NY

WHAT: The Indie Book Event offers writers a platform to showcase their latest publications, and provides aspiring writers with an opportunity to glean invaluable information and key networking. The schedule will include a speaking panel to include publishing and editing veterans as well as bloggers,
social media experts, eBook professionals and author branding experts who will provide important leads, tips, ideas, etc. There will be a discussion about the growing importance of e-publishing, the opportunities e-publishing could present to independent authors, and the significance that digital books has
within the print publishing industry.

This year, the Indie Book Event will honor independent author Donna Carrick with the first Indie Book Event Award for Excellence in Fiction for her recent novel "The First Excellence," a Canadian/Chinese cultural thriller.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Top real estate experts unsurprised by dipping housing prices, "further price declines" predicted.

Thornwood, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2011 -- Top real estate experts are reportedly unsurprised by last week's news that housing prices appear to be dipping. In fact, Marilyn Harra Kaye, who is celebrating her 40th year in real estate and is president of MLB Kaye International Realty, predicts "further price declines," especially in New York City. The reason for this, she said, is because prices were inflated by excessive financing and global money looking for a safe haven.

She added that Manhattan traditionally lags behind other markets "and in this recession, it lagged a year and a half behind the rest of the country, but it did indeed arrive – just later."

She calls some of the changes "necessary adjustments" of over-inflated prices due to excessive financing, widespread unemployment and hard-to-find financing. "This is clearly indicated by the numerous auctions and price reductions, as well as a more realistic approach to the price bubble, which got too big," she said. "These problems should resolve when prices stabilize; when auctions absorb empty apartments; as prudent financing returns; and when confidence builds with improving economic conditions fueled by entrepreneurial ventures."

"As inventory is reduced, prices come down and jobs and financing are on the table, we will eventually have a stronger, healthier market," Kaye said.

She continued. "We've seen this type of roller coaster many times before, so there's no reason for alarm. In fact, while some prices have come down, "trophy" real estate has broken records. In addition, rents are rising, loan default rates are low, as well as remarkably low interest rates. These are all favorable conditions that undoubtedly lead to gain."

As president of MLB Kaye International Realty, part of The Kaye Group, a real estate brokerage business in Manhattan for 50 years, Kaye has been riding the up and down wave of prices which is inherent in the world of real estate. While many real estate companies have merged, acquired or closed – The Kaye Group remains one of the "icons" in the Manhattan real estate market.

Kaye attributes the success and longevity of The Kaye Group to continuous ownership, strategic relationships with real estate associations and access to a global network of brokers, new technology and continued education for their brokers and associates.

"Above all, it is our ability to adapt to the changing market and connect with millions of brokers globally through the National Association of Real Estate (NAR), which offers our clients the global arena; as well as through our Luxury Real Estate membership that connects us to a higher priced market; and through the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) that keeps us on the pulse of Manhattan real estate. All of this combined has carried our success through some of the bumpiest markets over the last five decades." she said.

Says Marilyn Kaye: "Lewis B. Kaye (LB Kaye International Commercial Realty) and I love real estate and our city, and we are always trying to create something that is better and different."

Marilyn Kaye is president of MLB Kaye International Realty, located at 1067 Park Avenue in New York City. With more than 40 years of experience and overseeing $14 Billion in residential transactions, Marilyn Harra Kaye is considered one of New York's most innovative and influential real estate professionals in Manhattan. She can be reached at 347-657-9042, email mhkaye@mlbki.com, or http://www.mlbki.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Thornwood, NY -- (SBWIRE) --05/27/2011 -- Family-to-Family Launches Program Designed To Help Victims of the Joplin, Missouri Tornado – "From My Family to Your Family" Family-to-Family, a nonprofit hunger relief organization that connects families with "more" to families with profoundly less throughout the U.S, has just launched a program to help displaced families from the Missouri tornado get back on their feet.

Families that lost their homes in the tornado can sign up at the shelter or social service organization helping them in Missouri, and Family-to-Family will match each one with a specific "sponsor" family who will send them bedding, towels, clothing and other desperately needed items.

Family-to-Family will work in conjunction with The Salvation Army and organizations in Missouri. The one-on-one family match-up program is similar to the one launched by the organization in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. Two thousand donors were then linked by Family-to-Family with two thousand hurricane victim families in New Orleans.

The tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri has been called the single deadliest twister to ever hit American soil. With the death toll now surpassing 116, uncountable businesses, schools, hospitals and homes have been wiped out in Missouri and in states ranging from Oklahoma to Arkansas.

Family-to-Family is asking sponsor families to first send their tornado victim family a soft suitcase or laundry bag to keep their belongings in at the shelter, along with a letter of introduction and a questionnaire asking what they need the most. Displaced Missouri families will fill out the questionnaire, return it to their sponsor, and as soon as they land in semi-permanent housing, boxes from their sponsors begin to arrive.

Donors are asked to provide basic household items including blankets, pillows, sheets and towels, clothing, baby items, cooking utensils and over the counter medications.

To join the Family-to-Family effort, contact
Pam Koner
914-478-0756,
email famtofamily@gmail.com
visit http://www.family-to-family.org.

About Family-to-Family
Family-to-Family has provided more than 1,000,000 meals through its "family chain" since it was founded almost nine years ago by Westchester County, NY mom Pam Koner. The program creates a bridge between middle to upper middle class communities and some of the most impoverished areas through the U.S. "This organization was created with no agenda other than helping fellow citizens." Koner says. "We have found that Family-to-Family taps into a vast reservoir of stored generosity."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Thornwood, NY -- (SBWIRE) --05/26/2011 -- Barksdale Home Health Care Services Announces New Job Training Division; 11 million healthcare jobs currently in U.S., 2.8 million projected Rosa Kittrell Barksdale, CEO of Barksdale Home Healthcare Services, with her daughter Kelly Davis want to make the most of today's healthcare boom. They plan to launch Barksdale Training Corp. this month. The school, which is licensed by the New York State Department of Education to provide training courses leading to a Home Care Aide certification, will be a new division of Barksdale Home Care Services Corp, a Pelham-based company known as one of Westchester County's most respected home health care agencies, founded and operated by Rosa Barksdale 30 years ago. With 11 million jobs currently in the healthcare field and 2.8 million more projected in the next few years, Barksdale Training Corp will provide professional training to those seeking to enter the health care field so that they will be prepared to work independently, in health care agencies, organizations and in hospitals.

"This is a natural expansion of our home care agency and a great way to ensure the best training available. Our goal is that they all become top-notch health care professionals who we may someday hire," says Kellye Davis, who is heading up the launch of the Barksdale TrainingCorp and is Vice President of Barksdale Home Health Care Services.

The Barksdale Training program, will include a combination of lecture, discussion, audio-visual and hands-on demonstration.

Classes and training will be held in the on-site training lab at the Barksdale Home Care Services facility in Pelham, NY.

Students will learn the most current personal care techniques for nutrition, physical and personal emotional support, and they will learn how to recognize the early warning signs of health issues and illness. In addition, special care for children and those with special needs will be part of the instruction, as well as training for specific healthcare organizations and employment referral agencies, such as Cerebral Palsy of Hudson Valley, the Workforce Investment Board and other agencies seeking trained healthcare providers.

Certification for a Home Health Aide is an 83 hour program that can be completed in just three weeks. A 40-hour Personal and Home Care Aide certification can be completed in one week.

Founded in 1982, Rosa Barksdale, now age 72, opened 30 years ago as a one-room operation with just one employee. Today, the Company is a profitable home health care business with 248 part-time and full-time para-professionals, three field nurses, a Director of Nursing Education, an eight member Board of Quality Assurance and a Director of Client and Patient Services.

According to Rosa Barksdale: "We're very excited about this new venture and I'm so appreciative of all of Kelly's hard work and efforts to get it started. Working with Kellye is a real gift and one that has increased our level of respect for one another. To see each other as professionals has sparked a real admiration of one another and each other's skills and talents."

Mother-Daughter partnerships have become a noteworthy trend recently as the number of women-owned businesses surged. From 1997 to 2006, the number of women-owned businesses increased 42.3 percent – almost twice the rate of growth for all U.S. firms, according to the most recent data from the Census Bureau. Today, there is an estimated 7.7 million women-owned businesses and children now perceive their mothers as role models in the business world.

The U.S. home health care industry is currently comprised of over 20,000 service providers, a staggering increase from 1963, when only 1,100 home health care providers existed. Estimated annual revenue for these firms, taxable and tax-exempt combined, tops $36 billion annually. Home health care firms deliver services to more than 7.6 million individuals, or roughly 2.8 percent of the U.S.

population because of acute illness, long-term health conditions, permanent disability or terminal illness. Of all recipients, 68.6 percent are over the age of 65, and 62.3 percent are women. The industry grew by 13% each year between 2006-2008. In this era of aging Baby Boomers and with the cost of hospital and nursing home delivered healthcare skyrocketing, many new home health care companies are opening their doors nationwide with offers of a more cost-efficient and convenient alternative to hospital stays for the elderly, sick and disabled.

About Barksdale Home Health Care Services
Barksdale's "instant" response network of experienced, top quality aides has been at the core of the company's 30-year success.

Barksdale offers a range of services for people of all ages. A significant portion of the business serves children with disabilities, along with people who have been hospitalized and the elderly. Nursing aides and home health aides perform basic nursing tasks and light housekeeping work. The company also offers a companion service and a network of Spanish-speaking aides, which has added to the growth of its business. For more information, call (914)738-5600 or visit http://www.barksdaleathome.com.

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No MID Will Impact Vast Number of Jobs, according to MLBKaye International Realty

Thornwood, NY -- (SBWIRE) --05/23/2011 -- A rallying cry was heard this week from more than 90,000 realtors nationwide in defense of the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID).

Also in favor is the American homeowner, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll which showed that 61 percent of Americans want the mortgage interest tax deduction to continue.

According to Marilyn Kaye, president of MLBKaye International Realty Inc.,"Having been a real estate professional for more than three decades, I have seen that every time there is a deficit in the budget, the first thing officials look to is real estate and that just doesn't work." she said. "Buying and selling real estate is integral to our economic growth as it creates a vast number of jobs -- more than any other industry." Ms. Kaye added that "just one sale adds jobs, not just in the real estate sector, but in so many others." Among the jobs created, she lists construction workers, contractors, painters, electricians and plumbers.

"When a home is purchased, there is often a need for new walls, new plumbing and electrical systems, security centers, new windows and doors, paint, air conditioning, water tanks, heating systems, new flooring and the use of lots of metal, wood and cement just to name a just a few items. When finished, a decorator is sometimes hired. Then, there are rugs, furniture, TVs, appliances, blinds, curtains, gym equipment and so on." she said.

"This laundry list of industries and jobs just goes on and on as a result of just one apartment or house. Have you ever heard anyone say, 'I just bought a new house and I can't wait to leave it as it is?!" says Ms. Kaye.

About Marilyn Kaye
Marilyn Kaye is president of MLBKaye International Realty Inc., located at 1067 Park Avenue in New York City. With more than 30 years of experience and overseeing $14 Billion in residential transactions, Marilyn Harra Kaye is considered one of New York's most innovative and influential real estate professionals in Manhattan.

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