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2020 hopefuls make moves ahead of the holiday season
Iowa's calling! This Thursday, would-be 2020 presidential candidates are sneaking in a final round of rubbing elbows with Iowa Democrats ahead of the holidays.
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Report: Russian troll farm included pro-Jill Stein messaging on social media
A report prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee said Russian social media efforts to meddle in the 2016 presidential election included messaging in support of the Green Party 2016 presidential nominee Jill Stein.
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Ex-Flynn business associates charged with trying to influence US politicians in Turkish lobbying case
Two former business associates of former national security adviser Michael Flynn were charged with trying to influence American politicians to seek the extradition of a Turkish cleric, according to an indictment filed in the Eastern District of Virginia.
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Theresa May sets date for vote on Brexit deal, rejects second referendum
British Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons on Monday that Parliament's delayed vote on her Brexit deal will be held the week beginning January 14, 2019.
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Congressional delegation to visit CBP station after Guatemalan girl's death
A congressional delegation will visit the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) station in New Mexico on Tuesday where a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl was taken before she died in a hospital, a congressional aide says.
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The Spirit Of Giving Highlight: Nikki Jackson Of Beyond Fostering, Inc. Gives Hope To 25 Foster Kids This Season
Our youth are faced with many whirlwind-like obstacles, some a little bit more than others. However, with the help from people like Nikki Jackson, founder of Beyond Fostering, Inc., the challenges of those who need a little bit more hope are made possible. Jackson founded Beyond Fostering, Inc. in the sprouting season of May this year. It wasn’t until after her journey of being a seasoned foster parent for over 18 years that Jackson became impregnated mentally with the fuel to help as many kids as possible in the foster care system have a brighter future. Giving birth through her passion sparked fulfillment of her vision in providing new concepts for children in CPS custody, facilitating accessible outreach programs, and innovating breakthroughs for not only foster children but foster parents as well. Jackson implemented support groups, parenting classes, one-on-one counseling, enrichment activities, crisis intervention, and many more programs. Beyond Fostering’s mission is dedicated to helping aid in improving the lives of foster children that goes beyond the basic needs of wellness and safety. Through values of integrity, compassion, and commitment, while offering support and advocacy, Beyond Fostering creates normalcy for all foster children. During the holidays and especially Christmas time kids are needing a little bit more hope and to be celebrated with lots of love. On this Saturday, December 15, 2018, Beyond Fostering, Inc. will host a ‘Beyond The Christmas Experience’ for 25 kids and their parents to enjoy a night of fun, food, and entertainment. We got wind of this moving event and was able to get a brief interview with Jackson. HSM: Where do you see the most need for foster children? Nikki: In the United States there are at least 422,000 children in the foster care system, this number can increase or decrease daily. Nearly half of those children are in need of non-relative foster homes, and due to the high number, no other options are available. Some major needs are more foster care homes, adoption placement and support from the agencies and CPS. These children need a very strong and caring support system that they can feel comfortable in opening up. Foster children also need more resources such as financial, education, career, and peer support that will help them along their journey in foster care. HSM: What is your advice for anyone seeking to become foster parents? Nikki: Fostering is extremely rewarding. Passion has to be at the forefront. Foster parenting can be very challenging at times. It requires the parent to practice patience and have an understanding of the mental phases the child can have. Your normal routine can change on a daily basis. Having a good support system in place plays a key factor in being a successful foster parent. It requires choosing to love through the emotional pain, not only for the child but everyone in the home. Foster parenting is also a very enjoyable and memorable experience. HSM: What spewed your passion to start Beyond Fostering, Inc.? Nikki: Being a foster parent is my passion and purpose God gave me. My mother was a foster to adoptive mom and she left a legacy for me to continue. After being a foster mom for over 15 years, I felt the need to do more. I wanted to make a difference and impact on the kids in foster care that one day they may look back, and see someone really cared. I watched so many children go in and out of the foster care system with no hope on their future. My goal is to better the lives of children in foster care and provide them with a sense of normalcy so that they can have a brighter future. Many children and foster parents are not properly educated on their rights or limited to minimum resources. My ultimate goal is to be the voice for kids in foster care and bridge the gap between foster and bio families. It’s a beautiful and rewarding feeling knowing that the sacrifices you made today contributed to a child in foster care future. HSM: How can those who want to get involved help Beyond Fostering, Inc.? Nikki: Throughout the year we have several volunteer opportunities for our events. In 2019, we will be starting a mentorship program and will be looking for mentors to spearhead the programs. They can contact our office at 281-617-8136. Be sure to follow Beyond Fostering, Inc. on Facebook for updates and forthcoming events.
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Is Soul Food Putting the “Die” in Diet?
In the South, back in your grandmother’s day, a good home-cooked meal included chicken-fried crisp in lard, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, greens seasoned with ham hocks, good old fashion cornbread, all topped off by three types of cake and sweet potato pie. And no one thought a thing about eating it, except how good it tastes, and how good it made you feel.
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The Art of Gift Giving
Before any bow can be untied or wrapping torn off to see that look of surprise and excitement for what’s inside a lot of planning and thought must take place. One has to make their giftee list and think about what suits people. Gift giving is not easy and truly an art. Never fear as Houston Style Magazine has got you covered this Christmas season with our ultimate gift guide for gifts for her, him, and them.
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White Churches Have Moral Responsibility to Stand Up
In 2019, we will commemorate 400 years since the first 20 slaves were transported by ship from Africa by white slave traders and landed in Jamestown, Va.
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Proposed Trump Administration Rule Could Make Houston Sicker
The Trump administration is proposing a new immigration rule that could have a major impact on public health in cities like Houston.
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Slain North Carolina teen 'might be alive' if authorities hadn't overlooked evidence from 2016 case, prosecutor says
The kidnapping and killing of 13-year-old Hania Aguilar may have been prevented if authorities had properly handled DNA evidence from a separate case last year, a North Carolina prosecutor said.
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The kidnapping and killing of 13-year-old Hania Aguilar may have been prevented if authorities had properly handled DNA evidence from a separate case last year, …
Published on December 13, 2018
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Just in time: The 10 best luxury watches of 2018
In the world of watch-making, 2018 will be remembered as a year of disruption and celebration.
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Council Member Dwight Boykins Proposes Plan to Fund Pay Parity for and Prevent Layoffs
In October, Houston's City Controller Chris Brown placed the estimated cost to city government of Proposition B's passage at approximately $85 million annually. Today, Council Member Boykins will offer a viable solution to meet that cost while preserving jobs, in a way that best reflects the will of the voters who voted overwhelmingly in support of pay parity on November 6.
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Sheryl Underwood Welcomes Warren Ballentine to Pack Rat Foundation For Education
Sheryl Underwood, Founder of Pack Rat Foundation For Education (PRFFE), is pleased to announce the addition of radio personality and motivational speaker Warren Ballentine to the team as a consultant to the foundation.
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"A Boy. A Girl. A Dream." Goes to Digital & On Demand This Friday!
SYNOPSIS: On the night of the 2016 Presidential election, Cass, an L.A. club promoter, takes a thrilling and emotional journey with Frida, a Midwestern visitor. She challenges him to revisit his broken dreams - while he pushes her to discover hers.
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Mexico Beach Opens Temporary Welcome Center and Shares Post-Hurricane Update
Mexico Beach, a tranquil and serene slice of “old Florida” beloved by so many, was ravaged by Hurricane Michael this past October. Illustrating the community’s resolve and passion for its longtime visitors, many of whom made the community their second home, the Mexico Beach Welcome Center reopened its doors on Dec 4. Located next to the original Welcome Center at the west entrance to Mexico Beach adjacent to the canal, the structure serves as a meeting point for visitors, community members and workers all equally passionate about rebuilding Mexico Beach.
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Tennis Legend Zina Garrison Appointed to Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Board
Harris County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ appointment of former tennis star Zina Garrison to the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Board.
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Author and Business Maven Miara Shaw Bringing “Hope” to Houston Entrepreneurs for the New Year
Houston author, community leader and business expert, Miara Shaw, will host The Hope of Purpose Experience in Houston, Texas on Jan. 25 and 26, 2019. The educational conference and networking event for creative entrepreneurs and social influencers will take place at the Microsoft Technology Center located in Town & Country Village (750 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024).
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Governor Abbott Delivers Remarks At The Opportunity Austin Investor's Lunch
Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks to business leaders and investors at the Opportunity Austin Investor's Lunch. The Governor’s speech centered on the Texas success story as he highlighted the pro-growth policies that have made the Lone Star State the global economic powerhouse it is today.
