Team Consulting Support

07/06/2023

No commercial posts, selling items or services, or political partisan posts on either this page, or the Olney Neighbors Empowered CDC or ONEChurch D.O.C Philadelphia pages. They will be removed, the first time. Any second offense and you'll be suspended. Third time you will be blocked 🚫 and removed from the group and pages. Thank you for your cooperation. DMB

05/02/2023

My good friend Fr.Charles Ravert, Pastor at Saint Ambrose Philly and the Rectory Pastoral Center staff have invited me to a "Farewell" Dinner with them on Wednesday, May 10th.

I'm honored to have been a friend of the Church, and Father Charles for 4 years. As an Ecumenical Christian, this faith friendship has been important to me.

We need to form relationships with folks outside of our own faith-denomination. Without judgment and division. It builds character. It strengthens our own faith walk. And, it enriches our life, and informs our actions towards those people who are different from us. We are on a journey - together. Everyone has their own experience of their faith.

My friends at St. Ambrose Philly Roman Catholic Church will be missed. Their Christian witness to me has been exemplary. I appreciate them. I love them in Christ. And, I thank them for their loving me - unconditionally; even at my most unlovable at times.

May Our God, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ bless them and their continued ministry in the Olney and Feltonville communities of Philadelphia.

Rev Brother D Michael Blackie OSL DDiv ✝️

03/23/2023

Donald Trump's White House has failed to report more than 100 gifts from foreign nations worth more than a quarter-million dollars, and federal officials have been unable to find a life-size painting of Trump given by the president of El Salvador as well as golf clubs from the prime minister of Japan, according to a report Friday from House Democrats.

A report from a House committee's Democrats says Donald Trump's White House has failed to report more than 100 gifts from foreign nations

02/28/2023

PANDEMIC SNAP, MEDICAID PROGRAMS FACE CUTS - IMPACT COULD BE DEVASTATING

Pandemic aid SNAP Benefits ("Food Stamps") are ending on March 1st. The 'temporary' extra benefits ending may cost some families as much as $90 a month! USDA says the 'temporary' benefits never meant to be permanent.
Food insecurity advocates say it's going to increase demands on local food banks and community run free food cupboards.

Many families not eligible under usual welfare/ human services eligibility circumstances got the Pandemic benefits; those on Public Assistance and Social Security programs received additional money on their Access card accounts each month. Both will change on March 1st.

Public benefit recipients who have a balance on their cards, will still be able to use it. They will not be penalized, and those benefits will not be taken back. Those not typically eligible, will not be able to use any balance on their Access card after March 1st. They will be "turned off" because they are not eligible under USDA/SNAP guidelines.
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Additionally, Medicaid is reviewing every recipient for continuing eligibility between now and 2024. It's estimated millions could lose eligibility under States' Medicaid expansion. Those deemed ineligible would have to enter the Affordable Healthcare marketplace, so called "Obamacare". While this may not be very expensive; as little as $10 a month, for some - it is expected that many may end up paying more.

TANF - Transitional Aid for Needy Families - (including children) has long been a target of legislators who promote themselves as Welfare Reform candidates. Children covered by Medicaid would remain eligible. AFDC - Aid For Dependent Children (includes PA's CHIP - Healthcare insurance specifically for children) would fare well even amid massive nationwide cuts. In Pennsylvania, CHIP covers kids - regardless of income.

Welfare rights advocates nationwide are bracing for the fallout of these measures. Many Americans are still not fully recovered from the economic impact of the COVID19 Pandemic. While unemployment is down; employment and available jobs are plentiful - inflation is at a nationwide high.

As these cuts are made, it's unclear if the welfare system will update or change the eligibility criteria given current economic realities. Such new regulations usually require legislation to enact them. Rural areas, Native Americans living on reservations and those at the lowest end of the income scale are going to be hardest hit by both decisions.

Only time will tell the true total impact on those most needy across the United States. Many working poor now hold more than one job. In two wage earner families at least one wage earner works more than one job - either full or part time.

Latest US Census Bureau data and Department of Labor predictions don't foresee a downturn in poverty; in cities, or suburban or rural areas. Social services providers forecast an increasing demand for services, and inability to provide for as many recipients with increasingly limited resources. Already stressed non profits and churches have faced increased demand for nearly three years now.

With the welfare rolls being cut; yet, more and more becoming in need of those services - experts simply say, "It's going to get worse before it gets any better."

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02/23/2023

I just wanted to let all of my friends and Neighbors in 19120, including Feltonville, and Olney that I'll be leaving the city of Philadelphia permanently, roughly sometime after April 7th.

That's my settlement date on the property that I purchased in Rossiter, Pennsylvania. For those that are not familiar, Rossiter sits next door to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the groundhog looks for his shadow every year! I'm calling this my retirement home. Sadly, I need to leave Philadelphia because of the noise, crime, the increasing gun violence and horrendously violent crime. Unfortunately I couldn't find a decent neighborhood, with an affordable price, within my retirement budget to stay in the city where I was born and raised.

I will sorely miss all the neighborhoods I've lived in in the city! That would include Kensington, Fishtown, Port Richmond, Logan, Hunting Park, Feltonville, and Olney.

I'd like to think, believe, that my teaching, writing, counseling and psychology, and Ministry have made a difference in those communities, and some of the lives of the people I was pleased enough to be in touch with. Intern, my life has been touched indelibly by each and every one of you. I extend my best wishes for your future here in Philadelphia. I covet you're well wishes, prayers, and blessings as I live out my future in rural Western Pennsylvania.

Until we meet again, I remain, yours in spirit and in thought. Thank you for enriching my life.

Rev. Brother D Michael Blackie OSL D Div
64 Lower Clinton Street
Rossiter Pennsylvania 15772

02/21/2023

Summer weekend retreat from the city? Not an ideal vacation spot, but a respite from the noise, crime, and violence of the city!

Here's what I'm offering, now, and this summer; I need your help now; which I'll pay for! To sweeten the deal, I'll throw in a free weekend stay of your choice. I make settlement April 7th. Plan to move in by April 15th. Your vacation can be any weekend after the first week of June. See the rest of the offer below.....
I am still looking to hire someone for $150 or the equivalent of $15 per hour for 10 hours. I need a person to drive me to Rossiter, Pennsylvania (15772), and back to Philly. Time is of the essence but flexible. Details will be determined.

Licensed, experienced driver with reliable vehicle and insurance.

Inbox me, or call 📞 267 636 1701

Thank you 😊
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Circa 1970 home, once a Duplex. Now, this reconverted single family home features 6 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a laundry room. At least 3 sheds/outbuildings on a double lot. Quiet, rural town. Located 5 miles or less from historic Punxsutawney Pennsylvania - the home of the state's most popular groundhog. Loaded with possibilities. Airbnb, weekend retreat, bed and breakfast boutique hotel. Just secured for $49,500 ...

Not an ideal vacation spot, but a respite from the noise, crime, and violence of the city! Here's what I'm offering, now, and this summe...