Feb/March 2016 Transformation Newark News Magazine

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February/March 2016

OUR LAST ISSUE THANK YOU & GOODBYE !

New Beginings A NEW NAME FORMAT &FOCUS...

In This City NJ 6 CHOCOLATE HEALTH TIPS 7 REVENUE INCREASING TIPS A CALL TO FREEDOM Publisher Rick Greene

NewarkNewsOnline.com

In This Issue The Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center Family Assistance Resource Center Transformation Newark News magazine is a monthly publication focused o the city of Newark, NJ Providing practical information and tips to transform lives.

CONTRIBUTORS CURTIS MINCEY PUBLISHER Rick Greene A METRO CHRISTIAN MEDIA PUBLICATION 53 Burnet Street Newark, New jersey ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS WANTED EMAIL OR CALL FOR DETAILS Admin@MetroChristianMedia.com 862-888--8238

Civilian Complaint Review Board Free Tax Assistance Is Available Newark International Film Festival The Fall of Manziel A Call To Freedom What I have learned over that last several months as a Christian is that my main focus should be that I may be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Too often we try to do what is right under our own will and strength. Yet too often we fail miserably or just barely scrape by.

I;ve come to understand that it is because we are trying to accomplish great spiritual supernatural things using human earthly, natural power.

We must use His power to accomplish His purpose in our lives. Thats what my focus is on now... What about you? -Pastor Rick

In Every Issue HEALTH TRANSFORMATION 6 Health Tips For Buying Chocolate BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION 7 Steps To Increase Revenue Pastor Rick/Publisher

RELATIONSHIP TRANSFORMATION Right & Wrong At The Same Time LIFE TRANSFORMATION Take Control Of Your Money

A very special thanks to Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilks & Dominion Ministries for all of his years of help and support

CITY TRANSFORMATION McDonald’s GospelFest MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION What’s Holding You Back?

NewarkNewsOnline.com

“PARTNERING WITH MINISTRIES TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM”

New Beginnings My Business Life & Starting A New Life Assignment

I am what many would call a serial entrepreneur. I have tried my hand at many businesses seeking to grow them into organizations that would be both lucrative and powerful enough to impact the world. I have enjoyed moderate success.

My business background and business management has been quite a journey. I started out helping to manage a small grocery store at 16 and then progressed into men’s clothing doing displays, trimming showcase windows and later high fashion men’s clothing sales and sales management. At age 22 I started a production company called “T Enterprises”, promoting fashion shows and producing several concerts. I was the head of A&R for Inner City Talent Agency and put together several deals with the top booking agencies in New York city. During this time I managed several bands and was instrumental in securing recording deals.

I have run furniture stores and owned a furniture service business called Independent Furniture Service of Essex County, which had major well know furniture stores in the New York, New Jersey area as clients. My furniture service business involved reupholstery, dismantling and installations as well as furniture refinishing.

At 37 I surrendered my life to God and in 2008 and with the help of friends founded Metro Christian Ministries and became the manager and buyer for a Christian book store in Irvington called Lighthouse Church Supplies again with record sales gains we expanded into a larger facility after implementing a very successful Christian Video rental program. I started Metro Christian Books & Computers, an online christian book store which also serviced and built hundreds of computers.

I have been a sales manager/trainer and have had three different RadioShack stores which produced the highest sales gains on the entire east coast grossing just under $1 million per year. During this time I trained over a dozen sales associates to become store managers themselves.

I managed a camera department store (6th Ave. Electronics) in which I oversaw and trained a staff of sales people in over a hundred different cameras units and was the number one producing department averaging over 2 million in sales per year.

A 47 I retired. I have spent over 12 years (with the unwavering help of Minister Curtis Mincey) on radio producing and hosting several shows including “Sunday Talk” and “Politically Correct” which boasted over 16,000 listeners to name a few. I production serval hundred TV programs and hosted “The Church At Newark” for over 12 seasons. I started Metro Christian Ministries which I headed for 5 years before turning the leadership over to Minister Curtis Mincey. During that time I co-ordinated several rally’s and out door events, started the Newark

M i n i s t e r ’s c o n f e r e n c e , a n d continued to support small ministries through radio and TV promotion.

In 2012 I founded Metro Christian Media. A multimedia company which featured christian tv program production, photography, and web design. Metro Christian Media went on to start MCTV a Cablevision subnetwork, and Metro Christian Radio, with the Sunday Talk program now feature on WNJR & WPAT. Metro Christian Media also started this magazine Transformation Newark Magazine and also the local newspaper Transformation Newark News.

The two merged in to Transformation Newark News magazine. Toward the end of 2015 my family relationship counseling work began to suface. I wrote and published 3 more books, “What You Need to Know About Dating, Love, Marriage, Sex & Divorce”, “Does He Love You Enough”, and “Why Your Marriage Will Fail, And What To Do About It” And real estate investing became a passion. After graduating from Weichert University and becoming a fully lichened and certified Realtor I partnered with Weichert realtors in West Orange NJ and founded RickGreeneRealty.com. As my business is starting to grow by word of mouth refereed clients and several wealthy investors, I realize that I have positioned myself in such that I must face hard choices.

I realize that if my realty business is to be successful as I want, then I must lay aside other business opportunities that take me away from focusing real estate.

Letting Go The hard thing is letting go. After doing so much for so long, letting go seems almost impossible to do. I wonder what the negative impact of my decision will bring to others, will I regret my decision to interrupt thriving businesses which go.

I realize that if I am going to be my best then I must not be a Jack of all trades.

But what I need to do is to be a master of at least one. With that said there will be no more “Church at Newark ministry nor TV show” there will be no more Transformation Newark News Magazine; I have gotten rid of items, deleted websites, Facebook and social media pages and removed many other things.

I’ve come to realize that to a successful business I must be more focused. So I will continue to preach and teach God’s word and help families build stronger relationships with a new focus to help investors find new homes and investment properties to strengthen their families and grow their wealth.

In This City: NJ will be the theme of a new TV show & Newspaper dedicated to promoting spiritual growth, strong families, transformed lives, and financial freedom through real estate investments and ownership. Stay tuned because you will be hear a lot about these two new ventures, and I’ll be looking to hear from you too!

“New Beginnings,

Never be afraid to reinvent yourself... your new you could just be the true you that has been trying to get through to deliver you to a breakthrough”. That’s what I’m doing. What are you doing to achieve your goals? Thanks for reading. And be sure to watch out for “In This city: NJ”

NEW SHOW COMING THIS FALL PREVIEW EPISODE WITH

A. CURTIS FARROW PRODUCERMCDONALD’S GOSPELFEST

AIRING THIS MONTH ON NEWARK CABLEVISION

In This City: NJ

A new TV show & Newspaper dedicated to promoting spiritual growth, strong families, transformed lives, and financial freedom through real estate investments and ownership.

I found a great new home for myself, at Weichert.

Let’s find one for you!

862-888-8238 862-888-8238

Rick Greene Sales Representative West Orange/Essex County Invite us in, we’ll bring results

HEALTH TRANSFORMATION

New Beginnings

6 Health Tips For Buying Chocolate Shopping for "good" chocolate is kind of like searching for a viable online date. Approach the market without a plan and it's easy to get duped by glossy packaging and false claims. Know what you're looking for, though, and you can find yourself a sweetie with substance -- guaranteed to reduce your stress levels, ignite your sex life, and make your heart sing from the first blissful encounter. In fact, findings from a new long-term study in Heart journal involving 25,000 volunteers suggest that eating up to 3.5 ounces of high-quality chocolate per day can significantly reduce risks of heart disease and stroke. Sort through the fakes, protect your heart, and treat your valentine to the good stu, with these six simple tips for buying the best healthy chocolate on the market: 1. More Bitter, More Better The term "dark" chocolate isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so any bar can be labeled as "dark" -- even if it's not. From a health perspective, what you're investing in when you buy dark chocolate, as opposed to milk or white, is a higher concentration of flavanols and polyphenols -- antioxidants that disarm free radicals associated with disease. In fact, gram-forgram, dark chocolate has been shown to contain significantly greater antioxidant capacity than blueberries! Manufacturers will often list the cacao percentage on the label, but you'll need at least 70 percent to reap the health benefits.

HEALTH TRANSFORMATION 2. Cocoa Butter or Bust The good fat in "good" chocolate is cocoa butter, which is a source of heart-healthy stearic acid. In the U.S., manufacturers can't label a product "chocolate" unless it includes cocoa butter as an ingredient, but replacing some of the pure cocoa fat with cheap oils and emulsifiers is fair game.

Dodge a choco-fake by avoiding anything "chocolaty," which is sneaky-marketer-speak for "fake chocolate." And run a mile from products with the words "partially hydrogenated" on the ingredient list; these trans fats have been directly linked to heart disease.

3. Don't Go Dutch Is your chocolate "dutched" or "alkalized"? Toss it. Both terms refer to cocoa processing that substantially reduces its heart-healthy compounds. A study in theJournal of Agriculture Food Chemistry showed that the average total flavanol content for natural cocoa was nearly nine times greater than heavily processed varieties.

4. Wrap It Up Most individuals can afford to enjoy a little bit of dark chocolate daily. In fact, women with a history of heart attack who reported eating one to two servings of high-quality chocolate per week showed a 32 percent lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure than those who passed on the sweets, according to a study inHeart Circulation. But let's be honest: Even a single high-quality truffle contains calories (about 100... and who stops at one truffle?). Suggestion! Avoid over-indulging by opting for individually wrapped chocolates. The act of peeling off a wrapper will slow you down and give your satiety hormones time to register satisfaction. In fact, people consume an average 41 percent fewer calories when snacking on wrapped snacks, according to a study in Appetitejournal.

5. K.I.S.S. It doesn't take much to make chocolate: cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sugar, and maybe some vanilla. But not all manufacturers like to Keep It Simple, Sister. Dove's Red Velvet Swirl variety includes some 13 ingredients, including Red 40 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, soy lecithin and PGPR, a cheap alternative to cocoa butter and an emulsifier found in salad dressing. Avoid the extra "fillers" and stick to brands with pure ingredients your grandmother would recognize and keep in the pantry.

6. Berry Bonus The magical process that makes chocolate healthy doesn't happen in your hands, or your mouth; it happens in your colon. In fact, new research attributes chocolate's precise health benefits to the good bugs in your microbiome that eat up the chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds. Combining chocolate with solid fiber-rich fruits can boost the health benefits. Nothing beats fresh fruit (fondue, anyone?), but popular dried mix-ins like cranberries and nuts (especially cashews and pistachios) can give your bar a prebiotic boost.

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The Minister’s corner

Gain insights and wisdom from the author of The Ministers’ Corner

Newark News

“Project Impact Newark” Ms. Mary Eliza Mahoney is the first African American Nurse to graduate from an accredited nursing program in the United States in 1879. She was born in Massachusetts in 1845, her exact month and day of birth is unclear. As early as eighteen years old, Mary knew she wanted to become a nurse. To start off her journey into the medical field young Mary spent most of her days as a maid, washerwoman and cook at the New England Hospital for women and children.

After several years, at the age of 33 Mary was finally accepted into the New England Hospital’s nursing program. Mahoney was one of the 42 students chosen to begin this difficult and strenuous program.

Much like the nursing programs of today the hours were long and the work was hard. The program consisted of twelve months of medical, surgical, and maternal nursing training. This included night duty along with four months of private duty nursing in homes and other places within the community. The hours were typically between 6 am to 9 pm.

But Mahoney did not let the intense work load stop her from accomplishing her dream. Mary was one of the four women to graduate that August of 1879. Once licensed Mahoney took jobs as a private duty nurse in her community.

Though in those times nurse’s job description included both medical and household chores Mahoney refused to be treated as the household help. Mary was well respected by her patients and was known for her competency and skill as a nurse. Due to her outstanding reputation as a nurse, she was given opportunities to branch out to places as far as North Carolina.

Knowing and recognizing the struggles of African Americans and the nursing field Mahoney helped cofound the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN). As their chaplain she participated in conventions by speaking and spreading the awareness across the states.

In 1923, Mahoney was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away several years after in 1926. Even after her death she is still being honored for her contribution to NACGN and nursing in general. Her grave site in Massachusetts has become a memorial for those she has touched to pay respect.

Mary was and still is a monument for all aspiring minority nurses and women as a whole. She had a plan and executed it through the obstacles. Her journey exemplifies patience and strength.

Newark News

The Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center Newark, NJ – January 20, 2016 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka, members of the Newark Municipal Council, Director of Health and Community Wellness Dr. Hanaa Hamdi, and Newark Housing Authority Executive Director Keith Kinard broke ground for the Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center at Bradley Court on,, Wednesday, January 20, at 11:30 a.m., at 30-30A North Munn Avenue, in Newark’s West Ward.

The Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center at Bradley Court is in direct response to community feedback, in particular the input of the Bradley Court Tenants Council and complex residents. The health center, which will occupy two units in the housing complex, complements the goals of the MNI by bringing comprehensive primary and preventive health services to many who now have limited access to health care and social services.

The Center is part of the Model Neighborhood Initiative, a collaborative effort by multiple city departments, private sector organizations, and residents to transform neighborhoods into model communities. The facility is named for the first African-American in the nation to graduate from a licensed nursing school. The facility is scheduled to open its doors in July 2016.

The center will open on evenings and weekends for convenient appointments outside of traditional working hours. Healthcare educational sessions will also be offered to assist residents in making more informed healthcare choices and becoming more proactive about their health.

Further, it is expected that the service delivery model established at Bradley Court will be expanded to other public housing facilities in Newark.

Family Assistance Resource Center (FARC ) Roger Hinton, president On Saturday, February 27th, FA R C h o s t e d a n o t h e r ' U n i q u e l y FA R C F a m i l y Boutique' at the Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Orange. This event provided over 100 low-income families with an opportunity to shop free for clothing, footwear, bed and bath linens, winter coats and other household goods. Each family in attendance averaged three individuals. The total distribution was a little under $8,700. The children, in keeping with our literacy program, received free books, stuffed animals and new toys.

This was the sixth boutique FARC has held since 2015.

These eventd are in addition to what FARC provides to fire victims, families transitioning from homelessness, abused women, young mothers, senior citizens and veterans.

Founders Johnnie Mae & Gene Scott Invite You To Study God’s Word With Food, Fun & Fellowship

BIBLE STUDY @ SETON HALL UNIVERSITY! 400 S Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079

In Duffy Hall - FRIDAYS March 11th & 25th April 8th & 22nd 6:30PM-9:00PM “THE BOOK OF MARK” Bible Teacher Pastor Rick For More Info Call Sis Johnnie Mae 973-518-3549 | Deacon Gene 973-518-4059, Pastor Rick 862-888-8238 | Min Brenda 862-218-1418

Newark News MAYOR BARAKA REVEALS DETAILS OF NEWARK’S GROUND-BREAKING CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARD (CCRB) Mayor was joined by Newark Communities for Accountable Policing (n-cap) and the Newark Municipal Council; Newark’s CCRB can be a national model for policecommunity relations one of the most powerful and independent review boards in America Newark, NJ – March 2, 2016 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, and Director of Public Safety Anthony Ambrose hosted a press conference to announce details of Newark’s Civilian Complaint Review Board, today in City Hall, located at 920 Broad Street. They were joined by members of the Newark Communities for Accountable Policing (N-CAP), a community advocacy coalition that has organized public support for a strong and innovative plan.

The ordinance was slated for a first reading at the regular meeting of the Newark Municipal Council at 12:30 the same day and is the most sweeping legislation of its kind.

The new Board will have the power to issue subpoenas, conduct investigations, and establish a mediation program to enable complainants to resolve their complaints through informal conciliation.

“This is a historic moment for the City of Newark, in how we address the continuing issue of public safety, and improve the relationship between our police and our residents. We are correcting one of the serious issues that have long affected the Newark Police Department, an issue which led to the imposition of a federal monitor over our department. Newark’s first Civilian Complaint Review Board is part of our answer to these issues, and we are creating a unique, progressive, and fully transparent board,” Mayor Baraka said. “Once this board is in operation, residents who have complaints or concerns about police behavior will be able to be certain they will be treated with support, understanding, professionalism, respect, and most importantly, action.”

With the exception of the City’s Inspector General, Newark’s Civilian Complaint Review Board will have

NO police officers on it. All members will be appointed by the Mayor or the Council or be representatives of clergy, community organizations, such as La Casa de Don Pedro, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, the People’s Organization for Progress, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of New Jersey, the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, and the Ironbound Community Corporation.

They will review complaints concerning police behavior, and have the power to receive, investigate, hear, make findings and recommend action on complaints by members of the public (including but not limited to complaints made by other police officers or personnel) against uniformed members of the Police Department.

This includes allegations of misconduct involving excessive use of force, abuse of authority, unlawful arrest, unlawful stop, unlawful searches, discourtesy, or use of offensive language. The Board’s findings will be submitted to the Police Director for review and disciplinary action.

The N-CAP community advocacy coalition is comprised of the following groups, which were represented at the press conference: 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East; the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ); Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC); Garden State Equality; NAACP-NJ and NAACPNewark; New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ); and the People’s Organization for Progress (POP).

The Board will meet publicly once a month, provide public reports on its activities and publish statistics on its cases and their disposition on their public website.

However, investigations will be confidential to protect the privacy of both complainants and defendants. Persons under investigation will have the right to counsel. The board will have the power to issue subpoenas. Its budget will be a line item within the budget of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

7 Steps to Help Increase Revenue When Sales Are Slow 1. Add complementary services or products.

Think about related services or products your customers would appreciate. If you own a gourmet food store, for example, you might stock specialized kitchen equipment or add an online ordering and delivery service. If you're a landscaper, you might add snow removal during winter. Or maybe you own a summer camp: You can use the winter months to rent out your facilities for conferences, weddings and more.

No matter what, don't just think of your primary product or service as the only asset your business has. Often your location or expertise can also be utilized. Even if this goes off of your original business model a bit, the fact that your business will continue to generate revenue is what matters most.

2. Create a loyalty program.

A loyalty program can be as simple as a punch card or a more complex point system. Whatever format you use, the strategy is the same: You track customers' purchases and reward them with a discount or freebie. This helps keep customers coming back in order to earn the reward. If possible, also build a rewards-for-referrals element into your loyalty program to incentivize customers to recommend your business to friends. Loyalty programs aren't a brand new idea, but they exist and continue to exist because they work. You just need to make sure you're putting the proper time and investment into it so yours can stand out from the pack.

If you don't already have a customer relationship management (CRM) program, there's no time like the present to set one up. This software helps you to track customers' behaviors and your interactions with them to better target coupons and communications to their needs.

3. Offer pop-up sales.

Pop-up sales are either unannounced, announced only to your social media followers or another specific segment of your customers, or announced just a few days prior to the event. The spontaneity of these sales will help keep customers coming back to the store or checking your social

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION media channels to find out when you'll be having another sale—or even better, if you're having one right now.

4. Host events.

Want more foot traffic? Try throwing a party! Find ways to create a memorable, and ideally repeatable, in-store event. An open house–type event is a great opportunity to give out samples of your products or offer short demos of your services. Bring in big names in your industry for lectures, signings, workshops, performances and the like. Celebrate your business's anniversary or a relevant holiday (National Ice Cream Day, anyone?)—or make your own.

Consider partnering with neighboring, non-competitive businesses, local artists or musicians or charitable groups in your community to make your event an all-out bash.

5. Go into power-marketing mode.

Your slow season is the perfect time to ramp up your low-budget marketing. Promote your mailing list and give your email newsletter a makeover. Create discounts just for your mailing list or social media followers.

Invite customers to provide testimonials that you can highlight on your website, via your social media channels, on your review site profiles and in-store. And, of course, reward them for doing so. Also consider coming up with a clever way to engage customers and incorporate their own content (such as selfies at your business) into your marketing.

6. Find a niche market.

Increasing business during a slow period may be a matter of finding and serving a niche population of customers. For example, maybe you're an ice cream and candy shop that does a lot of business during the summer when it heats up and kids are out of school. When business slows down, maybe you could focus on capturing the hearts of dog owners and work on developing a line of sweet treats for pups. Pet lovers could help keep business up throughout the whole year.

7. Set up an online store.

Several of the above suggestions (such as creating a loyalty program or setting up CRM software) will require a significant investment of time. A slower period—when you find you actually have a good amount of free time on your hands—may be the perfect opportunity to tackle these types of projects.

Likewise, if you're not already selling online, now is a great time to set up an online store. Not only is it a good project for off-peak seasons, it can be a way to help increase sales during those times.

Look into an affordable, easy-to-use e-commerce solution such as Shopify orBigcommerce and get started. If your business is service-based, you could offer virtual consultations and use a software like Youcanbook.me or SetMore for scheduling. If you're unable to provide your services virtually, investing in the time to set up software like this is still smart. It will make it easier for your customers to schedule appointments, increasing the ease of your overall customer experience.

I found a great new home for myself, at Weichert.

Let’s find one for you!

Rick Greene Sales Representative West Orange/Essex County

862-888-8238

Invite us in, we’ll bring results

Newark News Free Tax Assistance is Available: Federal Income Tax Filing Deadline is April 15, 2016 Newark’s five Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are providing free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income Newark families, earning $54,000 a year or less, now through the Federal Income Tax filing deadline of Friday, April 15, for the 11th straight year. Locations and operating hours are as follows: • Newark City Hall – 920 Broad Street, Room B-1, Newark NJ 07102; Open: Monday-Friday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Newark Emergency Services for Families – 982 Broad Street, Newark NJ 07102; Open: MondayFriday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Essex County College – 303 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102; Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy – 219 Avon Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103; Open: Tuesday, Thursday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy – 433 Peshine Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103; Open, Wednesday, Thursday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Newark Legacy Charter School – 823 South 16th Street, Newark, NJ

07103; Open: Wednesday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Launched by the Internal Revenue Service in 2005, the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program exists to encourage people in urban areas to take advantage of the earned income-tax credit. The VITA program provides free tax services available to low- and moderate- income New Jersey families who earn $54,000 per year or less. The VITA program was established to help residents receive the maximum tax credits and refunds allowable by law.

Other partners in this initiative include the New Jersey Treasury Department’s Division of Taxation, the Newark Asset Building Coalition, Newark Emergency Services for Families, the South Ward Children’s Alliance, the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, and Essex County College.

“Over the past 11 years, Newark Now’s VITA program has put millions of dollars back into the pockets of our city’s low income and single household families.

This year, the City of Newark is once again joining forces with our community partners to continue to offer this vital

program, which enables residents at the most risk to get the maximum refunds possible. This program is an example of how our caring community is uniting to transform Newark into a City we can all believe in,” said Mayor Baraka.

Opportunities for Tax Season 2015 include the following: • Financial Aid U will return, enabling students to complete the FAFSA and NJ Tuition Aid Grant applications, as well as evaluate financial aid packages and budgeting for college.

• The Individual Development Account is an accelerated saving program that helps participant increases their savings by 100 percent. The IDA can be used to starting a business, homeownership or higher education.

• Direct one-on-one credit counseling to increase credit scores and reduce debt.

• Taxpayers can use federal refunds to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds for long-term economic goals.

As many Newarkers continue to contend with the effects of the recession, VITA aims to help residents take full advantage of various tax incentives, like the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, and ensure they get the most out of their refund.

VITA offers Newark residents free, professionally certified tax preparation assistance and legal aid. The program has helped more than 24,000 residents in its seven years of existence. United Way of Essex and West Hudson’s VITA program is the largest in the state of New Jersey. This past year, United Way of Essex and West Hudson prepared nearly 3,000 tax returns, returned nearly $5 million in refunds to tax filers, and saved filers nearly $500,000 in filing fees.

Residents should bring the following items to the VITA sites: • Personal ID • Social Security cards, and dates of birth for taxpayer, spouse, children, and other dependents you are claiming.

• Amount of 2015 payments for student loan interest, child care expenses, and college tuition.

• All W-2, 1099, and other income forms and statements.

• Copy of last year’s Income Tax return, if possible.

• Any other tax-related documents you have received.

• Proof of bank account for direct deposit.

• Childcare provider name, address, and tax ID number, if relevant.

In addition, the VITA sites will enable residents to sign up for health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act. For health plans starting in 2016, deadline to register is January 31, 2016.

NewarkWorks One Stop Career Center will serve as the main hub to refer eligible residents to all the locations for services.

For additional information, they can visit 990 Broad Street or call (973) 733-4820.

Newark residents have taken advantage of the Vita Program since 2006.

In addition to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that the administration offers annually, the City and Essex County launched the Newark/ Urban Essex Foreclosure Taskforce in November 2007, a coalition of more than 30 organizations that have come together to address the issues of foreclosure, predatory lending, mortgage scams, and home-purchasing.

RELATIONSHIP TRANSFORMATION

Right And Wrong At The Same Time “Think on these things which are lovely” Being right can have too much emphasis placed on it in a marriage.

Of course it’s important but usually not at the expense of your marriage. Note that I said “usually”, not always. It is possible to be right and wrong or right and unhappy at the same time.

There will be times, and probably this is one reason why you’re reading this book, when your spouse has done wrong by you. Lied, cheated, betrayed, and maybe their is even some verbal, emotional, or even physical abuse.

Note that I never recommend staying in a relationship where there is abuse. Even if your abuse is verbal or emotional you need to seek professional help and to get away from your abusing spouse. This is when being right takes priority over your marriage.

If your husband or wife has wronged you then finding a way to forgive them is key to the successful continuation of your marriage.

RELATIONSHIP TRANSFORMATION Every one forgives, everyone offends, although offenses vary is size and the pain and hurt they cause. Still we all need forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well. Forgiveness is different from condoning (failing to see the action as wrong and in need of forgiveness), excusing (not holding the offender as responsible for the action), pardoning (granted by a representative of society, such as a judge), forgetting (removing awareness of the offense from consciousness),

and reconciliation (restoration of a relationship).

In certain contexts, forgiveness is a legal term for absolving or giving up all claims on account of debt, loan, obligation or other claims.

Know that forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It means letting go of the strong emotions that you have associated with whatever your spouse has done.

Remember forgiveness is not a feeling. Forgiveness is a decision, a choice your have to make.

Whatever it is that has come between you and your spouse, the key to healing your marriage is that you have to find a way to release all of the hurt and pain you feel. And the make peace. make up. And make love.

THE BROTHER’S KEEPER’S Monthly Meeting Every 3rd Tuesday @ 7pm @THE TRANSFORMATION CENTER 628 GROVE STREET IRVINGTON NJ (Side Entrance) Where a man can come to talk about and get help in Building your faith ;Strengthening your family; Increasing your finances; Enhancing your ministry And growing closer to the females in your life.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION Here's The Process: 1. $1,000 to Start an Emergency Fund An emergency fund is for those unexpected events in life you can't plan for. Whether there's a plumbing issue and everything but the kitchen sink is draining, or your brakes are squealing at every stop sign, you can be ready!

Take Control of Your Money One Step at a Time Building a new future with money is a lot like building a home. You don't add the roof until you've finished framing, and you don't frame until the foundation is secure. Dave Ramsey teaches Baby Steps designed to help you out of debt and stress and into a life of saving and giving. We're all in different places with money. Start right where you are and get where you want to be. Know-how is 20% of the equation. Behavior change and selfdiscipline make up the other 80%. You can do it! Just follow the steps.

2. Pay Off All Debt but the House List all debts but the house in order.

The smallest balance should be your number one priority. Don't worry about interest rates unless two debts have similar payoffs. If that's the case, then list the higher interest rate debt first.

3. 3 to 6 Months of Expenses in Savings This step is all about building a full emergency fund. It's time to kick debt for good, with 3–6 months' worth of emergency savings. Sit down and calculate how much you need to live on for 3–6 months (for

most that's between $10,000– 15,000) and start saving to protect yourself against life's bigger surprises like the loss of a job.

You'll never be in debt again—no matter what comes your way.

4. Invest 15% of Household Income Into Retirement Now it's time to get serious about retirement. With no payments and a full emergency fund, put 15% toward the retirement of your dreams. Between your 401(k), Roth IRA, and Traditional IRA, you have a lot of options. Find the fit that is right for you. The money you were using to attack debt can now help build your future.

5. College Funding for Children College tuitions and housing expenses continue to rise. Don't let college sneak up on you. Saving now will put you ahead of the game when your kids graduate from high school. Two smart ways to save for your kids' college are a 529 college savings fund or an ESA (education savings account).

These are both tax-advantaged

savings vehicles that let you save money for your kids' education expenses.

6. Pay Off Home Early It takes the average family five to seven years to pay their home off early. Just imagine life with no mortgage. There's only one more debt standing in the way of freedom from all debt! Apply all the extra money toward paying off your home. Not only are you paying off your home early, you'll be saving tens of thousands of dollars in interest fees.

7. Build Wealth and Give This is the last step and by far the most fun. It's time to live and give like no one else! Build wealth, become insanely generous, and leave an inheritance for future generations. You know what people with no debt and no payments can do? Anything they want! Now that's leaving a legacy.

8.

Newark News

Newark International Film Festival Newark, NJ – January 19, 2016 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Municipal Council members, and Kenneth Gifford of the Newark Office of Film & Television will announced that the City will host its first international film festival at a press conference on Tuesday, January 19 in the City Hall First Floor Rotunda, The three-day festival, set for September 2016, will showcase the breadth of the film industry, including screenings, stunt exhibitions, TV/film auditions and a variety of workshops and feature

the presentation of the Hannibal Goodwin Award for Innovation in Filmmaking – named for the Episcopal priest who invented celluloid film in 1887 in Newark – to a highly regarded filmmaker.

Newark native Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life, Inc. and founder of American Black Film Festival will serve as the 2016 festival ambassador.

I found a great new home for myself, at Weichert.

Let’s find one for you!

Rick Greene Sales Representative West Orange/Essex County

862-888-8238

Invite us in, we’ll bring results

CITY TRANSFORMATION

T’S THE MOTHER’S DAY GOSPEL EVENT OF THE YEAR! McDONALD’S GOSPELFEST 2016 PRESENTS “HONOR THY MOTHER” STARRING YOLANDA ADAMS, TAMELA MANN, DONNIE MCCLURKIN,BISHOP HEZEKIAH WALKER & LFC, SHIRLEY CAESAR, AND THE ORIGINAL DREAM GIRL, JENNIFER HOLLIDAY! BRING ALL THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND, SATURDAY, MAY 7TH TO THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER ARENA IN NEWARK, NJ. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!! CALL TICKETMASTER 1-800-745-3000 OR GO TO TICKETMASTER.COM. MCDONALD’S GOSPELFEST 2016, "HONOR THY MOTHER", PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY A. CURTIS FARROW

MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION What’s holding you back?

You’ve told people that God has called you to do something. You’ve proclaimed it. You’ve prayed about it. You may have even preached about it, yet you haven’t done it!

Why? Is it fear of failure? Is it a fear of inadequacy? Do you feel as though the time is not right for you.

Do you have doubts? Do you think that you have to wait until you get enough people to support you vision? Or maybe you have just put it off for some day in the future to be determined later.

I just want you to know that there are seven days in the week and SOMEDAY isn’t one of them!

If God has called you to do a work and you are struggling with the thoughts mentioned above it may be that you are being spiritually suppressed. I would suggest that you pray to the Lord and tell him you are moving forward and if he doesn’t want you to move then ask hHim to let you know to stop.

This is a different perspective for going forth in ministry. Usually people are wait to hear from the Lord just when to start, but what I’ve learned fro m a very seasoned and wise apostle is that, if you are walking with the Lord spending time with his word, praising him, worshipping him, and praying to him, then you can assume that he is guiding your steps. And if you have the unction to move forward then MOVE FORWARD, DON’T PROCRASTINATE, and trust that if the Lord doesn’t want you to go then he will “course correct” you to his will and his way.

You may just find that while you were waiting on the Lord... He is waiting on you!

The Minister’s corner

The Fall of Manziel

Yes I am a football fan. Actually I'm a NY Giants fan. But I don't want to talk about football right now, I want to talk about commitment. I'm aware of the fact that in today's society commitment may be a dirty word. But it is an important word. It is the most important word and action that anyone can learn and do. Now bear with me for a moment as I go deeper into this subject. Think about this young man named Johnny Manziel, Johnny football as he was called in college. Someone that I enjoyed watching when he was at Texas A&M. He was a very entertaining quarterback to say the least.

He knew how to extend plays and make plays with his feet. He was what is called a very dynamic player at the college level.

Then one day He decides that he's ready to go pro. Something that surprised a lot of analysts, and coaches around the nation; and by just a quick eye test he seemed to have some of the skills that were necessary to be a pro quarterback in the NFL. But there was one very important element missing from his game, commitment. I was actually surprised when he decided to go pro, I didn't think he was ready

for the big stage of the NFL, but who am I? Turns out I was right, he wasn't ready.

He didn't seem to be as committed to the game as some of the other players that were a part of that draft class. There were to many red flags that seemed to indicate that he wasn't ready.

But the Cleveland Browns took a chance on him and he proved all of the doubter's and critics right. He is what is called a draft bust. All hype no substance, no game. Why? No sense of commitment. He seemed more committed to the celebrity party scene than than the scenery of the team facility. He seemed more committed to the taste of alcoholic beverages than the taste of gatorade. He seemed more committed to life in the club than life on the football field.

He seemed more interested in being a shining star than a team player. Those qualities and preferences do not enable a person to be successful as a professional in any occupation, especially professional sports.

I use this young man as an illustration of what not to be as a believer. I am not trying to destroy this young man's character at all. For all I know he could very well be the nicest guy on earth, I don't know I have never met him. But here is one thing you should do, ask yourself this one very important question. Am I really committed to Christ? Simple question right?

Then wait for an answer. You will know, your lifestyle, your desires, your goals, your hopes and dreams will answer the question for you.

The reality is this isn't an exercise to bring a person down. No this is an attempt to bring people up. To help all of us. Lord knows I need to examine my life as well as my neighbor. But my desire is to help us to be better disciples and better disciple makers. To grow and mature as follower's of Christ. To become more committed in our christian walk. So that our Father in heaven will be pleased.

That's the goal right? To please our Heavenly Father. Think about it. God was committed to creating the heaven and the earth. He was committed to creating Man and Woman. He was committed to His plan of redemption after

the fall in the garden. He was committed to being the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

He was committed to leading His chosen people the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the promised land. He was so committed to us that He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross in our place. That whoever believes in him will not die but have everlasting life.

Consider this, Jesus was committed to going to the cross. He was committed to bearing the wrath of God on his own body because of our sin. He was committed to enduring an eternity's worth of punishment for every single individual that would ever put their personal faith in him as Lord and Savior. He is still committed to all of his follower's world wide today. The Holy Spirit is committed to calling us, sanctifying us, justifying us and glorifying us. Now that's what I call commitment. To God be the glory.

D L O S

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T

U O

SYNOPSIS A call to freedom opens with a club scene, with partying and a confrontation over a man, with one women storming out to tell on the man whose obviously not at the club with his wife.

The second scene opens with a grandma singing “Precious Lord” in her living room with her grand child interrupting her not feeling well and hungry.

She calls her daughter (the child’s mother) to take care of her daughter who minimizes it and has big plans to be on welfare. The grand mother prays for the lords help. And there's a knock on the door. It's an evangelist. He encourages her and tells her how strong black women really are and that they're the strength and backbone of the community. Her saddened friend enters, her house has been broken into. They encourage each other. And she tells her about her husband Cedric being in the club with another women. Enter in her husband with his friend and... the other women! Drunk! He tells her

he's not happy and he’s leaving her to be with the other women.

They talk and wonder how they got to this point in their lives. He tells her to get out.

Cedric is frustrated, complains and questions God's existence. The evangelist returns to get his brief case that he left. He gives him a copy of the book a call to freedom. The evangelist leaves him with the thought that we have a responsibility to change our future. Cedric passes out on the floor, and begins to dream.

Slaves are running. The whites are after them.

The slaves stand at auction. The auctioneer pitches them to a women customer. One feisty rebellious slave (Cedric) is chosen by her for $700. One knowledgeable slave speaks about the slavery of

A CALL TO FREEDOM

men. The Cedric angrily reiterates his freeness only to be whipped and sold to the women.

their freedom as the scene transitions into a freeman farmer who sings “Old man river.”

Slaves are now at work in the field. Cedric rejects picking cotton and is chastised by the owner.

The evangelist speaks comes back to speak with the now awakened Cedric and tells him how after all we've been through we went wrong. We've stepped away from our freedom, our faith, and he tells him where are we now.

The slaves work and sing spirituals. They so badly want freedom. And Cedric can't believe that he is now a slave. And that he now only has hopes of freedom.

Back Yankee soldiers march in and two reminisce about their past slavery and rejoice in their freedom. One soldier talks about his godly wife who prays for him daily and how much he misses her.

At home she prays and sings "The safest place in the whole wide world is in the masters hands" The soldiers fall in. With pride in their uniforms as they are soldiers fighting for freedom. One soldier proclaims his freedom as do the others.

Cedric listens to the other slave as he proclaims the freedom of slaves and he explains the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. He tells him about how soon they will be able to work the land for themselves.

Reading the emancipation proclamation the slaves begin to rejoice in their freedom.

We went from slave to protectors to sons, daughters and grow, and we've chosen a path away from freedom. A path of destruction. Violence, killing, and destroying the church. And because of breaking the bond with God we have allowed the bondage of slavery to renter our lives.

Cedric is upset and denies it being his fault, and he is challenged to ask God for forgiveness to get his family back. And he calls on God to restore his family. And to restore his freedom.

Cedric's prayer is sung “Lord I give you all.” Cedric is now set free, seeks to serve God, and his marriage and family is restored. This new found loving freedom transcends to his granddaughter too. As the family leaves out for ice cream, Cedric thanks god for his freedom.

Later That evening the evangelist returns and leaves the booklet with Maggiemae as she reads it and begins to dream and experience A Call to Freedom for herself!

“I have faith to conquer” is sung.

The wise slave continues to tell Cedric about how the now free slaves will work the land and thrive in

A CALL TO FREEDOM has proven to be a hit with all of its performances being sold out!

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