Voice & Vision Blog

Happy Birthday America!

Written by Kathryn Lerro on July 4, 2020.

Written by Valerie Melroy Happy Birthday America! Today we celebrate the birth of the greatest, freest nation on earth—the United Statesof America. The independence of this great nation came through much bloodshed, courage,perseverance, strength, and hope. We honor all those who fought for our freedom then as well as those in the armed forces who continue to fight to protect it now. On my mind today is a passage written by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence; it is one...

Toward a More Perfect Union

Written by Kathryn Lerro on June 26, 2020.

My family got together on Father’s Day. This was the first time we’d all been together, under one roof, in ages. We hugged and hung out without masks for the first time in almost three months, and it was wonderful. As much as I was looking forward to the day, I had also been feeling anxious about it. Recent events in the nation and especially right here where we live in South Philadelphia have had us all on edge. Not knowing what to expect from one day to the next has been exhausting. (As...

Sun

Written by Akua Ajarko on June 15, 2020.

Akua's son holding a black lives matter sign

Like most nights I went up to my bedroom to watch the 11:00 pm news to find that George Floyd had been murdered by overseers, you may call them officers, but I will not until there is change in this country. I sat in shock once again, devasted, deflated in tears. I didn’t realize my ten-year-old Sun had been also watching the news downstairs, and yes, I spell Son “Sun” because he is just that, my Sun. My Sun ran up to my room sobbing asking why this keeps happening! We cried together. I...

George Floyd: You Did Not Die in Vain

Written by Valerie Melroy on June 7, 2020.

Valerie Melroy with Pastor Hunt and his family

These past two weeks have been extremely difficult for people who are Black or African American and those of us who love and honor our brothers and sisters of color. The horrific murder of George Floyd exposed more than injustice. As one of our Black co-workers said, the history of racism, fear, injustice, and inequality creates trauma that continues to be revealed through the actions of many people every day. Another African American co-worker expressed anger at the violent protests and looting...

Never Underestimate the Power of Friendship – Carol and Mary

Written by Olga Antonyuk on May 29, 2020.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year the main goal is to fight stigma, provide support, and advocate for support of people with mental health challenges and their families. A brief history about Mental Health Awareness Month. It has been observed in May in the US since 1949. The main purpose has always been to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses. Raising awareness nationally will help reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness today. Compeer...

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Blog Authors

About Kathryn

Hi, I’m Kathryn Lerro, mother of two lovely daughters, wife of one fine man.

After 24 years of wandering (thanks to my husband’s Air Force career), we are back home on the East Coast. We currently live in Philadelphia where I enjoy writing, taking long walks, decorating my front window in South Philly tradition, talking to interesting people and eating great food.

As I’ve met people on my travels I’ve become keenly aware that most of us could use a healthy dose of encouragement. It is for this reason that I try to weave a message of hope into everything I write.

About Mindy

Hi, I am Melinda Haas, but you can call me Mindy. A true introvert, I delight in solitude with a good book or a movie. I like dabbling in nature photography while taking rigorous hikes. I adore my husband who is a ton of fun. He shares my wanderlust as well as my appetite for Indian and Thai food. Very often, you’ll find us dancing to Cumbia in the kitchen while we make dinner. We also love road tripping and exploring new places. (New England is our new favorite!)

Through my writing, I want to encourage and embolden others to push past the limits they place on themselves. I want to help people see that they can accomplish more than they think they were capable of.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website and blog is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to inspire, educate, offer hope and in some instances challenge attitudes and beliefs promoted in our society. We also provide information about Voice and Vision’s services and connections to basic resources in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, counseling, or treatment or cannot be used for identification of a diagnosis. Please seek help from a qualified physician or professional with any questions you may have regarding a physical, emotional or mental health condition, disability, or addiction.

Voice & Vision Blog

Happy Birthday America!

Toward a More Perfect Union

Sun

George Floyd: You Did Not Die in Vain

Never Underestimate the Power of Friendship – Carol and Mary

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