Day: September 16, 2025

Cumberland First in Families to Host 2nd Annual Mister & Miss FIFNC Pageant

Post author By Themoyouknow
Post date September 16, 2025

Fayetteville, NC – September 16, 2025 – First in Families of North Carolina (FIFNC) Cumberland County will host the 2nd Annual Mister & Miss FIFNC Pageant on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at Balm In Gilead Family Counseling Ministries, 3110 Doc Bennett Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306, and aims to celebrate the talents, confidence, and achievements of individuals living with disabilities.

This community-centered pageant provides a supportive stage for participants to showcase their personalities, skills, and individuality. Building on the success of the inaugural event, the second annual competition promises an even more engaging and inspiring experience for families and community members across Cumberland County.

Highlighting Inclusion and Community Spirit

The Mister & Miss FIFNC Pageant is designed to encourage self-expression and confidence among individuals with disabilities while fostering greater awareness and acceptance within the broader community. Families and friends will gather to celebrate participants as they share their talents and demonstrate that ability matters far more than limitation.

The pageant also serves as a fundraiser for First in Families of North Carolina, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Funds raised will directly benefit local programs, ensuring that families in Cumberland County continue to receive vital resources and assistance.

Special Emcee: ShaDonna “Mo” McPhaul

This year’s pageant will feature ShaDonna “Mo” McPhaul, also known as The Mo You Know, as the event emcee. McPhaul is a well-known Fayetteville figure recognized for her work in community engagement, media, and public relations. Her presence brings added excitement and visibility to the pageant, further underscoring the importance of amplifying voices within the disability community.

Sponsorship Opportunities

To help ensure the continued success of the event, organizers have introduced sponsorship packages designed to give local businesses and individuals the opportunity to show their support:

Platinum Sponsorship – $200
Gold Sponsorship – $150
Silver Sponsorship – $100
Bronze Sponsorship – $50

Sponsorship contributions will help cover event costs and expand services offered to families with disabilities. Donors will be recognized during the event, highlighting their commitment to inclusion and community growth.

A Platform for Celebration

The Mister & Miss FIFNC Pageant is more than a competition. It is a platform for celebrating achievements, showcasing talents, and reinforcing the belief that everyone deserves recognition and opportunity. For families living with disabilities, events like these provide meaningful moments of pride and connection, while also strengthening the community’s shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Event Details at a Glance

Event: 2nd Annual Mister & Miss FIFNC Pageant
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Balm In Gilead Family Counseling Ministries, Inc.
3110 Doc Bennett Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Families, friends, and supporters throughout Cumberland County are encouraged to attend and take part in this unique celebration.

Supporting a Greater Mission

The pageant aligns with the larger mission of First in Families of North Carolina, which has long been dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities build stronger, more independent lives. By bringing the community together for a day of celebration, FIFNC demonstrates how events can both raise awareness and make a lasting impact through financial support and community involvement.

Call to Action

Individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in sponsoring or donating can learn more and contribute directly through the official website at fifnc.org/cumberland-county. Every contribution helps to sustain essential programs that provide hope, dignity, and resources to families with disabilities.

Media Contact

Bri Scott

Cumberland County, First in Families of North Carolina

Telephone: (910) 872-3167

Website: https://www.fifnc.org/cumberland-county

Banking, Finance & Investment Industry Finance Financial Market Insurance Industry Personal Finance

Jerome T. Scott, “The Insurance Guy,” Launches New Book and Podcast to Empower Families with Financial Knowledge

Post author By Themoyouknow
Post date September 16, 2025

Fayetteville, NC – September 16, 2025 – Jerome T. Scott, widely known as “The Insurance Guy,” has announced the release of his latest book Everyday Knowledge About Your Finances along with the launch of the Jerome Scott The Insurance Guy Podcast, now available on YouTube. Together, these resources provide families with accessible, practical guidance for building financial stability and long-term wealth.

With more than 50 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry, Jerome T. Scott has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families understand the foundations of financial wellness. His mission is simple: to make financial literacy approachable for everyday people who want to protect their families, improve their financial status, and create lasting wealth.

A Practical Guide to Financial Wellness

Scott’s new book, Everyday Knowledge About Your Finances, is designed to answer the questions many people have about money—and even the ones they did not know to ask. Written in clear, straightforward language, the book breaks down essential topics that form the backbone of financial security.

Readers can expect guidance on:

How to create and stick to a budget that works for their lifestyle
Understanding savings vehicles and how to use them effectively
Developing a financial plan that matches short- and long-term goals
Strategies to build a secure financial future for themselves and their families

The book aims to provide not just information but actionable steps that readers can apply immediately to begin transforming their financial situation. From the basics of budgeting to more advanced financial planning strategies, Everyday Knowledge About Your Finances serves as a roadmap toward stability and growth.

The book is available now on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Knowledge-About-Your-Finances/dp/1952315980.

Expanding the Conversation with a New Podcast

Complementing the release of his book, Jerome T. Scott has launched The Insurance Guy Podcast, which can be streamed on YouTube. The podcast offers listeners a conversational approach to financial education, where Scott discusses pressing money questions, explores common financial pitfalls, and shares insights from his decades of experience in the field.

The podcast is designed to be both informative and engaging, with each episode addressing real-world concerns families face today. Topics range from how to navigate insurance decisions to tips for saving for retirement, managing debt, and creating intergenerational wealth. By making financial discussions accessible and relatable, Scott hopes to break down barriers that often prevent families from taking charge of their financial futures.

Serving Families with Knowledge and Guidance

Scott’s passion for financial literacy stems from his years of working closely with families through his insurance practice, Jerome T. Scott Insurance. He has seen firsthand the confusion and stress that come with financial uncertainty, and he believes that education is the key to empowerment.

“Many people don’t know where to begin when it comes to money,” said Jerome T. Scott. “My goal with this book and podcast is to provide clarity and direction. Whether you’re starting out or trying to improve your current financial position, these tools are designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to build a secure future.”

Through his work, Scott emphasizes that financial literacy is not just for the wealthy or financially savvy—it is for everyone. His approachable teaching style, combined with decades of expertise, makes his resources valuable for families seeking both immediate solutions and long-term strategies.

Availability

Families and individuals interested in learning more about financial literacy, insurance, and wealth-building can visit Scott’s official website at https://jerometscottinsurance.com.

The book, Everyday Knowledge About Your Finances, is available on Amazon, and The Insurance Guy Podcast can be streamed on YouTube.

Media Contact

Jerome T. Scott Insurance

Attn: Media Relations

Website: https://jerometscottinsurance.com

Email: info@jerometscottinsurance.com

Banking, Finance & Investment Industry Education Family & Parenting Non Profit Social Media

Project Alpha Returns to 71st High School, Empowering Middle and High School Young Men Through Mentoring and Wellness Education

Post author By Themoyouknow
Post date September 16, 2025

Fayetteville, NC – September 16, 2025 – The Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., together with partner chapters Epsilon Zeta, Phi Gamma, and Tau Nu, announced the return of Project Alpha, a one-day youth initiative designed to mentor young men and prepare them for social, mental, and physical success. The event will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 71st Senior High School, 6764 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

Project Alpha is a national program developed by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to provide middle and high school young men with life-changing tools, skills, and guidance. The 2025 event continues this mission by delivering a series of engaging workshops focused on decision-making, wellness, leadership, and personal responsibility. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participants.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Project Alpha has long been recognized for its impact on youth communities across the country, and the Epsilon Rho Lambda-led initiative in Fayetteville has become a cornerstone of local mentoring efforts. The program provides a safe, supportive environment for young men to discuss challenges, receive positive guidance, and learn skills they can carry into adulthood.

The 2025 curriculum emphasizes four critical areas:

Social Responsibility – Understanding respect, communication, and positive peer relationships.
Mental Wellness – Building resilience, handling stress, and prioritizing emotional health.
Physical Health – Encouraging fitness, healthy habits, and overall well-being.
Personal Growth – Inspiring leadership, accountability, and educational achievement.

By engaging students in interactive discussions and structured mentoring sessions, Project Alpha equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices that support their futures.

Community Commitment

Epsilon Rho Lambda and its partner chapters have consistently prioritized Fayetteville’s youth through ongoing community engagement. Project Alpha reflects the fraternity’s national legacy of service while addressing the specific needs of young men in the local area.

“Our goal is to invest in young men today so they can become strong leaders tomorrow,” said Travis Greene, event coordinator. “Project Alpha gives students the opportunity to see examples of mentorship, brotherhood, and responsibility in action.”

Adrian Ramirez, co-coordinator, added: “We want every participant to walk away knowing they have a support system, a path forward, and the tools to succeed academically, personally, and socially.”

An Open Invitation

The event is open to all middle and high school male students in the Fayetteville area. Parents, guardians, and educators are encouraged to share the opportunity with students who would benefit from mentorship and positive peer engagement.

Registration is simple and can be completed using the QR code available on the chapter website at www.epsilonrholambda.org. Families may also register or request additional information by contacting the coordinators directly at travisgreene03@gmail.com or adrian_3738@outlook.com.

About Project Alpha

Project Alpha was developed in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to provide young men ages 12–18 with knowledge and skills that promote responsible decision-making and healthy lifestyles. Since its inception, the program has reached thousands of students across the United States. Through its emphasis on mentoring, Project Alpha empowers participants to overcome challenges, embrace education, and pursue leadership opportunities.

About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Founded in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. With a mission of developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence, and serving communities, the fraternity has a longstanding history of transformative community programs.

Locally, the Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter in Fayetteville continues to serve as a leader in community engagement through mentoring, scholarships, and youth development initiatives such as Project Alpha.

Event Details

What: Project Alpha 2025 Mentoring Program for Middle & High School Young Men
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: 71st Senior High School, 6764 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Who: Middle and high school male students in Fayetteville and surrounding areas
Registration: Visit www.epsilonrholambda.org or contact travisgreene03@gmail.com / adrian_3738@outlook.com

Media Contact:

Travis Greene

Project Alpha 2025 Coordinator

Email: travisgreene03@gmail.com

www.epsilonrholambda.org

Uncategorized

First in Families of North Carolina Celebrates 30 Years of Impact and Welcomes New Executive Director

Post author By Themoyouknow
Post date September 16, 2025

Durham, NC – September 16, 2025 – First in Families of North Carolina (FIFNC), a nonprofit dedicated to building hope, fostering connections, and creating stronger communities for individuals with disabilities and their families, proudly marked its 30th anniversary with a statewide summit in Durham on September 11–12, 2025. The two-day event celebrated three decades of impact and introduced the organization’s next Executive Director, Kathryn Bunn.

For 30 years, FIFNC has stood as a trusted partner to thousands of families across North Carolina. The organization has provided practical assistance with transportation, access to assistive technology, and support for everyday needs, while also nurturing long-term community networks that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive.

A Legacy of Impact

Since its founding in 1995, FIFNC has partnered with community organizations, local businesses, and individual supporters to create pathways for independence and inclusion. By honoring self-defined needs and amplifying voices within the disability community, FIFNC has transformed lives and strengthened communities throughout the state.

“Our mission has always been about listening first, then working hand in hand with families to meet real needs,” said a FIFNC board representative at the summit. “From helping a parent secure adaptive equipment for their child, to connecting adults with employment opportunities, to supporting caregivers with resources, we have spent 30 years building a culture of dignity, trust, and resilience.”

30th Anniversary Summit

The anniversary summit in Durham brought together families, advocates, professionals, and community partners to reflect on past achievements and discuss the future of inclusive support in North Carolina. The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking sessions that highlighted innovation in disability services and community collaboration.

Participants shared stories of how FIFNC’s programs have shaped their lives, emphasizing the ripple effect of empowerment when families are supported in achieving their goals. The summit also recognized the contributions of volunteers, donors, and partner organizations whose dedication has fueled FIFNC’s growth over the decades.

Welcoming New Leadership

A central moment of the summit was the announcement of FIFNC’s next Executive Director, Kathryn Bunn. Bunn brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and a strong commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn as the next leader of First in Families,” said the FIFNC Board of Directors. “Her vision and dedication to community-driven solutions will carry forward our mission with energy and purpose.”

Bunn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead during such a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. “First in Families has built an incredible legacy of impact,” she said. “I look forward to working with families, staff, and partners across North Carolina to strengthen that foundation and expand opportunities for connection, empowerment, and growth.”

Looking Ahead

As FIFNC enters its fourth decade, the organization plans to expand its efforts in areas such as technology access, employment readiness, and community inclusion initiatives. By leveraging lessons learned over the past 30 years and engaging new partners, FIFNC aims to reach even more families with innovative and responsive support.

“Our journey is far from over,” added the board representative. “The needs of families evolve, but our commitment remains the same: to empower individuals with disabilities and their loved ones to thrive in communities where everyone belongs.”

About First in Families of North Carolina

First in Families of North Carolina (FIFNC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 to support individuals with disabilities and their families statewide. By honoring self-defined needs, FIFNC provides flexible assistance, connects families with resources, and fosters lasting community relationships. For 30 years, the organization has built hope,

connections, and stronger communities throughout North Carolina.

To learn more, visit www.fifnc.org.

Media Contact:

First in Families of North Carolina

Email: info@fifnc.org

Website: www.fifnc.org

Business Education Human Resources Media & Communications Military Industry

The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy Announces October Enrollment and Calls for Partnerships

Post author By Themoyouknow
Post date September 16, 2025

The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy Announces October Enrollment and Calls for Partnerships

Fayetteville, NC – The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy, a newly approved nonprofit organization by the North Carolina Secretary of State, is proud to announce that enrollment will open in October, with classes beginning the day after Veteran’s Day. The Academy is now actively seeking partnerships with schools, churches, colleges, universities, military bases, veteran service organizations, and community leaders to help expand its mission of service, empowerment, and workforce readiness.

Founded on the values of service, integrity, education, and community, the Academy is designed to meet the needs of veterans, service members, their families, and local residents. Its goal is to create stronger pathways for education, employment, housing stability, and personal growth.

Core Values That Drive the Mission

The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy is guided by seven core values:

Service Before Self – Honoring military roots by serving others with compassion and commitment.
Integrity and Accountability – Ensuring honesty and measurable outcomes in every initiative.
Empowerment Through Education – Delivering workforce training, financial literacy, and personal development resources.
Collaboration and Community – Building strong networks with employers, educators, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.
Innovation with Purpose – Using technology and forward-thinking solutions to address housing, employment, and personal growth challenges.
Respect and Inclusivity – Creating an environment where every voice is valued and every background is respected.
Resilience and Growth – Inspiring individuals to overcome adversity and achieve lifelong success.

Benefits for Partners and Communities

The Academy offers unique opportunities for organizations to expand their impact while directly supporting community members.

High Schools: Students gain life skills, financial literacy, and real-world readiness to transition confidently into college, the workforce, or military service. Schools enhance their reputation for preparing graduates beyond academics.
Colleges & Universities: Partnerships reduce dropout rates, create stronger pipelines of career-ready students, and open collaboration opportunities for workshops, internships, and community outreach.
Churches: Ministries can extend their reach by offering resources for employment, housing, and personal development, positioning themselves as centers for empowerment.
Military Bases: Service members preparing for civilian life receive structured career pathways, while families access life-skills training that strengthens resilience.
Veteran Services Organizations: By working with the Academy, these organizations can expand their networks, align with missions of housing and employment support, and strengthen funding proposals through demonstrated collaboration.

Shared Community Impact

The Academy emphasizes that success is collective. By uniting schools, churches, employers, and service organizations, it aims to create lasting outcomes such as:

Workforce development and job readiness
Greater visibility and recognition for partner organizations
Shared access to employer pipelines and training tools
Stronger families and healthier, more prosperous communities

A Call to Action

With enrollment opening in October and the first classes launching in November, The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy is calling on community stakeholders to become partners in this movement. The Academy is positioned to help reduce unemployment, promote financial literacy, and inspire resilience in both youth and veterans.

“This is just the beginning,” said founder ShaDonna “Mo” McPhaul. “The Academy represents more than education—it’s about transformation, empowerment, and growth for individuals and the communities they belong to. Together, we can ensure no one is left behind.”

About The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy

The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy is a nonprofit organization based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Approved by the NC Secretary of State in 2024, the Academy is committed to empowering veterans, service members, students, and community members through education, workforce readiness, and collaborative partnerships. Its mission is grounded in values of service, integrity, inclusivity, and resilience.

Website: https://the-shadonna-m-mcphaul-success-academy.ueniweb.com

Media Contact

ShaDonna M. McPhaul

Founder & Public Relations Director

The ShaDonna M. McPhaul Success Academy

Fayetteville, NC

📧 Email: shadonnamcphaul@smmsa.education

📞 Phone: 1-877-407-8223

🌐 Website: https://the-shadonna-m-mcphaul-success-academy.ueniweb.com