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The HEEAT Research Lab has announced an innovative partnership with Marcus Doss Salon, marking a significant step in advancing life-saving treatment research and bridging the gap between beauty professionals and scientific discovery. This collaboration highlights the important role salons can play in supporting medical advancements while continuing to serve as trusted community spaces.

The HEEAT Research Lab (Health, Education, Evaluation, and Treatment) is dedicated to conducting critical studies that bring new insights and innovative solutions to the health field. By partnering with salons across North Carolina, the Lab is building a network that integrates everyday environments with meaningful research. This initiative underscores the organization’s mission to transform community spaces into hubs for awareness, education, and participation in life-saving studies.

For the Marcus Doss Salon, this collaboration is not only an honor but also an opportunity to make a broader impact beyond the world of beauty. Known for delivering premium services and a client-centered experience, the salon is now proud to contribute to a project that has the potential to save lives and change the future of treatment research.

“We are extremely honored and excited to be a part of this life-saving research project,” said representatives from Marcus Doss Salon. “Our team has always been dedicated to helping people look and feel their best. Now, by partnering with The HEEAT Research Lab, we can support something even greater—bringing hope and healing through treatment research.”

Expanding the Role of Salons in Research

The HEEAT Research Lab recognizes that salons are more than just beauty destinations—they are trusted spaces where people share their stories, build relationships, and feel safe. By involving salons in research partnerships, the Lab is creating pathways for community members to learn about studies, engage in dialogue about health, and take part in initiatives that can shape the future of medicine.

The collaboration with Marcus Doss Salon sets a strong example for other beauty professionals across North Carolina. As part of this partnership, the salon will help raise awareness of ongoing research, share educational resources with clients, and serve as a community ally in promoting wellness and treatment innovations.

An Invitation to Salons Across North Carolina

The HEEAT Research Lab is actively seeking additional salon partners to expand the reach of this groundbreaking initiative. Salons that join the effort will have the opportunity to be directly connected to health research that addresses critical needs, while also demonstrating leadership in their communities.

By becoming a partner, salons can:

• Support treatment research that aims to improve and save lives.
• Offer clients access to trusted information about ongoing studies.
• Enhance their brand reputation by aligning with a mission-driven cause.
• Strengthen community ties by contributing to both beauty and health.

A Shared Vision for Community Impact

The partnership between Marcus Doss Salon and The HEEAT Research Lab highlights a shared commitment to making a difference where it matters most: in people’s lives. It represents a fusion of creativity, care, and science—an innovative model that other salons and communities can emulate.

“Partnerships like this illustrate the power of combining everyday spaces with research goals,” said leaders at The HEEAT Research Lab. “When salons engage with us, they help bridge the gap between science and the community. We are thrilled to welcome Marcus Doss Salon into this important initiative and look forward to continuing to grow our network.”

About The HEEAT Research Lab

The HEEAT Research Lab (Health, Education, Evaluation, and Treatment) is committed to advancing innovative research that improves health outcomes and supports communities. Through partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the Lab brings life-saving studies closer to the people who need them most. Learn more at www.theheeatlab.org.

About Marcus Doss Salon

Marcus Doss Salon is a premier beauty destination in North Carolina, known for excellence in hairstyling, personalized client care, and community involvement. The salon prides itself on creating exceptional beauty experiences while supporting initiatives that bring hope and change to the wider community.

MoneyBox Academy has announced that Jerome Scott, widely known as “The Insurance Guy,” will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the upcoming MoneyBox Academy Gala. The honor will recognize Scott’s enduring career and his significant role in advancing financial literacy.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest distinctions presented at the gala. It is reserved for individuals whose work has created a lasting impact in the field of financial education and empowerment. MoneyBox Academy selected Scott in recognition of his decades of service in the insurance and financial services industry, where his guidance and leadership have helped countless individuals and families understand the importance of sound financial decision-making.

Honoring a Career of Service

Jerome Scott has long been known in the community as “The Insurance Guy,” a title that reflects both his professional expertise and his reputation as a trusted resource. Over the years, he has worked to ensure that individuals and organizations understand how financial literacy contributes to long-term stability and success. His selection for the Lifetime Achievement Award reflects not only his longevity in the profession but also the respect he has earned from peers and clients alike.

Impact Sponsor for the Gala

In addition to being honored, Scott will serve as an Impact Sponsor for the MoneyBox Academy Gala. This sponsorship underscores his ongoing support of the academy’s mission to expand access to financial education. By stepping into this dual role—both honoree and sponsor—Scott is highlighting the importance of reinvesting in initiatives that make financial literacy more accessible to wider audiences.

The Impact Sponsorship is a key element of the gala, as it ensures that the event is able to reach finance professionals, community leaders, and organizations seeking to strengthen financial knowledge. Scott’s participation reinforces the purpose of the event: to celebrate achievements in financial education while generating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

A Gathering of Financial Leaders

The MoneyBox Academy Gala serves as a unique platform for investors, bankers, and finance professionals to come together in recognition of progress in the field of financial literacy. The event is designed to not only celebrate individual achievements but also to highlight collective efforts that address economic challenges and promote stronger financial foundations.

This year’s gala will place special emphasis on acknowledging those whose careers exemplify dedication, persistence, and leadership. Scott’s recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award will stand as one of the evening’s highlights, offering attendees the chance to celebrate a career that reflects the values MoneyBox Academy seeks to advance.

Commitment to Financial Literacy

Financial literacy remains at the core of MoneyBox Academy’s mission. Through resources, programs, and events such as the annual gala, the academy strives to ensure that financial knowledge is available to all who seek it. Recognizing leaders like Scott helps demonstrate the difference that education and guidance can make in strengthening communities and providing opportunities for long-term financial health.

About the Gala

The MoneyBox Academy Gala will feature award presentations, networking opportunities, and recognition of individuals and organizations that continue to make strides in the area of financial education. The event brings together leaders from across the financial sector who share a commitment to improving access to financial knowledge.

Scott’s dual role as award recipient and Impact Sponsor positions him as a central figure in this year’s program. His recognition underscores the belief that lasting achievements are built not only on professional success but also on contributions that uplift others and expand opportunities for learning.

About MoneyBox Academy

MoneyBox Academy is dedicated to advancing financial literacy by providing tools, programs, and events designed to empower individuals, families, and communities. By fostering education and awareness, the academy seeks to build stronger financial foundations and reduce barriers to financial success.

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

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: [insert preferred email]

📞 Phone: [insert preferred phone number]

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