Mother’s Day Concert Updates: New Opening Act – Singer Sisaundra Lewis and BBIF/ Real ID Info/ Mental Health Awareness and our Youth

Sisaundra Lewis is a staple voice in our community, who has sung with Peabo Bryson, toured with Celine Dion and even appeared on The Voice. She has her own television show on the Afrotainment Network and new music coming out this week. Lewis will open for Fred Hammond at this week’s 4th Annual Mother’s Day Concert. About Sisaundra: EPK | Sisaundra Live Tickets onsale now - info at STAR945.com. One of the sponsors for the 4th Annual Mother’s Day Concert is the Black Business Investment Fund who has been in our community for 35 years now. They service the entire state of Florida, and started providing loans in Georgia as well. Lamont Jackson, shared that Their goal is to be able to match the resources and give access to capital funds to help Black entrepreneurs and businesses. BBIF is focused on leveling the playing field, as well as providing the time needed to guide clients the opportunity to grow a successful business. They follow up monthly roundtables and offer free financial planning. One thing they shared is that if a business is offered a loan, repayment begins 30-45 days after closing. So make sure you are ready for the first payment. May 7th is the deadline for Real ID to go into effect. A 2005 mandate passed by Congress was recommended after 9/11 to set tighter security standards. You will need to be ID Complaint to travel domestically on planes in the US. Will need it to access Federal Buildings. Documents needed... Certified Birth Certificate Social Security Card, or W2 form with SS # on it. 2 forms of Residency, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, If married or name change, bring Marriage Certificate. Florida is 99% Compliant – For more information www.octaxcol.com The Summer Slide is real and so is Mental Health Awareness when it comes to our students. Dr. Treshonda Baucom with Enriched Life Counseling discussed what’s causing stress with our kids today. School’s out for the summer, less activity and structure can lead to real turmoil Talk with your kids about a plan for their summer – whether it be camp, travel or at home. There has to be structure. She discussed the Mental and Social effects of isolation and boredom and told parents to Praise the Process - encourage your children, check in with them, ask questions on how they are doing and find ways to help . Want to create some sense of normalcy similar to the school year as well as provide options to keep children out of trouble. Schools create spaces for these children and keep them engaged. The food programs ensure children are fed over the summer. Connect with Dr. Baucom www.Enrichedlifecounseling.com or call 407-593-4500 Another way to keep kids engaged is through writing. PAGE 15 was founded in 2008, after joining forces with Parramore Kid Zone. It is a literacy based Non-profit, located at 363 N Parramore,Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 in the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center. It is a FREE after school and summer program to help with Children’s literacy. It is a creative writing program to get them engaged. It gives children a chance to build resilience as well as find their voice. Helps them with creative storytelling and narrative therapy, which gives students a way to tell their life stories by changing the negative to a positive. Young author Jordan said Page 15, “Creates a safe space. and that Parents should think about how they felt when they were children and understand that they have the same feelings.” She will be one of the many students highlighted in their 13th Annual Anthology, “Inspired.” Meet the young authors May 8th Students participate through a Writing Contest Across Central Florida who chooses 15 authors to publish in their book. The event sponsored by the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Museum of Art May 8th and is FREE to attend. To find out more www.Page15.org