Ms. Carlene Leaper, Executive Director of the Arc, Mid-south

Our speaker was Ms. Carlene Leaper, Executive Director of the Arc, Mid-south. The Arc Mid-south is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.They help people achieve their life goals and become productive members of the community through opportunities in education, employment, housing, and recreation.  Their programs include Advocacy, Elder Care, Family Support Services/personal Assistance, Respite/Summer camps and Weekend Retreats, Vocational Evaluation, Career Development and Job Placement, Life, Education, Training, Skills (L.E.T.S.) programs, Support Groups, Information and referral, Disability prevention training, focusing on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Community Training and Education. The L.E.T.S program focuses on G.E.D. Test preparation, Money Management, Benefits Planning, Sex Education, Job Readiness, Health and Wellness,  Nutrition, and Literacy Education. She talked about upcoming programs - Hoops from the Heart on March 28 and Annual International Tea on April 25.  

Ms. Grace McLaren of First Responder Coaching

Our speaker was Ms. Grace McLaren of First Responder Coaching.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24 and the third leading cause among ages 25-44. Main reason is that people do not know how to recognize and respond to people who are fragile and struggling.  Suicide is the ultimate action someone takes to escape their pain; many more lives are taken by addiction and other destructive behaviors because so many people are seeking a way to escape their pain - and because they feel alone in their pain.   The foundation of preparing individuals to be First Responders to those in such distress involves teaching them to recognize signs, broadly assess the underlying causes, and discern which tools to use in responding.  This includes equipping individuals to do this for themselves first, and then for others. There is much more information on their website www.firstrespondercoaching.com.

Strategic communications consultant: Ms. Kesha Whitaker

She talked about Toastmasters.  Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Toastmasters has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Ms. Whitaker said that when you speak, it is important to captivate the audience. Many people are afraid of public speaking because they are not sure what to say.  Communication is important if you want to succeed.  With practice in a group setting you can easily overcome the fear.  Keys to conversation - know your audience, body language, eye contact, and vocal variety.  Sometimes you are asked to speak without any notice.  In these cases listen carefully,  pause, confirm, speak, and end by summarizing your comments.