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The Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, Florida, was highlighted for creating a 14-acre green space on the congregation’s property. The space includes a pond, foot bridges, and a series of 100 raised garden beds available for rent to the community. Members of the church said the space was created as part of efforts to combat over-development in the area. The campus now attracts native species of plants and wildlife, as well as many visitors from the community for relaxation and educational programs. (news-press.com - 10.1.16)
Horizon Prison Initiative celebrates new program
The women’s prison in Maryville, Ohio, recently launched its Horizon Prison Initiative, a multi-faith program in which women of various faith backgrounds live together in family-like units for 10 months while “they explore their spirituality, delve into past traumas, and learn skills.” Inmates applied to be part of the program and range in age from 20 to 73. Funding for the program comes from the state attorney’s office and donors, including members and leaders of the Unitarian Universalist Association, whose donations covered half of the opening and first-year costs. The Horizon Prison Initiative was the recipient of the collection taken up at Sunday Worship at General Assembly 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (The Columbus Dispatch - 10.5.16)
New director named for Veatch Program at Shelter Rock
Joan Minieri has been appointed as the new executive director of the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, New York. “Throughout the years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the Veatch Program. I am truly honored to be part of a program that is dedicated to effective social change through philanthropy,” Minieri said. The program, which began in 1953, provides funding to many grassroots organizations and causes, including $12 million annually to Unitarian Universalist organizations and social justice groups. (The Island Now - 10.6.16)
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“Welcome aboard!” (Brooklyn Daily - 10.6.16)