Tag: Positive News

First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence

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It’s said you never work a day in your life if you love what you do. For some, barriers prevent them from getting the opportunity to work.  For the past two and a half months, Jack Hartley’s routine has followed a rhythm. “You do the liner, then the pads, then the bag, then the divider,” he said about his job task. He’ll go through that process dozens of times, getting boxes together at Grandpa Joe’s Robinson Township warehouse.  “It’s actually a very important job,” Hartley said while putting the boxes together. It’s his first time in the workforce. Hartley has disabilities and battled mental health problems, but he didn’t want that to define him. “I really, really wanted to find something purposeful,” he said. Through a partnership with Achieva, he’s now thriving in his job. It’s part of a broader program called Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team, or InVEST.

It’s funded by the state’s Department of Labor and Industry and supports people with disabilities getting meaningful jobs. Hartley works for Grandpa Joe’s and is paid a competitive wage. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to work at a competitive wage. Some of the individuals with disabilities are some of your best employees,” Achieva associate director of business services Amber Westwood said. According to Achieva, they have been partnering with businesses across western Pennsylvania for about 15 years. Hartley is the first employee in this program for Grandpa Joe’s. It hopes to expand with more people filling more roles. “This allowed us to meet those goals while providing meaningful opportunities to individuals,” Grandpa Joe’s vice president of marketing and brand development, Kate Speer, said. “It’s helped me out,” Hartley said about his job. In the program, Hartley has a job coach who helps with resumes, interviews and settling into the job. The goal is for him and others to be independent at the workplace.

“Seeing them take on independence, acclimate themselves to the workplace, and be motivated to be in the workforce is great, and Jack’s been a true success story here,” Achieva job coach Jack Doran said, who works with Hartley directly. With the confidence this job has given Hartley, he now has his eyes on even bigger goals. “This has just been excellent for me. I’m thinking about going back to school,” Hartley said.

Source: First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence – CBS Pittsburgh

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the most vital archaeological discoveries…

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Crestline bear considers office work as video shows it opening the door and shortly leaving

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A bear is captured on video inside the Crestline Village Water District offices, but quickly decides to quit the job before even starting early this morning. The curious bear meandered into the office nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and made its way into the lobby to check things out. Officer manager Josselyn Quine said that it was in the lobby for about two minutes before heading toward the main office. Standing on its hind legs, the bear stands to open the main office glass door, gets inside, and looks around long enough to realize it doesn’t want to be there.  It pushes the glass door open once again and heads out.   “He came in and left so quickly, so we didn’t feel that we were in danger since he was just cruising through,” Quine wrote in an email. Quine said there was no damage to the property, but there were a few nose prints on the doors to clean. “It was fascinating to see him, and we are fortunate to live in their forest,” Quine wrote. Another office employee said it’s not uncommon to see bears in the area, but it is more uncommon to have one inside the workplace. 

Source: Crestline bear considers office work as video shows it opening the door and shortly leaving – CBS Los Angeles

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you tries to…

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The first-ever dedicated Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube channel launches globally

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https://www.youtube.com/@MisterRogersNeighborhood

For the first time ever, the iconic “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” will be available to watch on YouTube.  An official channel dedicated solely to the beloved program will offer viewers of multiple generations the chance to watch full episodes, livestreams, clips, and compilations all in one place.  “With its timeless messages of care and kindness, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is as relevant now as when it first aired. We’re excited to make the series more available for families and fans with this official YouTube destination,” said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer and executive producer, Fred Rogers Productions. “We think parents will connect with the authenticity of Fred Rogers’ messages. He was someone who really understood the big feelings and big questions of children—and of their grown-ups.”

Fred Rogers Productions partnered with the digital media agency Little Dot Studios to bring the vision to life, and as of June 4, that vision has officially become a reality.  “We hope this channel will become a place where families can slow down together,” added Kristin DiQuollo, creative director, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” YouTube Channel, Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re thoughtfully curating playlists and compilations around classic segments like the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and factory visits. We’ll also have rarely seen full episodes, livestreams of special theme weeks, visits with beloved neighbors, and lots of playful and musical moments. Most of all, we hope the channel will help remind everyone how unique and special they each are.” The new channel debuts with five full-length episodes, including the first one that premiered nationally in the United States in 1968.

One additional episode will be added each week, with 10 full episodes available at all times. Along with full-length episodes, the channel will also include clips, playlists, and other features that will bring new life to the legendary series.  “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” aired across the United States from 1968 until 2001, with the final episode airing 25 years ago. In total, there were 895 episodes, 200 songs, and 14 characters. 

Source: The first-ever dedicated Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube channel launches globally – CBS Pittsburgh

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like…

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A 13-year-old’s kidney was failing, then a stranger stepped in: “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room”

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brown and white bear plush toy

When Elias Manolis started experiencing extreme fatigue early last year, his parents were alarmed, but not surprised.  The 13-year-old from Long Island, New York, had been born with ureterovesical junction obstruction, a rare congenital disease, where a blockage between the ureter and bladder causes urine to back up into the kidney. The condition can cause pain, infections and fevers.  Rita Manolis said her son struggled with “a lot of infections, a lot of hospital visits, lots of surgeries” over the years.

His symptoms led to limits on his diet and physical activity. As he grew, he often missed school and couldn’t see his friends often. But still, the level of fatigue he reached in February 2025 was unusual.  “He didn’t have the energy to do things normal kids would do, like getting up to go to school,” Rita Manolis said. “Staying in school all day would be a mission for him. He’d come home just completely drained.” 

Source: A 13-year-old’s kidney was failing, then a stranger stepped in: “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room” – CBS News

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13

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