Category Archives: Intentional Communities

The cornerstone of our constitutional democratic republic is protecting citizens right to full and public notice when their elected officials are discussing or making decisions that could affect taxpayers daily lives.

As a nonpartisan government watchdog and taxpayer-research institute that focuses on promoting government accountability and transparency, Florida TaxWatch supports the use of public notices in local newspapers of record by government entities to notify all of their citizens of meetings and votes. Unfortunately, current proposed legislation would allow local government websites to be the only required source for public notice posting.

Overall, the changes put forth in the proposed legislation mean that local newspapers would in most cases no longer be required to house and circulate public notices, thus causing Floridians to be less informed about current government issues.

Get more from the Citrus County Chronicle

Since newspapers and their websites possess a larger audience due to a wealth of information across a breadth of issues, the fact that these media outlets would no longer be required to house public notices results in less written information provided to the people. An independent poll by Mason Dixon shows that Florida citizens overwhelmingly want wider access to the public notice information, as 78 percent of respondents want local governments to carry public notices in newspapers, and 61 percent said they would not seek out information on government websites.

In addition, the proposed legislation shifts delivering public-notice information from an active to a passive stance. Newspapers reach out to their audience through intentional delivery, also offering accessibility to those without the means to an internet connection. A notice strictly available on government-run websites would eliminate the critical neutrality and independence of a newspaper or other third party. It would be possible, likely even, for government entities to miss notification deadlines, leave out critical information or make changes electronically to items on their websites without public knowledge. When something runs in the newspaper, it is permanently printed and distributed for all to reference and reexamine anytime.

Here at Florida TaxWatch, we regard transparency and accountability as being of paramount importance when it comes to the state and local governments interactions with their citizens.

In order for residents to trust and hold their government accountable, taxpayers should be entitled to an unabridged and open flow of information concerning public notices in their communities. They should not be beholden by government websites to provide residents with critically important and timely information. This is why Florida TaxWatch promoted policies that expanded the use and access to public notice information through newspapers, their websites, and even email to residents who requested updated notices.

With the newspapers providing third-party verification, Florida taxpayers are ensured greater access to public-notice information, allowing them to stay in the know about their communities and just how their hard-earned dollars are being utilized.

Dominic M. Calabro has been president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch for over four decades. Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux is chairman of Florida TaxWatch and chairman of the Gunster Firm.

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Other Voices l Fighting to keep an eye on elected officials - Citrus County Chronicle

Rogers and other residents have spent the last two years protesting National Grids 7-mile pipeline, which zigzags through predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, bypassing Whiter, wealthier parts of Brooklyn. Formally known as the Metropolitan Reliability Project, the pipeline is often referred to as the north Brooklyn pipeline. They have blocked the pipelines construction at demonstrations and some have stopped paying part of their utility bills, in an effort to divert funding from the project.

Last summer, they went a step further filing a complaint against the utility and state that argues the pipeline has resulted in racial discrimination, violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. (Title VI prohibits federally-funded entities from discriminating on the basis of race, gender, and other protected identities).

Historically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been slow to act on these types of complaints, rarely finding evidence of discrimination. But under the Biden administration, the agency has committed to change this. How the EPA responds to this challenge in which Black, Indigenous, and brown-led community groups say a fracked gas pipeline represents a violation of their civil rights will be a test of the agencys ability to execute on that promise.

Not long after the complaint was filed, two federal investigations were launched into New York state agencies. The lawyers behind the complaint hope that it will result in a full environmental review of the pipeline and connected facility for storing and refining the methane gas, which awaits an air permit. Ultimately, they hope that the gas in the pipeline which began operating in 2020 is permanently shut off.

It would be a real mistake if the state doesnt listen to the communities that it is designed to protect that already have a history of dealing with environmental harm and pollution, says Britney Wilson, a co-counsel to the complaint and an associate law professor and director of the Civil Rights and Disability Justice Clinic at New York Law School.

In October, the agency released a strategic plan draft that aims to revamp its civil rights enforcement program. The plan states the EPA will vigorously enforce federal civil rights law to address the legacy of pollution in overburdened communities that results from discriminatory actions, whether direct or indirect, intentional, or unintentional. This reflects a sharp departure from both the Obama and Trump administrations strategic plans, which didnt mention civil rights let alone make it a central objective.

This could possibly be a turning point with how the EPA approaches environmental racism, said Anjana Malhotra, a senior attorney at the National Center for Law and Economic Justice and a co-counsel to the complaint. Its a landmark acknowledgement of how [the EPA] hasnt addressed environmental injustice.

In 2017, the agency reached the conclusion that the permitting process for a power plant in Flint, Michigan, was effectively discriminating against African American residents. But it took the EPA more than 20 years to reach that point; the complaint against the Genesee Power Station was first submitted in 1992.

The Center for Public Integrity found that the EPA rejected or dismissed over 90% of the civil rights abuse allegations, from 1996 to 2013, while only 5% of complaints were resolved with voluntary or informal agreements. To date, the agency has not once restricted federal funding for a civil rights violation.

But under the Biden administration, there have been signs that the EPA wants to put environmental justice at the forefront of its policies.

The pipeline cuts through the designated environmental justice areas of Brownsville, Ocean-Hill, Bushwick and East Williamsburg, neighborhoods long overburdened with toxic hazards from a history of racist policies. Large swaths of these neighborhoods were historically redlined, ineligible for federally backed loans. All neighborhoods have some of the highest rates of adult and child asthma in New York City, a legacy of its history of polluting industries and lack of public benefits. The pipeline has a terminal in Greenpoint, where one the largest oil spills in the country is still being remediated.

National Grid treated Brownsville like a backyard, but theres a whole community back here, said Rogers. Folks have been supporting each other. Folks have been making it happen.

Responding to a request for comment, a National Grid spokesperson maintains that the utility company complied with all laws.The EPA was established just over 50 years ago. In that time, the agency has only made one final finding of discrimination.

After community groups filed their complaint against the north Brooklyn pipeline, the EPA launched an investigation into New Yorks department of environmental conservation, while the department of transportation began investigating New Yorks public service commission. Those investigations are currently paused while the federal agencies meet with the state to seek an informal resolution.

In a recent development, Malhotra and Wilson were invited to meet with federal agencies in January. There, the co-counsels presented a letter reiterating why it is unequivocally clear the environmental conservation department violated the law and to push for greater inclusion of their clients in the informal resolution. Typically, the process doesnt include the complainants, but the EPA and transportation department are developing a new model to better include the impacted communities, according to Malhotra and Wilson.

Its an important development, given that Brooklyn residents claim they never had the opportunity to consent to the pipeline a frequent complaint shared by environmental justice communities.

[National Grid] never reached out to me, never reached out to my fellow neighbors, none of us, said Rogers, a member of Brownsville Green Justice, one of the groups behind the complaint.

If no agreement can be reached, the investigations will resume with a timeline of 180 days in total to potentially arrive at preliminary findings of discrimination.

A DPS spokesperson claims the agencys decision to approve the pipeline was based on a robust factual record, while a environmental conservation department spokesperson similarly claims that the agency subjects every application to rigorous review of all applicable federal and state standards.

With regard to the EPAs record on environmental justice, there are some promising changes. Marianne Engelman-Lado, a lawyer who has previously described the agency as spectacularly unsuccessful at ensuring that recipients of EPA funding comply with the non-discrimination provisions of Title VI, was appointed to the agency last year.

The EPA has also issued two letters with preliminary findings of civil rights violations in 2021, for separate complaints in California and Missouri. And in September, the agency responded to an audit from the office of inspector general with measures and deadlines for improving civil rights oversight from more guidance for permitting decisions to initiating investigations even before a complaint is lodged.

These moves could mean good news for organizers like the ones challenging the north Brooklyn pipeline.

Our neighborhoods in Brooklyn have always been dumping zones, said Pati Rodriguez, a community organizer with Mi Casa Resiste, a Bushwick-based group resisting gentrification and displacement, and one of the complainants. [But] these are our neighborhoods that weve stewarded.

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'A Slap in the Face': Pipeline Violates Civil Rights, say New Yorkers - Earth Island Journal

Dirty Dogs Car Wash Expands With $35 Million Investment

ATLANTA (PRWEB) February 09, 2022

Dirty Dogs Car Wash (Dirty Dogs) announced a strategic growth equity investment from Salt Lake City-based The Cynosure Group (Cynosure) to fund the companys growth and expansion into key markets with an aim to open an additional 25 locations nationwide over the next 36 months. In addition to Cynosures investment, Dirty Dogs also arranged a new credit facility with Synovus Bank to further facilitate this rapid expansion.

This strategic partnership not only provides Dirty Dogs with the necessary capital to rapidly expand, but it also provides us with additional resources, mentorship and leadership from a group that has a demonstrated track record of partnering with, and collaboratively growing, founder and management-owned businesses, said Martin Emmett, owner and founder of Dirty Dogs. At this time, we are also excited to be partnering with Synovus Bank who has supported our growth since inception, added Emmett.

Started in 2018, Dirty Dogs currently has locations in Georgia and Alabama. While COVID-19 shuttered countless industries, contact-free car washes experienced growth for several reasons, including being socially distanced and attainably priced. In addition, the contact-free model requires less staff and creates greater time efficiency. To that end, Dirty Dogs experienced strong growth during COVID, and with that comes plans to expand. Plans include expanding into the Florida market, with locations in Melbourne, Tampa, North Ft. Lauderdale, Port Richey, Daytona, Ocala, Royal Palm Beach, Brooksville, Miami, Ft. Myers, Cape Coral and West Palm Beach all opening in the near-future.

Dirty Dogs has established itself as a leader in a competitive yet growing market, said Andrew Braithwaite, Managing Director at Cynosure. We are proud to recognize the companys unbridled growth and relentless focus on its customer and community. We are excited to form this new partnership and look forward to being a part of their rapid scaling and expansion.

When Emmett stepped away from a career in law to invest in a contact-free car wash model, he applied innovations such as an enhanced customer experience, elevated branding and quality design. It was this front-end investment that paid off. "We wanted to launch a business model that focused on quality user experience at every step, said Emmett. So, we created a car wash that is modern, clean, affordable and functional for everyone, with all the bells and whistles.

As part of this strategy, they enlisted a branding firm known for building brands for professional sports teams, to create a playful, intentional, community-minded brand. Among its brand attributes, Dirty Dogs has always supported teachers, law enforcement and first responders through monthly events, discounts and their Helping Heroes program.

In 2021 alone, Dirty Dogs donated more than 10,000 car washes to clean squad cars in the local communities it serves.

Community investment is a major pillar of our business model, First in Service, First in Community, said Keisha Escoffery, COO, Dirty Dogs. From the start of our business, we made sure that our local frontline workers knew we were here to support them, which intensified during the pandemic.

By prioritizing a clean, modern, self-serve design, Dirty Dogs built customer loyalty, and their dedication to community has further instilled trust and loyalty.

We were offering cleanliness at a time when people needed it, said Emmett. Even in a down economy, we were determined to keep our prices affordable and to continue supporting our communities and, in turn, they have continued to support us.

About Dirty Dogs Car Wash

Founded in 2018, Dirty Dogs Car Washwanted to create a different kind of car wash experience, one fueled by our commitment to our customers, employees and the communities where we are located. We know anyone can wash a car, and we believe our values,First in Service, First in Community, are what set us apart in the industry.Dirty Dogs Car Wash provides fast, efficient and affordable car washes. https://www.linkedin.com/company/dirtydogscarwash/about/ https://www.facebook.com/DirtyDogsCarWash

For more information on theirservices and locations, visit dirtydogscarwash.com.

About The Cynosure Group

The Cynosure Group is an independent alternatives asset manager and advisor that makes long-term investments on behalf of families, foundations, and other like-minded institutions.

Cynosures direct investments target partnerships with founders and management-owners of profitable small to mid-sized companies who will remain meaningful owners of their business.

For more information, visit http://www.cynosuregroup.com.

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Dirty Dog's Car Wash Receives $35 Million Growth Equity Investment From The Cynosure Group to Fund New Store And Market Expansion - PR Web

Earlier this month, The Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education completed a public review and published the resulting classification list. Originated in 1970, the classification is the foremost framework for acknowledging institutional excellence, particularly in the areas of research and doctoral degrees.

The most sought-after designation is the Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity classification, known as R1. Since its inception over a half century ago, university administrators have sought to achieve or maintain R1 status.

Currently, there are 146 R1 institutions, a critical classification to institutions, as it is often connected to grant funding and serves as the basis for ranking systems such as U.S. News & World Report.

Leslie Neely, associate professor of Educational Psychology at UTSA told The PIE News, Achieving this designation gives UTSA the national and international recognition it deserves.

I think this will help UTSA continue to attract strong students and provide even greater support for our students.

I think this will help UTSA continue to attract strong students and provide even greater support for our students

UTSA is also one of only 20 institutions classified as both Hispanic Serving Institutions and R1s.

She added that the community has invested in UTSA and this designation is testament not only to the hard work of our faculty, but the phenomenal support of our community.

Community Engagement is a newer Carnegie category, with the first cohort of recipients identified in 2006. Its purpose is to recognise institutions contributing knowledge and resources to their local communities.

As a PhD student, this honour and rare classification demonstrate to me the university acknowledges the greater good that the research on our campus does for others,The University of Tennessee, Knoxvilledoctoral studentSteve Syoen said.UTKfirst received this designation in 2015.

There is not infinite time and resources and thus, community partnerships are both helpful and necessary. Its a great feeling to be a scholar at an institution that emphasises these partnerships.

CCIHE is moving next month from Indiana University to the American Council on Education in Washington DC, with the two organisations recently issued a joint statement about a new criterion that recognises social and economic mobility. The aim is toacknowledge the diversity of institutions andto create incentives to rectify gaps in equity.

US secretary of Education Miguel Cardona welcomed this change, asserting the need for institutions to rethink acceptance protocols to favour inclusivity and opportunity over exclusivity and ranking.

Frederick Engram Jr., assistant professor of Instruction at R1 classified University of Texas at Arlington offered similar sentiments to The PIE News, stating, As we begin to reimagine many aspects of how we approach higher education as a hub for learning amid a global pandemic, a lot must change.

The great resignation is largely affecting faculty and staff of colour as well as vulnerable populations because institutions are refusing to be equitably minded and centred and folks are tired.

Although pleased more students will be considered based upon merit and not socioeconomic status, Engram expressed concern about the way neutrality policies are implemented, stressing they almost always leans toward disenfranchising the already historically marginalised, and imploring institutions to be more intentional and creative in rethinking their admissions processes.

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US institutions hope for boost with Carnegie classification - The PIE News

For some, adding the hashtags #BLM, #StopAsianHate or #SaveThePlanet to social media bios has become a form of activism. The digital markers are used to advertise a morality, which is sometimes not fully their own. Performative activists make little to no effort to understand the movement they pretend to support, and the lie comes to light from behind the scenes of social media. The problem is known as hashtag activism, and it varies from friends to celebrities, companies and politicians. On an individual level, bandwagoning to support a social justice movement on social media mostly serves to benefit your perceived character. However, when celebrities, companies and politicians exploit a movement to inflate their image, they benefit financially. Performative activism takes away from the efforts of actual activists and is especially damaging when those with influence do it. While social media has certainly contributed to a speedy rise in the phenomenon, performative activism doesnt only take on the form of spiritless hashtag usage. Reading and reposting words of activists and educators is essential to spreading the message of a movement. From the influencers reposting about activism, many are motivated to repost in order to appear socially conscious to their followers. When people dont research a subject beyond a pastel-colored, 10- slide social media post, they lack a very basic understanding of the issue or movement. By not checking other sources, nor looking into the authors background in the subject, they are capable of spreading false information. Some overly ambitious influencers will try to take the reins from real activists and give their two cents on an issue they have no experience with. Influencers can encourage a middle ground and downplay the harms of the oppressors. Performative activism comes easily to people who are not suffering and are observers of injustice, but it is insulting to the efforts of those facing injustices and the work of those fighting against them.

Big companies are less likely to resort to rushed reposting because they have a marketing team behind them. Rather, their method deceives a percent of their audience who are looking for a statement in the moment but will forget about any promises in a year or so. In June 2020, at the height of the George Floyd protests against police brutality, Anthropologie showed up with a promise on their social media to stand behind Black and Brown communities and to involve more people of color in their workforce.

A quick look at Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologies head company, senior leadership and board of directors list shows an overwhelmingly white leadership team. Not only that, the company has a history of stealing designs from minority-operated businesses. While I recognize that Urban Outfitters Inc. has donated thousands of dollars in support of Black Lives Matter, money can only do so much when those in positions of power stop being complicit in diminishing the voices of marginalized communities.

Over everything, I think performative activism is most damaging when politicians abuse the trending injustices. While its easy to go after politicians who are deliberately trying to argue against progress, its just as easy to overlook reformative actions that serve as band-aids to keep the public happy and dont address systematic change. For instance, as many Black activists have pointed out, Juneteenth becoming a national holiday looks superficial when you consider how many schools are exempt from teaching the history, when lynching isnt considered a federal hate-crime and when Black Americans still face violence at the hands of police who continue to face insufficient consequences. Members of marginalized communities are absolutely welcome to celebrate these victories because it can indicate a step in the right direction, but no one should stop questioning the extent of the justice that superficial policies allow.

Authentic allyship is likened to saying sorry. Apologizing is usually enough to express a regretful position, but making moves against the action you regret is the truest marker of your sorrow. It is one thing to express solidarity by using hashtags #BLM, #Feminist, #StopAsianHate, etc. in your TikTok bio, but it is more intentional to physically support these movements. The most accessible action is educating yourself and educating others by taking in and sharing the words of those suffering from injustice. This isnt a call for you to rapidly repost @IMPACT or @CHNGE posts. Rather, correct a racist friend if youre in the position to. Question promises made by companies at the height of a social media movement. Follow your politicians, and see if they fulfill the demands of activists. People love going after teen girls ending racism after adding BLM to their bios but are not as quick to hold those in positions of power to their word, nor looking to see how they themselves are undoing the efforts of activists. Activism isnt just denouncing injustice but making the effort to behave, reflect and change in the ways activists ask you to.

In order to protect the authors privacy, only her first name is used.

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OPINION: Performative activism is worst when it's from people in power - The Appalachian Online

EAST BOSTON East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) announced its Board of Directors has appointed as president & chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately.

Wilmot has served as the health centers interim president & chief executive officer since November 2021.

EBNHC is Massachusetts largest community health center and among the nations largest Federally Qualified Health Centers. Through multiple service sites, its 24/7 emergency department, and its 1,500 dedicated staff, EBNHC serves approximately 120,000 patients from Boston, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, Everett, and surrounding communities.

Greg assumed leadership of the health center seamlessly in his interim role and has expertly guided our organization through a very challenging time that has included a major COVID surge. He has lead our Executive Team in managing our complicated day to day operations and has represented himself well as a leader with all staff. His work has made a lasting impact on our patients and our community. Furthermore, Greg has earned our trust and confidence in his ability to lead this organization and continue the health centers mission in the months and years to come, said Rita Sorrento, chair of the Board of Directors at EBNHC.

As a leader in the field of community-based health care, Wilmot has a well-established history at EBNHC and played a pivotal role in designing and executing EBNHCs COVID-19 community vaccination strategy and addressing vaccine and health equity in the local community.

EBNHC has played an outsized role in fighting this pandemic. Every day, I see the incredible, difficult and lifesaving work our staff perform for our patients and community, said Wilmot, president and CEO of EBNHC. The health center has been a cornerstone in our community for more than 50 years and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our Board of Directors, our communitys leaders, and the EBNHC team to serve our neighborhoods, our patients, and our amazing staff.

Prior to serving as interim president & CEO of the Health Center, Wilmot served as senior vice president, chief operating officer and executive director of Neighborhood PACE, part of the national Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly network.

As the former leader of the Health Centers Neighborhood PACE Program, Wilmot led the division to over 48 percent growth, and the Program now boasts a 95 percent satisfaction score among the highest in the nation. As Chief Operating Officer, Wilmots role in executing EBNHCs COVID-19 community vaccination strategy resulted in more than 150,000 doses administered in communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

Additionally, Wilmot shares the Board of Directors deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; in the wake of the national reckoning on racial injustice, Wilmot led EBNHCs Racial Equity Project, bringing an intentional and strategic focus to the health centers efforts to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a healthcare institution, business leader, and community partner.

Greg has made a considerable positive impact on staff and patients, serving the health center and our patients since 2017. He has done an exceptional job as interim president and CEO. He has a true commitment to advance the health and equity our patients and our health center. We know histransition to the president and CEO will be a smooth one as he continues to lead us during one ofthe most extraordinary times in EBNHCs history. I look forward to partnering with Greg to continually provide the best care to our patients said Dr. Jackie Fantes, MD, FAAFP, and Chief Medical Officer.

Prior to joining EBNHC in 2017, Wilmot worked at AllWays Health Partners, a member of Mass General Brigham, where he led the organizations MassHealth Accountable Care Organization strategy and operations. Additionally, Wilmot previously served as Boston Medical Centers director of business development, where he partnered with clinical and administrative leaders at the hospital and across key partners to create new opportunities for growth and expand clinical services and quality goals. Wilmot also worked for former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patricks Executive Office of Health and Human Services as senior advisor and director of strategy and performance management and held various operational and management roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Wilmot holds a BA in Psychology from Boston College, and an MBA from Northeastern University.

Wilmot resides in Framingham, Massachusetts with his wife Romina and their two daughters.

TheEast BostonNeighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) has been a vital part of its community for the last 50 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all. EBNHCs service area includes East Bostonand the surrounding communities ofChelsea, Revere, Everett, Winthrop, and Bostons Roxbury and South End neighborhoods.EBNHC employs approximately 1,500 employees and handles over 500,000 visits per year more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.

***

In full transparency, the press release & photo were submitted to SOURCE media for publication.

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Framingham Resident Wilmot New CEO of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Framingham SOURCE - framinghamsource.com

PALMETTO, Fla. >> Fred Hodges can still remember the names and faces of neighbors who are long gone.

There was Irving, who adopted his lifelong partner, Ron, so they could have some sort of legal recognition while same-sex marriage was still banned in Florida.

There was Emery, a doctor who advocated for the health of coal miners and AIDS patients and eventually was slain in what was rumored to be a hate crime.

And there was Jan, who died of lung cancer last year without any known relative. Hodges paid a private investigator in Indiana to find the beneficiary named in his 20-year-old will.

Its bad when you live by yourself and you dont have anybody, said Hodges, whose partner of nearly a half-century died in 2019. Which is why, here in the Palms, were a family.

The Palms of Manasota, nestled inside a sun-kissed side street in Palmetto, was touted 20-some years ago as Americas first retirement community for LGBTQ people.

Were still here, said Hodges, who is 71. But the number of LGBTQ residents is dwindling.

Thats straight, he said, gesturing toward a nearby home. Then he pointed to the next one: Thats straight.

He stopped by a For sale sign in Carols yard, which could lead to another straight person moving in.

A radical idea

Walking into the Palms of Manasota is like entering a postcard for Florida living.

Spanish moss adorns every oak tree, and manicured palms line the streets. A pool with a fountain, complete with a single turtle, tops it off.

In the mid-1990s a retired psychology professor named Bill Laing bought roughly 22 acres of land south of Tampa.

Inspired by a friend who had faced discrimination at his nursing home after disclosing his sexuality, Laing envisioned a place where members of the LGBTQ community could live out their later years in safety among their peers.

It was radical. Newspapers around the globe from The Wall Street Journal to The Economist reported on construction of the nations first alternative lifestyle retirement village.

Its going to have to be gays and lesbians or people who understand the lifestyle, Laing told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 1994. Were not going to turn anyone away.

Laing, who was gay, lived in the community until his death in 2000.

When Hodges and his partner, John, moved into the Palms in 2002, there were 21 single-family homes and six condominiums, The Economist reported, with plans to bring in another 250 people.

Subtlety was the word from the start. Early homeowner bylaws forbid residents from putting up flags of any kind, according to Hodges.

The original owners here came to escape the prejudices of being gay and lesbian, he said. Its not a gated community, so they did not want to advertise, Homosexuals live here. Beat us up!

Originally, Laing planned to build an assisted-living facility inside the Palms so residents could age in place.

But the developers who took over after Laings death filed for bankruptcy in 2010, halting construction on the property. The undeveloped land was sold to the bank, where it remained dormant until it was bought by Meridian General Contracting in 2020.

It was a dream

Many retirement communities designed for LGBTQ seniors that sprang up in the wake of the Palms have struggled financially.

But theres growing interest in and need for LGBTQ-specific housing, according to Sydney Kopp- Richardson, director of the National LGBTQ Elder Housing Initiative at SAGE.

An estimated 7 million LGBTQ people will be over the age of 50 by 2030.

These seniors particularly transgender elders and older adults of color are at heightened risk of experiencing violence, lack of familial support and economic instability, Kopp-Richardson said. Many LGBTQ elders report fearing theyll face discrimination and have to re-closet themselves upon entering a retirement community.

All of these factors magnify the isolation that is already huge for seniors, Kopp-Richardson said. So an affinity-based space with your peers, in your community, can really help with your social, mental and physical health.

Retirement communities designed for LGBTQ seniors face a delicate balance, however. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, a community cannot keep someone from moving in because of their sexual orientation.

You cant enforce that only LGBTQ people live there or give LGBTQ elders priority, said Kopp-Richardson. So if there isnt intentional marketing, outreach and sustained programming, theres no assurance that that space will stay LGBTQ-friendly or affirming.

Exactly when Palms properties stopped being advertised as part of an LGBTQ retirement hub is up for debate. Gay and lesbian residents say things changed gradually once the bank took over.

Whoever bought after that was straight, pretty much, said Mary Cumisky, 80, a homeowner since 2002 who identifies as lesbian. One after the other.

One thing is clear: The land that used to comprise The Palms of Manasota wont be advertised as an LGBTQ retirement community in the future.

That question never entered our minds, said Kelly Frye, president of Meridian General Contracting. We understand that the LGBTQ community is as equal as any other human on the face of the planet. We just market to human beings. If you want to live there, youre free and welcome to.

We care for each other

But a remnant of the old days remains.

Its Friday at 5 p.m., and six neighbors are meeting for weekly happy hour at Cumiskys house she has the lanai that overlooks the pond, after all.

Most of them are members of the LGBTQ community, but a straight neighbor who recently lost her husband also joins.

Sometimes it does turn into group therapy, Cumisky said.

Old people talking about their problems! Hodges said with a chuckle. Real exciting group.

No, no, I thought it was important because we all live by ourselves, and we dont get a chance to talk deeply about things, Cumisky said.

Its big because Im by myself, she said. Youre by yourself. Sandy has a family but theyre not around.

Hank is by himself, Ron is by himself, Paulines by herself, Hodges added.

An all-LGBTQ retirement community might be no more, but the concept of chosen family lives on in the Palms.

When I had to have my hip replaced last February, I didnt have anybody at all to help take care of me, Hodges said. And Mary was my nurse. She actually used to be a psychiatric nurse.

It was very appropriate, Cumisky said, laughing. We have a good life. We really do have a good life.

We care for each other, Hodges agreed.

Its whats left of the Palms, the original idea, added Cumisky. We still have the feeling for it and for each other.

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The retirement community in Florida was touted as being the first for LGBTQ people in the country - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The Mauna Kahalawai crew of (from left) Daniel Tanaka, Jackson Lausterer, Nicole Ferguson, Kyle Alreck, Taylor Fernandez, Marcus Richter and Justin Sandler work on building a fence within the watershed, which helps to keep out goats, deer, pigs and other animals from trampling on native habitats. MKWRP photo

Kimberly Thayer of the Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership is often thinking of ways to improve Mauis precious native ecosystems and freshwater systems, which have taken a village to protect and conserve.

Even when Im driving to work in Olowalu and Im looking at the Pali the whole time and thinking, this used to be forest, this whole thing, and how do I make it be forest again?,' Thayer said with a laugh.

Whenever I drive to Hana or backside, Im like how do I make this be all native forest again? Pretty much everywhere I go, thats what Im thinking about.

Laughs aside, though, there is some frustration behind her voice knowing that the Valley Isle was once thriving with native trees, plants, insects and birds.

Thayer remains hopeful that the ongoing collaboration between Mauna Kahalawai, East Maui Watershed Partnership and Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership will help to fight back against intentional or unintentional introductions of invasive species, climate change, urbanization, and unmanaged feral ungulates.

Members of the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership crew collect koa tree seeds for replanting. LHWRP courtesy photo

By working together and creating these partnerships, we can do more large-scale conservation efforts across large lands and really kind of work as a united front, said Allison Borell, East Maui Watershed Partnership outreach and education liaison.

Borell and others spoke during a Maui Invasive Species Committee webinar series recently to kickoff Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness month.

These forests are essential for capturing water that we all drink and rely upon, said Thayer, who has worked with the MKWP for about nine years.

Mauna Kahalawai otherwise known as the West Maui Mountains, feeds about 75 percent of all Maui County Department of Water Supply customers, she added.

A team of 11 full-time staff leads efforts to protect and preserve about 50,000 acres within the Mauna Kahalawai Watershed, which is home to a variety of trees, plants, ferns and mosses as well as native insects, birds and snails.

A native koa tree is overwhelmed by the invasive strawberry guava trees. One of the main efforts by the Mauna Kahalawai crew is to remove nonnative plants from the watershed. MKWP photo

Many of which are found here and nowhere else on the whole entire planet, Thayer said.

Much of the landscape is flooded with nonnative shrubs and grasses, which can suffocate native ohia lehua trees. Goats, deer and sheep, and sometimes people, trample fields and dry out the soil.

Barren landscapes, like in Ukumehame, can ignite potential wildfires or sediment runoff during a rain event, Thayer said.

These arent just problems far out in the mountains because things that happen up mauka, will inevitably affect us down makai, she said. So this not only affects our quality of life and our natural spaces, but also affects our water supply.

Created in 1991, the East Maui Watershed Partnership includes six major land holders and contains about 100,000 acres in total of conservation lands, but only about half is being actively managed properly, said Borell.

This side of the island brings different challenges where the crew of seven full time staffers, with four in the field, handle different terrain, native species and varying threats. According to EMWP, the worlds greatest concentration of endangered birds lives within this habitat.

East Mauis watershed collects water for Upcountry neighborhoods and businesses, which is distributed by East Maui Irrigations system. According to the website, the watershed includes seven reservoirs that can store 274 million gallons and has 74 miles of ditches, tunnels and pipes that transport 450 million gallons of water per day.

Borell said the mission is to protect the watershed as well as educate the public and local community about conservation and other issues relating to watershed protection.

Similarly to the other watersheds, years of overgrazing by cows, pigs and goats as well as the introduction of invasive plant species and disease has degraded native ecosystems within the Leeward Haleakala Watershed, said Kailie Aina, outreach coordinator and cultural programs liaison.

Only less than 10 percent of historical forest cover remains on the slopes of Haleakala, she said, which is why their main goals are to restore and preserve the native forests and creatures that live within them, as well as to be able to perpetuate cultural resources and practices.

Were dealing with a much drier situation, said Aina, noting how Maui is experiencing greater numbers of consecutive dry days, especially at higher elevations, which can increase the risk of fire.

Stretching across Makawao through Ulupalakua to Kaupo, LHWP covers just over 43,000 acres.

Aina said that about 77 percent of groundwater recharge comes from watershed partnership lands, so its really important that we restore those areas in order to keep our water supply good for generations.

Dirty work to make the dream work

Mitigation strategies among all the watershed partnerships include building conservation fences to keep out animals; removing and weeding out invasive plants; planting native species; and offering education and volunteer opportunities.

Its super hard work, but theres signs of hope, said Thayer, pointing to photos during her presentation of koa tree saplings and ohia lehua sprouts growing within the watershed in West Maui.

So far, MKWP has built 25.2 miles of fence that protect over 30,000 acres of land above the fence, 23,310 acres of which are critical habitats for endangered plants.

According to their website, 126 species of rare plants, animals and communities are protected within the boundaries and nearly 104 miles of perennial streams have been restored within the partnerships lands.

In the Leeward Haleakala Watershed, about 122,000 native seeds have been planted, about 12,000 seed balls have been made by Maui students, and 13.5 miles of fences have been maintained to protect the native habitat.

You either do nothing or you do something, and to do something, we are seeing results, Aina said. The only way to get there is to keep moving forward, to be hopeful, and to see that with just the work were doing now and seeing those forests surviving, they wouldnt be there unless someone stepped in.

The East Maui Watershed team constructed over 7 miles of fencing in the remote areas of the watershed, implemented a hunting program to increase access for hunters, developed a monitoring and management plan, and initiated animal control and invasive plant species programs above the fence lines, according to Borell.

Its the small wins, sometimes, that help and thats what keeps you going because if we dont take one step forward, even if its small, then nothing gets done, Borell said.

Getting the community involved by offering volunteer opportunities, workshops and partnerships for youth to learn about Mauis ecosystem is totally my passion, she added.

Its really going to be up to them to really create the changes and keep the threats from coming, she said.

From cleaning shoes after a hike so as to not spread seeds, to planting natives in the yard, to supporting and advocating watershed management efforts, Thayer said that small actions by the community in general can lead to big impacts.

Every yard, place and school should have native plants growing in it, Thayer added. I look at, like, the medians of the highway and Im like why arent natives growing in the median of this road and in this little grassy area, in this parking lot or strip of land right in front of the mall?'

For Aina, being open to learning about the islands culture and environment will inspire a ripple effect for more positive impacts.

Hawaii isnt Hawaii without these plants and these animals and insects, Aina said. For me, I just like to think about whatever ways are possible to educate, it doesnt matter whether youre from here or not. If you become educated, you can become a catalyst for change.

Funding for restoration work for each watershed organization often comes from various public and private grants, small donations, and partnerships.

Still, Thayer noted that theres never a guarantee that funding will be granted each year to support their efforts.

Borell added: Were all small crews, so I would love it if the state had 1 percent, even just 1 percent of their funding to go towards conservation efforts would make a huge impact in our ability to grow our crews and the work that we can do. But in the meantime, if we cant have that, I would love to get more of the people involved in understanding that these places exist and changing some of their daily habits.

* Dakota Grossman can be reached at dgrossman@mauinews.com.

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Maui's watershed partnerships work to protect the aina - Maui News

WEMU has partnered with the United Way of Washtenaw Countyto explore the people, organizations, and institutions creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, youll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is 'Washtenaw United.'

ABOUT VERSELL SMITH, JR.

Versell Smith, Jr. is a proud native Ann Arborite, and a graduate of the University of Michigan. He is universally celebrated as a distinguished non-profit leader with over 15 years of experience working in arts management, fund development, governance, and strategic planning. As a transformational leader, Versell inspires creativity, dedication and excellence. He is passionate about the outstanding work that is being done in Washtenaw County, and is deeply committed to ensuring that nonprofits continue to address health inequities that are ever present in our community. Through his work at the Corner and as Chairman of the St. Joes board of directors, Versell works diligently to support diversity, equity, and inclusion as a way of intentionally building a healthy and vibrant community.

RESOURCES:

The Corner Health Center

Corner Health Event Calendar

Corner Health Center Donation Page

UWWC STATEMENT:

Since 2019, United Way of Washtenaw County has invested in Corner Health through the FY20 COVID Community Relief Fund, FY21 State of Michigan Rapid Response Grant (MPHI), and the FY21 General Operating Support Grant, totaling nearly $67K invested in the organization since 2019.

The Corner Health Center

/

cornerhealth.org

TRANSCRIPTION:

David Fair: This is 89 one WEMU, and welcome to this week's edition of Washtenaw United. I'm David Fair, and each Monday through the month of February, we're utilizing this weekly feature to highlight Black History Month. Now we're certainly going to reflect, but also look at the history being written today that will help shape this and future generations. The theme of Black History Month in 2022 is Black Health and Wellness, and that happens to be the current career focus of our guest today. Versell Smith Jr. is executive director of the Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti, and it's good to have you back on WEMU, Versell.

Versell Smith, Jr.: Thank you, David, and thank you for inviting me. It's my pleasure to be here.

David Fair: So, I'm just making an assumption here, but I think it's a fairly safe one. How big did you smile when you learned the theme of Black History Month would be Black Health and wellness?

Versell Smith, Jr.: Let's just say it was a Steinway grand piano smile.

David Fair: That's kind of what I figured. How does that theme work in concert with the mission of the Corner Health Center?

Versell Smith, Jr.: Well, you know, our mission is really to address the health inequities and to celebrate the achievements of our African-American ancestors. And as I, you know, saw the theme and sort of thought about what is it that Corner can do to really celebrate that and educate our our patients. I, you know, learned that there were so many trailblazers, and some that were not known to myself or even to our patients or community or staff. And so, it was a perfect opportunity for us to highlight those trailblazers who really made a difference in health care and who were addressing health inequities way before. You know, we undertook this as a mission.

David Fair: Well, the history of African-Americans in health care presentation that you have put forth online--and I had the opportunity to go through--runs from 1660 to 1990. So, when you say there is a long history of working to equalize the inequities that we see that has been underway for centuries. So, what went into creating this project?

Versell Smith, Jr.: Well, so I spoke with one of our consultants, Bob Smith, who's a history consultant in the Detroit area. And, you know, it was important for us to select those representatives from not only a broad cross-section, but also geographically. So, when you look at the presentation, you will see that there are local heroes through University of Michigan physicians, you'll see that there are state as well as national, you know, individuals who are representatives. For example, when we look at Jane Minor, who was an enslaved healing practitioner and who, because of her healing acumen, she was released from slavery. And, you know, that her name is one that is not widely known or explored, and even, you know, going through, you know, the Dunbar Hospital in Detroit, which was founded just, you know--

David Fair: That was the first African-American hospital in Michigan.

Versell Smith, Jr.: Correct. Exactly, exactly. So, I think it's important to highlight the local regional as well as, you know, international achievements of our Black people.

David Fair: WEMU's Washtenaw United continues on 89 one WEMU and we're talking history of African-Americans in health care with Versell Smith Jr., the executive director of the Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. And I know that I learned a lot and it only inspired me to want to learn more. For today's kids and today's generation to get exposed and learn about these people, you think it has just inherent value for both the present and future?

Versell Smith, Jr.: I absolutely believe that. You know, one of the core elements of the Corner Health Center is to focus on health and wellness, and wellness as a part of our mission. And so, the more information and education you can provide to them, the more they can be, you know, better stewards of their own health. So, as we look to the future and as we address, you know, health inequities and opportunities for holistic care and holistic health for our young people, it's important for them to not only know where they've been, but to be able to imagine, you know, this continuation of greatness and this continuation of commitment to excellence. And I'm hoping that this slide presentation does that--ignites in them a sense of curiosity that they will self reflect on themselves in their lives and make good, solid health choices to keep themselves healthy.

David Fair: One of the things that works so successfully is having people of color see people that look like them in positions of success and creating their own opportunities, and that is certainly what this presentation does. You mentioned that there are some local notables, just Dr. Henry Fitzbutler in 1870 became the first African-American to graduate from the U of M Medical School. In 1885, Dr. Sophia B. Jones became the first African-American woman to graduate from U of M Medical School. She went on to create the first training program for nurses at Spellman College. Dr. Ida Gray was the first African-American woman to earn a dental degree after graduating from the U of M School of Dentistry and was the first to own a dental practice. And, again, this is all information from the presentation that's available to all of us online. Dr. Alexa Irene Kennedy graduated Cum Laude from the U of M and went on to become the first African-American female pediatric neurosurgeon in the United States. And your presentation notes that, along the way, she faced just a great deal of prejudice, and it's that I want to follow up on. That prejudice exists in many areas and arenas today. Did you personally run into that as you work your way up to and through college and on into your professional life?

Versell Smith, Jr.: Well, I think that we all encountered bias or whether it's implicit or intentional bias, but absolutely. And it's something that we cannot, you know, completely get away from. And even though our mission is to help to eradicate it, but to address it. But, conversely, I also had a tremendous amount of support. Having grown up in Ann Arbor and attended the University of Michigan, you know, I did have access to an incredible education, and also, you know, the role of mentorship was so key in my life to help me deal with and understand the role that racism and bias plays in our career development. And just as I learned from my mentors, I also have mentees that I helped to, you know, coach through that. We have several therapists at the unit at the Corner Health Center who also help our young people understand that and how do they navigate it. And, here again, that's one of the unique qualities of the Corner Health Center. We are beyond a safety net clinic. We are an integrative health center, and we provide additional opportunities for health and wellness and education, so that if a young person has a question about that, then we embrace it. We don't step away from it. We don't ignore it. It's important to empower them with useful guidance and tools to help them to understand how to navigate, you know, racism and bias.

David Fair: As we take the broad look at the United States, sometimes it can be overwhelming, and things can seem somewhat dire. But if you use the magnifying glass and get right down into the heart of most communities, you will find that there are good works going on and progress is and can still be made. What is your level of optimism that the next generation of nonprofit leaders of nurses, doctors, and caretakers are not going to face as much personal and systemic racism?

Versell Smith, Jr.: Well, I'm entirely optimistic. I think that, you know, particularly through the lens of Washtenaw County and the relationship that I have with my peers and my colleagues, and the commitment even from a fundraising and donor perspective, when I released this presentation, I heard from many, many colleagues, either from St. Joe's Board or U of M physicians and some of our donors. Not only did they thank me, but they shared personal stories that they had with some of the, you know, physicians and trailblazers who were profiled. So, and that was from, you know, white as well as Black, you know, donors. And so, it was just nice to hear directly from them. And that sort of inspired me, because I know that here in Washtenaw County, we are doing the work. I'm optimistic. I don't think it's going to be easy, but I absolutely think that there is a path forward and that path will lead to us, you know, creating a better community for all.

David Fair: As we mark Black History Month and look forward 100 years, somebody is going to be writing the history of Washtenaw County of today. And with that in mind, what would you like written about you and the work of the Corner Health Center?

Versell Smith, Jr.: Well, I think it's important for to highlight our commitment and my commitment to really empowering young people. Under my vision, with my vision, I'm committed to, you know, make the Corner Health Center be the provider of choice to thousands of youth and young adults, you know, who trust us as experts in child and adolescent health care. And through our work, my commitment to not only diversifying our staff, but our commitment to addressing health inequities. That is a way to honor the legacy of our Black ancestors. And we do that by serving patient by patient.

David Fair: Thank you so much for the time today. I'm grateful.

Versell Smith, Jr.: Thank you, David. It's my pleasure.

David Fair: Versell Smith Jr. is executive director of the Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti and our guest on another Black History Month edition of Washtenaw United. This weekly feature is produced in partnership with the United Way of Washtenaw County, and you hear it every Monday. We have referenced several times a slide show display on Black History Month and Black Americans in health care, some local notables as well. It is all available to you at the Corner Health Center web site, and you can go to our web site at WEMU dot org, and we'll link you up. I'm David Fair, and this is your community. NPR Station 89 one WEMU FM and WEMU HD1 Ypsilanti.

Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support.Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.

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Washtenaw United: The history of African Americans in health care - WEMU

Whenever a client walks up the steps to the Lady Clipper Barber Shop in Washington D.C., shop owner Lesley Bryant knows shes giving them far more than a trim.

Youre not only dealing with whats on top of their head, youre also dealing with whats in their head, Bryant says.

For her regulars, Bryant ushers them in by saying, Welcome home. While they sit in her chair, she is their confidante, their sister sometimes even a godparent, Bryant says.

Despite the intimacy of those relationships, Bryant says its not unusual for a client to just stop coming in. In most instances, Bryant usually assumes the person has moved or is growing their hair out.

While Bryant isnt bothered by these ghosting clients, she adds that shed rather know why a person has stopped coming.

Its helpful to know for growth reasons, Bryant says. If something she said turned them off, she wants to know so she doesnt repeat the behavior. If its because she doesnt offer a specific service, that can help her figure out how to expand her business.

I definitely would want them to be more direct, she says. Bryant appreciates clients who tell her, Hey, this will be my last appointment for a while, she says, or Hey, I miss you, but this covid hair is looking good. Ill reach out to you when its time.

When we think of our most valued relationships, we may think of family, significant others or best friends. But platonic connections are often the web that binds us to our daily routines and our communities: the babysitter who comes through in a pinch, the work buddy who knows just how you like your coffee. Others, like hairstylists or doctors, help us show up for ourselves.

But just as with any relationship, sometimes you need to move on. Doing so in nonromantic situations can be awkward. We have a seemingly endless amount of resources and references for healthy (and not-so-healthy) romantic breakups. But for platonic, casual relationships? Not so much.

So we asked the experts: How do you end these relationships in an intentional way?

- To ghost or not to ghost.

Your initial instinct for ending a casual relationship might be to ghost them. Its a normal impulse, says Neathery Falchuk, a licensed social worker and owner of Ample and Rooted, a therapy practice in Austin. After all, its much easier to avoid a conflict that could become awkward or uncomfortable than to assert yourself and your boundaries. But depending on the nature of the interaction and your intimacy with the person, this may or may not be the right thing to do.

For one thing, if the person has harmed you or has a history of crossing your stated boundaries, you dont have to put yourself in that position again, Falchuk says. This is especially true if theres a power imbalance in the relationship: if theyve used microaggressions or have refused to accommodate your disability. In this case, ghosting may be appropriate or become appropriate if they keep pushing the issue.

On the other hand, if the relationship has been amicable or youve had a longer history, providing closure is a more satisfying, mature thing to do, advises Marjorie Nightingale, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Washington D.C.

Its as simple as the golden rule: If you were in their position, would you want or expect closure from the relationship? This is especially true if the other person is providing a service and is income-dependent on the relationship, such as a child-care provider, aesthetician or therapist, Falchuk says. Giving notice ahead of time allows them time to fill your slot in their books or otherwise take care of things on the business end.

You might say: Hey, next time is going to be my last time, or, Id like to talk about an end date, Falchuk advises.

No matter how you do it, ending the relationship with care and compassion is a way to respect that person, honor the relationship and show appreciation for the role they played in your life.

The rule of thumb for diffusing these interactions is to keep them short and sweet. If youre feeling anxious (which is normal!), it can help to prepare a script, jot down some notes or discuss what youre going to say with a friend ahead of time, Falchuk advises.

Keep it brief, direct, compassionate and give yourself a time boundary where you can say: Ive got to go to another meeting, they say.

Nightingale advises leading the conversation with appreciation. This could apply to one-on-one relationships, or social groups, such as a monthly book club: Start with a short note of appreciation for the time youve spent together, then let them know youre moving on and you wish them the best. You dont need to launch into a long-winded, apologetic explanation as to why youre ending the relationship, she notes.

Then, if the person asks for an explanation or feedback, its up to you whether you oblige, Nightingale says. If the relationship is professional, you might respond with some feedback as a courtesy. Falchuk offered a common formula for this, whether youre ending the relationship or striving to maintain one. It goes like this:

For example: When Ive been misgendered by you, I feel shame and frustration, and I need you to use my correct pronouns, they say. Or if youre ending the relationship, you could say: When Ive asked you to use my pronouns and you have had difficulty doing so, I felt really frustrated, so Im going to need to find a new hairstylist.

In this formula, the I statements make it more about your specific experiences and feelings, rather than a characterization of the person. Sticking to a formula can help you keep it brief while still asserting your values.

- Maintain your boundary.

Of course, theres no guarantee the other person is going to receive your message well. They may push back or offer an incentive to maintain the relationship Ill give you a free service next time, for example. In this case, Nightingale says, you can simply reiterate your message: I am grateful, but this really is going to be my last day. Or for a casual friendship, you might offer this simple but polite response: I think weve gone as far as we can.

If they respond with aggression or resistance, Nightingale says, thats their stuff to manage. Thats not yours. You have no obligation to reason with them, and if they continue to push back, that may be further confirmation youve made the right decision.

- Feedback helps people grow.

For Bryant, the D.C. barber, honest feedback helps her run a better business.

She recalled one client who was experiencing hair loss. He would ask her what he could do to prevent it something that was out of her expertise, she says. She advised him to see a dermatologist.

He eventually told her he would stop coming: Her expertise and his needs were not aligning. But Bryant says that experience ultimately helped her and her business. Her shop now does hair units sometimes known as toupes to help clients experiencing hair loss feel more confident.

Falchuk says its important to assert your needs as soon as youre able to notice dissatisfaction. Start by trying to name it: What is going wrong, and how might we fix it? For example, you might say to your therapist: Im wanting to do this work in a different way. What do you think about that? they advise. For a social group like a book club or knitting group, you might implement regular check-ins: How are things going? Is there something missing? What are we doing too much or too little of?

These questions act as routine maintenance and allow the other person or group the opportunity to adapt to meet your needs. It also softens the blow and allows for a more open, healthier exit if it comes time to part ways.

- Give yourself compassion.

Ultimately, its important to go easy on yourself as you navigate the end of relationships, big and small, Falchuk says. Reassure yourself that what youre doing is difficult, but important.

Setting boundaries is self-care, they say. Were not taught how to leave relationships in a really satisfying way, so offer yourself compassion in the moment: This is a moment of anxiety. Others have certainly felt this way, too. Im not alone.

Read more:

How to break up with your hairdresser, therapist and more - The Philadelphia Tribune