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Mayor Luttrell continues family life series with Just Care Family Network

Submitted by Jerica Phillips, JCFN Social Marketing Coordinator

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 12:14pm

Mayor Luttrell continues family life series with Just Care Family Network

Shelby County Government continues to partner with faith-based organizations and other groups to host Mayor Mark Luttrell’s Family Life Series. Representatives from Shelby County Government and other agencies will speak at Keel Avenue Baptist Church during a five month series of presentations.

On May 16, the CDC issued its first comprehensive report on children's mental health describing federal activities that track children’s mental disorders in the United States.

Tonight’s series, led by Just Care Family Network Executive Director Dr. Altha Stewart, will aim at “Helping Children and Youth Affected by Crime and Violence”

“Just Care Family Network is honored to be a part of this series.

Memphis residents released balloons with messages of hope at a recent Just Care Family Network community block party during awareness month

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MIFA 'Meals on Wheels' needs your vote to win FedEx grant

Submitted by Kelsey Jacobson, Digital Content Director / WMCTV.COM

Friday, May 10th, 2013, 2:04pm

MIFA 'Meals on Wheels' needs your vote to win FedEx grant

The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) is in the running to win a grant for its Meals on Wheels program, but the nonprofit needs your help to win.

According to MIFA, Memphis was declared the hunger capital of the country in 2011.

The Meals on Wheels program delivers 1,800 hot lunches each day to seniors in the community who are unable to leave their homes.

Now, MIFA is one of several nonprofits competing for a grant from FedEx.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, FedEx is sponsoring a Global Month of Service. The shipping giant is encouraging its own team members to team up with nonprofits to make a difference in their communities.

The "Friends of the MIFA Maniacs" are hoping for your votes in order to give the Meals on Wheels program a boost so it can make an even bigger impact on the Memphis community.

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Late Officer Martoiya Lang named MPD's 'Top Cop'

Submitted by Joe Birch, Anchor

Saturday, April 20th, 2013, 9:29am

Late Officer Martoiya Lang named MPD's 'Top Cop'

Martoiya Lang was one tough cop and the MPD wanted to underscore that truth at its 2013 Commendation Ceremony. The mother of four young daughters was shot and killed in the line of duty on December 14, 2012.

The MPD showered the late officer with one award after another at the tribute on April 16, 2013 at the Hilton Hotel in East Memphis.

During the ceremony, the MPD revealed the results of Lang's hard work in 2012 in the Organized Crime Unit.

She seized $38,000, 433 grams of marijuana, 150 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of heroin, and 150 schedule 2, 3 and 4 narcotic pills. She made 58 felony arrests and seized 20 vehicles.

While on duty serving a search warrant, the MPD officer was killed when an assailant opened fire while concealed in a closet.

On Tuesday, April 16, the MPD named Lang "Organized Crime Unit Officer of the Year" as well as the agency's highest award, "Top Cop."

Martoiya Lang's colleagues, Organized Crime Unit Drug Response Team 6, received a standing ovation with the late officer's daughters at the MPD Commendation Ceremony.

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Church plans prayer rally on eve of KKK Rally

Submitted by Michael Wheeler

Thursday, March 28th, 2013, 11:18am

Church plans prayer rally on eve of KKK Rally

Raleigh Assembly of God is hosting a citywide prayer service this Friday. It is the day before the scheduled March 30 Downtown rally by the Loyal Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

“The only agenda that we have for the night is that of unity and prayer,” said pastor Matt Anzivino.

“We are a multicultural church with a love for our city and are joining with our brothers and sisters of all races on that night to proclaim unity. There are many, many people in our great city that are saying 'enough is enough.' I sincerely believe that our city's diversity should be celebrated and that there is no better time to do that than while our diversity is under attack.”

Other congregations that have agreed to participate are Divine Life Church, Christ Community, Hope Assembly of God and Golden Gate Cathedral.

The “WE Are One” service begins at 6:30 p.m. in the main sanctuary at the church, 3683 Austin Peay. It is open to the entire community.

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Permission granted to “KICK BUTTS”!

Submitted by Jerica Phillips, JCFN Social Marketing Coordinator

Monday, March 18th, 2013, 9:39am

The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), in collaboration with other local organizations, will encourage youth to take a stand against big tobacco companies and educate their peers about the importance of not smoking on Kick Butts Day, Wednesday, March 20.

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism which empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against big tobacco companies. Health officials want to raise awareness of the tobacco problem, encourage youth to stay tobacco-free and urge strong action to protect kids from tobacco.

Representatives from the health department will be at the following locations on Wednesday, March 20, to distribute information and tips on smoking cessation:

• Benjamin Hooks Library
3030 Poplar Ave.
10 a.m. to noon

• University of Memphis-University Center
499 University
1 p.m.