About 12 years ago, Jesusa Palacios and her adopted son Jonathan were at a turning point.

Jonathan was 13 and preparing for middle school when he was asked to write a transition plan for his post-high school goals. The Palacios family started doing research with loved ones to find what would be best for him.

HOLIDAY DONATIONS: Toys for Tots continues accepting donations despite COVID-19 challenges

After deciding he probably was not going to college and determining that he has multiple challenges that prevent him from working independently, they noticed that he could enjoy working in an ice cream truck. Jonathan spent four years driving with a friend in an ice cream truck every summer, and he loves it, she said. While its not his own yet, they know that he will do customized self employment under the name "Bubba Jon's Ice Cream Delights."

Palacios is now the director of Solomons Porch Light, which helps her son and other families like theirs connect to businesses and ideas for their own childrens futures. She decided to start the Humble nonprofit after parents of individuals with disabilities started asking how they found something that was right for Jonathan.

So thats how Solomons Porch Light was born, Palacios said. Out of the need for my son and to help others... Well be the advocate for those individuals that never get noticed, never get publicized, nobody really knows about them theyre out there.

Due to the coronavirus, they started the program virtually this July. They have promoted individuals in the arts, footwear, shredding services and a pet rescue businesses. Their mission is to raise awareness and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become business owners.

They have about 68 businesses that have connected with them. They promote them through their website to provide families with ideas as to how their children, who may not be able to be placed in jobs traditionally, could follow a career path and own a business that they enjoy, essentially serving as a middle man between families and businesses.

Next year, they plan to begin training sessions either online or in-person.

So thats part of the resources, right, Palacios said. Whatever I have learned as a parent and how to do these resources Im going to pass on to other people or other individuals that need help.

CORONAVIRUS: Active positives in Humble ISD reach 167 as cases grow at elementaries

One of those businesses helping to serve Solomons Porch Light is located in northwest Houston. Shredding on the Go offers secure business and residential document shredding services and recycling. The company hires individuals who face unique challenges shredding barriers one page at a time as their website states.

They have eight individuals in addition to owner James Parker working for Shredding on the Go who would have challenges finding work in the traditional job market according to Renee Parker, James mother.

Parker said they discovered her sons interest in shredding during a conversation with their family about what he could do for work.

I personally have a lot of experience with customized self-employment, which is what we did for my son and I think is what (Palacios is) doing for her son, Parker said. ... Customized self-employment creates a job opportunity based solely on individual skills and what they would enjoy doing.

For more information about Solomons Porch Light, visit their website at http://www.solomonsporchlight.org. For more information on Shredding on the Go, visit http://www.shreddingonthego.com.

savannah.mehrtens@chron.com

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Humble nonprofit Solomons Porch Light helps differently-abled adults find fulfilling work - Houston Chronicle

The holiday season is here, a time for giving thanks and sending love to friends and family, but for many the holiday season is a golden opportunity for theft.

This year, more than ever, many are taking their shopping online to stay safe from coronavirus which means thieves can expect a plethora of packages at residents doorsteps.

To keep gifts safe from porch pirates this year the Gulfport Police Department has a few tips. Gulfport PIO Sgt. Jason Ducre said, With the coronavirus going on, with everybody shopping online, packages are going to be delivered to houses more frequently. And theyre just crimes of opportunity, is what they are, and its our job to limit the opportunities. So if you can, have your packages delivered to your job, or a neighbors house, or a relative, or get a signature on delivery.

Ducre also recommends buying a porch camera. While they wont prevent theft, they can help police find a suspect faster.

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Beware of porch pirates ahead of the holidays - WXXV News 25

Twitter has some mixed feelings about a man who has been seen on video feeding "at least 30" raccoons on his porch. A video emerged on Twitter on Monday night of a man treating several chubby raccoons to what appeared to be hot dogs (sans the bun).

"[T]his guy goes out every night and feeds the raccoons living near his house and it's adorable chaos," a Twitter user wrote alongside the clip.

In the video, the man sits on a snow-covered bench while several heavyset raccoons crawl all over him, trying to grab some off the food from a container. Some climb on his lap, begging for food. Others perch on his shoulder, waiting for him to hand off a hot dog.

It's safe to say that the video has caught the attention of many people online. While some called the man's mealtime ritual for the raccoons adorable, others didn't find it as cute. "No- not adorable. We in CO know that you don't feed wildlife. Also, raccoons carry diseases that are especially dangerous for kids," one person wrote.

"It's not adorable if you are his neighbor. Ever had a neighbor who feeds feral cats? Same stupid behavior," another chimed in.

"When I see raccoons, the first thing I think of is rabies," someone else said. "The second thing I think about is the damage they do to homes. So, it's not as warm and cuddly for me."

One user pointed out that feeding raccoons could have an effect on an entire neighborhood, not just the folks feeding them. "Very dangerous too. Wild animals should not be fed by humans. They can carry diseases. Congregating unnaturally draws predators. Dangerous for entire neighborhood."

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"Pretty dangerous. They're going to look for that food in the neighborhood every night...whether he shows up or not," another agreed.

Some folks were also concerned about the effect the food would actually have on the raccoons. "This guy is single-handedly causing an ecological disaster of diabetic raccoons, but free internet pass because he's a lonely old man and fat raccoons are cute," one person chided.

"I just wish he'd be a bit more considerate of their diet, if he's going to keep inviting them," another noted. "I know he means well, and just may not understand, for example, their size is not normal."

"How many times is he feeding them?" a third asked. "They are freaking huge!! Lmao."

As per Pest World, raccoons typically eat plants and other animals such as: "fruits, berries, nuts, fish, frogs, mussels, crayfish, insects, turtles, mice, rabbits, muskrats and bird eggs." So, basically, not hot dogs.

Read more:
This Man Feeds Raccoons on His Porch Every Night, and Twitter Has Some Thoughts - Newsweek

KILLEEN, TX Monday, we showed you how to safely shop while looking for gifts online but what happens when you do everything right and a porch pirate comes by and snags your packages?

Jennifer McCann owns a quaint mail service in Harker Heights and for the past 21 years in business, shes heard a common worry from her customers: Mail theft.

Well hold it for a few days if needed, McCann said, So [they] wont feel like they need to rush home from work to grab their package from their porch.

Its a crime officials take seriously since a 2019 bill Governor Abbott passed that charges porch pirates thousands in fines and possible jail or prison time if convicted.

Were going to have our officers out making sure that were watching for that, and that our citizens are watching for that, Lawrence Stewart, the public information officer for the Harker Heights Police Department said. Were gonna take the opportunity to arrest you.

But there are ways we can catch the thieves including utilizing an at-home security system.

You know it's working when you get notifications when your camera detects abnormal activity and it could be the only way to catch the criminal.

Were all super busy these days and were all running and doing things, Josh Wallace at InHouse Systems in Temple said. I mean it's just crazy right now. So, having a peace of mind at home, about home is important.

But if you dont have a Ring doorbell or security cameras, there are other ways to make sure your deliveries are safe.

The best thing to do is if you know you ordered a package, to be on the lookout for that package, Stewart said.

Or you can seek out a third party to help keep your mail secure like Eagle Express.

We keep everything safe here, McCann explained. We call the customers directly so they know they have a package here and they get the notification instantly.

Experts say the easiest way to stay safe this holiday season is to be vigilant with packages and invest in a security system or video doorbell.

See more here:
Porch pirates are on the rise as the holiday season rolls around - KXXV News Channel 25

You shouldnt mess with mans best friend or how they settle things among themselves. Dogs know where their spot is on the front porch, and whose spot is whose. The king, or alpha dog of the porch, will let any other dog know when they are sleeping in their spot. Theres a pecking order, a hierarchy among the porch dwellers. If you cross the unwritten rule of where your place is on the porch, youll suffer the consequences.

Comedian Kevin Heart says the same thing another way, Stay in your lane. The fact is, we all get a little ahead of ourselves. Where am I going with this? I think its critical that every company have a well-defined front porchi.e., organizational chart.

A good organizational chart lets everyone know who reports to who, and whos in charge of what task or department. It allows a company to manage from a much higher plane, no matter its size. An organizational chart also gives each employee a path, or a position to work toward.

Sometimes smaller companies are less likely to have an org chart, and I think this is a mistake. As in a small company, everyone normally takes on multiple jobs and the org chart helps define those roles and who does them. And, as the small company grows, the org chart can identify what positions need to be filled first, and what the pecking order should be.

If your company seems out of control, or if it seems like the company is running you, instead of you running the company, put in place a well thought out organizational chart, and see if that doesnt help. It certainly cant hurt. At the very least you wont get barked at while youre sleeping.

As alwaysMy two cents.

More:
Every Dog Should Know Their Place on the Porch | Mind Your Business - USGlass Metal & Glazing

Investigators believe they are on the right track of solving the mysterious double-murder of a Missouri couple found dead on their front porch Saturday morning.

Willard Police Chief Tom McClain said in a newsconference Monday that investigators believe 28-year-old Alexander Chute and Brianna Sproul, 30, were killed by a third party.

McClain said the crime scene did not suggest the couple had died during a murder-suicide but pointed to another person being involved, according to The Springfield News Leader.

Police also dont believe it had been a random attack.

These folks in Willard were targeted, he said, according to local station KY3.

Police were called to the home Saturday morning and discovered the couple shot to death on the front porch.

McClain declined to discuss a possible motive in the slaying, but said he believed the investigators were making progress in the case.

While I am not willing to talk about particular suspects or motives or things of that nature, we are, as I said earlier, confident that we are on the right track, he said.

Oxygen.com reached out to the Willard Police but had not received a response as of press time.

At the time of the slayings, Chute had been in a custody battle with his ex-wife, according to court records obtained by the local station. Just last month, his ex-wife filed a motion for a family access order in the case.

Chute filed for divorcein 2018.

Although this level of violence is unusual for the small town, McClain said he is hopeful and confident that police will be able to bring those responsible to justice.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Willard Police Department at 417-742-5341.

Crime Time is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Sign up for our Crime Time Newsletter and subscribe to our true crime podcast Martinis & Murder for all the best true crime content.

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Missouri Couple Found Slain On Their Front Porch In What Authorities Believe Was A 'Targeted' Attack - Oxygen

The Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce is in the final planning stages for this years Porch Fest.

The event will take place on the porches of homes along historic Belleville Avenue on Saturday, November 7.

Performances will begin at 2 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m.

Judy Crane, Chamber Executive Director, said the group is working out the final performance line up, with the main act ready to take the stage.

We are working on which performers will be on which porches for the day, Crane said. But we do know that our main act, Tobacco Rd., will take the main stage at 6 p.m. and perform until 8 p.m.

The main stage will be set up at the Downing House in its usual spot, Crane said.

With many events being canceled across the country, Crane said special precautions are being taken for this event.

We want to do these kinds of things for the public, but we need their help to make that happen, Crane said.

There will be hand-washing stations set up throughout the festival area, Crane said.

We are asking that everyone practice social distancing as much as possible, Crane said. We also encourage masks for this event.

For those looking for a little refreshment during the event, there will be concessions available, Crane said.

The police department, fire department, Battered by the Bay and Kona Ice will be on hand for concessions, Crane said.

The annual event usually hosts a kids area, but, Crane said, that will not be available for this year.

We are doing our best to make this a safe event, Crane said. With the Corona virus, we agreed that it would be safer not to offer a kids area this year.

Along with Tobacco Rd., singer/songwriters, Brooke Brown and Buddy Barnes will be performing. Others will be performing through the district and will include a variety of musical genres. There is no admission charge to enjoy the musical presentations.

A detailed list of performers and their performance locations will be released in the coming days, Crane said.

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Porch Fest planned for city's porches - The Brewton Standard - Brewton Standard

When Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected as pope in 2013 at the age of 76 and took the name Francis in memory of St Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182-1226), a beloved relative proclaimed: Pope Francis is not just going back to St Francis. He is going all the way back to Jesus and the gospel of love and mercy.

Throughout his papacy Pope Francis has emphasised the priority of love and mercy, and the radical dignity of and respect for all human beings, especially those marginalised and stigmatised. Like St Francis, the poor are at the heart of his priestly and papal ministry.

Pope Francis pastoral, warm and compassionate leadership has manifested itself in myriad ways, sometimes controversially. In the past few weeks, he has again provoked the conscience of the world and his church.

He recently released Fratelli Tuti, his latest encyclical, on fraternity and social friendship, inspired by St Francis and his abiding commitment to care for creation and the poor. He signed the new encyclical at the tomb of St Francis.

Pope Francis noted: I was in Assisi to sign the new encyclical, Fratelli tutti, on fraternity and social friendship. I offered it to God on the tomb of Saint Francis

The encyclical and its critique of the degradation of the planet, rampant materialism, vast global inequality, the various forms of rapacious capitalism, the mistreatment of migrants and minorities and other manifestations of discrimination, among other topics, provoked criticism from various quarters, including some corporate interests who benefit from an unjust social order.

In the encyclical, Pope Francis also sought to provoke the consciences of the rich and middle classes and how we all use the worlds goods and care for or abuse the environment through our personal and social habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global climate emergency, both of which are devastating the poor.

Like Jesus and St Francis, Pope Francis invites us to feel the sting of conscience and the demands of love and justice.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church has pressed the demands of racial equality, spoken of how the arms race continues to deprive the poor of basic goods and consistently spoken out against capital punishment and inequities in criminal justice.

There is a seamless gospel of love and mercy in the heart of Pope Francis. The call to fraternity and social friendship evidenced in Fratelli Tuti, is the same spirituality and love for those who are discriminated against, such as gays and lesbians. For Pope Francis, love must be the animating force of our being and our attitudes and actions.

FAMILY

Yesterday, as noted in an Associated Press story: Pope Francis became the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions in comments for a documentary that premiered Wednesday, sparking cheers from gay Catholics and demands for clarification from conservatives, given the Vaticans official teaching on the issue.

The papal thumbs-up came midway through the feature-length documentary Francesco, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival.

Pope Francis stated: Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. You cant kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.

The Popes comments are remarkable and will stir considerable reaction. They are reminiscent of other comments he has made about love for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.

In 2013, on a flight back to Rome from Brazil, Pope Francis sparked controversy in response to questions as to whether there was a gay lobby in the Vatican. He responded in part: If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?

His fellow Jesuit Fr. James Martin, SJ, noted in a commentary at the time in The Washington Post in response to criticism of the Pope, including from various prelates and some religionists:

Throughout the exchange on the plane, Pope Francis, speaking in fluent Italian, used the English word gay. Previous popes and the majority of church leaders have been more likely to use words like homosexual, homosexually oriented and even persons suffering from same-sex attraction.

The pope moved rather quickly from a question about a gay lobby in the Vatican to a comment about gay people in general. That is, he did not say, If a gay priest is searching for God, but If a gay person is searching for God. Then his remarkably compassionate comment: Who am I to judge them?

Fr Martin continued: So there is something new. ... But there is also something old. Pope Francis has not changed church teaching on homosexual activity. ... Instead, he turned to a portion of the old teaching that often goes overlooked: The Catechism says that gays and lesbians are to be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity.

HYPOCRITE

Even older is the unwillingness to judge... Jesus uses hyperbole to make sure his listeners understand, saying that you must take the log out of your own eye before you can take the speck... from another persons eye. In other words, if you want to judge someone, judge yourself. And just to be clear, Jesus adds: You hypocrite!

Fr Martin directly addressed the question of judging: The pope also knows that Jesuss comment does not mean any of us will escape judgment. The Gospels are greatly concerned with judging moral activity... Gods judgment of our actions means that God is concerned about what we do. A God who doesnt judge is a God who doesnt care.

But in the Gospels, it is God (or Jesus) who does the judging, not us. Jesus counsels his disciples not to judge but rather to show mercy. Indeed, Jesus not only counsels this, he demonstrates it by consistently approaching public sinners with an offer of forgiveness rather than condemnation.

In 2013, when the Pope demonstrated this love for and compassion toward gays and lesbians, some religious ministers at home called him reckless. He is in good company. Both St Francis and Jesus were also reckless with extraordinary acts of love.

Gays and lesbians are not so much seeking an affirmation of their so-called lifestyle a derisive terms often applied by homophobes and those ignorant about many aspects of human sexuality as much as they are seeking and rightly deserving of an affirmation of a shared humanity.

While prejudice, ignorance and hatred are still directed against homosexuals, we have made moral progress in The Bahamas in terms of loving and seeking to protect from abuse and discrimination our gay brothers and sisters. But we still have a long way to go to ensure greater justice and equality for gays and lesbians.

Pope Francis has called on the peoples and nations of the world to search their hearts, consciences and legal codes to root out injustice and to secure love and mercy for all of Gods children, including those who are gay and lesbian, and who will continue to demand justice and equality.

Original post:
FRONT PORCH: Pope Francis and the Gospel of Love - Bahamas Tribune

Walter Scott, 15 months, takes his responsibilities seriously.

When youre the junior feline in the family and in charge of entertainment, mischief and cuddles, its a full-time job and then some.

Knowing that Thor, the senior tabby in the clan, keeps a scornful eye on him, Walter adheres to a strict daily schedule.

His first job of the day is to assist Thor in obtaining breakfast. Around 7:30 a.m., they take their positions outside my bedroom door and commence polite requests for food. If none is forthcoming, Thor ratchets up the volume and intensity, while Walter sticks his paws under the door and grabs at the carpet. If that doesnt work, they take turns scratching and banging on the door.

When I emerge, they both enter manic mode, careening through the house and dashing around the kitchen table. Then comes the wrestling.

I have to feed them in separate rooms, because Thor will wolf down his breakfast and finish Walters, too, and Walter will just sit and sadly watch his food disappear. Though he passively lets Thor take charge of food once its served, before it appears is another matter. As I dish up their kibble, Walter pounces on Thor, attempting epic takedowns.

Thor is a lover, not a fighter, so its a good thing hes bigger and has a longer reach. While Walter sizes up the best way to pin him, Thor bats him away. Undaunted, Walter stretches up into full Godzilla mode and tackles. Thor hisses, which scares both of us.

Im not sure why Walter decided this was his job, but Thor is not thrilled to find himself headlining these twice-daily bouts.

Walters next self-appointed chore of the day is sweeter morning cuddles with me.

I return to bed after feeding them, because I mean, its 7:30 (or 8, but still). By this time, Derek is getting ready for work, so Walter has me all to himself. He jumps up on the bed, lays his head next to mine on my pillow and curls up in my arms. He purrs contentedly, while kneading his sharp little claws under my chin. Usually, he falls asleep and sometimes so do I.

We take turns deciding when its time to get out of bed. If I dont have a deadline or an appointment, I doze until Walter brings me a toy and pats my face to let me know its playtime. If I get up first, I bring my coffee and my phone back to bed and check emails and messages. Walter fetches a toy because playtime is next on his agenda.

He usually brings a small white mouse with a rattle and bats it around until I throw it down the hall. Then he tears off and brings it back. Walter is a fetch champion until he gets bored.

After Im ready to face the day, Walter follows me to work in my downstairs office. His favorite thing is stalking the printer and waiting for it to whir to life. He doesnt grab the paper, he just likes the hunt.

He takes his editorial responsibilities seriously and prefers to plant himself in front of my screen or on my keyboard. Obviously, this is not an ideal working situation, at least not for me. I repeatedly scoop him up and put him on the floor until he gets the hint and wanders off to nap.

Im usually out in the afternoon, so Walter takes advantage of my absence to forage for carbs. Ive previously written about his carb addiction, and Im sad to report hes had a relapse. Weve taken to storing our bread in the microwave and securing any open chips, rolls or baked goods in a cupboard he cant open. All was well until one afternoon when I went to the pantry for dinner ingredients and found a bag of barbecue potato chips scattered on the floor.

It seems Sam had left the shopping bags on the floor instead of putting the items on the shelves, and Walter got the munchies. He tore open the bag, sampled a few chips, but evidently didnt care for their tang.

Bedtime brings a nightly dilemma.

My husband likes to sleep with me. So does Walter. Im usually in bed first, so Walter saunters in and makes himself comfortable. Then Derek arrives.

Okay, buddy, time to go, he says.

Walter rolls over on his back and looks at Derek. Upside-down kitty is universally irresistible, but Derek is made of sterner stuff.

Night, night, Walter, out you go, he says.

Walter stretches, then curls up next to me.

Finally, Derek scoops him up and takes him to the living room.

Just as we turn off the light, we hear a faint scratching at the door and the saddest, most forlorn meows.

Go to sleep, Walter, Derek says.

And eventually he does. After all, he knows he has a full slate of responsibilities awaiting him in the morning.

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Front Porch: Walter the junior tabby lives to entertain - The Spokesman-Review

A Lancaster man charged with fatally shooting his neighbor earlier this month after an argument will face the accusations in court, prosecutors said Thursday.

Authorities said Geraldo Rosario shot Josean Martinez in the chest Oct. 3 after a confrontation on his porch on the 600 block of High Street. Martinez died of his injuries.

During a Tuesday preliminary hearing, Lancaster County District Judge Adam Witkonis ordered Rosario to face homicide and reckless endangerment charges in court, according to a news release from the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office.

Lancaster City police officers found Martinez wounded inside his High Street home, with Rosario kneeling over him.

Prosecutors said a child was outside at the time of the shooting and saw what happened.

Rosario is being held at Lancaster County Prison without bail. His formal arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 13.

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Man accused of killing neighbor on Lancaster porch headed to court: prosecutors - PennLive