Nancy Alcorn

BloggerVenue recently had the opportunity to interview Nancy Alcorn. Nancy Alcorn is the Founder and President of Mercy Ministries. Nancy Alcorn is also a popular conference speaker and author of several books. In this interview, Nancy Alcorn speaks from her heart concerning sex trafficking.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, welcome to BloggerVenue.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.  I appreciate the opportunity and blessing to speak with you today.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, you have seen the devastating impact of sex trafficking, first hand.  Are there any specific questions you hear over and over again concerning sex trafficking?

Nancy Alcorn: People want to know what can be done.

BloggerVenue: So what can people do to help Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries lead the fight to end sex trafficking?

Nancy Alcorn: Studies show that comprehensive residential programs, where these victims can be cared for in a safe environment, are what works.  Mercy Ministries is one of the very few programs of this type.  On one of the Mercy Ministries websites www.endsextrafficking.com, we list ways that people can help make a difference.  One of the most important is to donate, so that we can provide our free residential care to even more of these hurting young women.

BloggerVenue: You have worked with young women for many years.  And have a lot of experience….

Nancy Alcorn: …Yes, over twenty-eight years now.

BloggerVenue: I mention that simply because I want our readers to understand that Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries are seasoned veterans of this fight.  And that by donating to Mercy Ministries, the donation is going to a great cause.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.  Yes, over twenty-eight years and thousands of women from all backgrounds have witnessed the life-changing power of Jesus Christ in their lives.

BloggerVenue: What are some other ways people can be involved in ending sex trafficking?

Nancy Alcorn: They can be an individual voice for change by writing letters to elected officials, blogging or just simply speaking up.  We are always looking for volunteers at Mercy Ministries on many levels.  And finally, but most importantly, we need prayer warriors.  I cannot emphasize enough in this ongoing battle for the physical and spiritual lives of girls and women, how badly we need prayer warriors.

BloggerVenue: You mentioned the word, “battle” in referring to this work to end sex trafficking.  The work that Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries does, really is a battle isn’t it?

Nancy Alcorn: It is a battle on so many fronts.  According to the U.S. State Department there were 350,000 reported cases of domestic sex trafficking last year alone!  And that number is just domestic and the ones actually reported!  There is no doubt that the number is higher with unreported cases.  So it is a battle in the physical sense to free these girls from their physical bondage of slavery.  However, we believe that it is also a battle of the spiritual realm.  With my almost thirty years of experience, I know for a fact this fight is spiritual, because once the girls are removed physically from the situation, then the spiritual work begins.  I have seen that, firsthand.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, if there was one thing you could say to our readers, what would you want to emphasize?

Nancy Alcorn: Pray.  Pray.  Pray.  I have seen the power of prayer in my life over and over.  I have seen the power of prayer in the lives of young women, now for almost thirty years, over and over.  This is a spiritual battle and we need people to pray for Mercy Ministries, to pray for the girls at Mercy Ministries and to pray for the girls we have yet to encounter.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, thank you for taking a few moments to speak with us.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.

BloggerVenue: We leave with a reminder for interested readers to find ways to partner with Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries in their battle to end sex trafficking.  As well, as Nancy Alcorn said, we encourage our readership to pray.  Thanks again Nancy Alcorn.

Nancy Alcorn is the Founder of Mercy Ministries.  Working with over 3000 women in since 1983, Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries help to restore the lives of young women.  Mercy Ministries utilizes nutritionists, licensed Christian counselors and a biblically based curriculum with the emphasis that true freedom from addiction and life-controlling issues is possible.  All of this is free of charge for the women.  In a recent survey of former Mercy Ministry graduates, Nancy Alcorn reports that 93 percent responded that Mercy Ministries six-month residential counseling program had transformed their lives and restored their hope.

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About Nancy Alcorn

During her five years working for the state of Tennessee, at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls, Nancy Alcorn developed a passion to impact the lives of hurting young women.  Time and time again, Nancy Alcorn watched as the young women she worked with at the juvenile facility passed the age of eighteen and ended up in the women’s prison system because they never got the real help they needed.

During the next three years, as Nancy Alcorn investigated child abuse cases for the state of Tennessee, she saw firsthand why so many of these young women were angry and hurting.  Working with juvenile delinquent girls and investigating alleged cases of child abuse gave Nancy Alcorn the opportunity to interact directly with secular rehabilitation programs and the girls impacted by those programs. It was during this time that Nancy Alcorn realized that these programs were not producing permanent results that exemplified changed lives.

Following her tenure with the state, Nancy Alcorn accepted an appointment as Director of Women for the Nashville Teen Challenge.  Through all of these experiences, Nancy Alcorn began to realize that true transformation would never come as the result of any government system.  Nancy Alcorn understood that only Jesus could bring restoration into the lives of girls who were desperately hurting and searching for something to fill the void they felt in their hearts.

Nancy Alcorn began to sense that God was unfolding a plan prompting her to step out in faith.  God called Nancy Alcorn to help hurting young women find freedom and have their lives transformed.  With her experience to assist her and God to guide her, Nancy Alcorn would prayerfully make a giant step of faith to help hurting young women.

In January of 1983, Nancy Alcorn relocated to Monroe, Louisiana and established Mercy Ministries of America.  Nancy Alcorn was determined that the Mercy Ministries program would bring about true-life change in the lives of young women.  With that in mind, Nancy Alcorn knew there were three guiding principles to which she must always remain faithful.  First, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would accept girls free of charge.  Second, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would donate ten percent of all donations to other organizations and ministries.  Third, Nancy Alcorn made the decision that Mercy Ministries would never accept any state or federal funding.  In no way did Nancy Alcorn want any money that might interfere with the freedom to share Christ.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries, under the leadership of Nancy Alcorn, has seen exponential growth and impact.  Establishing locations in Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri and California, Nancy Alcorn has seen her God-sized dream impact numerous women ages 13 to 28.  Nancy Alcorn has seen Mercy Ministries grow beyond the borders of the United States with home in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries help young women seeking freedom from physical and sexual abuse (including sex trafficking), eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addiction, depression and unplanned pregnancy.  Mercy Ministries, with Nancy Alcorn serving as Founder and President, assists young women through a non-conventional approach to healing that allows them to stop and break destructive cycles of behavior.  Nancy Alcorn continues her commitment to helping young women recognize their self-worth and reach their full potential.

For more information about the services offered by Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries, visit the Mercy website online at http://www.mercyministries.com.

Yochanan Berkowitz

Yochanan Berkowitz uses his experience and professional expertise to guide troubled clients toward realistic and lasting solutions. It is common knowledge, says Yochanan Berkowitz, that stress interferes with a person’s physical health and psychological well-being. The more tools a person has to mitigate and avoid stress, says Yochanan Berkowitz, the more likely that person will be able to tackle his or her troubles with a calm mind, ready for solutions.

Yochanan Berkowitz explains that stress management comes in many forms, including exercise, diet and medication.  Yochanan Berkowitz explains that an individual can make subtle adjustments to his or her lifestyle to create a more stress free environment. Licensed clinical social worker Yochanan Berkowitz also suggests cultivating and maintaining a sense of humor about difficulties. A person who can see the humor in problems, says Yochanan Berkowitz, is better defended against stress. Also, the act of laughing itself, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, is proven to release muscle tension, facilitating relaxation and restoring perspective. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, says Yochanan Berkowitz, try to look for humor in the situation. Or if that feels like too much, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, take a break to watch a comedic film or a favorite comedian’s concert.

Find a friend with a good sense of humor, suggests Yochanan Berkowitz, and spend some time together to lift your mood and chase away stress. Yochanan Berkowitz also recommends hobbies as another excellent lifestyle accessory that relieves a lot of stress. Choose a hobby that gets you to work with your hands, says Yochanan Berkowitz, like gardening or painting. The simple repetitive focus of gardening, notes Yochanan Berkowitz, can carry an individual’s mind away from his or her stressful problems and encourage a more relaxed perspective on life. If a person can develop the patience to make plants grow, points out Yochanan Berkowitz, that same benefit of patience will extend to their personal lives.

About the Author

Yochanan Berkowitz began his professional studies in Psychology at Queens College in Flushing, New York. In 1994, Yochanan Berkowitz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and following further studies Yochanan Berkowitz was awarded a Masters of Clinical Social Work. Later Yochanan Berkowitz received the designation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During his studies at Queens College, Yochanan Berkowitz had the opportunity to employ his passion for helping others in the New York City Public Schools as a special Education Instructor in Brooklyn from 1993-1994. Yochanan Berkowitz also served for several years as a school Psychologist and Social Worker with the Brooklyn Board of Education. Several years were also spent doing an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

In 1997, Yochanan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist following studies at the Long Island University. Yochanan Berkowitz received his Masters of Clinical Social Work two years later from New York University. Completing additional studies in his chosen field, Yochanan Berkowitz obtained a Post Masters certification in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy in 2000 and Gestalt Therapy certification from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

Yochanan Berkowitz used his experience to serve in Brooklyn as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at the New Hope Guild from 1999-2000. Yochanan Berkowitz added breadth to his vocational opportunities while serving as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during the years of 2003-2004. While there, Yochanan Berkowitz began offering his skills as a Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW at the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn New York.

The years 2004 and 2005 found Yochanan Berkowitz at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York where he was the Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Currently Yochanan Berkowitz maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that primarily serves children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Yochanan Berkowitz by telephone, call 646-338-5424. Yochanan Berkowitz can also be reached via email at berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his private practice visit www.familiesheal.com.

Recent studies find that carpets may be helpful in keeping allergens out of the air, reports SMART Carpet. SMART Carpet keeps up with carpet-related research and when it comes to the health of SMART Carpet customers, the findings are of special interest.

In a 2008 report by Mitchell W. Sauerhoff, PhD, a full copy of which can be found at FlooringSciences.org, the findings — that carpet is not an asthma or allergy trigger — were actually of no surprise to the SMART Carpet founder or to the SMART Carpet sales staff.

After all, SMART Carpet has installed more than sixty-five million square feet of flooring to over 100,000 SMART Carpet customers throughout New Jersey, Staten Island and eastern Pennsylvania in the past 15 years, and never had a complaint about allergies or asthma. It’s not only the SMART Carpet customers who would have spoken up but the entire SMART Carpet team would have been affected as well.

In fact, in Dr. Sauerhoff’s report, statistics indicated that of the almost 20,000 people studied in 18 countries, those with carpeting in their bedrooms had fewer asthma symptoms than those without. Mattresses and other pieces of furniture seem to be the problem.

It seems that if there are any dust mites and other irritants in carpets, the amounts are extremely low and the emission duration time is short, findings with which SMART Carpet staff would agree based upon their own experiences. Furthermore, carpets appear to act like air filters, by trapping airborne irritants. In other words, not only are carpets not a cause of asthma or allergy – they also help clean the air.

SMART Carpet customers have long been advised to have their carpets regularly steam cleaned by professionals. With this new information about carpets acting as air filters, that SMART Carpet recommendation seems even wiser. Not only will carpet, whether it’s from SMART Carpet or another company, last longer and look better, its ability to freshen the air will also be improved.

Now that homeowners know carpets can help keep their families healthier, the decision to invest in quality carpets is made that much easier. With SMART Carpet prices at up to 50 percent off typical store prices and the SMART Carpet free installation offered on a large group of select quality products, smart carpet buyers also know where to buy.

The sales teams and work crews at Homes by Vanderbuilt vet thousands of questions yearly on the Homes by Vanderbuilt modular homes they build and install, and offer some answers to the most frequently posed queries.

Modular homes such as those built by Homes by Vanderbuilt are better quality than site-built (also called stick-built) homes, confirms the experienced Homes by Vanderbuilt employees. The list of reasons is long, but main points include that while the building materials are similar between site-built and factory-built, the amount used in modular homes, including those from Homes by Vanderbuilt, is greater (providing a stronger structure) and the materials are weather-protected throughout the Homes by Vanderbuilt construction process.

Modular homes from licensed general contractors like Homes by Vanderbuilt which operates in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia look just like traditionally-built homes. The number of Homes by Vanderbuilt floor plans and room designs from which to choose is veritably limitless and customizations and up-grades are just as numerous. The real difference between factory-built homes and on-site construction, continues the team at Homes by Vanderbuilt, is the Homes by Vanderbuilt building process.

The Homes by Vanderbuilt professionals are often asked if modular homes and mobile homes are the same, and the answer is a resounding no. Mobile homes (also called manufactured homes) are single floor dwellings built atop steel frames – which cannot be removed – and have low roofs and no basements. Homes by Vanderbuilt does not build mobile homes. Modular homes, on the other hand confirms the experts at Homes by Vanderbuilt, can be any number of levels or square footage, and can also have basements.

The construction process that Homes by Vanderbuilt uses in their factory is the same that any on-site crew follows when building a home. The real difference is that while the factory crews are building the Homes by Vanderbuilt modular structure, on-site crews can be working on the Homes by Vanderbuilt modular home’s foundation. Working in tandem this way, confirms Homes by Vanderbuilt engineers, speeds up the entire build by as much as half.

What Customers Are Saying About Homes by Vanderbuilt:

[Homes by Vanderbuilt] did a great job. I have no complaints; wish all companies had good employees like Homes by Vanderbuilt.
Richard – Williamston, NC

“They did a great job. Homes by Vanderbuilt went out of their way to do and redo things to please us. Homes by Vanderbuilt also have gone through extra efforts to get a style replaced on one of our cabinets. We appreciate more than anything the quality of service that we have received from everyone that anything to do with Homes by Vanderbuilt. Thank you so much!!”
Dustin – Timberlake, NC

“[Homes by Vanderbuilt] were very professional about their job. Also, Homes by Vanderbuilt were kind to answer all the questions we might have had. Great workers!”
Steven & Luz – Lilesville, NC

Hardwood is one of the oldest flooring materials in the world. Home Installation Professionals says that hardwood flooring has been tried and tested by many centuries of human development. Hardwood flooring in a home can set a very comforting, elegant, and unforgettable tone. In this article, Home Installation Professionals discusses how hardwood floors have many advantages over other flooring materials.

Home Installation Professionals begins by explaining that hardwood flooring is a low maintenance building material. Recent advances in finish and stain technology make hardwood floors more resistant to dirt and wear than ever. Consequently, says Home Installation Professionals, hardwood floors can be kept beautiful for generations without intensive cleaning. A broom and a mop with mild cleaner will take care of almost any cleanup necessary. To guarantee the life of a hardwood floor, Home Installation Professionals recommends that homeowners only use cleaning supplies approved by the floor’s manufacturer.

Home Installation Professionals likes to remind their clients that hardwood floors are environmentally friendly. In our modern green culture, which is constantly inventing new environmentally responsible materials, hardwood flooring gets overlooked, possibly because it has been around for so long. Home Installation Professionals also notes that hardwood floor installation creates less waste than the installation of other flooring materials.

Home Installation Professionals prefers to use hardwood flooring because it is a renewable resource. In fact, many old wooden homes and barns are reclaimed for use as hardwood floors. Also, mentions Home Installation Professionals, hardwood floors do not trap dust and other allergens in the same way that dense carpeting does. According to Home Installation Professionals, the hypoallergenic characteristics of hardwood flooring create cleaner and healthier air quality in a home, contributing to the health and well being of the entire family.

It is true, acknowledges Home Installation Professionals, that hardwood flooring is not the cheapest option out there. The fact remains that hardwood flooring is not the most expensive either. In fact, because of its long life, beauty and durability, Home Installation Professionals says that hardwood floors actually provide a greater value than nearly any other flooring material.

Chef Ben Vaughn gets many questions from avid foodies and kitchen-loving home cookers who want to know how to fine tune their cooking. On everything from sauces to scones, Chef Ben Vaughn wants readers to know that he has heard their cries and has some answers. Here are several highlights of Chef Ben Vaughn’s cooking tips.

Chef Ben Vaughn asks, “Do you want to get the lumps out of your white sauce?” He suggests that the next time you are making béchamel for lasagna, or any sauce that must be slow cooked, use an egg whisk. Thicken the sauce by whisking it, instructs Chef Ben Vaughn. Then you will be able to increase the temperature under the sauce by a tiny bit to speed up the process. These techniques, reports Chef Ben Vaughn, will lead to a smooth and delicious white sauce.

Barbecues have a lot of overlooked potential, says Chef Ben Vaughn. Fire up your barbecue next time you want to roast meat for a kitchen recipe. Chef Ben Vaughn adds a reminder that it’s important not to underestimate your barbecue. You’ve got a gourmet oven in your yard just sitting idle. Use it!

Chef Ben Vaughn gets a lot of questions about the delicate pastry art of making scones. Many cooks just can’t seem to keep scones from turning out like rocks. Chef Ben Vaughn suggests using a powerful Kitchen Aid mixer to handle the pastry dough. A common problem with scone batter is that it is handled for too long. A heavy-duty mixer will solve this problem. Also, says Chef Ben Vaughn, when you are done handling your scone batter it should be quite moist, not dry and crumbly.

Scones bake best, says Chef Ben Vaughn, in what professionals call a “rising oven.” What this means is that the oven must be turned on for preheating shortly before your batter is ready for baking. The scones should be put in the oven before the oven has reached its preheat temperature. This way the scones begin baking while the temperature in the oven is gradually increasing but never getting too high.

Stay tuned for more cooking tips from Chef Ben Vaughn

Tearing the roof off? Don’t make another move without the professionals at Mastercraft Exteriors.

White Bear Lake, MN, November 04, 2009 — Your home is your sanctuary. When time or stormy weather make your sanctuary vulnerable to the elements, you need to quickly find reliable help. But how do you go about this? Chances are, like most people, you never think about a roofer until you really need one.

Mastercraft Exteriors is a full service, nationwide contracting enterprise that has been delivering top quality home exteriors for well over a decade. Full service means just that. The specialists at Mastercraft Exteriors know much more than how to simply repair a weather-beaten home. They are also experts at negotiating with your insurance company to get you the money you need to make those necessary repairs.

“We are a family owned and operated business that has not forgotten what excellent service is all about,” says Richard Spanton, Jr., founder of Mastercraft Exteriors.

Located in the Midwest, land of some of the most treacherous storms on the continent, Mastercraft Exteriors has been helping to keep those storms out of homes since 1996. Whether your home has been affected by hail damage, tattered siding, or a leaky roof, Mastercraft Exteriors has the knowledge, reputation, and experience to solve your problems. Call Mastercraft Exteriors at their toll-free number and get help today!

Contact:
Mastercraft Exteriors
2340 Country Road J
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
877-ROOFS-02 (Toll Free)
763-315-0040
www.mastercraftexteriors.com