The Recovery Communities of North Carolina (RCNC) is a nonprofit organization that promotes addiction recovery, wellness, and citizenship through advocacy, education, and support.

This wonderful organization began as most things do, with an idea. In the summer of 2012, individuals in recovery, along with their families, friends, and supporters, noticed a need to host an event to raise awareness for addiction amid September’s “National Recovery Month”. From this, the 1st Annual Capital Area Rally for Recovery was born.

From the success of that first rally, the group began preparing for the second, but there was an opportunity to do so much more. Therefore, those individuals decided that a nonprofit recovery community organization should be established. This organization would sponsor the annual rally for recovery and support other recovery advocacy efforts. Thus, by the spring of 2013, the Recovery Communities of North Carolina was formed. The RCNC quickly joined the national recovery advocacy movement by becoming a member of Faces and Voices of Recovery’s Association of Recovery Community Organizations.

The RCNC aims to promote a culture that supports addiction recovery for, not only the individuals that struggle, but also the families and communities that are indirectly impacted. The organization wants to make sure that those North Carolinians seeking addiction recovery are given access to the highest quality of care, services, and support. They want to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction and let people know that those suffering are equal and valued members of the community.

Recovery Communities of North Carolina helps those struggling with addiction through wonderful programs. These programs work to help those in need overcome their addictions and find their place within the community. These programs include NC Access to Recovery (NCATR), which is a voucher program that extends the current array of services and availability of providers in the state by providing treatment and recovery support services through the use of grant funds, so participants can choose their services and providers freely and independently. There is also the Family and Ally Support Group, a non-clinical, non-12 step, mutual aid group driven and run by local family members impacted by substance use disorder that meet on Tuesdays and the Workforce Development and Entrepreneurial Program where participants learn through skill development experiential activities how to prepare for the workforce. All of these programs are wonderful tools and resources in ensuring that addiction doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they were meant to.

With two-thirds of Americans with friends or family members struggling with alcohol or other substance problems, it is likely that you have dealt with this issue first hand and are itching to help RCNC make a difference. While volunteering is a great option, the best way to make a difference is through a donation. Addiction treatment is just a single step on the path to recovery and that path is made all the more difficult when money issues are added in. People in recovery still need to hold down jobs, pay taxes, raise families, and contribute to their community. Any donation you can contribute will go a long way in helping RCNC get people better. These donations contribute to recovery support services like the Recovery Community Center, Volunteer opportunities, Recovery support groups, The Capital Area Rally for Recovery, Recovery Coaching, and Family support.

It is a sad fact that only about 10% of people needing addiction treatment actually get the help they need and most of the time that treatment is too brief. More than ever, these people need the help of their community and the support of organizations like RCNC! Please, take the time to look into RCNC and help make a difference today!

Learn more about Recovery Communities of North Carolina and the wonderful change they are making in the community and consider donating at http://www.rcnc.org

“If you have found recovery, consider giving the community your story as an instrument of hope and healing. If you have been blessed by resources that helped you find and sustain recovery, then join the fight to expand resources for those still suffering.” – William L. White

RCNC provides support in the form of serving as a statewide repository for training, education, technical support, outreach, and advocacy for those suffering with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring conditions. RCNC works closely with the community and is comprised of two specific areas or “arms”. The first offers service provision statewide in the form of training, technical assistance, recovery community center oversight and guidance, including organizational development, community assessments, and educational opportunities to providers of services to those with substance use disorders and their families.  The other arm is their recovery community center where they provide direct services for anyone needing recovery support. 

RCNC’s Recovery Community Center provides programs and services that address gaps in the quality of life for those seeking sustained recovery. This can include offering recovery coaching, care coordination, recovery plan development, treatment referrals, psychiatric advance directives, recovery circles, family groups, and sober community activities. These are all designed so recovering individuals can gain confidence on their journey of recovery, build affinity with others in their smile and project that into the interviews and goals they try to obtain. Or it could be helping individuals who have been convicted in the past of non-violent felonies gain employment and workforce development through programs.

What makes RCNC work you may wonder. It is simple; RCNC’s leadership and staff create success stories for those struggling with substance use disorder. Dr. Rita Anita Linger, PhD, CPC, CMBP, is driven by her passion to provide solutions to individuals dealing with substance use disorder. Substance use disorder has impacted her personally and she understands well the impact of addiction. She is a mother who has lost two children to a substance use disorder (one to an opioid overdose), as well as two nephews and her younger sister and others in her family experiencing long term recovery. However, her passion is not isolated to just her family but to all mankind. Dr. Linger has decades of experience providing leadership and designing and implementing holistic initiatives, in which marginalized and vulnerable populations are provided access to programs and services that empower them with a strong sense of hopefulness, confidence and skills, where they can begin building a quality life for themselves with support. Like any great warrior you are always moving to defend or assist those who are in need of help. This philosophy can be seen in Dr. Linger’s past. She is an award-winning community/public health and wellness professional. She has worked for over three decades to improve the quality of care for both community members seeking improved health outcomes and those who work with them. For most of Dr. Linger’s career she has led organizations both in the non-profit and for-profit worlds with her expertise in assessing community/public health and organizational needs, and moving forward to create solutions for seemingly intractable conditions is noteworthy. Her name and picture sits on a quilt next to Dorothy Cotton (Martin Luther King’s Civil Rights Aide and Confidante), in the DeWitt Historical Museum in New York State Museum (NYS) for her leadership in Social Justice and Community Health Advocacy work. She works daily in service of increasing understanding and support for the recovery movement including but not limited to substance use disorder and brain function, stigma reduction and the importance of language, genetic predisposition to substance use disorder as well as the power of epi-genetics. Dr. Linger is a recovery ally and has dedicated her life to helping to transform the image of how people see themselves so that they can move forward toward sustained recovery.

According to Dr. Rita Anita Linger, one of the reasons behind RCNC’s success is because they have their “finger on the pulse” of the needs of those who suffer from substance use disorder, those in early recovery, their families, and those who provide services for them. Dr. Linger believes that RCNC is able to achieve great success with their programs because the team at RCNC are very good at listening, and working with participants and providers in problem solving, and creating partnership solutions in a very innovative way, responding in meaningful ways to the very fluid environment of substance use disorder and recovery. Their programs and services are an outgrowth of community need and desires for change and movement. Dr. Linger is just one example at RCNC of the passion and empathy that resonates from every individual within the organization.  She provides her staff (which she called “the team”), with high accolades for their diligence, tenacity and passion to serve those who come through their doors every day.

What makes RCNC relatable and relevant? It has all the ingredients for success. Dr. Linger has a proven track record of providing much needed services to the citizens of North Carolina for 12 years. In addition, she has worked with people with SUDs for two decades and is personally familiar with the struggles people who suffer with addiction have from her personal experience of losing children and other family members to addiction, as well as helping other family members and loved ones move toward long term recovery. These experiences have fostered her passion about the mission of RCNC and her personal mission to help others. 

RCNC uses a multiple pathway approach when it comes to tailoring recovery programs for individuals. They believe that there isn’t a singular pathway for everyone to take on the road to recovery; what works for one may not work for another. For instance, anonymity has always been a factor when it comes to recovery. For many, confidentiality is important to them and they do not wish to disclose their substance use disorder or their recovery journey with those outside of their self-help group, so they attend anonymous groups or participate in phone services to find support guidance. While that may work for some, the idea of self-identifying has been gaining traction in the recovery movement and seems to be working well for many with substance use disorders. By self-identifying, individuals can begin transforming how they see themselves as recovering persons with a substance use disorder.

Individuals like Terri Conyers, the Statewide Manager of Community Relations, has been with RCNC since the beginning providing new resources and services to those RCNC serves as well as introducing organizations and individuals to RCNC and its rich and diverse programming. In regards to recovery, Terri herself is a success story being in sustained recovery for over 11 years. Terri shared, “To have the opportunity to engage with these individuals and to get to see them flourish, then rejoin society and make a difference in their community, is what we do and love doing.” Troy Manns, the Statewide Manager of Advocacy and Education has more than 17 years of experience of working with galvanized people and systems towards supporting long term recovery initiatives. He explains his mission as being an advocate for others. Troy himself has been in sustained recovery for almost two decades. Troy stated, “We are opening the box and inviting those who are in it to feel comfortable enough to come out, understand that they too have an opportunity and right to experience life in recovery and know there are people available to help them see that expectation become a reality”.

Another key RCNC team member includes Karen Kranbuehl, Chair of the Board of Directors. Karen stated that in the past it has been difficult for community members to find recovery supports that are a good fit for them. RCNC is committed to supporting multiple options in recovery. This makes it much easier for everyone to develop a personalized and multi-faceted recovery that can grow and change over their lifetimes. For example, RCNC offers people opportunities to incorporate things like meditation and nutrition in their recovery.  In terms of person-to-person support, until recently, it has appeared that Twelve Step support groups were the primary paths to recovery. RCNC can open up a whole world of person-to-person supports for an individual. For example, RCNC trains Recovery Coaches and Peer Support Specialists who can offer a completely different kind of person-to-person recovery support.

In addition to being the Chair of the Board of Directors, Karen contributes to RCNC’s efforts, by being a social justice advocate and serving on committees that actually drives change whether it is peer support definition committee, serving as the Chair for the State’s Substance Use Federation. Karen has also provided some no-cost trainings to RCNC participants in various settings through her company, SAY IT Solutions. SAY IT develops and delivers trainings that build individuals’ capacity for maintaining wellness by activating self-determination and self-advocacy. 

Board member, Eric Morse, M.D., who is an Addiction and Sports Psychiatrist and medical director for 3 opioid treatment programs, works tireless to change the stigma associated with substance use disorder not only with the public but also within the medical community.  “It’s hard to deal with substance use disorder on your own. It is a lonely disease. Having family, having friends and having a community network is so important. Having mentors and getting access to those people can be a challenge because not everyone advertises they are in recovery. Getting the help that folks need and what it takes to sustain recovery is key”, expressed Dr. Morse.

The quote, “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes” is a formula for empathy. RCNC consist of staff members who are either in long-term recovery from substance use disorder or are close family members of those who have suffered in the throes of addiction. This empathetic attitude is just one of the many ways that the team at RCNC is making a difference when it comes to recovery and substance use disorder. They understand the stigma around the disease and want to advocate for those dealing with SUDs and those who do not always have a voice in the community as it relates to addiction. The team at RCNC are not afraid to look at very difficult or uncomfortable circumstances and situations and begin asking the questions that need to be asked. In partnership with the participant, they take a look at these issues and begin opening the door of exploration with them, instead of turning a blind eye. 

Dr. Linger states that “RCNC staff act as a flashlight for the recoveree, shining a light on the path, and letting the recoveree discover the possibilities of a full life without shame or stigma which lie on their path.” The RCNC team conduct peer support and recovery coaching sessions where participants assist in the building of recovery plans and assessing recovery capital in the participant, as well as facilitate listening sessions and community readiness assessments using a participatory action approach to glean information on what community programs and services are working well, and the changes/additions that need to be made to improve service provision. For instance, as the population of those with SUDs is getting younger, those at RCNC see the need to stay relevant and include programs and services to attract these younger individuals and build the skill sets for those who will work with them. It is an ongoing cycle of providing help and gaining input from those being helped on what works and what doesn’t and serving with them empathy.  It is those strategies with an emphasis on empathy that makes RCNC so effective.  They have already provided direct service and trainings to well over 10,000 individuals and organizations in North Carolina since they began their work in 2016.

Not only is it important to put emphasis on recovery, but Dr. Linger and RCNC believes in showing others that’s passionate about helping others, how they can also gain experience in the process. This type of situation is sometimes provided through college internship programs of which RCNC builds positive relationships. Maria Garcia Hawley, who has been named by staff as “one of the brightest college interns the RCNC team has ever had the pleasure of working with”, is in college to become a substance use disorder professional. She shared something simple yet key to recovery, which is the importance of expressing empathy towards individuals, and how it aids in their recovery. “When discussing the need for empathy while working with individuals in recovery for substance use disorder, one must first discuss why it is important to be empathetic with people in this community. There is generally a negative stigma around substance use disorder, which has lead to many adverse effects on individuals in recovery. People entering treatment already experience feelings of shame and because of the stigma around the topic, they experience shame in recovery as well. This stigma often discourages people from disclosing that they are in recovery. Feelings of shame have not only been linked to one of the underlying causes of substance use but it is also related to an individual’s reasoning behind their return to use. So now one might wonder how empathy plays a role in recovery.”

It (empathy) is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. By expressing empathy, individuals are experiencing a person’s situation from within their frame of reference essentially placing themselves in another person’s position. There are a variety of ways people can be empathetic towards individuals, including but not limited to, understanding a person’s culture, having an attitude of acceptance, and being authentic. However, it is important to remember that being empathetic is not imposing direction or judgment. In terms of alcohol and drug recovery, being empathetic towards individuals can have a positive impact on the success of their recovery by creating a safe recovery environment. The benefits of using empathy with this community are endless.

Being empathetic towards individuals in recovery for substance use disorder is beneficial due to the fact that it combats many of the negative effects of substance use disorder. Not only does it communicate to people who are in recovery that their feelings are understood and respected, but it also allows people to better support the individual. It encourages a non-judgmental environment along with complimenting the individual instead of degrading them. These are just a few examples of how empathy is a key tool in helping individuals in their recovery. If these positive attributes are not enough to back up the idea that empathy is essential, there is also concrete evidence that reinforces this concept.

Most resources available to people in recovery use empathetic styles of communication when working with people who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. It has been proven that the best way to approach individuals with a substance use disorder is to meet them where they are in the recovery process, which can be achieved through expressing empathy. Peer-based programs such as recovery coaches and peer support specialists, along with evidence-based practices like motivational interviewing provide efficacious interventions that work in supporting individuals in recovery. RCNC believes, however, the use of empathy does not only have to take place in a clinical setting. Empathy can and should be used in everyday life to better relate to the people with whom we are engaging on a daily basis.   

Of course, recovery is never easy and there are multiple barriers that can get in the way. One of the biggest barriers is how substance use disorder and recovery are looked at by society. We need to stop looking at people who suffer from substance use disorder as if they chose to put that needle in their arm or those pills in their mouth. We need to begin looking at substance use disorder as what it is: a chronic brain disease. That is why RCNC makes it a priority to treat people that walk through their doors with dignity and respect with the sole goal of helping them, not judging them. “If we can change how those with a substance use disorder see themselves and through education, change how the world looks at them, then we can begin to seriously tackle the impact of stigma”, says Dr. Rita Anita Linger.

Organizations like RCNC cannot do it alone! Dr. Linger is grateful for the funds they receive from SAMHSA facilitated through the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse, in order to fulfill the mission and service provision of RCNC.  RCNC has also received funding from the Wake County Human Services as well as other funding sources.  SUDs and addiction are epidemics that need to be treated as such. RCNC could not provide the level of services they have without support; they need more support to meet the needs of the communities it serve across the state. Karen Kranbuehl stated, “When most people think of seeking formal help for substance use disorder, they think of clinical treatment. The reality, however, is that only a small fraction of people with SUD that actually receive treatment. For people who cannot access treatment, RCNC is an essential recovery resource. Moreover, people who do access treatment only have it for a period of days, weeks, or months. After that, they have an entire lifetime over which to sustain recovery. RCNC is in the community to support them.”

Those at RCNC hope to see changes in the legislation and laws that provide financial and legislative support for recovery and treatment efforts. RCNC believes that one of the major social determinants to sustained recovery is health and one of the barriers to recovery is lack of financial resources. People who come through the doors at RCNC are often dealing with multiple health issues in addition to their SUD (diabetes, heart disease, hernias, etc.) and they cannot afford the proper level of care needed so they see no other alternative but to turn to substances for relief. Medicaid expansion needs to occur in order for people to afford basic health care. The RCNC team are advocates for change in quality of life and sustained recovery for the many who want to live a life of freedom, value, joy and fulfillment. 

RCNC is part of the Second Chance voices of advocates in North Carolina and believe that all people in recovery are worth a second chance. We know that many formerly incarcerated people have non-violent felonies associated with substance use disorder or distribution, and those individuals will have a difficult time acquiring a livable wage job so that they can take care of themselves and their families unless the law changes. RCNC also have ambitions of having an entrepreneurial incubator that includes workforce development, care coordination, peer support, and recovery coaching. There will be a gradient of services where anyone that is in recovery can participate. Dr. Linger stated, “If we can have just one person, taking care of one person, we can transform addiction.”

RCNC believes that the community can make a huge difference in the level of care that RCNC can provide by getting involved as a donor and/or volunteer. While they are primarily funded through federal and state grants, they invite those who recognize the value of their work to donate and support them in whatever ways they can.  RCNC will soon be launching a sustainer program where individuals can sign up to donate a certain amount of money each month to RCNC and then choose what programs they want to support. RCNC also holds the Rally for Recovery every September in honor of Recovery month.  That event offers the opportunity for individuals to come together within the community and celebrate recovery. 

Anyone needing help or anyone who has someone struggling with addiction or even those who are curious to learn more about SUDs and recovery are invited to come visit RCNC. SUD is not an issue that picks and chooses who is affected; anyone can suffer from this disease. Substance use disorder can be an addition to not just drugs, but alcohol, prescription meds, etc.  So, it is important that everyone within the community be aware of this issue and know what to look for and how to respond when needed.  I strongly urge you to see how you can get involved!  

Contact Us:

www.rcnc.org – 824 North Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC

919-231-0248

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Right Choice Solutions, Inc. has a commitment to hire qualified professionals and is committed to producing great employees. This staffing agency will maintain and continue to support their professionals with a combination of adjusting to changes in the industry while staying focused on their goal, which is to provide quality services to their clients. They are successful in placing individuals and businesses together so that the clients and professionals can benefit from each other to reach success  

Right Choice Solutions, Inc. provides a variety of services to help support the needs of a business. They can provide the most qualified and reliable administrative services in the industry. Their staffing services provide short term, long term, and permanent direct hire positions. As a job seeker looking for project work, contract to full time positions or full time administrative jobs, this is the company to seek. The skills of their professionals are evaluated to provide the highest level of service. Right Choice Solutions, Inc. also provides professional and administrative staffing from entry level to management. Their service is designed to meet their client’s unique needs which cater to the fields of Business Administration, Medical/Dental Administration and Hospitality.

There are multiple advantages once clients partner up with Right Choice Solutions, Inc. As one of the leading providers of administrative and customer staffing services, they offer over 20 years of professional experience. As part of the recruitment process, they will assure the professionals that are assigned to a client’s facility are carefully screened, reference checked, and oriented. The screening process includes a phone/face-to-face interview, skills assessment, certificate verification, reference validation, background check, performance evaluation, and drug screens.

Right Choice Solutions, Inc. offers many resources to strive to meet the staffing needs and hiring objectives for clients. CEO, Eric Ellis says, “we want to continue the success of our company by increasing credibility and influence, which in turn will establish connections and profitability, which will stem from our strategic planning”. Their goal is to provide empowering solutions for staffing needs, to partner with customers to develop strategies that will improve performance, manageability, and availability. Not only is Right Choice Solutions, Inc. excelling in their business, they are also there to help their clients succeed.

Resistance training is a vital component to healthy living. Its benefits include a better night sleep and improved posture. It can assist in the prevention
and/or control of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, arthritis, back pain and depression. In those who are aging, resistance training may help to reduce cognitive decline and increase bone density and strength to minimize the risk of osteoporosis.

Resistance training is not only a good solution for the body but it is also good for the mind. Resistance training can boost self-esteem, perk up your attitude and even beat boredom. Resistance training also requires very little equipment. For example, you can get great results with dumbbells, resistance bands and a balance ball.

Resistance training is something you can do at the gym as well as home. The use of dumbbells and barbells can be utilized at any time. You can do squats anytime and anywhere. The results of resistance training will provide you with a more fit and toned body while also boosting your energy levels and improving your mood and balance.

 Retro Fitness combines state of the art facilities with the feel and atmosphere of a neighborhood gym. They offer members a wide array of plans and programs that are guaranteed to suit any lifestyle! Once you become a member, you gain access to Retro Fitness’ state-of-the-art equipment, high-energy group fitness classes, delicious and nutritious Retro blend smoothies, child-sitting, expert personal trainers, and so much more. 

 With two convenient locations in Durham and Downtown Raleigh, your only decision will be which location suits your life best! The Durham club is a hidden gem. The establishment is less than 2 years old and boasts 25,000 square feet dedicated to getting you into the best shape of your life. It also offers child watch, and is packed with state-of-the-art gym equipment and trainers ready to lend you a helping hand! From the front desk crew to the nationally certified personal training staff, Retro is committed to its members having everything they need to enjoy working out while achieving their health and wellness goals.

 Similarly, the gym located in downtown Raleigh is just as wonderful! With all of the latest gym equipment and amazing classes, there is simply no better place to work out! What really sets the Raleigh Retro Fitness apart is the atmosphere! Many bigger gyms can feel sterile and impersonal, but at Retro Fitness you feel at home. Being a smaller neighborhood gym, many of the members are just steps away from their own front door. So when you walk in Retro Downtown it feels like an extension of your own back yard.

Of course, no matter which location you choose, you will be guaranteed a level of service that is beyond compare! 

 So what is it that really sets Retro Fitness apart? Well for starters, they have a commitment to, not only providing the highest level of customer service to members, but also to helping members reach their health and wellness goals. With their membership, each member is given a complimentary Program Design session. This entails a one on one consultation with one of Retro Fitness’ Personal Training managers where you discuss, in detail, all of your health and wellness goals. You also receive an assessment that will show the manager, as well as yourself, where you stand in regard to fitness levels. With this information in hand, the personal training manager will compile and provide you with a detailed caloric needs analysis, first three weeks of cardio programming, and an initial workout program! Once you join Retro Fitness you will be at ease knowing you are not alone in your fitness journey! 

 Note in the Pocket is able to achieve this by being alerted through schools and social service agencies throughout the community of those children in need. Then, through the kindness of donations, they supply those children with clothing year around. 

This wonderful organization began from a family ministry in 2005. One family saw fit to take it upon themselves to provide clothing for some of the less fortunate children in an impoverished school. That one act of kindness spread throughout the community and more people became interested in lending a helping hand. In 2012, the small family ministry that started it all became a church ministry of Our Lady of Lourdes and began operating under their nonprofit status. It truly is a story of how one good deed can make a huge difference in the world. 

 In March of 2103, Note in the Pocket officially became a legally formed North Carolina corporation! And they have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. The corporation seeks stronger community support for high quality, weather and school appropriate clothing donations, volunteers to help process clothing donations and deliver clothing packages to schools and agencies, and the financial support to grow the staff and facility size needed to provide clothing to an additional 500 students per year.

 Note in the Pocket recently reached 2,500 students in 2015 and are on target to reach their goal of 3,000 students in 2017. They are truly living up to their motto: Clothing Children with Dignity and Love!

 You can find out more about Note in the Pocket including where to make donations, how to become a volunteer, and all the latest news by visiting www.noteinthepocket.org.

The owner, Jamie Hyman, has a strategic goal to provide development, training, and preparation for students to pass the State of North Carolina’s Barbering exam. This Institute is not only just for barbering, but it is also designed to build a stronger community while operating with expectations of students having the ability to obtain leadership, social, and interpersonal skills to function professionally.

D&D Barber Institute was founded by a friend of Mr. Hyman,who named the business after his parents. Mr. Hyman decided to become a partner on the business because he could relate to his friend in many ways; they both did not have their fathers in their lives while growing up. The barbering business was an escape to take their minds off of things. D&D Barber Institute is on the rise to expand on the variety of services that are provided for their clients and students, men and women. Mr. Hyman shares that he is “allowing the Institute to have beauty school at night within the next two months”. The institute partners with a company that gives free screenings, including free HIV screenings.

D&D Barber Institute strives to contribute to economic development to create a better community. Not only does this Institute perform generous acts such as give free hair cuts to kids, veterans, etc., but they also plan to reach out to Durham’s police department to collaborate together on making a positive difference within the city of Durham. He says, “we are looking for community help in raising funds to fix the facility being that it is an older school”. In addition, they are looking for volunteers to help create a better economy. They are doing as much they can in making a difference in the community. The goal is to build stronger communities through the implementation of technical educational programming and grooming services to individuals. Their mission is to enhance the development and talent in each student by providing knowledge and training in the arts and skills in barbering. Additionally, D&D Institute has held a Barbering Professional Development Workshop with Wake Technical Community College for those in the workforce in Continuing Education.

The Institute excels in helping others in any way possible, whether it is helping a student to develop into becoming a successful Barber or in helping the community. The organization successfully provides services to those who face difficult obstacles in life when meeting needs regarding employment, education, and access to business opportunities in low socioeconomic areas in Durham, North Carolina and in counties in close proximity. D&D Barber Institute will continue to serve the community while developing the city of Durham into a better place. For more information on D&D Barber Institute, visit www.danddbarberinstitute.info .

Ten years later, I continue to be surprised by how little the public really understands about the topic. Most think it‘s strictly about your credit. But there’s a much bigger picture people need to know about.

Criminal identity theft is a little-known problem that can really hinder a job search. This form of identity theft involves someone using your name and identifying information to commit a crime. As background checks become more common in the hiring process, identity theft can become a major stumbling block to getting hired.  

I have friends who were denied employment due to criminal identity theft. None of them knew about it beforehand, and, if they had not inquired to find out why they did not receive the job – they might not have known it then either. One friend spent 129 days in jail because of the criminal activities of an identity thief. It has taken her a decade to clear her name.  

Identity theft involving our healthcare records is the newest major threat. The 2015 Study on Privacy and Security of Healthcare Data, conducted by the Ponemon Institute, found that 91% of the healthcare organizations they surveyed had between one and 5 data breaches in the last 2 years.

Cases of medical identity theft reached 2.3 million in 2014. Medical identity theft happens when an imposter walks into a clinic or hospital using your name and identifying information. Your medical records can be altered with diseases you don’t have, and critical data such as your blood type can be changed. In a trauma situation, this incorrect data can become life threatening.

How would you know if you were a victim of criminal or medical identity theft? 

Watch out for these:

• Being denied employment or access to any activity that required a background check. Make sure you inquire as to the reason for the denial.
• Being stopped by a police officer, and you’re not sure why. Be sure to ask. Unknown outstanding arrest warrants are a possibility!
• Receiving an “explanation of benefits” notice from your insurance carrier, or a bill for a healthcare provider. If you haven’t had any healthcare procedures, investigate immediately!
• HIPAA laws can deny you access to your own records once somebody else has their information in them! You may need assistance from an attorney.
• An increase in health insurance premiums due to a condition you do not have!
• A drop in your credit score for non-payment of a doctor or hospital bill you know nothing about!

If you prefer working through the issue yourself, you can find helpful information by going to identitytheft.gov.

The best resolution for these situations is to have a comprehensive identity theft protection program in place, which includes private investigator services, before an incident happens. To communicate with an experienced identity protection specialist, email your first/last name, contact #, and best time for us to contact you to info@thecityinsightmag.com. Make sure to mention this article.

Mr. Moore named his company Nyla Elise after his daughter. This is a fact that his daughter loves and is proud to share with everyone. In fact, when his daughter first saw someone else wearing the Nyla Elise brand, she felt a surge of pride for her father and his hard work. Moore boasts about his daughter saying, “She is not the selfish type and loves helping others”, which is a good representation of the Nyla Elise Company because helping others also plays a role in his business.

Of course, there are challenges as with any venture. Moore shares on the challenges that come with being a designer and entrepreneur by saying, “The process of learning of what you’re about to start is the main challenge to overcome. You have to take in account about funding or how to get an actual product made”. He also adds, “That’s the main thing anyone should figure out because it is not for sure how much money will be needed for the business”. However, with a strong passion anything is possible. Moore shares that his biggest triumph was staying up countless nights trying to create and hone his craft. 

 At a young age, Mr. Moore expressed a passion in playing basketball. He would work hard to win games and he blossomed into a very alented and highly skilled player in high school. He was so talented that various high school coaches throughout North Carolina reached out to him to play for their schools. However, Mr. Moore held out for a school that had the best program to fit his talent. He eventually found that program in Word of God Christian Academy, also known as WOGCA. It was there that he made a name for himself in the basketball world, appearing in the newspaper quite often.

 Even though Mr. Moore excelled at basketball, he was eventually pulled toward his other passion: fashion. Growing up, his biggest fashion influences were his two uncles. He says, “They lived an elegant, edgy and very fashionable life. They took pride in their appearances and in who they were [as individuals]”. They showed him how a man should carry himself. Mr. Moore shares a wise word from the well dressed, and that is “If you look good then you feel good”. He continues to take his Uncles’ words on how to carry himself as a man.

While fashion was always a passion for Moore, it wasn’t until a man sold him T-shirt equipment that his love for designing emerged. He learned the process of using the equipment by viewing videos and getting help from a buddy who ran his own t-shirt shop. From then on, Moore knew where his heart lay and that was in the design world.

 In a productive business nothing is ever achieved alone. Mr. Moore surrounds himself with a supportive team with the same mindset of being dreamers. These people share the same ideals and the same belief that it is important to make your dreams a reality. He states, “It is not easy to be on the cover of The City Insight Magazine and it is not easy to get a two-page article in Black Enterprise”. His drive helped him reach those milestones in his career and he continues to thrive in the fashion industry with a vengeance.

 Mr. Moore also believes that everyone has something in them that they love to do. Of course, everyone also has a story or a situation that could hold them back from their dreams. What is important is to not give up on those dreams and to push past the obstacles. This former basketball player turned fashion designer is living proof of that.

 Mr. Moore also thinks that it is good to have a perspective on what is important. He says, “First, I thank God and then I am grateful for my work ethic and talent”. Mr. Moore also believes that anyone can make it big from wherever they are located: “I can be a fashion designer and make it big in Raleigh. I do not have to go to New York, or California to make it big. Bring the big cities to where you are located”. 

 While Mr. Moore is seeing success, he has no plans on slowing down. He feels that Nyla Elise is so much bigger than him or his daughter: it is a movement. He has huge dreams to create a multi-million dollar company. Of course, it is not about the money or becoming rich to Mr. Moore, but it is about being able to foster a whole new generation of kids that may not have much or just need that extra push in the right direction.

Mr. Moore creates, prints and sells everything that is under his company’s name. Every shirt he designs has a meaning behind it. A great example of this is on a shirt that reads “Natural Vibes Only” with one of his favorite pictures of his daughter on the shirt. He created that shirt because his daughter was at school and was wondering why her hair wasn’t like the other girl’s hair. He explained to her that her hair was beautiful the way it was because that’s how God made it. Natural vibes are the way to go whether it is in households or functioning in society. He sees his shirts as conscious clothing, a tool of empowerment.

 Nyla Elise is not only well received on a local level, on a national level as well by very known celebrities and influential people. He proudly shares that, “Cedric the Entertainer stood next to Will Smith with a jacket made by me.” It is not just Cedric the Entertainer that is noticing Moore’s designs, but actors like George Lopez and Olivia Wilde have supported the company along with many other celebrities. This is something Moore really aims for. He wants his brand to be on the platform and on the backs of celebrities because he feels like his designs are the best. He works extremely hard, uses the best material and has a unique and creative mind within the fashion world.

 In fact, Mr. Moore has known Kevin Hart for about three and a half years and Kevin has seen Mr. Moore grow as a designer. Last time they talked, Kevin told Mr. Moore, “I keep supporting you because you are such a hard worker”. Mr. Moore is modest about his success and shares that his accomplishments give him goose bumps; he says, “no job is too small”. It is that mindset that is propelling Moore to the top!”

 Social media and technology has also played a part in Moore’s success. Mr. Moore partners with Lenovo. Lenovo has given him the tools to create and make his creations come to life. Lenovo traveled internationally to shoot a commercial using one individual from a select few regions, and once Lenovo made its’ way to the USA they chose Mr. Moore to do the commercial.

Something that really sets Rick Moore apart is how he measures success. He doesn’t factor in money or notoriety, but rather by how many footprints he has made in someone’s life. Of success, he shares that, “I measure it by how many people come up to me and say how much I inspire them. I get letters about how I inspire others”. Because of this, Moore is certain that Nyla Elise will be a $100 million company five years from now. All of the feelings from his garments are good feelings and will make you feel good about yourself. His clothing obtains significant meaning along with making a notable fashion statement.  

Mr. Moore also shared some information on his upcoming book and how it is going to be about his business. It will touch on the things he experienced in life and on the process of starting his business. He says that being an entrepreneur can be frustrating and the experience of starting a business can be a bit overwhelming. People want success quick and fast which he calls a “microwave America” and America needs to get away from that concept. People need to realize that the best stories are the under-developed stories being that struggling is the part to break through to reach success.

 If there is one thing Moore would like people to remember about him, it is that he doesn’t believe in dream killers that treat his work like any other type of work. He only focuses on the positive forces in life and those who help instead of hinder. This is something Moore shares when he speaks at colleges, high schools, and to regular youth to empower and inspire.

 Nyla Elise clothing line is for anyone who wants to make a positive statement with apparel while looking and feeling great in the process. To learn more, visit www.nylaelise.com.

Interview By Ella Frazier

According to Tara Henry, she was inspired to open Authors and Art studio after successfully building Pedagogy Art home studio party business. She soon out grew the space in her home and decided then to create Authors and Art. Tara, who describes herself as always evolving into a better version of herself. She is a wife, mother, artist, entrepreneur and friend. The mission of Authors and Art is to build connections, the one basic thing that drives everything. “I see a real need for the creative outlet that my studio proves to the community”. She believes the strong relationships she is fostering throughout the community will earn the community’s support.

Tara herself created the atmosphere at Authors and Art with lots of positive energy, plants, natural wood and sweet smells. This leads to artist being able to find, and loose themselves in their creative process. Authors and Art is for those looking to have or participate in an art party experience whether its for adults or children. It’s for someone looking to hold a social or corporate event. Authors and Art provides an intimate, affordable venue for non-art events.

The reputation of Authors and Art is growing and attracting such local talent as musician Cardye Smooth and Nicole Hampton, author of Glimmer in the Darkness, Shawnonne Pickett, author of the children’s book Henry the Couch, just to name a few.

Tara’s vision for the future is that Authors and Art continue to grow and make an impact on the community by supporting more non-profits and other organizations seeking art immersion into their programs. Tara is very passionate about the art and youth. She hopes to host free children’s events to expose them to art and other creative outlets. The hope is for Authors and Art to be the sought after destination. Currently the studio is an affordable venue for non-art events and the vision of others.

To learn more or for your customized experience, make sure to visit their website at www.authorsandart.com