Uraban Experience Magazine Decem : simplebooklet.com

3WRITERS & STAFFMAGAZINE OUTLETSCONTRIBUTORSAnkeny Kirkendall Library1250 SW District DriveAnkeny, Iowa 50023Altoona Public Library700 Eighth Street SWAltoona, Iowa 50009Central Library1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309DMACC Urban Campus1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314Eastside Library2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317Evelyn Davis Center801 Suite #3, University Ave, Des Moines IA 50314Forest Library1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314Franklin Library5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310Johnston Library6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, Iowa 50131Northside Library3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313Neighborhood Finance4908 Franklin AvenueDes Moines, Iowa 50310Senior Polk County2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines IA 50314Slow Down Coffee Co.3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313Southside Library 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50315The Playhouse831 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312The Zone of Comfort- Life Balance Center3829 71st Street B-1, Urbandale, Iowa 50322Urbandale Public Library3520 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322West Des Moines Library4000 Mills Clive Pkwy,West Des Moines, Iowa 50365Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home3500 6th AvenueDes Moines. Iowa 50313Celeste LawsonDonnetta AustinCaleb Thomas Lenore Metrick-Chen Gianni BerryCourageous FireDebra Carr Gary LawsonBert Moody20126ContentLori Young46 101216282024*PHOTO CREDIT FOR STOCK PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE PUBLICATION - PEXELS AND FREEPIKCreative Director Nikki Goldman LosRos GraphixLosRos.comEditor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley EDITORS MESSAGECOMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTTIPS & RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES FACING ALZHEIMER'S OR DEMENTIA THISHOLIDAY SEASONA BARBER'S STORY OF SURVIVING A STROKEREDUCE HOLIDAY SPENDING TIME TO REFLECTIT'S TIME TO THRIVE IN 2025THE PARADOX OF PROGRESS: AMERICA'S REALITY OF ENDURING CONTRADICTIONS

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5H APPY HOLIDAYS The holidays are a special time of year, but they can also bring unique challenges. Between gift shopping, family gatherings, and work commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This holiday season, I encourage you to let go of the stress and let faith guide you. Here are a few tips to help you find peace and joy during this busy time:Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally, especially when life throws challenges your way. It’s easy for life’s events to dampen your mood and push thankfulness to the back of your mind. But practicing gratitude is key. You can start by telling others you’re thankful for them or reflecting on your life and appreciating the experiences you’ve been through, even the tough ones.Writing down your thoughts can be incredibly powerful. I personally enjoy journaling about what I’m thankful for. On tough days, reading through my journal helps lift my spirits and reminds me of the things that bring me joy.Growth is hard without reflection. You need to understand where you’ve been to know where you’re headed. Taking time to reflect on your thoughts and experiences gives you a chance to identify areas that need change and helps you stay grounded in gratitude.BLESSINGS, DWANA BRADLEYGET THE1. PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE. 2. KEEP A JOURNAL3. REFLECT REGULARLY XPERIENCE URB N

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7A BARBER'S STORY OF SURVIVING A STROKESURVIVING A STROKEAMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATIONBy: Laura Williamson,American Heart AssociationIt was a regular, typical Monday morning, and Craig Hunt was behind his barber chair performing a regular, routine haircut for a client. He noticed that he was losing movement on the left side of his body, and as a left-handed barber, he was slightly alarmed. “It never entered my mind that I was having a stroke,” Craig said. “It’s something that you never think will happen to you.”Craig called his doctor, who told him to call an ambulance and get to the hospital immediately, where doctors performed surgery to remove the clot in his brain. “I was feeling ne when I came to work that morning. Ready to roll, get through my routine, provide service to my friends… Next thing you know, an hour or two later on, I’m in a hospital bed getting surgery,” Craig said.After his stroke Craig endured a long process of rehabilitation to relearn to use his left hand and get back to performing services for his friends and clients. But in the middle of his road to recovery, Craig also began thinking about how he could pay it forward to help others in his community ght the “silent killer” among them.More than 100 million American adults have some level of high blood pressure, and African Americans in the U.S. have a higher prevalence of high blood pressure than many other racial or ethnic groups. One known problem among African American men is the low rate of preventative care and treatment. As a result, hypertension can be poorly controlled, which leads to premature death, heart attacks, kidney failure and stroke. To turn these numbers around, the American Heart Association worked with Craig to establish a program at his barbershop that educates customers about their blood pressure and ways to control it.“A lot of men don’t like to go to the doctor to "A lot of men don’t like to go to the doctor to get their blood pressure checked,” Craig explains. “We always think we’re okay even when we’re tired and not feeling well. That’s why it’s kind of like a silent killer.”get their blood pressure checked,” Craig explains. “We always think we’re okay even when we’re tired and not feeling well. That’s why it’s kind of like a silent killer.”Craig’s customers have the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked by nursing students from Mercy College of Health Sciences on site at the barbershop on a weekly basis. Each nursing student is required to devote eight hours to this community health initiative as part of the curriculum, and students incorporate educational resources from the American Heart Association to support their engagement and practice with each patron.“This community collaboration is really a win-win for everybody,” said Wes Franklin, community impact director for the American Heart Association. “We’re meeting people where they are to help address a serious health problem in our community and we’re also giving the students who

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9participate in the program real-world experience that will be so valuable to them as they embark on their medical careers.”The initiative has grown to additional barbershops and partnerships with the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Urban Dreams and has now also expanded into Des Moines Area libraries, as well, thanks to additional funding through the Iowa Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative. To date, the program has impacted more than 1,500 individuals throughout the Des Moines Metro.“This work with the American Heart Association could possibly save somebody’s life, could possibly save somebody from having a stroke,” Craig said. “If it’s making a difference in one person’s life, a hundred people’s life… it’s already made a difference in my life and my friends’ lives. That alone is enough for me.”For more information on the American Heart Association’s work across Iowa, visit www.heart.org/Iowa“This work with the American Heart Association could possibly save somebody’s life, could possibly save somebody from having a stroke,” Craig said. “If it’s making a difference in one person’s life, a hundred people’s life… it’s already made a difference in my life and my friends’ lives. That alone is enough for me.”CHECK IT OUT:YOUR BLOODPRESSUREAT THE LIBRARY CHECK IT OUT:YOUR BLOODPRESSUREAT THE LIBRARY Free BloodPressureScreeningsWeekly bloodpressure screeningsare now available. Ifyou have high bloodpressure, The IowaClinic, Primary HealthCare – West SideClinic, and UnityPointClinic – FamilyMedicine -Waukee can help connect youwith care to monitorand manage yourblood pressure.WAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARYDES MOINES PUBLICLIBRARY(CENTRAL CAMPUS ONLY)WEST DES MOINES PUBLICLIBRARYGRIMES PUBLIC LIBRARYURBANDALE PUBLICLIBRARYCheck it Out:BP at HomeToolkit Don't have a wayto check yourblood pressureregularly? Checkout a BloodPressure at Hometoolkit for twoweeks at a time.You'll receive hearthealth and bloodpressureinformation withthe kit.HAPPENINGNOW!Have a question? WESLEY FRANKLIN, COMMUNITY IMPACT DIRECTORWESLEY.FRANKLIN@HEART.ORG, 515.414.3203PARTICIPATINGSITES

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11Hello Urban Experience Magazine Readers:I pray you had an amazing 2024 and 2025 will be even greater. As we enjoy the last month of the year, it’s time to take a moment to reﬂect on this year, what was good, bad and ugly. It is reasonable to say if we are going to live this life, we will all experience a combination of the three. Inspite of disappointments, failures, or setbacks you had in 2024, I’m here to tell you by faith, 2025 is your year to thrive. It’s one thing to say that, but as we all know faith without works is dead, so ask yourself what work you are willing to put into the new year. Also, ask yourself what does thriving look like for you, and in what areas. As a Christian Mental Health Counselor and Sex and Porn Addictions Recovery Coach, I like to help my clients thrive in all areas of life including Mental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and even Financial. So, if you were to address each of these, ask yourself how your mental health has been throughout the year, obviously that would include any dicult moments such as health challenges to you or a loved one or a death in the family. Take a moment and ask how you processed the situation if not think about how you can process it in 2025, one option may be to meet with a therapist. How has your physical health been, for me this year my cholesterol has struggled, so I had to change my diet and began cutting back by eating less meat and more fruits and veggies for starters and other things I took on to improve my health. For your emotional well-being take some time to think about past or present hurts, pain, and trauma, what are some things you can do to heal the emotional hurt, let’s start with forgiveness. How about Spiritually, perhaps you have grown weary in well doing, perhaps your prayers for healing, ﬁnancial breakthrough or a helpmate of a wife or husband didn’t come this year. Remember to never waiver in your faith and surround yourself with strong believers and continue IT’S TIME TO THRIVE IN 2025!Mental HealthWritten by: Caleb Thomas, M.A. LMHCto read, study, and meditate on the Word of God for yourself. You can do a Fast (make sure your health will allow you to) to seek and to hear God more clearly. Financially, perhaps you’re working hard to pay o your debts, ﬁrst take a moment to ask yourself, “How did I get here”? I understand some things we may need in case of an emergency, compared to some things we just want to have. Along with your ﬁnances, think about getting a Trust and a Will set up along with having Life Insurance. For some people they do not think along these lines and things do happen, for some it may become a “ GoFundMe” situation for those left behind. So, remember to thrive in 2025, you must have the drive, and here at Thomas & Associates, we are here to encourage you to do just that. If you need help, support, or guidance in any of these areas, please reach out to our oce. If you are struggling during this season and are feeling depressed and even suicidal, please call 988 the emergency hotline. Know you are loved and cherished and the world needs you, and God wants you to fulﬁll the plans and the purpose He has for your life. Selah. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Blessings,Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC319 206-0651caleb@thomasacc.comthomasacc.comThomas & Associates Counseling & ConsultingCounseling with a God given purpose!

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13SpotlightCommunityHadley Harvey and Reem Kirja2024 JOHN LEWIS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERSArticle and Photo Credit: Iowa Secretary of State, Paul Pate Hadley Harvey, a senior at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, has shown exceptional leadership through her roles as Chair of the Des Moines Youth Advisory Board, Public Relations Chair for the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council, and member of her school's Student Leadership Collective. Her impact extends to establishing apprenticeship programs, leading city beautification efforts, organizing voter registration drives, and contributing to teacher development initiativesReem Kirja, a senior at Iowa City West High School, has earned recognition as a Top 10 Under 25 Changemaker and received multiple human rights awards. Her advocacy led to the inclusion of Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, Yom Kippur, and Lunar New Year as school holidays. As Executive Board member of Model United Nations and founder of the West Student Fund, she works to ensure all students can participate in extracurricular activities.2024 John Youth Leadership Award WinnersSpotligthtHadley HarveyReem Kirja

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15Following the death of Congressman John Lewis, the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was established, an esteemed honor that celebrates the exceptional contributions of young people they make in their communities. Each year, Secretaries of State across the US have the ability to honor up to two individuals for their impact to their respective communities.Throughout Lewis’ career as a U.S. Representative, he remained a strong advocate for voting rights and constantly encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic process. By establishing the John Lewis Leadership Youth Award, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) ensures that his legacy lives on.The impact of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award extends far beyond the recipients themselves. By acknowledging and celebrating youth activism, the award inspires other young individuals to get involved and make a dierence in their own communities. It sends a powerful message that age is not a barrier to creating change and that every voice matters in shaping the future of our nation.Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and NASS are partnering to give the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award to up to two Iowans aged 25 or younger for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to civic engagement.Nominations for 2025 will be accepted January 1 - May 31, 2025.Submissions should be uploaded to the link below or sent to Jaime.Rutan@sos.iowa.gov. In the Subject Line, please use JLYA - (and the name of the nominee)2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award - Submission Form The recipient must be a resident of Iowa and 25 years or younger at the time of the award presentation. The recipient is recognized in their community for being civic-minded and improving the quality of life in their community. The recipient has shown a meaningful commitment to address civil rights issues, including but not limited to voting rights, and to authentically bring about positive change in his or her community. Examples could include youth leadership in a speciﬁc project or program, advocacy, or even literature as the Congressman also won a National Book Award for young people’s literature..JOHN LEWIS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDNOMINATIONS SHOULD DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING:Education:

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17REDUCE HOLIDAY SPENDINGFINANCIALEDUCATION:HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CONSIDER TO REDUCE HOLIDAY SPENDING. 1. Set a Budget: Decide on a total spending limit before you start shopping and stick to it.2.MakeaList:Writedownwhoyou'rebuyinggisfor and what you'd like to get them, avoiding impulse buys.3. Track Your Spending: Keep a running total of your spending throughout the season to ensure you stay within budget.4. Shop Early: Start shopping early to take advantage of sales and avoid last-minute, high-priced items.5. DIYGis:Createhandmadegislikebakedgoods,cras,orphotoalbumsthathaveapersonaltouch.6. LimitGiGiving:SuggestagiexchangeorSecretSanta within your family or friend group to reduce thenumberofgispurchased.7. UseCash:Paywithcashorawithdebitcardinstead of credit to avoid overspending and interest charges.8. SetPriceLimitsforGis:Agreeonapricecapforgiswithfriendsandfamilytokeepspendingreasonable.9. UseCouponsandDiscountCodes:Searchforonline discount codes or use apps that alert you to deals and savings.10.BuyinBulk:Purchasegisinbulkwherepossible, such as sets of candles, socks, or other small items that can be divided among recipients.11. GiveExperiences,NotThings:Oertobabysit,cook dinner, or plan a fun outing instead of purchasing material items.12. Shop Sales: Take advantage of Black Friday, CyberMonday,andotherholidaysales.13.UseLoyaltyPointsorRewards:Redeemanyaccumulated credit card points or store loyalty rewardstopayforgis.14. DIY Decorations: Make your own holiday decorationsusinginexpensiveorrecycledmaterials.15.AvoidExtendedWarranties:Skippurchasingextendedwarrantiesonelectronicsandgadgets,whichareoenunnecessary.16.LimitTravelCosts:Iftravelisnecessary,bookightsandaccommodations,early,orconsiderstaying with family to save on lodging.17.SendE-Cards:Saveonpostageandcardcostsby sending e-cards or digital greetings instead of physical holiday cards.18.PlanPotluckMeals:Ifhosting,askgueststobring a dish to share, reducing the cost of food for large gatherings.19. WrapGisCreatively:Useoldnewspapers,fabricscraps,orreusablegibagsinsteadofexpensivewrapping paper.20.Re-GiThoughtfully:Ifyouhaveunused,unopeneditems,considerre-giingthemtosomeonewho would appreciate them.21. SetUpAlertsforPriceDrops:Signupforemailnoticationsoruseappsthatalertyouwhenanitemyou’reinterestedindropsinprice.22. WatchforFreeShipping:Manyretailersoerfree shipping during the holidays; try to consolidate your purchases or meet minimum requirements to avoidextrashippingfees.23. Shop on Secure Websites: Ensure the site is secure (look for “https” and a padlock icon) to protect your payment information.

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1924.AvoidBuyingonPublicWi-Fi:Useasecurenetwork when making purchases to protect your sensitivenancialinformation.25. TakeAdvantageofDigitalGiCards:Someretailersoerdiscountsorpromotionsondigitalgicardsthatcanbeusedasgisorforfuturepurchases.26. LeaveItemsinYourCart:Sometimes,leavingitems in your cart for a few days can trigger discount emailsorspecialoersfromtheretailer.27.ReviewReturnPolicies:Checkthereturnpoliciesbeforebuying,especiallyforholidaygis,toavoidextracostsonunwanteditems.28. SetUpSpendingAlertsonYourCreditCard:Ifyoushop online frequently, set up alerts with your credit card company to notify you of large or suspicious purchases.29.BewareofFakeSales:Someretailersinatepricesbefore discounting them. Be familiar with the regular pricesofitemsyou’reinterestedinsoyoucanspotrealdeals.30.Don’tFallforFlashSales:Avoidthetemptationtobuyitemsjustbecausethey’reonalimited-timesale;only buy things you truly need or planned for.graphixLosRosgLOSROSGRAPHIX@GMAIL.COM • LOSROS.COMServicesPhoto EditingApparel DesignMemorial PhotosLogo & BrandingMagazine DesignCustom Design

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21America's Realit of Enduring ContradictionsWritten By: Cleophus P. Franklin Jr.The Paradox of Progress:On the night of the 2024 election, a microcosm of America's complex identity unfolded. As votes were tallied and a new president-elect emerged, the nation experienced a simultaneously shared yet deeply divided emotional landscape. Some celebrated with elation, others mourned with despair, while many sat in thoughtful apprehension. Yet, beneath these varied reactions lay a fundamental truth: the America of the night before remained fundamentally the same America of the morning after—a country of contradictions where joy and grief coexist.They say two opposing things can be correct at the same time. This phenomenon, often described as a paradox, feels like an apt reection of our nation’s reality. But I’d argue it’s more than that; it’s America's harsh truth and duality—a dynamic tension that isn’t new but rather intrinsic to who we are and where we’re headed. And this election result is not just the beginning of this puzzle, as our country, with our history and current state, will have a future yet to be determined.That is the essence of our national paradox—a country perpetually wrestling with its own identity, simultaneously progressive and regressive, inclusive and exclusionary, hopeful and haunting. Which brings me to a question I ponder and ask: Is this America different, the same, or an eternal work in progress?To understand this paradox, we must confront our founding ideals and the contradictions baked into them. Our democracy was built on the lofty principle that “all men are created equal,” even as it codied profound inequality. The Three-Fifths Compromise, written in Article One Section Two of the Constitution, declared that enslaved people would be counted as three-fths of a person for congressional representation. This mathematical dehumanization was not a mere historical footnote but a dening statement about who mattered in our nascent democracy.The journey from that moment to our current understanding of equality is neither linear nor complete. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in 1865, and the Fourteenth Amendment eliminated the Three-Fifths Clause in 1868, but legal equality did not immediately translate to social equality.My family's story reects this complex narrative. My parents, both born in 1929, came of age during the Jim Crow era—a system of institutionalized racial segregation that persisted for nearly 80 years. They witnessed and survived a system designed to marginalize them, yet they also met, married, built successful careers, and raised a family. Their resilience is a testament to their systemic challenges and the potential for individual and collective progress. My mother often said, “People who think they paradox

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23know won’t hesitate to tell how the story ends before it starts. I don’t pay them any mind, as I just let them keep talking while I create my own story ending!’At its core, America is a nation dened by diversity. Built by immigrants, shaped by multiple cultures, and continuously redened by new perspectives, our economic and cultural vitality thrives on this dynamic interchange. Our economic and cultural vitality has always emerged from this dynamic interchange. Migrant workers, often invisible in national narratives, contribute over $175 billion to the GDP and support more than 2.3 million agricultural, shing, and forestry jobs. They are not just laborers but architects of our economic landscape.Yet even as we celebrate diversity, we struggle to embrace it. Programs like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), designed to formalize and support multicultural integration, are under attack. Political pushback, economic uncertainties, and shifting cultural narratives have led many organizations to scale back these initiatives, revealing the ongoing tension between idealistic principles and practical implementation.The border represents another stark contradiction. While migrant workers are essential to our economic fabric, immigration policies often treat them as disposable. The zero-tolerance policies that separate families at the U.S.-Mexico border stand in sharp contrast to the very economic contributions these same communities make.So, I return to my question: Is this America different, the same, or an eternal work in progress?Are we one of the above or all three? Are we a nation perpetually confronting its contradictions?Are we a democracy that continues to expand its denition of who belongs, who matters, and what justice looks like by delivering an America that delights some and disappoints others along our trajectory?—------------------------------------------------------Cleophus P. Franklin Jr. is a former agriculture global business executive. He is the Founder and CEO of Franklin Strategic Solutions and the Franklin Leadership Foundation. Franklin is also a Senior Corporate Fellow at the University of Houston - - Downtown and a published author of seven books.People who think they People who think they know won’t hesitate to know won’t hesitate to tell how the stoy ends tell how the stoy ends before it stats. I don’t before it stats. I don’t pay them any mind, as pay them any mind, as I just let them keep I just let them keep talking while I create talking while I create my own stoy ending!my own stoy ending!““''

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25As families come together this holiday season, they may notice cognitive changes in a loved one they don’t see regularly. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline — 800.272.3900 — remains a vital resource for individuals and families who have concerns about cognitive changes affecting a loved one. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, offering a wide-range of services and support, including: Specialists and master's-level clinicians who offer confidential support and information, crisis assistance and emotional support. Referrals to local resources and programs for ongoing support through Alzheimer’s Association local chapters across the country. Translation services in more than 200 languages for people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public.It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia when visiting family. Knowing the signs can help your family member get treatment sooner, which can help provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer.These are the 10 warning signs, and you can learn more by visiting alz.org/10signs:1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: IOWA CHAPTERBy Alzheimer’s AssociationTIPS & RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES FACING ALZHEIMER’S OR DEMENTIA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON4. Confusion with time or place. People living with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People living with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person living with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.8. Decreased or poor judgement. Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION

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27As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. 10. Changes in mood and personality. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.Today, there are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including over 62,000 in Iowa. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends are serving as caregivers, including nearly 100,000 in Iowa.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including over 62,000 in Iowa.SPEND THE holidaysholidays WITH DMPADecember 21, 2024Des Moines Civic Center December 22, 2024Des Moines Civic CenterDecember 3 - 21, 2024Temple TheaterDMPA.org515-246-2300GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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29 Time to ReflectWritten By: Dwana BradleySpiritualityAs the holiday season approaches, it’s a beautiful time to reect on the love, peace, and hope that God has given us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of this promise: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."During this season, let us hold onto the peace that only Christ can provide. Despite the busyness, remember that God’s love is the ultimate gift, and His grace is sufcient for every need. When stress or worry tries to take hold, lean into His Word and His presence, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.Take time to rest in His promises, celebrate His goodness, and share His love with those around you. Philippians 4:7 encourages us with these words: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."May this holiday season ll your heart with joy, your mind with peace, and your spirit with hope for the year to come. From my family to yours, we pray that your holidays are lled with God’s abundant blessings."And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Philippians 4:7

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31Got an Event?We do Ctering!CONTACT US TODAY! 515-770-2271 • RUBYBSKITCHEN.COMThe Journey to Homeownership (J2H) Program focuses on overcoming systemic barriers for African American/Black individuals in homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost assistance, combined with the intention of addressing other barriers through community partnerships.AMBASSADOR & CHAMPION PROGRAMSContact: Bridgett Robinson NFC Diversity Equity & Inclusion Mortgage Loan Originator & Outreach CoordinatorNMLS # 2244064 | 515-273-1373 | J2H@neighborhoodfinance.orgNEIGHBORHOODFINANCE.ORGAre you a leading organization in theAfrican American/Black Community? Are you interested in learning more about creating spacefor the community to gather to share invaluable tools andresources to increase African American homeownership?Who is invited to sponsor Journey to Homeownership classes or events?Non-profit organizations, churches, and educational institutionsWhy sponsor J2H classes and events?Spread the word about your organization!Organizations may receive a stipend for marketing, coordinating, and leading a class or event. Organizations will provide information and resources on historical and current barriers, as well as information onprograms and initiatives to overcome barriers to homeownership.NMLS #8943World AIDS Day is December 1Talk with your partner before having sex. Talk about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together.Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex life. Ask them about HIV and STI testing: including what tests you need and how often. Get tested! It’s the only way to know for sure if you have an HIV or another STI. Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so you could have one and not know. If you’re not comfortable asking your regular provider for an HIV or STI test, ﬁnd a clinic that provides conﬁdential testing that is free or low cost.All STIs, including HIV, are treatable. If you test positive for an STI, work with your healthcare provider to get the right treatment.If you test positive for HIV, your provider or testing location will help connect you to treatment & resources!Ask about partner services to get your partner tested and treated. Avoid having sex until you and your sex partner both complete treatment. test treattalkYou help us keep moving forward when you talk, test, treat.stophiviowa.orgFind testing near you: Robin McEnanyMortgage Loan Officer563-235-2418RobinMcEnany@GreenState.orgGreenState.org/RobinMcEnanyChoose an automatic transfer from your checking account, a debit card round-up, or both!makes it easy to build your emergency savings.SavingsStop by a branch, call 844-300-5810 or visit GreenState.org to learn more.

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33Getting help is the ﬁrst step to getting better.If someone you love has a problem with gambling, they likely feel powerless to control it. 1-800-BETS OFF can help.Call 1-800-BETS OFF today to get help for them — and you.It’s a free, conﬁdential, 24/7 resource that can help you and your loved one ﬁnd an experienced treatment professional.TICKETS, AUDITIONS, CLASSES, & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT: DMPlayhouse.com831 42nd Street | Des Moines | 515.277.6261 TICKETS AT:DEC. 6–29, 2024A tale as old as time.Protect YourselfFrom PneumoniaAsk your healthcare providers about how you can prevent pneumonia.Adults age 65 and older (or people living with diabetes or lung disease) are at greater risk to get pneumonia. This lung infection is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Vaccines can help you prevent pneumonia.Do you want to be on the COVER or CENTERFOLD? Find out more about Sponsoring an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine!Contact US TODAY: iaurbanmedia18@gmail.com

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35BE INFORMEDBE AN ADVOCATESURVIVEWhy is Cardiovascular Genetic Screening Important?Everyone has a heart: Take Care of Yours & Live Your Best Life!More than 1 in every 200 people have an inherited heart disease.Inherited heart diseases are the leading causes of sudden death in young people.Inherited gene abnormality does not automatically result in heart disease. Knowing your risk can help you understand and manage your health.! ! !Learn your risk for heart diseaseIf any family member experienced heart disease or any of the below health issues, consider genetic and clinical screening.Beneﬁts of Genetic & Clinical ScreeningHeart failure (younger than 60 years old)Implantable cardioverter deﬁbrillator (ICD) or pacemaker implant (younger than 50 years old)Heart transplant (younger than 60 years old)Unexplained seizures or seizures with normal neurological evaluationUnexplained cardiac arrest(s) or sudden deathExercise intoleranceSudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)Untreated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) known as bad cholesterol ≥ 190Multiple family members with congenital heart defectsWest African Ancestry in your familyDiagnosed with carpel tunnel syndromeDetect heart disease that did not show up in routine health exams. Early detection may prevent heart complications.Make informed decisions about heart health, including treament options.Help identify the cause of a heart condition or other health issues.Educate family members who may be at risk of heart disease.Learn about the chance that a pregnancy will lead to genetic condition.The average cost of genetic testing is $250The average out-of-pocket cost is $100This work was supported through theMIHF HealthConnect Fellowship.JOIN UNITED 55+JOIN UNITED 55+LIVEUNITEDBook BuddyA reading program that pairs volunteers with preschoolers for regular reading. The caring adult reads in person to the student at a local childcare center. You may pair up with a friend to share this weekly volunteer opportunity. Orientation & training provided.Power ReadVolunteer reading mentors are matched one-to-one with a student for about an hour each week and together they read and engage in conversation. Programs take place during the student’s lunch period at various Des Moines elementary schools. Orientation & training provided.Not New ShopCharity shop volunteers needed to Sort, size, and mark donated items according to suggested price list, using good judgment regarding discards. Assist customers with purchases, ring up sales, keep shop in order. Training provided.HOPE for the Holidays Donation DriveThe holidays are upon us! We are collecting cleaning products and gift cards for HOPE for Stable Families. This program works with families to set goals, remove barriers, and use available community resources to create long-term ﬁnancial stability for them and their children. For information about the program or how to donate, visit https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hope-for-the-holidaysHoliday Helping HandLooking for ways to give back this holiday season? Check out United Way of Central Iowa’s Volunteer hub. Head to the Holiday Helping Hand Guide tab to see opportunities around Central Iowa. Check back often as opportunities will continually be added through the end of the year. Visit https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/ for more information.Current & UpcomingVolunteer OpportunitiesTo register, scan the QR codeor visit:unitedwaydm.org/united55 Contact, Lynne MelssenAmeriCorps Seniors Program Directorat lynne.melssen@unitedwaydm.orgor 515-246-6544 Many believe that a meaningful life is not complete without the fulﬁllment that comes from helping others. If you're ready to take your commitment to the community to the next level, while meeting new people and gaining new experiences, UNITED 55+ is for you!

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