Special Thanks Never the Less, Inc would like to send a special shout out to everyone who contributed to the

success of our 1st Annual Celestial Radiance Dinner Dance. This event required intense planning,

details, meetings, and timely execution. To all who participated in the set-up of the venue, welcoming of guests, cooking, clean-up crew and everyone in

between, we appreciate you.

The purpose of the Celestial Radiance Gala was centered on introducing Never the Less, Inc to our

closest friends, family members, and those who had never heard of us. We believe we accomplished

what we set out to do, and that we sparked conversation regarding the Mission and Vision of

Never the Less. We believe NTL will soon be known to everyone in Cincinnati. We hope the first impressions of NTL were great and long-lasting and

that the Gala grows next year!

Sincerely,

The Directors of Never the Less, Inc

Paving the Way

Ruthenia M. Jackson

Principal of Carson Elementary

At the age of 18, Jackson attended West Chester PA University. She holds a Masters in

Political Science, Liberal Arts and her Doctorate in Education & Business

Administration; she is also currently an Online Professor for Southwestern University.

Jackson, in the past 10 years has lost her mother, her father and her husband, but she never let these adversities hold her victim. Jackson instead uses personal struggle to

inspire her students. She teaches the students of Carson Elementary that life isn’t always fair, but you must not let setbacks keep you

from achieving your goals or stop your dreams. Jackson believes in leading

by love, discipline and example. Her belief that it takes a TEAM (Together, Empower,

All, Men & Women) to make a successful school and a successful students motivates her to keep on fighting for the children of Carson.

As an African American Administrator, her record is quite impressive she has migrated from a Special Ed Teacher, to a 2nd grade Math teacher, to Assistant Principal to Dr.

Ruthenia Jackson. Dr. Jackson has worked against the odds and she says it's all thanks to

God. According to Mary Ronan Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent “Carson Elementary has made Adequate Yearly

Progress (AYP) for the first time in history." Carson school is 40% Afro American, 50%

Caucasian and 10%Hispanics. The students of Carson will always shine because of the hard

work, discipline and care of Ms Jackson.

Thank You - Ruthie Jackson for PAVING THE WAY!

NEVER THE LESS, INC P.O. BOX 12674

CINCINNATI, OH 45212

NEVERTHELESSINC@GMAIL.COM 513.258.9676

Virtus April 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 6

Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence

Never the Less, Inc. is a word based and

spirit-led organization; edifying, empowering, and directing women of all ages.

Never The Less Inc’s (NTL) mission is to provide services that promote character, confidence,

self-sufficiency and sustainability. NTL believes helping women tap into their Creative and god-given talents will result in the return to one’s

authentic self, enabling them to thrive in His purpose.

Virtus

April 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 6

Director’s Corner

Nonprofit in Memory The LEM Foundation

Member Spotlights Doris Thomas, president, has retired from the

Enquirer as of last Friday. She has been a dutiful and reliable employee for over 20 years. Doris is

welcoming this opportunity to do great things in her spare time and is definitely looking forward to being

a retiree. Please join us in congratulating her and wishing her well in the future.

Lynay Straughn, member, has recently acquired her license in Death Care. She has continued to trust God

with the plans he has for her. She is continuing to make steps to accomplish her next goal.

Congratulations Lynay!

Brianna Dixon and the Highsteppers Drill Team were awarded Showcase America Unlimited’s

National and State Grand Champ Division ‘A’ Senior Kick and Hip Hop team, last week at the National

Finals held at NKU. Brianna is working hard to make this her career choice as she hopes to become a

choreographer. Congratulations Brianna you are on your way to making your dreams reality.

Christopher Williams, son of Crystal has been chosen by the CEO of a local clothing company to be the face of their web campaign to be launched this summer. He has already participated in one photo shoot and is looking forward to working with this company as their Creative designer in the future.

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not

grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

I recently met a very interesting lady, named Mizzan. She is a spoken word poet, writer, and a radio host on WVQC 95.7 FM. She also hosts a TV program called “Da Village Talks “on the Media Bridges Network. This is a venue for mothers and

families of homicide victims to arm the community with information. Mizzan became involved with this because she

herself is the mother of a homicide victim. Larry Anton Anderson aka LEM, was killed December 7th, 2009. As tragic as this was for her and her family, she refused to

allow LEM's death to be in vain. Mizzan started this foundation in his memory. L.E.M “Living Every Moment."

The LEM Foundation reaches out to the community offering

them emotional & spiritual comfort to victim’s families,

community news and updates, small economical support

however possible. This foundation depends on donations to

help with groceries, presents for children during the

holidays, and anything else these families may need now

that their loved one is gone. Daily the local news gives us

reports of senseless killings, we say "how shameful" and we

may even remember to pray for the victim’s families, and

we go on with our lives. The victim’s family structure

however is forever shattered. The victim’s families don’t

come on the news asking (us the community) for anything,

but how precious it would be if we (the community)

supported each other like the LEM Foundation is tirelessly

trying to do. We are Never the Less.... Always the More. We

should be sowing seeds that will reap the harvest of love,

compassion, kindness, laughter and even crime prevention.

Let's not close our eyes or plug our ears, because we all

know it could be any member of our family

on any given day.

We commend Mizzan for having the strength to start this

foundation in her son’s memory. So let's help her keep it

going. Keep this foundation alive by supporting her in any

way we can. If you would like to know more about the LEM

Foundation and how or where to send donations

please email mizzan964@yahoo.com or

check her out on the radio at www.wvqc.org

Doris Thomas, President

vvvvvb

Fleur Adcock

Poetry is Truth in it’s Sunday clothes. Joseph Roux

Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence

In the Community

The Sister Collection

On Saturday, March 31, R.E.A.L. Women of Cincinnati hosted The Sister Collection at the

Community Action Agency in Bond Hill. The goal of the event was to nullify the teen pregnancy and STD

epidemics currently plaguing young girls. The organizers were especially hoping to reach young

African American girls.

The Sister Collection was an awesome opportunity for R.E.A.L. (Reaching out to Elevate and Advocate

for Love of self among our African American Sisters) Women of Cincinnati to collaborate with other

women and organizations to address the needs of young, African American women and girls in our

community. The Coordinator of the event was Cynthia Smith.

The group decided to draw from their own

experiences of trauma and resiliency and use community connections to engage and support

Hamilton County girls in the promotion of physical, mental and spiritual health and wellness activities. They believe the following statement: “Our African American girls must be placed "at promise," rather

than "at risk" in order to become contributing members of their families, schools, communities, and

the broader society.”

Our President Doris Thomas, Director of Public Relations Ebony Stone and member Fannie Taylor all attended. They were able to speak with the organizers

of the event and received information about other groups we definitely want to work with in the future. Information about our organization was also shared with those who attending. NTL gained great insight

from participating and will align itself with those with a common purpose and mission.

Poetry in Motion

April 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 6

Virtus

Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence

Classifieds

SEEKING PROFESSIONALS: Never The Less is seeking a group of professionals willing to offer their services pro

bono by serving as Advisors in the following areas: Accounting, Legal Practice, Advertising, Marketing, & Web Design.

FOR RENT-3 Bedroom apartment needed to rent, a spacious apartment with some utilities included.

Speedy Sign & Apparel 2486 E. Sharon Road Cincinnati, OH 45241 www.signsapparel.com

W.C. Cross Law , LLC , Attorney at Law

3460 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45229

www.wccrosslaw.com

UmojoArts- One of a Kind Jewelry, Paintings & Apparel.

Harry McDowell 513-702-9611 harrymcbuck@aol.com

Sylvia Waldon – Author, Arvin & May Sreet Publications

PO Box 317660, Cincinnati, OH 45231

513-432-7856 amspublications.com

Virtus

April 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 6

Calendar

May 8th – Director’s Meeting

May 12th - Yard Sale Organization 10-2pm, Doris’ home

May 13th - Mother’s Day

May 15th – Director’s Meeting

May 19th – NTL participates in the Silverton Community Yard Sale

(Volunteers needed, please see Crystal)

May 24th - Monthly Member’s Meeting

May 28th - Memorial Day

Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence