Beyond The Call™ 24 7, Inc.

Retrospectives -Looking Back on 2024

We live in interesting times. Our mission has slightly changed, but our resolve has not. In the year 2024, we experienced new heights for this organization. We thrive as a not-for-profit organization. In 2025, we will have an uncertain future due to the climate in the United States. We plan to succeed and continue our message. We are looking toward 2025 & 2026, as we optimistically feel it could be better. Starting this not-for-profit entity in 2024 has given us many experiences. We have also received all of the required paperwork for our 501c classification.

After getting the engine of the On The Call Podcast™ Network Experience moving, the advocacy arm Beyond The Call™ is just getting started with its mission.

We can’t pretend we live in a normal time. The new normal is here, and we must acknowledge it. With new challenges come new strategies.

We’ve done our first Instagram Live. Watch the replay here! This was the start of our On the Call Podcast Travel Project, in which we traveled to Trinidad and Tobago to gather interviews from some of our Hard Issues interviewees who could not travel to the US to have their issues heard. Here we are in the community of San Fernando (Take a look) and a stadium in San Fernando (Take a look).

We had a great Labor Day Celebration in Brooklyn, NY, and On the Call Podcast was on the scene, capturing it in all its splendor. The Trinidadian community was out in full force. We have a brief video of one of the bands in the event here and another band here. As you can see the community had come together to celebrate.

Our Sept 12th Annual event was a success. It was held at the Trinidad & Tobago Consulate, where the Consul General, Andre Laveau hosted this event. This event brought together many people who haven’t seen this organization in action. It was held at the Trinidad & Tobago Consulate, where the Consul General attended. I will talk more about that in another post. Here’s an interview where the Consul General spoke about the event HERE.

The Annual Year-End Giveaway was sponsored by the Artist Clive Prevatt, who donated the 2 pieces to be given away. They were a beautiful lamp and a clock. This was a great year but there ‘s so much more to come. Our new projects will start in late Jan.

If you would like to see our annual report, the annual report is available online HERE.

Animals and the Environment

The most pressing topic this week is the Santa Ana winds and the Los Angeles fires (plural). The California fires have been raging because of the immense drought that affects them yearly.

This year, during the fire season, Los Angeles has been greatly impacted, with countless homes, memories, and animals suffering in the aftermath. Even if pets have survived these devastating events, they may now be homeless, lost, or injured. Wildlife is also fleeing rapidly from the affected regions, illustrating just how drastically life has been disrupted for all living creatures.

Animals Alive is an organization that we have supported in 2024. They are located in Trinidad and Tobago. Animals Alive is a registered, no-kill, non-governmental organization committed to the humane treatment of animals in Trinidad & Tobago. They operate a shelter where we rehabilitate & re-home dogs & cats who face a life of neglect, abandonment & abuse.

Fundraising for Animals: Making a Difference

In the wake of natural disasters like the recent Santa Ana winds and the Los Angeles fires, animal welfare organizations play a crucial role in supporting affected animals. Fundraising for these causes not only helps provide immediate relief but also contributes to long-term recovery efforts. Here are some effective ways to organize a successful fundraising campaign for animals in need.

1. Online Crowdfunding

Utilize platforms such as GoFundMe or Facebook Fundraisers to create an online campaign. Share the story of affected animals, and provide clear details on how the funds will be used. Engaging visuals and heartfelt messages can encourage more people to contribute.

Pasadena Humane Society – https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/264243/#!/donation/checkout

La County Animals Shelters – https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/donate/

Shelter outside the US but supported by Beyond the Call in Trinidad and Tobago

Animals Alive – https://paypal.me/animalsalive?country.x=TT&locale.x=en_US

2. Host Events

Organize community events such as charity walks, pet fairs, or bake sales. These activities can bring people together and raise awareness about animal welfare while collecting donations. Ensure to partner with local businesses for sponsorships and support.

Beyond the Call has created online videos for a fundraising drive for Animals Alive in Trinidad.

Animals Alive in Trinidad and Tobago need your help!

3. Partnership with Local Businesses

Collaborate with pet stores, veterinarians, or local cafes that can host donation drives or pledge a percentage of their sales for a specific period. This partnership can benefit both the business and the animals, drawing in customers passionate about supporting a good cause.

4. Social Media Campaigns

Leverage the power of social media to spread the word. Create engaging content that highlights stories of animals in need, share updates on fundraising progress, and thank your supporters. Creating a hashtag can help reach a larger audience and maintain interest.

Here’s Part of the Instagram and Facebook Holiday Fundraiser

5. Create Merchandise

Design and sell merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, or pet accessories with a portion of proceeds going directly to animal welfare organizations. This not only raises funds but also promotes awareness. Something each organization has created. Visit their stores.

6. Volunteer Time and Resources

If funds are tight, consider donating your time. Many animal shelters and organizations need hands-on help with care, socialization, and rehabilitation of animals. Your time can be as valuable as monetary contributions.

How to Donate links:

Pasadena Humane Society – https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/264243/#!/donation/checkout

La County Animals Shelters – https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/donate/

Shelter outside the US but supported by Beyond the Call

Animals Alive – https://paypal.me/animalsalive?country.x=TT&locale.x=en_US

Conclusion

Fundraising for animals is a powerful way to make a positive impact. By engaging your community and leveraging various platforms, you can help provide vital resources for animals affected by disasters, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. Every effort counts, and together we can make a difference in the lives of our furry friends.

The Call

What is Beyond The Call? A not-for-profit organization that is a call to action for the issues presented in the On The Call Podcast Network (OTC) Experience.

The podcast began as an answer to a health scare, as a video series in the Fall of 2019, but transformed to an audio podcast in the spring of 2020, during the rise of the pandemic and in 2023 returned to a video format.

OTC’s mission is to shine light and give thanks, encouraging others to say, give thanks to others, especially in these times in which we live, as in the state of gratitude, negativity is expelled, or does not exist, or rise. The world needs more thanksgiving, and thoughts of others, true love.

Beyond the Call 24 7, Inc. (BTC), was created in response to the issues dealt with in the podcast OTC. It was a way to create an advocacy arm for the “Hard Issues” section of the podcast and will act as a resource for people in need. Since this project is brand new, it is still in the formation stage and will be in the process of gathering resources to serve the community.

We will highlight the following issues of:

Homelessness, Substance abuse, Climate change, Trafficking, Animal Welfare, Domestic Violence.

This season (Season 10), we have tackled all of these projects as our first animal welfare interviewee will take to the air to speak to us on this issue.

This year on September 12th we will be doing an event that will include fundraiser for such charities as: in the USA “Peer Network of NY”, in Trinidad & Tobago “The Open Cupboard House for ABUSED WOMEN”, in the USA “GOODWILL INDUSTRIES”, in Trinidad & Tobago “Servicing Persons with Disabilities & the Socially Disadvantaged”, and “Animals Alive”, the largest no kill cat & dog shelter in the Caribbean. We will be presenting 4 checks to these charities and speaking about many more who we have highlighted on the podcast.

Because of events like this, the organization, Beyond the Call™ 24 7, Inc. is on its way to realizing its mission of joining with other grassroots organizations to provide services for those in need. If you would like to join the OTC membership content site please click ( here. )You will get 24 extra episodes.

Also, you can donate to Beyond the call and help us to realize our mission.

Donate to BTC

Since Then

In many cultures around the world, there is a tradition of celebrating the lives of those who have made a significant impact on a project or area. These celebrations can take various forms, from joyful gatherings, essays, videos, and pictures that focus on sharing stories. These stories revisiting the people in them. The act of celebrating those who have passed away allows individuals to find comfort, closure, and a sense of connection with their loved ones. It serves as a reminder that, even though they are no longer physically present, the impact of those who have passed away continues to be felt and cherished.

We will revisit the history of the podcast from the very first episodes. Let’s see how far we’ve come. Some episodes are RAW audio-wise and unfiltered but they are still a part of the Lexicon. This series started in 2024 with the first guest of episode 1 is Mary Catherine George (2020). She was a Health Psychologist, IRB Regulatory Specialist, and Research Program Manager, working for decades with the neurological complications of HIV Disease, Post-Stroke Spasticity, and other research initiatives involving pain and behavior, with an interest in human behavior and how to address wellness and maintain health throughout their lifespan. This episode deals with the current COVID pandemic and the way people are dealing with it.

We have since revisited 10 episodes in the Since Then series, which has encompassed people like Vashti De Verteuil, a designer of jewelry, clothing, and interiors, Vonn Harris, an actor, writer, and entrepreneur, and Lucinda Carr, Producer, performer entrepreneur. The series is memorable for catching up with these interviewees and updating information on their projects and life in a contemporary context of post-pandemic life. While some of these people have had lives that seemed more normal, some of them are forever changed as we all are. Life can change in an instant.

Since then has revisited and updated old stories which serve to keep them relevant and engaging for new audiences. By incorporating modern perspectives and cultural references, these stories can continue to resonate with people from different generations. Additionally, revisiting old stories allows us to uncover new insights, reinterpretations, and lessons that are applicable to our current context. It also honors the legacy of the original storytellers and their contributions to the cultural tapestry. Overall, revisiting and updating old stories helps bridge the past with the present, ensuring that their enduring appeal endures.

America’s Disaster Relief

We were honored to host Jan France on the On the Call Podcast™ Network for an intense discussion in S8 EP9. Jan is not just an innovator, but a relentless advocate for giving back to the community. Her relentless passion has driven the establishment of numerous grassroots organizations aimed at uplifting the community. Among them is America’s Disaster Relief, an initiative close to her heart, for which she serves as the Founder and CEO.

It all began in 2002 in South Texas and then relocated to the Western Slope of Colorado in 2005. This is where they assisted over 500 Hurricane Katrina evacuees in 2005, we received our 501 (c) (3) in 2006 as Western Colorado Disaster Relief. As they grew, they helped more people. They changed their name in 2008 to America’s Disaster Relief, as we assisted disasters all over the U.S.A. In 2015 we joined forces with The Missions Chapel and Disaster Relief Distribution Center as we had always been faith based from the beginning and they were more centrally located in the U.S.A., so now the main distribution center is in Norman, OK. The one outstanding thing about this organization is that no one has ever been paid a salary since 2002 – we are all volunteers – which has kept us from getting several ‘grants’ as they feel to be a success, there must be employees.

The non-profit organization, America’s Disaster Relief, provides assistance to various disaster-affected areas across the United States. You can follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmericasDisasterRelief/ or go to their website https://wcdisasterrelief.org/ or call 970-208-6553.

The Thank You Project

Do you sometimes feel like you owe someone a big debt of gratitude? That’s what the Thank You Project is about. Giving People “their flowers,” and praise that they deserve because of something they have done in the past. How do you thank someone? By documenting their greatness and putting it out into the world. By documenting their love and kindness, as most people never get to hear kind words from a compatriot.

In our series, the Thank You Project, Ozzie Stewart does just that for the few impactful people who have made a difference in her life and other people’s lives.

In Season 9, we see; Rich Pampinello, a travel agent extraordinaire and Trinidad Carnival player, Christopher Duncan, an entertainer and financial advisor, Sharu KJ Jackson, a real estate and marketing executive, and Renton Kirk, a casting director, and actor, and a Capoeira master.

These multi-talented people are just a few of the subjects of this series. You can listen to the series on the On The Call Podcast Network. Why is this important? It is important to give back to people who have helped you in the past and bring gratitude and love into the world.

This organization, Beyond the Call, started out of those principles. and the desire to help people who are affected by the topics in our “Hard Issues” section.

With all that said We do have a donation area that we have created to keep the “thank yous” going out into the Universe. Please consider Donating here (PLEASE DONATE IF YOU ARE ABLE).

The Greenie App

Climate Change/Save the Earth

What’s a Greenie?

We interviewed Curt Crane a writer, producer, and director, and He created Curt Crane Productions, Inc., in New Jersey. He also belongs to a group which created a free mobile app, designed to help everyday people do our part in the fight against what’s become the most immediate existential threat to our existence. The app is on one’s smartphone! It’s easy to use, and continually updating, offering an innovative new way to raise funds for your organization — while getting everyone involved in helping to save our planet. The name of the app is called Greenie!

The slogan for the Greenie app organization is “Get the app Save the Planet.” Their website is at https://greenieapp.com/app/, which can be hard to find on Google but I can see it getting easier the more people use the app. This grassroots organization’s goal is to put an emphasis on climate change and decreasing your personal carbon footprint on the planet. They give you tips on how you can do this, inform you of what the many global activism groups are doing and even help you plant a tree.

Plant a tree

“From baby showers to memorial remembrances — and all those events in between — this is a gift that will make someone feel very special. And, in turn, you’ll do something very special for the planet.”

The Greenie app can help you plant a tree, just like the many memorials in funeral homes do, or even some healthcare providers do for a birth or birthday. You can go on the app and choose how many trees you want to plant. Tell them the Occasion and pay. It’s easy to help the planet.

Activism

To all of you activists or want to be activists there’s a chance to see what others are doing and maybe get some questions answered about climate change. There are so many projects out there from scientific studies to ordinary people taking photographs that emphasize the changes in our climate.

Fundraising

You can create fundraising campaigns to help fight Climate change. You or your organization can get help creating and running fundraising campaigns. If you have had trouble in the past with your campaigns here is a few ideas below. Just Click the picture to see more. This comprehensive app is always changing and should help everyone get involved to help with our changing climate.

How to find the App

Look here for your version of the Greenie app below and help save the planet.

Domestic Violence + Sexual Assault

Domestic violence & sexual assault are a part of the “HARD ISSUES” series, on the “On The Call Podcast“, Season 8 Episode 8.

Yvonne O’Neal earned a Master of Arts degree at New School University and a Bachelor of Science at the University of Puerto Rico. As a financial services professional, she holds half a dozen professional designations and FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Yvonne completed a Women’s Leadership certificate from Hartford Seminary (now known as Hartford International University) and Education for Ministry (EfM) from the School of Theology, The University of the South (Sewanee). She also did coursework on World Mission at General Theological Seminary.

As a former financial consultant, Yvonne was committed to empowering women through financial literacy and has conducted seminars on the importance of planning and saving for retirement.

Yvonne is a member of the Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, for which she produces webinars during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Last year’s webinar was “Climate Change: What’s Gender Got to Do With It?” For November 30, 2023, she lined up a stellar cast for “Gender-Based Violence Spotlight: The Race to End Child Marriage by 2030.”

Yvonne grew up in the church where she was nominated from the floor, she was first elected to the vestry as a teenager. She has held virtually every lay position in her parish, Holy Trinity, in Manhattan. In the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Yvonne is a Standing Committee member and serves on the Task Force Against Human Trafficking. As chair of the Diocese’s Companion Diocese Committee and later the Global Mission Commission’s chair, Yvonne fostered international mission outreach connections in congregations. She has traveled internationally, especially in Africa and India, to strengthen bonds among congregations and help develop anti-poverty programs.

The Lay Representative on the Province II Council, Yvonne penned two resolutions on behalf of the Province at the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Break the Silence Sunday is designated as the first Sunday of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and serves as a resource for churches to actively support survivors of sexual violence, particularly in the context of worship. Yvonne authored the 2023 Break the Silence Sunday toolkit for the Diocese of New York observance on November 26. Yvonne serves on The Church Pension Group Board of Trustees and is the vice chair of the Audit Committee. She is also a Trustee and Vice President of The Church Club of New York. Yvonne served as a Trustee of The Cathedral School of Saint John the Divine, the Board of Directors of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, the Diocesan Episcopal Church Women, and as a member of the Diocesan Council. Yvonne was appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Advisory Council of the Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations, serving from 2008-2012. As the Africa Development Interchange Network representative, Yvonne continues her advocacy commitments at the United Nations.

Yvonne is a former member of the Executive Committee of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, the immediate past Vice-Chair of the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, was the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY Co-Chair, and is an active member of the NGO Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons. The Council of the City of Philadelphia honored and recognized Yvonne with a Citation in 2018 “for her commitment to the advancement of women and girls in the United States and abroad.” In 2021, she received the Women’s Global Empowerment Award from the World Yoga Community. Yvonne’s versatile background reflects a deep commitment to social justice, advocacy, and storytelling.

One Boat: International Chaplaincy for Covid Times gave her the perfect platform to share her passion for human rights advocacy. She has written articles spanning diverse topics that showcase her ability to connect people and empower marginalized groups while raising awareness about critical social issues. Follow her at her website Yvonne O’neal: https://yvonneoneal.com/

Here are some resources nationally for homelessness and domestic violence.

Homeless: Homeless and Housing Resource Ce nter (HHRC)

Domestic Violence: National Domestic Violence Hotl ine

Homelessness and Domestic Abuse

This is another topic that was tackled as part of the “Hard Issues” series on the On The Call Podcast, Season 8 Episode 7. Stacy Gray left her home and family in Indiana for NYC, to pursue a degree in nursing, and after a brief stint in healthcare, her creative side won out. She earned a spot on the world-famous Apollo stage as an Apollo model, and to make ends meet, she took a job at a beauty supply store on Harlem’s bustling 125th Street. The access to hair weaves inspired her to take the initiative to become a self-taught extension specialist, became a Local 798 Union member AND an Award winning, Hairstylist/Make Up Artist & Male Groomer.

Stacy is considered a mastermind behind countless creations with over three decades of experience in the beauty industry. Stacy’s determination and creativity propelled her career, working with a clientele that includes Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu and Megan the Stallion and more. She’s worked on countless commercials such as: Tide, Fisher Nuts, Mercedes Benz, Oral B, Adidas, Essence, and television shows, such as: Empire, Saturday Night Live (SNL) and music video sets. Stacy has worked with top photographers and publications such as IN STYLE, Vogue, Interview Magazine, Rolling Stone and Essence, reality TV and feature films. Check out her IMDB page, from 2005-present: with 30 credits for film, TV and specials as: key hair department head, key makeup assistant and make up at: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1946496/

Stacy Gray is a survivor of domestic abuse and homelessness, who with perspective, strength, and free will, has risen from the valleys to leap mountains. Her website can be found at https://www.thestacygray.com/ and her IG: @iamStacyGray.

Stacy volunteers and, offers her services to those in need, paying it forward, through her Director/CEO of all things Glam with her team and Agency, SGrayUnlimited.

Organizations that support the Homeless, Coalition for the Homeless, Partnership for the Homeless, and Women in Need.

Sexual Abuse

In this episode of the “Hard Issues” series, (On The Call, S 8 Ep 6) we tackle the issue of sexual abuse.

Mario Golden was born in Mexico City and his family immigrated to Southern Texas when he was 14. He attended Stanford University, where he learned about theories on social transformation, feminism, Freirian pedagogy, and sexual politics and became an activist.

Despite this, Mario is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child. In his story, he was aware that his older brother who was 11 at the time was being abused by the husband of an aunt. His brother later abused him, as well as the same man who abused the brother. The sad part of this is the knowledge that his family was aware and the abusers were supported by the family. He suffered physically and psychologically from this sexual abuse.

In the early 1990s, Mario worked as a teacher specializing in bilingual curriculum development in the California public education system. He then worked as a trainer and counselor in the field of HIV/AIDS. In San Francisco he was a coordinator and counselor at the Hermanos de Luna y Sol Program at the Mission Neighborhood Health Center Clínica Esperanza. As an activist, he participated in various organizations and movements.

Mario began his acting training with Rob Reece. As an actor, he has won accolades and several awards. During this time, Mario gained an interest in playwriting and began studying with Yale University School of Drama alumnus Allen Davis, III.

In 2018, Mario published Semillas, a Spanish language novel about a young gay revolutionary, which has been received enthusiastically by readers. For over 30 years, Mario has contributed to the healing and growth of countless individuals, couples, families, and communities. This includes innovative work with marginalized populations focused on empowering psychological and cultural transitions in order to make positive adjustments towards a freer and more genuine life.

Mario is married to German theater director and journalist Andreas Robertz. He lives in New York City.

As a psychospiritual teacher and counselor, through his School of Mysteries, he offers counseling services, training, facilitation, and tools in areas of self-awareness, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, empowerment, and community development.