Break the Chain: Documentary Filmmaker Laura Swanson

by Ingrid Nova | May 22, 2017 | Uncategorized

Laura E. Swanson, the Director/Producer of Break the Chain, a documentary about Human Trafficking, gave a stirring presentation at the East Lansing Rotary Club on Monday, May 22.  

About the Film

Produced and Directed by Michigan documentary filmmakers, Laura E. Swanson and Kirk Mason, ‘Break the Chain’  is an award-winning feature-length documentary film that addresses the often “hidden-in-plain-sight” issue of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities and the United States.  The film chronicles two survivors of Human Trafficking – providing a detailed look at how trafficking goes unnoticed within our backyards.  Kwami, a child survivor of Labor Trafficking, was enslaved for nearly five years with three other children in Ypsilanti, Michigan before anyone noticed.  Debbie, a survivor of Sex Trafficking, takes us through her experience of being sold for sex around the Detroit-Area between the ages of 13 and 18.

Accompanying the stories of these survivors are nearly 20 interviews with researchers, Senators, non-profit organizations, legal service agencies, law enforcement officers and several artists actively working to raise awareness for this global issue. The film teaches us that what we see in the media about human trafficking is one small sensationalized form – that it occurs anywhere and everywhere within our world.  More importantly, viewers will learn how we are all connected to this extremely profitable business and that we have the power to choose what we support, and ultimately, how we break the chain.

HOW THE FILM IS USED

Break the Chain was developed to provide an accurate and educational entertainment resource that can be utilized in trainings and community awareness events throughout the United States.

Currently, we are partnering with police, public schools, universities, state courts, child-services, shelters and nonprofit organizations for Public Screenings and Private Trainings on the issue of Human Trafficking. http://breakthechainfilm.com/

Pancakes in the Park June 4 at Patriarche Park, East Lansing

by Ingrid Nova | May 5, 2017 | Uncategorized

Get ready to CATCH and EAT your Pancakes at the Park on Saturday, June 4 from 9:30- 12:30 at Patriarche Park in East Lansing (1100 Alton Street, across from St. Thomas Aquinas Church).  The annual community service fundraiser, a signature event for the East Lansing Rotary Club, will include (flying!) pancakes, sausage, grilled apples, coffee and juice.  Tickets are $8.00 each and kids 5 and under are FREE!!

This year will feature Chris Cakes– high flying fun for all!! See them in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PyazEoqds

The Rotary of Club of East Lansing puts on the Pancakes in the Park event each year to raise funds to benefit community projects. For 2017, Haven House (http://www.havenhouseel.org/) and Helping Hands Respite Care (http://www.helpinghandsrespite.care/) will be the featured beneficiaries.

The 2015 Pancakes in the Park benefited the following organizations:

Spartan Street Medicine Offers Great Presentation

by Ingrid Nova | Apr 23, 2017 | Uncategorized

Brianne Feldpausch and Alissa Moody presented to the East Lansing Rotary Club on April 17, discussing the implementation plans of Michigan State University’s Rotaract “Street Medicine” program.  Spartan Street Medicine would provide care for members of our community who are not in a stable housing condition (shelters etc).  The presentation was very informative and inspiring!

“Spartan Street Medicine: Going to the People”

Spartan Street Medicine Co-Founder Brianne Feldpausch

Brianne Feldpausch

After graduation from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology, Brianne Feldpausch deferred her acceptance to medical school to serve on the streets of Pittsburgh as a case manager with the father of street medicine, Dr. Jim Withers, and his Operation Safety Net street medicine team. Upon returning to Lansing to begin medical school, Brianne felt called to bring these experiences home by spearheading the Spartan Street Medicine program.

Definition of street medicine (from the Santa Barbara street medicine website): Street Medicine is the term used to define a collaboration of professionals who deliver health care and related services directly to people living and sleeping on the streets and in austere environments.

Alissa Moody

Alissa Moody, of Spartan Street Medicine

Alissa Moody graduated from York University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Psychology. Prior to commencing her medical education at Michigan State University, she worked as a clinical research assistant and residency program assistant at the University of Toronto. Alissa is passionate about serving the community, particularly those who are vulnerable and underserved. She spent two years as a pediatric hospice volunteer and has travelled to rural Nepal, Kenya and Zimbabwe to directly provide her assistance to underserved communities. Alissa feels honored to be part of Spartan Street Medicine and to serve the homeless individuals of Lansing.

Spartan Street Medicine Mission Statement

Spartan Street Medicine is dedicated to bridging the gap in health care for the homeless and disenfranchised people of Lansing, Michigan. We will battle the epidemic of indifference by going to the streets and shelters to meet the people on their terms. Through regular and direct outreach, we plan to foster a relationship built on dignity and respect, so that we may break down the psychosocial barriers preventing access to quality care. In doing so, we hope to instill the qualities of trust, empathy, and humility in the next generation of healthcare providers and the people they serve.