Recognizing that many seniors would prefer to downsize homes after retirement or relocate to another area, the government issued new guidelines that now allow reverse mortgages to be used to purchase a new home, provided proceeds from the sale of the old home (combined with other cash reserves, if necessary) cover the sales price, plus closing costs.

Still utilizing the principles from his 1998 book, “You Can Make it Happen:  A Nine Step Plan for Success,” Stedman Graham enthralled the audience attending The Arc of the United States 2009 National Convention. The conference was held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Nov. 11 through 14. More than 500 were on hand from across the United States as Graham, keynote speaker and panelist, spoke on the topic— “Inspired by My Siblings” during the welcome and opening plenary session. Very familiar with The Arc organization, Graham says his mother is a founding member of the organization in his hometown, Whiteboro, N.J.

PLAN FOR SUCCESS— Stedman Graham pinpoints his nine-step plan for success.

The Arc’s 58th National Convention consisted of a gathering of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, self-advocates, professionals and others. Graham, who has two brothers with disabilities, shared a message of achievement.

NOV. 28—Hosanna House will host a Community Marketplace from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 807 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg. The Marketplace is to develop a venue where people bring their families to visit and be entertained while shopping and networking. The marketplace creates an opportunity for economic development and cultural exchange. The marketplace will also be held Dec. 5, 12 and 19. For more information, call 412-243-7711.

(NNPA)—Business mentoring is the collaboration of transferring the experience, skill and knowledge from a proven specialist to a less experienced learner. For the purpose of business, mentoring supports the development of a worker’s skills, career and personal growth. Often it is structured informally although most Fortune 500 and even small home-based companies offer some form of mentoring programs. Mentoring also enables the rapid transfer of legacy business advantages or cultural aspects cementing professional collaboration that foster greater productivity results.

Successful mentoring compliments human resources by improving management through personal career growth development that retains valuable employees. It offers greater access to established internal and external networks, broader personal and professional skills. The novice worker gains advice and dynamic perspectives from the mentor’s years of experience. This often informal arrangement is cost effective and yields bottom line financial results.