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New Jersey Launches Statewide BSFT Initiative to Strengthen Families and Prevent Out-of-Home Placement

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3 months ago

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Partnering with Empower Community Care and its Brief Strategic Family Therapy program, New Jersey is delivering powerful, evidence-based therapy across all 21 counties through a statewide network of provider agencies.

ATLANTA, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF) Division of Family and Community Partnerships (FCP), in partnership with Empower Community Care, a leading global behavioral health and education organization that delivers evidence-based programs and tools, has successfully launched its Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) program statewide. This family-centered prevention service is designed to strengthen family relationships, stabilize youth, and help families stay safely together. BSFT is one of several evidence-based models in Empower’s portfolio, and this rollout reflects its broader platform of training, consultation, and quality infrastructure Empower builds around each program it supports.

Supported through Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) funding, the initiative expanded BSFT across all 21 counties through six regional programs and established a statewide structure for training, consultation, data collection, and continuous quality improvement, so families can receive effective help earlier and avoid out-of-home placement.

The launch was marked by strong planning, high provider satisfaction, and disciplined execution, resulting in universal geographic access to BSFT and a sustainable infrastructure for ongoing delivery. Provider feedback reinforced the success of the rollout, with a provider survey routinely citing exceptional training quality and clarity, preparedness to implement, and overall training experience.

For BSFT leaders, the New Jersey work stands out as a model rollout for other states. New Jersey’s consistent follow-through, detailed planning, strong communication, and willingness to build leadership with provider agencies while maintaining accountability ensured remarkable success for the state.

“What really stands out about New Jersey is the level of communication and coordination,” said Debra Miller, BSFT Associate Director at Empower Community Care. “The partnership was thoughtful, highly responsive, and focused on making sure provider agencies had what they needed to implement BSFT well. We are proud to support New Jersey’s commitment to families by expanding access to evidence-based care that strengthens family relationships, reduces stress at home, and helps keep families safely together.”

“New Jersey’s rollout is exactly the kind of partnership we aim to build with every state we work with,” added Kortney Dale, Executive Director of Evidence-Based Programs at Empower Community Care. “It’s not just about delivering one program well; it’s about giving states the infrastructure to sustain effective, evidence-based care at scale. This launch shows what’s possible when a state invests in both the clinical model and the systems behind it, and we see it as a model for how Empower partners with states across our full continuum of programs.”

New Jersey paired thoughtful support from NJ DCF with an evaluation team from the start, a clear implementation strategy, manualized procedures, launch supports, regular meetings with NJ DCF, consultation teams, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. That balance of structure and flexibility became a defining feature of the partnership, allowing the state to manage a brand-new statewide implementation while adapting to provider and family needs.

BSFT is an evidence-based, trauma-informed family therapy program that helps families strengthen relationships, improve parenting structure, address youth behavioral health and family instability concerns, and reduce the risk of out-of-home placement. Early feedback from New Jersey indicates that families are communicating more effectively, experiencing less stress, restoring caregiver leadership in the home, and building stronger family cohesion with BSFT.

“At the heart of this work is a simple goal: making sure families can get meaningful help before challenges become crises,” said Sanford Starr, Assistant Commissioner of FCP at NJ DCF. “The successful rollout of BSFT reflects the commitment of our provider network, the support of Empower and the BSFT team, and a shared belief that families do better when they can access timely and effective services. We are proud of what this initiative is already making possible for children and families across New Jersey.”

With statewide infrastructure now in place, New Jersey is positioned to move from launch to long-term sustainability. The next phase is expected to focus on continued evaluation, on-site supervisor and trainer development, and maintaining the cross-system partnership that helped make the rollout successful.

For more information about support and services for children and families in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Department of Children and Families at www.nj.gov/dcf/. To learn more about Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) and Empower’s continuum of evidence-based programs and solutions, visit us online at www.empowercommunitycare.com/bsft.

About Empower Community Care
Empower Community Care is a leading global behavioral health organization that delivers evidence-based programs, technologies, and tools to improve outcomes for youth, adults, families, and communities. Serving more than 2,000 agency and system customers, Empower works across all 50 U.S. states and over 35 countries, strengthening services for more than 3 million families worldwide and training over 23,000 professionals in evidence-based practices and growing. To learn more, visit EmpowerCommunityCare.com and follow Empower on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Caryn Tomer
VP, Marketing for Empower Community Care
618.579.9717
419677@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Empower Community Care

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Chemours Announces Dates for Third Quarter 2026 Earnings Release and Webcast Conference Call

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October 21, 2026

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WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Chemours Company (“Chemours” or “the Company”) (NYSE: CC) today announced that the Company expects to issue its third quarter 2026 financial results after market on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The Company expects to hold its conference call to discuss its third quarter 2026 financial results at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The call is open to the public and can be accessed via the webcast information below. The webcast and materials can be accessed by visiting the “Events and Presentations” section of the Investor Relations section of Chemours’ website at investors.chemours.com.

Conference Call: Please visit investors.chemours.com for a link to the live webcast and to view the accompanying slides.

Replay: A webcast replay will be available at investors.chemours.com.

About The Chemours Company
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses – Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 5,700 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,400 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

CONTACTS:

INVESTORS
Brandon Ontjes
Vice President, Head of Strategy & Investor Relations
+1.302.773.3300 
investor@chemours.com 

NEWS MEDIA
Cassie Olszewski
Media Relations & Reputation Leader
+1.302.219.7140
media@chemours.com  

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SOURCE The Chemours Company

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AGEDB Announces Preliminary Technical Evaluation of Graph Database and AI Data Platform Opportunities

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36 minutes ago

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October 21, 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ — AGEDB Technology Ltd. (TSXV: AGET) (“AGEDB” or the “Company”) announces that it is evaluating opportunities to re-engage in its historical graph database business area through preliminary architectural design and technical assessment of potential AI data platform applications, following its entry, on September 16, 2026, into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with a Korea-listed company exploring opportunities to enter the AI sector (the “Korean Company”).

The Company previously disclosed that it had discontinued its graph database management system operations during the year ended April 30, 2025 and was seeking new business opportunities. The Company is now assessing potential opportunities to leverage its existing Apache AGE-related technology and experience. These preliminary evaluations should not be interpreted as a resumption of full-scale development or commercial operations.

Under the MOU, AGEDB and the Korean Company contemplate evaluating an integrated package combining locally installed PostgreSQL and Apache AGE relationship-analysis database technology with an AI agent. The MOU also contemplates a separate “Personal AI Operating System” evaluation track, referred to as “AGE Brain,” for potential use in user-controlled computing environments. The proposed applications remain conceptual and subject to further technical and commercial assessment.

The contemplated preliminary work includes architectural design and technical evaluation of approaches to connecting relational data with graph-based relationships and supporting AI-assisted information retrieval and analysis. The parties may consider proof-of-concept testing and pilot activities, but no timeline or commitment to undertake such activities has been established under the MOU.

The MOU has a one-year term. Except for provisions expressly identified as binding, it is non-binding and does not require either party to complete development, launch or commercialize a product, make an investment, commit personnel, pay development fees, or enter into a definitive commercial agreement. Specific project scope, deliverables, schedules, responsibilities, costs and any commercialization terms remain subject to further discussions and, where applicable, separate written agreements. Each party will bear its own evaluation costs unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The Company’s evaluation remains preliminary. No product launch, commercial revenue or definitive commercialization arrangement has been agreed, and there can be no assurance that the parties will proceed with development, that the proposed platform will be completed or commercialized, or that the Company will obtain the resources required to advance the opportunity.

AGEDB may also explore potential collaborations with AI development companies in Korea and other markets, subject to available resources and further assessment.

AGEDB Technology Ltd.

On behalf of the board of directors,

“Jungsoo Kim”
CEO

About AGEDB Technology Ltd.

AGEDB Technology Ltd. is a technology company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “AGET.” The Company is focused on developing and pursuing opportunities in data intelligence, graph database technology and applied artificial intelligence.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information, including statements regarding the Company’s development activities, the proposed AI data platform, potential proof-of-concept and pilot activities, and possible future collaborations and commercialization. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The memorandum of understanding is generally non-binding, and there can be no assurance that the parties will proceed with or complete any development, pilot, product launch or commercial arrangement, or that AGEDB will enter into additional collaborations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. AGEDB undertakes no obligation to update such information except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE AGEDB Technology Ltd.

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Bose Corporation Acquires Skullcandy, Expanding Its Consumer Audio Portfolio to Reach New Audiences

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36 minutes ago

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October 21, 2026

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Acquisition follows a successful partnership between the two companies and advances Bose’s evolution into a multi-brand products and technology company

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. and PARK CITY, Utah, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bose Corporation, a global leader in audio innovation and research, announced today it has acquired Skullcandy, a lifestyle audio brand known for its bold products that bring together sound, style and performance. Bose and Skullcandy have each spent decades finding new ways to bring people closer to the music they love. Together, they’ll combine Bose’s audio expertise, technology and global reach with Skullcandy’s design, understanding of its consumers and authentic community connections to create new products and experiences and accelerate growth.

The acquisition follows a multi-year partnership that has already brought Sound by Bose technology to Skullcandy earbuds and headphones. The companies have seen firsthand how their strengths can come together to create products consumers love while staying true to what makes Skullcandy special, providing a foundation to accelerate further collaboration and innovation.

With a strong position at the intersection of audio, lifestyle and culture, Skullcandy will remain a separate brand within Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio business. Skullcandy’s deep roots in boardsports, including longstanding relationships with passionate supporters of the culture and its athletes, and authentic connections across music, gaming, fitness and other communities present new ways for Bose to meaningfully connect with consumers where it has less presence today.

“For more than 60 years, Bose has been committed to delivering incredible audio experiences however and wherever people choose to listen. As we work to reach even more people, we’re expanding how we do that, not only through Bose products, but through technology partnerships and a growing portfolio of brands,” said Lila Snyder, Chief Executive Officer of Bose Corporation. “As a privately held company, we have the freedom to make bold, long-term investments in opportunities we believe in, and Skullcandy is a great example of that. They have an established, thriving brand, and together we see tremendous opportunity to create new products and experiences and reach more consumers around the world.”

“We believe this is a win for Skullcandy and our fans,” said Brian Garofalow, Chief Executive Officer of Skullcandy. “Skullcandy was born on a chairlift in Park City, Utah, over 20 years ago, and we’ve always believed great music should be part of the experiences people love. Joining Bose gives us the opportunity to make those experiences even better by bringing more of their audio expertise and technology to our products, and it opens up even more ways to take Skullcandy further.”

Bose plans to invest in Skullcandy’s continued growth, providing greater access to technology, resources, global distribution and commercial relationships while giving the brand the freedom to continue evolving in ways that are authentic to its identity and consumers. Skullcandy will continue to be based in Park City, Utah.

Bose acquired Skullcandy from a fund managed by Mill Road Capital Management LLC, a Connecticut-based private investment firm. Jones Day acted as Bose’s legal counsel. Additional information, including financial and other terms of the transaction, will remain confidential.

About Bose Corporation
Bose Corporation is a global leader in audio innovation, driven by a singular belief: sound has the power to transform the way people connect with the world. For more than 60 years, Bose has combined pioneering research, engineering excellence, and a deep understanding of human perception to create products and technologies that deliver extraordinary experiences. Through its portfolio of iconic brands, including Bose, McIntosh, Sonus faber, and Skullcandy, the company offers premium and luxury audio solutions for the home, on the go, and in the car. Bose also collaborates with leading companies across industries, extending its audio expertise and technologies into new products, platforms, and applications beyond its own brands. 

Guided by a relentless spirit of innovation and a passion for what sound makes possible, Bose continues to advance the science and art of sound while expanding its impact on everyday life. From music and entertainment to communication, wellness, and emerging applications, Bose is creating new ways for people around the world to feel more connected, inspired, and engaged through the power of sound.

About Skullcandy
Founded in 2003 on a chairlift in Park City, Utah, Skullcandy is the original lifestyle audio brand. With deep roots in action sports culture, Skullcandy creates headphones, earbuds, and speakers that deliver powerful sound, bold style, and immersive experiences. Designed to move with you—from the mountains to the streets—Skullcandy gear is built to perform and made to stand out. Learn more at www.Skullcandy.com.

Contact

Joanne Berthaume
Joanne_berthaume@bose.com

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SOURCE Bose Corporation

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