2012 TOYOTA’S  “100 CARS FOR GOOD”  FINALIST

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children Is One of 500 Finalists for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program!! Help us win a new car to make an even bigger difference! Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is proud to announce we’ve been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program. Now we need your support! Tell your friends and vote for Dreamcatchers!!

Go To:   www.100carsforgood.com
Date:      MAY 23, 2012
When:   10am- 11:59pm EST  (ONLY)

Voting is for ONE day only !!!

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will be awarding 100 vehicles to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days based on votes from the public. A total of 500 nonprofits were selected from more than 4,000 applications nationwide.   We are hoping to win a new Toyota to help allow our organization to fulfill our mission, community outreach programs, and educate the public on child abuse awareness at a greater level.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Free-Press-Release.com) May 16, 2012 — Are you looking for a marketing company that gives you the tools, knowledge and ability to make your dreams a reality? Then look no further. Dreams Media & Promotion is a global advertising and marketing communications services company. Dreams Media & Promotion provides advertising, strategic media planning, digital marketing, promotional marketing, public relations, publishing and communication services to more than 250 satisfied clients.

As accomplished authors and businesswomen, Sandra Potter and Donna Kshir know firsthand there are many routes you can take when it comes to marketing and advertising yourself or your products; books, movie, music, art, etc. You can spend months and sometimes years submitting your work to publishers, agents, executives and record labels, and a large majority of the time it is deleted, or goes unread or unheard. As an alternative you choose to market yourself and your work, but the process is long and complicated, can leave you wondering if you are reaching the right people, not to mention finding first class service at an affordable price. At Dreams Media & Promotions they want to change all that. They want to make the process as easy, convenient and affordable as possible.

To get started, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself… What’s your destiny? Do you want to publish your novel, release an album or song, have your art seen by millions of people? Do you want to topple the charts? All products, including yourself, needs constant energy to be seen and heard. That’s where Dreams Media & Promotion come in. With ideas, both big and small. Dreams Media & Promotions use strategies and develop ideas that will impact you, your work, your business or your organization, today and tomorrow. It’s what they’ve done for others over the last decade to gain a Bestselling author status. Dreams Media & Promotion encourages their clients to reach for their dreams! For more information, Visit: http://dreams-media.weebly.com/

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM KEVIN EPLING:

International Stand4Change is this Friday! And what a day it will be. We now have over 1 MILLION students in every state in 70 countries, making a global stand on the #1 issue in schools after funding. Be sure to check out the website www.stand4change.org  for the flier and more info.

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We will break the Million mark before Friday, we have messages from one of the stars of GLEE, we are gathering celebrities in major cities to attend events and singer Cody Simpson has taken the message to Australia. As many of us stood together years ago for Hands Across America we finally give our children their time to stand up. Not only for themselves but more importantly for each other. Some schools are planning very sample events, some will just acknowledge the day, some at a different time, and others are going all out. It is up to the schools and the students to decide. Yet we have had some schools/districts say they will not participate because they feel it is a “one-time thing” or if they do participate it will only “bring attention” to the issue.

Even other anti-bullying groups are not sharing the info because it is not “their” group. Personally I think these are very archaic ways of looking at a very real and very different problem. If you choose as a teacher or administrator, law enforcement officer or head of an anti-bullying group, to treat it as a “one time thing” than yes that is all it will be. But this can be used as a catalyst to get them to act. It can be the beginning of something great. And if someone really thinks that participating will only “bring attention” to the issue and create discussion, and yes action on the issue, than I am sorry but that is exactly why it should be done. This is no longer an issue to simply skirt around, it must be addressed and when students can see themselves with a million other students they can know they are not alone.

For every reason I get from schools and communities of why not to do it, I will give you one reason why: the kids. It is about them and how we want them to act and help us take control of this situation. If we keep doing it they way we have always done it, because of the way it affects us and our “routines”, we will continue to fail. Don’t be a Bystander any longer, Stand up and be counted on May 4th, 2012… I will, will you?

Gay male survivor of child abuse and bullying speaks out.  

Statistics show that over 80% of boys and men do not come forward about abuse out of fear and shame.  Patrick Dati was one of those statistics but after years of depression and attempts with suicide he has decided it was time to tell his story.

Patrick is honored to have been working in conjunction with the SAMHSA/ US Department of Human Services sharing his story for their 2012 National Trauma Campaign as a trauma victim who has survived.  He is a public advocate and speaker for several anti-child abuse and bullying organizations such as National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and RAINN-Rape and the Abuse & Incest National Network and now an advisor board member with Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, Inc.

Patrick Dati speaks publicly to stop bullying, to promote education and awareness about the serious issues of child sexual abuse and bullying to break the silence, and create change and action.  Patrick Dati lived to finally “break the silence” that plagued him through his life.  Patrick was a victim of notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy, as one fateful day when Patrick was just a child, he was raped in a public restroom, and threatened to never tell anyone about the assault.  This would profoundly affect Patrick’s life and haunted him as he suffered alone with this secret.

Patrick’s world began to spiral downward, and his true inner pain was hidden, as he was able to masque the true pain he was in and kept it hidden from his family and those around him. His life was not his own, and it became apparent that he was not living his own life but the life his family expected him to. After many years of keeping the truth hidden from his family, Patrick finally allowed his family to know that he is gay, and is comfortable with his choices in his life. Patrick suffered sibling bullying due to his “differences” and was bullied at school as a young man.

Years ago as part of my own therapy he put his thoughts and experiences down on paper.  He is now working with publishers to get his story out and help support these causes.  His mission in life is to help others who suffer and show them it is okAY to come forward. Patrick’s goal is to continue to speak publicly about the issue of bullying and child sexual abuse, and he has had many interviews on major national networks and television stations. Please see Patrick’s website www.youandmecanstopbullies.com for more information or to contact Patrick Dati at media@youandmecanstopbullies.com.

NORTH BEND, PA- Donna Kshir has been hard at work on an 11th novel, creating and publishing a series of children’s books under her own publication company with co-writer Sandra Dawn Potter, mentoring high school students and opening a branch of the nonprofit organization, Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, in the community. Dreamcatchers is a Michigan-based, 3 nonprofit organization run by two moms (Kshir and Potter) on a mission to spread the word about child abuse awareness in our society. The organization is dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of abuse, and is the largest and most used Child Abuse Resource Center in Michigan.  READ MORE HERE

STOP EDUCATOR SEXUAL ABUSE, MISCONDUCT, EXPLOITATION (S.E.S.A.M.E.)

Dream Catchers for Abused Children is joining forces with the Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct and Exploitation Campaign to urge Pennsylvania’s elected officials to pass legislation prohibiting the practice of “Passing the Trash.” This loophole, whereby school employees accused of sexual misconduct are allowed to resign and move to another unsuspecting school district where they are likely to abuse again, allows predators to remain in the classrooms and potentially threaten even more students. Please join us in signing a petition at calling on Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett to support the legislation that will strengthen background checks for school employees. You can help spread the word about this important legislation by joining us on  Facebook and Twitter pages.

On April 23, Dreamcatchers Talk Radio host and Executive Director Patricia “Tricia” McKnight will sit down one-on-one with the author of “Stolen Innonce” and “Living for Today,” Erin Merryn. Erin is well known for her crusade to get “Erin’s Law” passed. This law is intended to prevent child sexual abuse by having schools educating children on sexual abuse in a child friendly manner. Governor Quinn signed “Erin’s Law” on Feburary 14, 2011.  READ MORE HERE

Child Abuse Prevention Advocates Sandra Dawn Potter and Donna M. Kshir are well-known for their work with Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, but the writing duo has reached a new plateau After the release of their award winning, bestselling book, A Story of Survival, Kshir and Potter stated they wanted to step outside the box, do something that has never been done before, and create a series of books to help teens in abusive relationships, but looking at abuse from both sides of the table, the victim and the abuser. READ MORE HERE

VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE HERE

An Indiana man is working to put an end to bullying with the help of an unusual toy. Creator Mark Little says “Ugly Ted” the bear is made fun of for his looks, but is still staying positive. Little came up with the idea for ted to try and teach kids about bullying and show that true beauty comes from within.

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First Annual Candlelight Vigil in the State of Oklahoma, Sunday April 15 @ 7:00pm! Event will be held at the beautiful COLE’S GARDEN! Fox 25 will be covering our Candlelight vigil with our National Spokeswoman, Debbie Splawn~Bunch!! There will be an amazing group of volunteers, speakers, performer and preacher….. Don’t miss it!! It will be life changing!!!

“Two years ago today we lost the most precious gift to come into our lives,” said Richard Calhoun. “He has never left our thoughts and our hearts.” His grandson, then 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun, died on April 12, 2010. Doctors would later describe Dominick’s injuries during a trial. His body was bruised from his head to his toes. He suffered cigarette burns and his teeth had been knocked out. His brain was swollen beyond the size of his skull. He didn’t have a chance at survival.  READ MORE HERE

ERIN’S LAW

If you were to go on Maria Shriver’s blog or her Facebook page you will see she is giving light to Erin’s law through an article I wrote for her to recognize the work I am doing with Erin’s Law.  I just returned from Virginia where I spoke to a large audience. After my speech someone in the audience called a local state senator and asked to see if he could schedule time in the morning to meet me. Sure enough he did. The next morning I was meeting with Senator John Edwards of Virginia to discuss Erin’s law. He was very positive about it all and I think it is looking promising that Virginia might just be the next state to add to this list. Right before I got on my plane Thursday to fly to Virginia I got a response back from a Georgia Senator who is going to introduce Erin’s Law next session.  READ MORE HERE

DREAMCATCHERS TALK RADIO

On Friday, April 6, Tricia McKnight will sit down one-on-one with Sharon R. Wells, on Dreamcatchers Talk Radio. Dreamcatchers Talk Radio is the first and largest 24 hour “LIVE” streaming Child Abuse Education Network. This programming is a diverse and unique format by a small team of highly dedicated experts and advocates dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of abuse; child abuse education, awareness, prevention, domestic violence, teen issues; teen dating violence, bullying, cyber-bullying, low self esteem, suicide, Male Awareness, Survivors, Missing and Exploited Children.

Wells is a writer, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Using her own personal testimony of survival for illustration, she is a passionate advocate who speaks out about prevention and awareness of sexual abuse. With a message focused and centered on encouraging hope, unwavering faith and perseverance, she guides others to realize, evaluate and triumphantly overcome the obstacles in their own lives through self-awareness and individual growth.

APRIL IS “CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH”

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is working with our partners to plan several inter-related events, all designed to heighten the awareness of the important work that’s being done nationwide to support children and families and prevent child abuse and neglect.  We encourage you all to participate in any way you can in these upcoming events. Remember, education & awareness is the “KEY” to prevention!!

Click Here to See How “YOU” Can Help

Click Here to Listen to our Community Outreach Programs

Click Here to See Our Upcoming BlogTalk Radio Shows on Prevention

Click Here to Visit Dreamcatchers EBAY Charity Store

Click Here to Add A “BLUE RIBBON” to Your Social Network Profile Pic

McKnight Kicks off Child Abuse Awareness month

Click Here to Join Our CAUSE & Support Us

Click Here to Purchase a STOP CHILD ABUSE bracelet

Consider becoming a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer!! CASA volunteers are desperately needed. Learn more here!

Ms. Brittni Kellom is the CEO and Founder of JUST SPEAK, INCORPORATED. Ms. Kellom founded the organization in 2003, after suffering four years of severe sexual and emotional abuse from her biological father. Ms. Kellom made the choice not to speak about her abuse. Her own understanding of the importance of speaking out, has compelled her to travel sharing her story of pain and healing with others.

Brittni Kellom, CEO
www.justspeak.org

Margaret L. Hall, Founder
Southfield Domestic Violence Group
248 227-0096

MRS COMMUNITY SERVICE — ONLINE PAGEANT

Founded by: Debbie Splawn~Bunch

~ ALL WOMEN DESERVE THE CHANCE TO ***SHINE*** ~

                     Age divisions

                     Teen age 13-19

                     Miss age 20-29

                     Ms. age 30 and up

                     Mrs. (married)    **NO AGE LIMIT**

**We are now accepting applications for local titles in all states**

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is pleased to announce their new Celebrity Spokeswoman, PAULA NELSON.

Paula Nelson was born on October 27th, 1969 in Houston, Texas. Born into a family of music and entertainment, she started playing piano and singing at the age of seven. She drew early influences from singers like Jesse Colter and Rita Coolidge, whose bluesy, supple vocal style provided one of Paula’s earliest templates as she found her own voice. Texas Monthly has called that voice “torchy,” and the Los Angeles Times praised, “There’s no missing the unforced power of Paula’s singing.” Paula and the band have been playing together since the summer of 2004, and the chemistry between the band and Paula is magic, both on stage and off the stage.

Paula’s career in the entertainment industry extends beyond music, as she has appeared as a stunt double on the Friday night television series “Friday Night Lights,” and portrayed characters in films, such as Britney, the mistress of a senator played by actor Michael Madsen, in the soon to be released “Conflict Of Interest.”

The soulful, sultry, singer/songwriter is not just the daughter of Willie Nelson, but a talented and gifted artist in her own right. Now, Paula wants to go the extra mile to help Dreamcatchers for Abused Children fulfill their mission and help protect innocent children around the globe.

ARTICLE CREDIT

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is pleased to announce their new Celebrity Spokesman, LUCIANO HOLGUIN.

Luciano was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. He came into the world on June 24, 1964. His experience in the movies has been a dream come true. Luciano first acted in a play when he was in the seventh grade. Eventually, Luciano went on to perform in such movies as Third Degree, The Lights, Cowboy Funeral, Corruption.Gov, and other film projects. On November 20, 2010, Luciano was honored with the Upcoming Latino Award at the Paso Digital Film Festival in Paso Robles, California.

Although Luciano is continually cast in tough guy roles, the actors that he has worked with through the years have come to call him the “gentle giant” for his willingness to help others and for the fact that he is always willing to go the extra mile to make a film work. Some of his projects have included an awareness program for Wounded Soldiers in Marble Falls, Texas where he and other celebrities gave out autographs and interacted with the community. After working on his upcoming film Gods of Kings, Luciano hopes to work on the film adaptation of Cibolero by Kermit Lopez. He also has an upcoming film titled Tumbleweeds and Ice, from Tigertale productions, where he will play the part of Uncle Julio.

Luciano’s message to today’s young people is that everyone’s dreams can come true. The thing is, they must be willing to work had for it, what ever that dream happens to be. He also understands that life is not perfect and that people always face unforeseen challenges. This is what has motivated him to join Dreamcatchers. Life may not be perfect, but organizations like Dream Catchers are there to do their part to help many of today’s young people fulfill their dreams. Luciano wants to go the extra mile to help Dreamcatchers fulfill their mission.

24-Hour LIVE Streaming: Child Abuse Education

Programming and Hosts:

Dreamcatchers Talk Radio announces new Wednesday night host Ed Mashek

Dreamcatchers Talk Radio announces Bo Budinsky as host

Dreamcatchers Talk Radio is pleased to announce their newest radio talk show host, Bo Budinsky. Bo has had a challenging life. He has dealt with addiction, shattered relationships, abandoned careers, been homeless, shot at, broken and disgusted, and it has only been in the last year he has”come out of hiding” so to speak. He was ashamed and that shame seemed to run his life. Why? He is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and that abuse has profoundly affected his life.

Now, join Bo on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. EST with his new program “Male Awareness.” Bo is ready to tell his story and help other men who have been affected by abuse. Call in and speak to Bo, and address your questions, comments or concerns.at: 917-932-1132.

PROJECT “UNBREAKABLE”

In October of last year, Grace Brown began a photography project called Project Unbreakable. Grace uses photography to help heal sexual abuse survivors by photographing them with posters that hold quotes from their attackers. Rape survivor and advocate for victims of sexual abuse, Yvonne Moss, describes the project as a way for victims to take the power back of the words that were once used against them.

Grace plans on photographing survivors for as long as she possibly can. Her goal is to spread light, awareness, and healing for those who have been affected.

If you are interested in participating by either being photographed or sending in your own image, you may send her an email at projectunbreakable@gmail.com with the subject line “Photograph Me” or “Submission”, depending on the circumstance.

Note: Grace, or anyone else associated with this project, is not qualified to give certified advice on this subject. If you are struggling, RAINN has a free, confidential, 24/7 sexual assault hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE(4673). RAINN also has an online hotline: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/

PROJECT UNBREAKABLE WEBSITE

Not sure what Project Unbreakable is? Click here.

Can you help Project Unbreakable by donating? Click here.

Want to be apart of Project Unbreakable? Email us at projectunbreakable@gmail.com

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Dreamcatchers Announcement

Benford Standley, CFO and Board Chair of Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, surprised us this evening with an amazing and heartfelt gesture. Benford helped produce a tribune film clip for Bruce Ricker. They put a DREAMCATCHERS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN ANNOUNCEMENT at the end of the Bruce Ricker Tribue Reel asking that donations be made to our organization in his memory.

Bruce was very close working with Clint Eastwood for over 30 years on many projects, and was a big fan of Benford’s annual Paso Robles Film Festival and State and Fate of the Children — and the gesture of Benford’s work with Dreamcatchers and for the concerns of children and youth.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS WONDERFUL TRIBUNE TO BRUCE RICKER

For more information on Bruce Ricker, please visit:

BRUCE RICKER

For more information on Benford Standley, please visit:

Paso Robles Film Festival Website

Benford Standley’s Paso Robles Film Festival Facebook Page

(Pictured: Bruce Ricker, Benford Standley, and Clint Eastwood)