“Customers can watch whatever they want on the computer,” said Brooklyn Public Library spokeswoman Malika Granville. The New York Post reported that people are free to watch anything on computers at the city’s 200-plus libraries. The rule, however, has angered religious leaders and library patrons. Under American law, libraries that use federal funding only must install filters on publicly-used computers to block content that have obscenity and child pornography. Library officials said it is a free speech issue. “In deference to the First Amendment protecting freedom of speech, the New York Public Library cannot prevent adult patrons from accessing adult content that is legal,” said New York Public Library spokeswoman Angela Montefinise.

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/158550/yorkers-can-now-watch-porn.html

http://spicezee.zeenews.com/articles/story87004.htm

http://gawker.com/#!5799913/is-the-library-making-your-child-a-sex-perv

The National Center for Missing &Exploited Children, (NCMEC),is a private, (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization which was created in 1984. The mission of the organization is to serve as the nation’s resource on the issues of missing and sexually exploited children. The organization provides information and resources to law enforcement, parents, children including child victims as well as other professionals.

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&

VIEW MISSING CHILDREN HERE:

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/BannerServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US

CYBER TIPLINE—REPORT A REPORT:

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=169

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children: 2011 Top-Rated Nonprofit Organizations

Dreamcatchers has been named to a new list of 2011 Top-Rated Nonprofit Organizations by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews for nonprofit organizations. The top-rated nonprofits list is composed of organizations that have received at least ten positive reviews from stakeholders, such as volunteers, donors, or clients.

The reviews were posted as part of the “Children and Families” campaign conducted by GreatNonprofits, in partnership with Guidestar and a coalition of nonprofit organizations. “We are gratified to be able to honor Dreamcatchers for Abused Children for its work on children’s  issues,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits. “They deserve to be recognized for the support they have from their community of stakeholders.”

The entire list of top-rated Children and Family nonprofits is available at:

http://greatnonprofits.org/campaigns/view/children-families

You can view Dreamcatchers Page/Reviews here:

http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/profile2/dreamcatchers-for-abused-children

This list can be used to find great nonprofits to support with your giving, volunteering, and patronage.

About the Campaign

The campaign was hosted by GreatNonprofits, Guidestar, and a coalition of other nonprofit organizations.

The success of the campaign and the diversity of organizations reviewed reflect the core of GreatNonprofits’ mission to bring visibility, transparency, and accountability to the sector and allow nonprofits to engage with their community in a different way.

All reviews appear on GreatNonprofits.org as well as GuideStar.org, the premiere source for donor research on nonprofits. Nonprofits with 10 or more positive reviews during the campaign are included on the GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Children and Family Nonprofits list.

The Original Charity Cars (DBA Free Charity Cars) is a 501-C-3 non-profit charity, EIN 59-3362703. Established in 1996, our founding mission is to provide refurbished donated vehicles to struggling individuals or qualified entities. Year after year, our charity leads the nation in awarding free vehicles to deserving candidates across America (over 4000), many times paying for the down-payment for auto insurance, as well as the tag, title and registration fees.

The Original Charity Cars has enjoyed an avalanche of local and national publicity, including being featured Montel Williams, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, and Two Guys Garage. Articles about the program have appeared in a host of publications including People Magazine, Women’s World Magazine, Motor Trend, The Non-Profit Times, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Among its many awards, our organization is honored to be a past winner of the prestigious Walt Disney World Outstanding Community Service Award.

Mustangskids is a group of people who have banded together, in fellowship and love, on Free Charity Cars. We are working together to support a very special group of Families. These Families all have one thing in common: They all have either ill, disabled or special needs children.

What we do:

We actively transfer votes to these Families and promote for them in their individual states. These Families are struggling, greatly, and need all of the help and support that they can get. We promote these Families by contacting their local media outlets, newspapers, place of residence periodicals and on-line advertisements. If the need arises, we administer their accounts for them, until such a time when they are able to do so themselves.

Our Vision:

To have the transportation needs of Families with special needs children met.

VISIT MUSTANGSKIDS PAGE HERE:

Official Page: http://www.freecharitycars.org/user/mustangskids

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Mustangskids

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/Mustangskids

The new film “Trust” does not have a happy, Hollywood ending. The movie details the online recruitment and subsequent rape of a 14-year-old girl by a sexual predator in his 40s. “Charlie,” the rapist, initially masquerades as a 16-year-old in a chat room for young volleyball enthusiasts. There he meets “Annie Cameron” and showers the 14-year-old with flattery, attention and eventually romance at a time when she most craves it. Charlie turns himself into Annie’s on-demand confidant. Soon he sets up a real-life rendezvous. Annie is distressed when she meets a man much older than she expects, but the combination of her emotional investment in him at this point and his practiced seductive skills enable him to still lure her to a nearby hotel. He rapes her — and disappears.

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hemanshu-nigam/kids-internet-safety_b_854952.html

Child sexual abuse is more common than many people think. Darkness to Light – an organization dedicated to helping protect children from sexual abuse – estimates that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18. Yet sexual abuse often remains a horrible secret for the victim; Darkness to Light estimates that only one in 10 sexually abused children will tell someone. It is not uncommon for a child to delay disclosure of sexual abuse, sometimes indefinitely. Sexual abuse can be challenging to talk about, but talking about it and talking about healthy sexual development may be exactly what is needed to create an environment where children can disclose a personal history of abuse.

READ MORE HERE:

http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/article_c9395b68-700f-11e0-aeb2-001cc4c03286.html

Abuse is a major epidemic in this country, but one that is easily overlooked and misunderstood. Many people have the misconception that abuse only happens to those who are uneducated or those of poverty, but the truth is abuse can happen to anyone, at any given time. Unlike people, abuse is not prejudice.

The talk show features a variety of authors, child abuse advocates, educators, experts, motivational speakers, musicians, celebrities and regular Joe’s who want to spread the word and educate the public.

The concept behind the show was to have different women, from different backgrounds, with strong opinions, who share one common goal, stopping child abuse and creating a voice for ALL children!

Dreamcatchers Talk Radio Schedule:

TUNE IN MONDAY–FRIDAY (11pm EST):  www.blogtalkradio.com/dreamcatchers

Headlines – Discussion on the daily child abuse headlines

When Discipline Goes Too Far

For most children, home is a safe haven. For abused children, home can be a place of danger.Growing up as a victim of abuse can cause profound psychological, behavioral and physical consequences. Severity depends on the conditions of abuse — age of the child, their developmental status at the time of the abuse, frequency of abuse and type: physical, sexual, emotional or neglect.

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20110416/LIFESTYLE/104160323

DREAMCATCHERS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN: 1st Annual Easter Basket Drive

EASTER BASKET DONATIONS NEEDED
It is our goal to serve neglected and abused children by providing them with the joy of having a special Easter Basket made just for them. We are aiming to provide these baskets to children from the birth to 17-years old. We will be collecting items for Dreamcatchers for Abused Children to make Easter Baskets for children in need.

…You can help in several ways:
* Donating items to go into the baskets
* Making a monetary donation to DFAC designated for Easter Baskets

Items Needed:
* Easter baskets or plastic buckets
* Easter grass
* Plastic eggs
* Wrapped candy or Fruit Snacks
* Age appropriate item/trinket/toy
* Small stuffed animals or books
* Cellophane
Ideas for Age Appropriate Items:
Crayons, markers, colored pencils and coloring books, small cars, arts and crafts kits, sidewalk chalk, jewelry, gift cards, makeup, purses, manicure sets, jewelry, body sprays, combs & bushes, toothbrushes, bubble bath, small walkmans or CD players, watches, jump ropes, bubbles, bottles and blankets, dress up items, small games or flash cards, decks of cards, silly putty, playdough, sports balls, Small Cars and Trucks ~ Matchbox/Hot Wheels size, fragrances/cosmetics/hair supplies for the teens, etc.

This is a great project for kids of all ages to participate in–gather a group of friends, co-workers, church members or even scouts together to make baskets as a fun and meaningful way to help others.

Your support is greatly appreciated!
The 2011 deadline is Monday, April 18!!

Donations can be made via paypal (using our email: dreamcatchersforabusedchildren@gmail.com). Please make a notation that the donation is for our Easter Basket Drive.

You can also send monetary donations/donated items directly to Dreamcatchers for Abused Children’s via USPS/Fed EX/UPS at:
DFAC
P.O. Box 142
Peck, MI 48466

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED!!

Here is the current list of our sponsers for the Easter Drive:

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
** Krissy Knudsen Serfess
** Sierra Sullivan
** Rebecca Westgate
** LaQuisha Hall: Queendom Tea

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION DONATIONS:
** Kearns Agency–Port Huron, MI
** SC4’s Global Awareness Club–Port Huron, MI
** Joe’s Party Store–Port Huron, MI
** Erie Square Gazette–Port Huron, MI
** PopChips
** Setting Trends–Port Huron, MI
** Exchange Club Of Port Huron, MI

All of these organizations have not only made donations, but are also working to spread awareness in their area. They have made our information available to their customers, and have shown GREAT support to our organization!

*******************************************************

UPDATE: (4/20/2011) Today was a huge success for Dreamcatchers 1st Annual Easter Basket Drive. Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors & donors—Because of you we ended up with 62 Easter Baskets for abused & homeless children. They will be delivered on Friday by our Event Coordinator, Sierra Sullivan, to the three shelters in St. Clair County, MI. You can view our photos of this event here: https://www.facebook.com/abusedchildren#!/media/set/fbx/?set=a.217396761604996.61304.100000040210270

I would also like to give a HUGE thanks to LaQuisha Hall and Queendom Tea for purchasing, assembling & donating 10 Easter Baskets for the children!!! You can view their photos here: http://laquishahall.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-basket-community-service-in.html#comment-form

THANK YOU!!!!!

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES/PHOTOS OF EVENT:

TIMES HERLAD: http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110421/NEWS01/104210310/Group-delivers-goods

TIMES HERALD: http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=BP&Dato=20110420&Kategori=PHOTOGALLERIES&Lopenr=104200801&Ref=PH&odyssey=mod%7Cgalleriespic

“As a kid I was like a miniature adult. I cooked and cleaned and made sure my little brothers got off to school. My Mom was always depressed and stayed in bed — she was in the hospital a lot. I guess I never really was a kid.Now, I work hard to get As, take on lots of responsibility, put on this competent front. Inside I still feel really empty.”

“My dad’s an alcoholic. I was always afraid to invite other kids over because I didn’t want them to see what my family was like. I never really got close to people, now I don’t seem to know how to let others get close. I really don’t know how to have a good relationship. Most of the time I feel pretty alone.”

“My parents have always had these big ambitions for me. They tell me what my career should be, who my friends should be, what kind of car I should drive, and who I should date. it’s like they expect me to be perfect but don’t really believe I can blow my own nose. I feel like I’m suffocating, but if I get the least bit independent they try to control me with money.”

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics/relationships/dysfunc.html

I have been an advocate for children, provided workshops on child abuse, and taught parenting classes longer than I have been a parent. I was qualified to provide these services because of my education and training. However, becoming a parent has not changed my opinions of child abuse.

I usually do not discuss my experiences as a mother when I write about child abuse, but I decided to do so this month as I ask everyone to remember that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. I know well the joys and the stress of parenthood. I am proud to say that I understand overflowing diapers, leaky bras, and car seats full of vomit. Yes, I know the ups and downs of parenthood and my opinion has not changed. There is no excuse for child abuse.

What You Can Do
Unrealistic expectations of parenthood, differences between what we want and what we actually have, a strained relationship with our marriage partner, too much to do and too little time, financial problems, drug abuse, alcoholism, and a history of being abused as a child are examples of problems that can cause parents to take out anger and frustration on their children. Even very loving parents can lose control to the point of child abuse.

READ MORE HERE:– Here are some actions you can take to help children and their parents:

http://www.childrensadvocacycenter.org/article_20WaysToPreventChildAbuse.cfm

FROM TRINA: As most of you know I am a volunteer advocate for Dreamcatchers For Abused Children. Being a abuse survivor and mother of four children that are abuse survivors it was love at first sight when I found Dreamcatchers website! In honor of Dreamcatchers for abused children I am holding a raffle that will start 3/16/2011 and will end 4/16/2011.

Details of raffle

Start Date 3/16/2011
End Date 4/16/2011

Tickets cost are $1 each (or 6 for $5) and are donated directly to Dreamcatchers for Abused Children.

Click here for the many ways your raffle ticket will help Dreamcatchers For abused children.

The winning ticket will receive $108 paypal (or) $108 to any on-line store of the winners choice!

* note if you choose a gift card and I can not buy a gift card for $108 I will round it to $110*

The $108 is funded by me and my family and not by Dreamcatchers for abused children.  This is my families way of giving back!

You must be wondering why $108? why not $100? That would be a nice even number.  8 is a special number or my family . Read why here It’s an 8 thing .

Now that you have visited the Dreamcatchers website and thought of ways to spend your $108 you must be wondering how to buy a raffle ticket?

It’s simple!

First I want to make sure you know. Your name, e-mail address etc will never be shared or sold!

You can use paypal at

More links child abuse statistics
Child abuse headlines
Dreamcatchers for abused children mission statement
How you can help
Dreamcatchers for abused children published books
Dreamcatchers for abused children Founder

Dreamcatchers for abused children is also on facebook
Dreamcatchers for abused children Fan page

Please leave comments if you have any questions and  I will get back to you as soon as I can.

One person at a time we can change the world and Sandra is showing us all how to do that.

I leave you with this~

When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of HOPE and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.”~Pauline R. Kezer

Trina and family

Disclaimer:

Even though I am affiliated as a volunteer with DFAC, I was in no way compensated or persuaded to make this post or hold the raffle. The money is being provided by myself for the benefit of the organization. Any taxes or fees incurred will be the winners responsibility. Winner will be notified within 24 hours of being drawn. That winner will have 48 hours to respond or a second winner will be selected and the 1st winner forfeits the prize. Prize will be paid out in US dollars and not transferred into any other currency. You must be 18 years or older to participate. For any further details or questions, please email me at trinasangels (@) cox (dot) net

VIEW WEBSITE/RAFFLE INFO HERE:

http://www.6dailyblessings.com/2011/03/raffle-for-dream-catchers-for-abused.html

Abuse Bites a 501 (c) 3 Corporation

Offering *Awareness *Education *Training *Resources *Healing for Schools, Workplaces, & Communities

This non-profit organization educates the public on bullying. They are the ABC’s to stopping Abuse, Bullying, Violence, and Poverty — The Abuse Bites Corporation, helping kids, teens, adults, families, and entire communities be a safer, healthier, and productive. Founded in 2005 by lifelong Abuse Survivor, Lisa Freeman–a middle school drop out, abused runaway, who suffered through two horrifically abusive marriages. Yet at 26, this single mother, went on to college and overcame every obstacle in her path to reclaim her life. Today she’s an Award Winning Author, Speaker, the Healing Projects Specialist for the Bully Police USA, and a Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer.

VISIT WEBSITE HERE:

www.abusebites.com