Cruz Radio Interview about Domestic Violence

What documentaries to watch to learn about Human and Sex Trafficking

Review of Learning my First Animals in Spanish (English-Spanish Edition) OnlineBookClub.org

This is a fun and great way to start learning Spanish with your kiddos without the stress. The picture are so much fun; you will enjoy learning Spanish too. Check what this person had to say Online Book Club.

"Learning the Spanish language can be fun and interesting. It can be tasking as well. It can be especially difficult for kids if they do not live in the region where the language is being spoken. Learning my First Animals in Spanish by Cynthya Pagan helps children have fun while learning the Spanish language.

This children's book of 26 pages contains the names of numerous animals in both English and Spanish. Some of the names of the animals being translated include pig, chicken, cow, owl, elephant, camel, etc. With the aid of this colorful book, children can easily learn the Spanish names and spellings of different animals.

I love the simplicity of this book. Each page features a picture of an animal, its English name, and its Spanish name. The names are written in bold letters, which can help kids master their spellings. However, I would have preferred the inclusion of links to their pronunciation.

The bright and colorful illustrations made the book quite attractive. They also teach other facts about the animals in a subtle way. For instance, on page 18, the owl is drawn perched on a tree. From this illustration, kids can learn that owls are arboreal creatures. This is my favorite aspect of the book....."

Review of Learning my First Animals in Spanish (English-Spanish Edition) - reviewer Joyful17 - OnlineBookClub.org

Learn Spanish with your little one

Learning My First Spanish Alphabet ( English - Spanish Edition): Aprendiendo Mi Primer Alfabeto En Español (Ingles - Español Edition) during April Child Abuse Prevention month.
Spend time loving your kids and kiting your loving ❤  your little one with self care for you and the..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092HL549G/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_glc_8ABWPP0PJGPR20BPX2K3

Stop Child Abuse Now Online Radio by NAASCA ORG | BlogTalkRadio

This was an amazing episode as we talked not only about how I went through Domestic Violence but also how I became a survivor for others after 17 years and also my children. I haven't talked about my experience for years but I know how important it is for many survivors to hear your story.

 Thank you NAASCA.org for your work for children and for domestic violence survivors. 

Stop Child Abuse Now Online Radio by NAASCA ORG | BlogTalkRadio: Stop Child Abuse Now, NAASCA.org

GUIDANCE TO A GOOD HEART TALK SHOW / CHILD ABUSE DISCUSSION

Amazing show discussing Child abuse, what we know, and what we don't know? How are some ways to address child abuse and safety? We talked with Chrissy Sykes the creator of MY BODY IS MY 

BODY and amazing free program that assists parents, teacher, and educators to help families understand and teach all about the child, sex and abuse to children in a safe and learning environment through song and dance. She has provided these teaching tools on YOUTUBE and free of charge GLOBALLY! 

We also spoke to Lisa Council a well know writer, mother, and survivor who shared her experience but also her stories that were an impact on the conversation, not only for Domestic Violence but Bullying and Child abuse.   

As we discussed yesterday and some statistics some of us may not know these and some of us need this information:

RATE OF VICTIMIZATION OF CHILDREN

10.3 PER 1,000 CHILDREN IN US

IN OHIO ALONE IS - 13.2 PER 1,000 

2016 IN VIRGINIA - 2.5 PER 100,000 - 129 CHILD DEATHS - 46 ABUSE & NEGLECT

2017 IN MARYLAND - 7,578 VICTIMS -  5.6 PER 1,000 -  60% NEGLECTED, 22.3% PHYSICAL, 23.4% SEXUAL,  INCREASED 8.4% SINCE 2016 AND 2016 AND SOME NOT REPORTED

As of 31 March 2019, 49,570 children in England (41 per 10,000) were looked after by their local authority because of abuse or neglect. 44,025 contacts to the NSPCC’s helpline where there was 

concern about child abuse in the year ending March 2019. This was an increase of 5% from the previous year. This compares with an overall increase of 12% in helpline contacts over the same period.

Thank you, CHRISSY SYKES Ambassador at The Global Presence

Global Goodwill Ambassador For Child Welfare at The Federal Association for the Advancement of Visible Minorities - FAAVM

Vice President of Child Welfare at Global Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation

Creator and Founder at My Body Is My Body about Child abuse and www.mybodyismybody.com and GGA member and Lisa Council Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags Organization (DVWMT) and I Am Lynda’s Voiced

Owner and Founder #Chrissysykes #Lisacounsil #GlobalGoodwillAmbassador #mixxstation #stopchildabuse #stopverbalabuse #stopphysicalabuse #reachchildren #DVWMT #IAmLyndasVoice #ffthelpingothers #pureheartministries www.fft-helpingothers.com www.pureheart-ministries.com

Follow www.mixxstation.com and Facebook live  https://www.facebook.com/cynthya.hale/videos/10223780247882342/,  us on our syndicate channels youtube https://youtu.be/Byu3Ssk83bE, apple podcast, Spotify, Castbox, and many more. 

www.fft-helpingothers.com

thanks for statistics to https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/childabuseextentandnatureenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2019

Stay in Tuned with our Temporal State in our present Reality

Stay in tune with your with our temporary state in our Present reality. We must remember that everything is temporal but God wants us to use this temporal time to abide with Him and spend time in his compassion and in his ways. This was an amazing message at www.chapelsprings.org by the Praise and Worship Leader Pastor Joshua Wesley. Check it out 

Being Separated, Together!

I know you probably look at this title and thought to yourself, am I in a TWILIGHT ZONE! But NO, let me reassure you, you are not! This traumatic time has caused a great division, but it has also created a heightened awareness in people as they continue to get to know themselves and others deeply. They now want to enjoy more quality time with their families and even want to reach out to others.

Although we feel a sense of separation and divide, we are trying to make an effort to call more, reach out a little more, and text more. We are more conscientious to the inclusivity in each other's thoughts, lives, and emotions. Since Covid-19, we have addressed mental health more than ever before. These open doors of opportunities and reflections have given way to come closer and help people have a free openness to their Faith. Since this spiritual awakening and prayer language has begun, many have gotten closer to each other. This environment has sparked the timing of our activities to be closer not only to our fellow Christians virtually but also to our Father in Heaven.  This has also fostered the growth of love in redirecting our focus to be more inclusive to others, regardless of their Faith. And also have a deep respect and profound way of thinking for others in theirs. Embracing these thought patterns and activities can lead the way for growth and love in all our lives. And involving our families and children will continue a thought pattern of healthy emotional involvement that will continue even after Covid-19. It continues to set a model for sustainable healthy language regardless of what we see or hear in the news or our environment. This, of course, has spurned reactive osmosis on how our thought patterns are either negative or positive in our daily lives and can be negative or positive in our day to day activities.

Yes, these times can be challenging to control, but reaching out and fellowshipping with colleagues, friends, and family can be a catalyst to your self-awareness of hope, compassion, understanding, and of course, loving-kindness for others and even yourself. Take time to reflect and see how our Father's love and/or the love of your Faith can make an impact in your daily life. Reach out to prove that fostering loving-kindness through the  Father or your Faith no matter what the circumstance is, can be the most effective natural alternative to lifestyle coping mechanisms. Through these mechanisms, it can enhance your coping skills with family, friends, and colleagues.

I am inspired and blessed to be surrounded by women who give me hope, love, and compassion during Covid-19. Remember, give yourself time to reflect and show yourself to be inspired and flourish. God has always placed a ram in the bush, reach out to one, and God will show you many

                                                                    

Virginia Night of Virtual Conversation- YOU DON"T WANT TO MISS IT!

I am so excited to be a part of a 2nd Virtual forum. Domestic Violence Rally is hosting another virtual forum in the state of Virginia and we will be discussing issues like mental health during the time of COVID-19, Domestic Violence, addressing the Lautenberg Amendment plus how to address sexual and issues in the military. In addition,  we will touch on topics of Human rights and Human trafficking plus how to address virtual time with your children without pressure and how to know who they are talking to! We will discuss Domestic Violence topics and how we can stay safe during these times of COVID-19.  I hope you will all be part of this amazing event, come join us on SATURDAY MAY 9th at 7pm with our special guest.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO JOIN THE TALKS ON FACEBOOK.

https://www.facebook.com/events/875861796263956/

 

Good Connections and God's Progress

Functional connections between colleagues, friends, and families are not about what they can do for you but what qualities they can instill in you. 1 John 3:18 says,  "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Remember, everything in life takes action and effort. You must put in the work to grow if those qualities are not beneficial and reassess your relationship so that you must develop. Toxic links are never helpful or healthy. If it is loving and caring, then improve your relationship and build better bridges to grow. Remember, even we must also recognize when a person has been toxic, nasty, or unloving, and this does not mean you do not love them, but it means you create distance to help better your life and help to create a space where God can do a work in their lives. Sometimes a broken person does not know they are broken until God reveals the pieces in their heart. Let God do a work of art in that response area and remove yourself so that He can better open their heart to His love. Sometimes you are standing in the way of progress and fulfilling joy. Development, Guidance, Growth, Healing, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation is all our Father wants. Removing ourselves from the equation is sometimes the best thing we could ever do.  You never know where the Father may lead you, He may cross paths with this relationship again as seasons change and you mature!

God bless, and as I always say, " YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE LOVELY, I LOVE YOU, AND YOU KNOW GOD LOVES YOU TOO!"

Interview with SPEAK OUT CONVOS with Makayla Mcneal

I was so happy to have been interviewed by Makayla Mcneal from Speakout Convos from Anchor.FM

I hope you will all take some time out and listen to this amazing interview.

https://anchor.fm/makayla-mcneal/episodes/Cynthia-Hale-Domestic-violence-rally-Founder-and-Director-and--CEO-of-FTT-helping-others-eava61?fbclid=IwAR253lL_Oz5Jsp9p1W4-INzjoGumuauPX8LnODOJGH-LnILq8-bYAcip4gg

Giving my testimony in Georgia, EMPTINESS FILLS

I had the supreme honor to be in a room with some amazing ladies and also some victims that had gone through some intimate issues of Domestic Violence in Perry, GA. I was asked to speak on Human Trafficking and the effect it has on our communities. Unfortunately, God had other plans! We cannot assume to think about what God has in store whether it is to show your PowerPoint in his entirety or tell your testimony from beginning to end.

It had been years since I had mentioned my testimony and I try not to talk about my past issues of domestic violence episodes since most of my past and part of that life I had forgiven, forgotten, and moved on.  But as I spoke about the lack of my father figure, my struggles with having a relationship with my heavenly Father, and my ideology of relationships with men to fill the void of my lack of happiness. I felt a sense of growth that grew within me as I stood there, no longer feeling inadequate, or put together. Not lacking anything because I was not in Puerto Rico or did not have a Father to call my own, truly God had made me whole and complete. I saw one young lady weeping and as I spoke about my lack of Father figure, I can feel the breaking of her heart and the longing in her affections for the father she probably never had in her life. Just to be understood, held, and loved! I was there and I remember that longing. So as I kept speaking, I remember praying for her comforting her and longing for that desire that God would truly be answering her hearts desire in that still small voice that only Father God could long to fill. In my deepest prayers, I ask to let it be at your season Father, speak to your son's and your daughter's and reconcile them to you. Father, let there be forgiveness and healing of each broken heart.

Dont forget to sign up for the KNOW YOUR WORTH SEMINAR!!

Sign up for the Know Your Worth Seminar- FEBRUARY 29th

Patterns of Mental and Financial Abuse. Come get your Certification from Sophia Melone the Debt Demolisher and learn new ideas from our panel of speakers:

*Sheriff Johnson Manassas Sheriff's Department,

*Michelle Prioretti Navy Federal (Assistance from banking institute),

*David Gillis Long & Foster (Talks with your landlord and what are the laws that govern when getting away from your abuser)

* Evangelist Patricia Fowler Pure Heartministries - VA Director (Learning what is Domestic Violence)
* Katrina Thomas- Loving Yourself No more Abuse GA Director (Behind the Veil)
*Kathy Greggs Co-founder Fayetteville PACT Director NC DV Rally & Military Liaison (Writing a bill and filling out military information)
* Cynthya Hale CEO FFT Helping Others/ Founder DV Rally (Human Trafficking and looking for signs)
. Come join us at Comfort Inn near Quantico in Dumfries VA, Feb 29, at 10 am
Price cut from $150 to $100
*FOOD PROVIDED*
*GIFT GIVEAWAYS*
Comfort Inn Near Quantico Main Gate North
16931 Old Stage Road
Dumfries, VA 22025
https://knowyourworthseminar.eventbrite.com

**** EVENT DATE FEB 29 at 10 am ******

eventsnearhere.com

The Catalyst of Sex and Human Trafficking in our society.

As homelessness increases in our society and we are seeing younger and younger teens starting to become homeless. The act of Human and sexual exploitation has become prevalent in this day and age. Unfortunately, criminals have become bolder even kidnapping children from the arms of their mothers. The acts of sexual exploiting, child sex trafficking and forced labor plus prostitution have become such a commodity they will go so far as to do it in plain sight, no matter the consequences.

Such acts of vulgarity and indecency we have allowed and turned a deaf ear, eye, and closed mouth to it for so many years that we ourselves have become desensitized to the mear acts of impertinence by a criminal. This 8-year old little girl was literally walking in daylight with her mother and was snatched by her assailant from her mother's arm. Thank goodness to her neighbor's Ring that caught everything that happened, and the community and officers that leaped into action. But what about the things that are not seen and the children still out there. In a study conducted by the University of New Hampshire, it states:
"An estimated 105 children were victims of stereotypical kidnappings in 2011, virtually the same as the 1997 estimate. Most kidnappings involved the use of force or threats, and about three in five victims were sexually assaulted, abused, or exploited. Victims were, most commonly, ages 12 to 17, girls, white, and living in situations other than with two biological or adoptive parents. Half of all stereotypical kidnappings in 2011 were sexually motivated crimes against adolescent girls."
   You think, things that are hidden in the dark are best kept in the dark until it happens to one of our children. We must expose inhumane factors of human trafficking and child trafficking once and for all. BE A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS, SPEAK UP!

If you see something

SAY SOMETHING!!

and call the 

National

HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

Let's End Violence Together...Let's Rally for Domestic Violence

So excited about the new shirts for the Domestic Violence Rally at the Washington DC Capitol. We will be marching from the Capitol to Martin Luther King Memorial- October.1st, 2019 from 9:30am - 1:30pm. Check out our website to get more information and to RSVP. But please don't forget to find your individual states and get connected for your state VIGILS and march on Facebook. 
The original group is = Domestic Violence Rally 2019 group, but each state has there own group and their own opportunities for volunteering, vigil, and march sites. There is also a Domestic Violence Rally 2019 Page for you to join and become part of a great movement in your area. 

If you are looking for your state, please type it in as :
YOUR STATE  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RALLY 2019 GROUP
**EXAMPLE**

Tennessee Domestic Violence Rally 2019 Group

Once you get connected to your own group, you will know all about the group's information and its vigils. This will give you great announcements to all things going on within your group and your state. In addition, you will make great relationships about the issues of Domestic Violence and can understand these particular issues going on in your state.  You will have an opportunity to meet your Director's and get first-hand feedback about the march, conferences and special events in your area. 
We hope you will stop by and visit us at www.domesticviolencerally2019.com and get to know our site and each vigil march more. 
Only together can we stop DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
#passallDVlaws #EndDVEndHate #DVRally2019 #Brittanyslaw

Starting at $18.99 and up  

Please click this link to purchase

The True Visual Effects of Abuse

We never know the actual trauma and exact effects of abuse. It can hide in the darkest corners of your nearest neighborhood, your mayor's office, down the street at your local bar or even at your local church. Yes, violence can disguise itself in many shapes, many people, many experiences, and many opportunities. But let's be clear Abuse and Violence has no bias, it does not discriminate. It doesn't care of your age, your gender, your status, your political affiliation, your race, your religion, or your economic status. Violence is just Violence, it just plain hates, no matter the appearance of it. If we look at humanity throughout the ages, we can see that we have transformed ourself. We as humans have evolved into a species that has grasped the evolution of hatred and malice. And although there are particular occasions that we can show great feet of good loving kindness. We are starting to lose the inability to feel the basic instincts of great compassion. Sometimes, our mandate of un-remorseable lawlessness to appease our generation is stronger than that of human kindness. We make excuses for killing babies, we make excuses for sodomy and rapist and call them, "morally upright and law-abiding in life."
We even question the morality of the structure of human decency in the sanctity of marriages, families, the care of social equality and the treatment of each person principles. It has gotten necessary and disgusting that human life has taken a back seat because we like to use morality as the basis of our own platforms. Although, we see crying children, helpless mothers, gun violence, racial tension, religious divide, political indifferences, and human biases. I believe if we cannot take a grasp on these personal divides and agendas, we will never be able to take a hold on the issues of Domestic Violence. Ever. And the Issues of childhood trauma, suicide, and sexual trafficking; these issues are more significant than one group, one nation, and one person can undertake. We need personal deliverance and a personal manifestation of healing to this country like never before.
Martin Luther King said it best when he said,
" The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, 
begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.
Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.
Through violence, you may murder the liar,
but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth.
Through violence, you may murder the hater,
but you do not murder hate.
In fact, violence merely increases hate.
So it goes.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

I got a fantastic opportunity to work with a great photographer in Connecticut  Nikki Lyn Amatruda, and her excellent work with the models and makeup artist in Connecticut for the Intimate Partner Violence PSA calendar,

I do have to warn you some pictures are very explicit in nature, so I AM PLACING A WARNING to anyone because of the graphic quality.  But what surprised me was the tenacity, the love, and compassion all these women and how they loved one another. I was touched by the loving kindness that each woman had for one another and how they reach out to share their stories. It really places this PSA at a particular moment in time to let the world know of what they faced. Many of them years before, many of them months earlier, and many of them just a couple of weeks, but we all can attest this is a time capsule of pain. Knowing that this pain is no longer available but tucked away until needed for our next advocacy moment. They were strong and purely spectacular women. I am so thankful to have known each and every one of them. If you get an opportunity please stop and check out Nikki's closer images online and many of these amazing women. I hope you will become part of the fantastic Domestic Violence Rally Movement. It has not been easy, but each voice together can mean a grand scale of a collective movement to show peoples stories. This Vigil in each state will show that we are going to seize anonymity and complacency and choose to stand for what is right and what is RIGHTEOUS.

God bless and stay safe in America.

                                                 PHOTOS BY   Nikki Lyn Amatruda

                                                                              Click the link to view larger photos.

                  

                                       

                   
                                                               

                                    

      

                      

                                                    

                                      
                                       

 

Why is Abuse so taboo in Christian society?

Let me begin this blog post by saying that I love being a Christian and love my relationship with my heavenly Father and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for me. Just so that we can set the record straight that by looking at the title above anyone doesn't misunderstand my love for my heavenly Father. Sometimes we can be most of our lives in the church, in Sunday school, reading our bible and interpret the word of God totally and completely wrong. As I began my walk with my ex-husband many years ago, I found out that I always wanted to submit to him and to the word of God and wanted very much to make the word of God work in our marriage. Instead of vice-versa making the word of God work in me so that it would be an example and it would flow into my marriage. As I prayed, I began to see a pattern in my husband that began with emotional tendencies of emotional abuse and verbal abuse that manifested into physical violence. Since I have always been a people pleaser, I wanted nothing more than to please him and make my Heavenly Father in heaven happy. I never wanted a divorce, but as things got worst, I found myself fighting through bruises and pain to stay with him, and I brought my son into such deep and painful agony. Indeed these are things that I have felt such condemnation over, but I had to learn to release and finally learned to forgive myself and my abusers. Yes, you read those right abusers! See I fell into the same pattern most women fall into with both my 1st son and then my second son. Any them now redeemed and learn through wisdom and knowledge of behaviours and tendencies. I  am FREE, in a beautiful marriage now full of promise and love. But I learned the patterns of abuse and what never to get into again. I realised that I am worthy,  that a relationship is not about 50/50 but 100/100 each putting in their equal amount to love and to be loved, that each much talk and communicate and no partner must make the other feel like the other is less.  That we are like-minded and sympathetic1 Peter 3: 8, not paying back evil for evil or insulting one another - 1 Peter 3:9, for such, is the blessing of God. And that if we do good to our partners and love them, we would speak and do good to them especially if we want good days - 1 Peter 3:10. And we must talk peacefully and walk peacefully and pursue it- 1 Peter 3:11. Because the eyes of God are on the righteous and on those who do what is right and good in his sight - 1 Peter 3:12. See I always kept look at 1 Peter 3:1 that I should submit to my husband but never read on. I always thought, "WELL THOSE ARE MY CONDITIONS I BETTER DO THEM!!" but real men have so much more to they are to abide by. 1 Peter 3:7 

*Husbands*

1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

The word Honor means-high respect; high esteem. Adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct. regard with great respect.> fulfill (an obligation) or keep (an agreement).<

The word Understanding (greek gnōsis) means- sympathetic awareness or tolerance, sympathetically aware of other people's feelings; tolerant and forgiving. Strongs - knowledge signifies in general intelligence, understanding

1. the general knowledge of Christian religion
2. the deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this religion, such as belongs to the more advanced
3. esp. of things lawful and unlawful for Christians
4. moral wisdom, such as is seen in right living

The word NEW LIFE-  Gen 2:7

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person.

I would never want anyone's prayers to be hindered let alone my own, but I honestly felt a sense of dread to know I might be off with the Father. I wanted us blessed and our life blessed but the moment that he laid his hands on my body he broke that initial covenant with God. Focusonthefamily.com says, "The Hebrew word for "oath" is "shevah," meaning "to seven oneself" (In Gen 21:27 31, Abraham makes a treaty with Abimelech using seven ewe lambs, and they called the place "Beersheva," which means, "the place of the oath" or "the well of the sevens.")

If you don't have an oath, you don't have a covenant.

Another Hebrew word for oath is "I raise my hand" (See Deut 32:40ff). When we raise our hands in worship, for example, we are swearing an oath. We lift up God's name when we invoke God's name in an oath."

So we are invoking and swearing our marriage and giving it life but once we harm each other we break that oath, we break that covenant; especially when we do bodily, mental, emotional or spiritual harm. That is not to say God cannot fix what is not broken that is not true HE CAN DO MIRACLES...HE IS THE GOD OF MIRACLES. But, please do not stay through the bruises and pain; sometimes the door is opening to let you go through so that God can fix the issues with your significant other and make things better with you and your family. Trust me I would never want families broken, but God wants you better, your significant other better, your children happy and He wants to be satisfied with the outcome. Let him do the work, and he will work it out.  But for now, if you are going through something and you need help, please call a pastor, a leader or the Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Start the New School Year with some great books for your kids.

With such a beautiful day this Sunday morning, I woke up blessed and praying for many families who will be beginning the new school year tomorrow whether public, charter, private or homeschool to prepare their students for the new 2018 school year. This is going to be a great school year for every school age student, and as each student is being prepared by each parent or guardian to start the new school year with all the school supplies like: pencils, pens, paper, and erasers, let us not forget to remember all the wonderful new books that would be a great addition to their reading program. Each book is just as important of a supply for self awareness, reading comprehension, and to communicate effectively on issues that effect their day to day lives. These books are just as important as the every day materials in their arsenal of items in  their bookbags, especially the once they use in their class rooms. These tools will increase in their knowledge of bulling and cyberbullying, and are just as important for connecting your child with his or her environment and for having and open and honest discussion about certain issues.

Some great additions would be:

THE DAY YOU BEGIN

Great book to build empathy. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider because of their race, appearance, ability and more. Age 5+

RESCUE & JESSICA

Written about a young girl and her service dog. Writers are a couple who lost their legs in the  Boston marathon bombing. Age 7+

HELLO UNIVERSE

Virgil sets out to visit a friend, runs into the school bully, and accidentally falls into a well, where visions of characters from Filipino folktales help him find a way out. Age 9+

STELLA DIAZ HAS SOMETHING TO SAY

Shy Stella often mixes up Spanish and English , and worries that she  fit neither her Mexican nor her A.erican Heritage. Young readers will relate to Stella's struggles and triumphs as she finds her  voice, her confidence, and new friends. Age 8+

All these wonderful books are quoted by the August & September 2018 issue of Parents magazine. These books have been approved and very popular with many parents and children on the parent magazine. Please visit www.parentsmagazine.com for more information and more book.

And as always enjoy the new school year!

A Little Coffee and a Heart felt discussion at Jirani Coffeehouse with Why, Inc?!

Hi everyone,

It's about 1 am and I am gathering my thoughts on what I experience last night. I had a wonderful night at Jirani Coffee House in Manassas, VA and learned some great information and heard some great stories about Bullying and Anti-Bullying prevention from some great organizations, amazing parents, and educators. It was truly a wealth of knowledge to hear their amazing stories and get their input! I am getting excited to know that we are at the forefront of some great ideas to tackle the epidemic that has been hurting our children, not only the victim but the bully as well. They are coming up with some innovated ideas to help heal and learn what we can do to teach our children, parents, and educators to succeed and learn to heal in some psychologically healthy ways, which has truly blown me away!

One organization that is looking to stop bullying in its tracks here in Prince William County is the Prince William County Student Assistance & Prevention Program with the new - NO PLACE FOR HATE,  which was established in our Prince William County Schools. This program was started in the Regional offices of Washington D.C for assistance to help Prince William County Schools and was formed as the bases of the  Student Assistance & Prevention Programs. It is being included slowly to see how it will handle in certain county schools. The Prince William County Supervisor of Suicide and Student Prevention Alliance, Richmond Hill was fervid and having faced bullying in the past as a child, he understood many of the same hurdles and knew many of the heartfelt needs of those in the room. Richmond says, "although many of these programs are there and available many parents are not aware, we want to ensure we get the help of those who can promote like community programs, organizations, and young people."   For more information on these and other school programs please contact the division of Student Assitance & Prevention Programs at 703-791-7436. 

 Another great organization that was there was PAYTON'S PROJECT.   Payton Rose Freeze was 17 years of age and due to the pressures of bullying and cyber-bullying, took her own life on February 10, 2016. Her father Mr.Freeze was there commemorating her life by sharing her experiences, his love for his daughter and the families experiences. His love is helping ignite a spark for Payton's Project to help many other families and kids facing cyberbullying, bullying and issues of depression. As quoted on Payton's Projects website, " Payton had just told her father the day before she took her own life that she was being bullied at school. The Freeze family believes that this, combined with the fact that Payton was found to have been suffering from CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, contributed to her death.

According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, the symptoms of CTE can be debilitating and cause “loss of memory, difficulty controlling impulsive or erratic behavior, impaired judgment, behavioral disturbances including aggression and depression, difficulty with balance, and a gradual onset of dementia.” CTE is typically caused by multiple concussions, but Payton only suffered from one, in 2014. Payton’s Project aims to bring awareness to both bullying and concussion prevention." 

It was a touching love story of a father that had the whole coffee house moved and crying. This movement in their website as I investigated, has gone to spark a legislative law and petition urging Bullying Law Additions to add a House Bill called 1624 plus to House Bill 744. They have asked many parents, organization, and groups to sign their petition on their site to help as they say "strengthen current anti-bullying law to offer better protections and improved resources". To sign this petition please go to SIGN PAYTON'S PETITION HERE. Please help their movement, learn about Payton, about their scholarship and their programs.

It was also great to be able to hear from some great youth in our audience. YOUTHCENTERSTAGE.COM.  It is a veteran-owned theater company tailored to ages 5 and up. They have summer theater camp, art classes, online class and much more. They find fun ways to connect with their peers in a fun and healthy way.

One of their youth answered a wonderful question posed by their instructors, HOW CAN YOU PREVENT BULLYING- he said "by speaking up, if you see someone tell a parent it's not hard."  Truly on our way to a preventive success, thank you Youth Center Stage for doing all you can to help our kids have a wonderful peer on peer healthy communication and always keeping an open line of communication with their parents. If you need more information about YouthCenterStage.com and more about their programs please visit their site at www.youthcenterstage.com

I definitely do not want to end this without thanking our host Why, Incorporated. Who open the floor for many of us to gather together and open the floor for many of us to talk about this unanswered, hurtful and still pending issue in our children's lives. Why, Incorporated started this movement in 2016  and pondered the same mission as many other families just as it says on their facebook page, "Why is something we ask after something happens....Why do we wait until then? Let's get the education now so that we can be prepared. "

What a powerful and profound statement..we always wait till the last minute don't we folks, let's do something NOW! This is an amazing 501c3 dedicated to nurturing healthy, safe programs for parents and children. Please visit them at https://whyinc.org for more information and to become involved in their programs. Don't wait to get involved with your local groups, churches, counties, police station, schools, government offices, social media avenues, and in your CHILDREN LIVES. Let's not stop until bullying ends and we all can get a better system in place.