Child Abuse - Mental Health - Shooters

The shooting at Santa Monica College, left 5 dead and 3 wounded. The media started a new debate on MENTAL HEALTH but ignored CHILD ABUSE as a leading cause for violent, self-destructive behavior. If we don't discuss the consequences of child abuse, we will not stop street violence.

Find out how to raise happy, healthy, nonviolent children. For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids

Terror in London - What WISE men know

Terrorists brutally killed a young British soldier on a London street. What drives men to murder innocent people for a cause? What do WISE men know that terrorists don't know? We can stop terrorists if we understand the primitive mind and what motivates them! For more information: www.safekidsnow.com Join our facebook page: www.facebook.com/safekidsnow Add your comment! We want to hear from YOU!

Amid Perfect Storm for Violence, here's what to do!

(Published by the Bay Area News Group – Contra Costa Times 8-12-12)

The murder of 26 at Sandy Hook School in Newtown CT and 12 killed with 58 wounded at a theater in Aurora, CO are national tragedies sparking debate on gun control.  Based on my experience as a crime and violence prevention consultant, over the past 35 years, I see a need to share what I have learned about violence. (Remove my info and put in your info)

The seed for violent behavior begins at home. Parents good or bad are teachers. Disconnected families in conflict often fail to teach children how to develop healthy relationships.

Mental, physical or sexual abuse can make even the most intelligent child, anti-social. If children’s needs are not met, they can be thrown off balance resulting in anger and feeling powerless. These children can become targets for abuse at school, becoming isolated and alone.

Peers and society also influence impressionable youth. The breakdown in American culture has created a “perfect storm” for violent behavior.

The breakdown of the family

Family conflict, divorce and neglect can create confusion for children.  They often suffer in silence or become bullies with little compassion for others. If adults don’t listen, set boundaries and calmly discipline children, they can become frustrated and angry.

Without guidance and emotional support, children may fail to mature emotionally and often alienate classmates.

Children who excel in school can develop an inflated ego and feel smarter than others. Lacking self-awareness, a small percentage of youth seek revenge to get back at society for the pain they suffer.

Without a conscience, emotionally unstable youth can become obsessed and play “god” in other people’s lives, which can turn deadly.

The breakdown of neighborhoods

In many cities, neighbors are strangers. They expect someone else to solve problems and don’t see their role in keeping the neighborhood safe. This attitude creates social isolation with no check or balance on youthful misbehavior that can develop at an early age. Neighbors must become role models and demonstrate an interest in neighborhood kids.

The breakdown within cities

Disconnected residents allow fear to divide and conquer. Cities deteriorate as prostitutes, drug dealers, gangs and the homeless take over the streets. Neighbors don’t report criminal behavior and may even protect criminals.  Crime goes unchecked which allows gangs to fill the void. Without adult leadership, youth may turn to drugs, sex or other addictions to feel good while everyone else feels powerless! 

The breakdown of values in the media

Movies and television promote sex and violence because it sells. The entertainment industry reinforces human weaknesses. Children are desensitized as immature youth engage in sex and violence without understanding the consequences as moral values disappear.  We become what we promote as disconnected youth feel angry, alone and nobody cares.

The breakdown within the religious community

There are thousands of churches, temples and synagogues in America; however, they don’t work together to inform the community about the power of the human spirit. During the past 50 years, the religious community lost their influence following numerous scandals including pastors stealing from congregations and the abuse of children. Many churches become political action groups as religious leaders did little to bring the community together, spread the need for spiritual values or demonstrate the power of, “Love thy Neighbor.”

What can we do to stop the violence?

Community support strengthens families and helps parents raise successful children.  Here are two things you can do today:

- First, create a network of support around children to help them learn how to develop healthy relationships.  Group participation teaches children to respect others and develop self-control.  Network with friends and neighbors, and get children involved in a variety of activities.

- Second, find emotional support for children at a house of worship of your choice. Help children discover their spiritual center so they don’t become bullies or victims.  Children can discover their identity and become responsible and self-aware.  They will learn how to get along with peers and become better citizens.

Gun control is not the solution to this complex problem!  Government cannot fill the void with more laws or increasing control over American lives. Concerned citizens must work together to strengthen families, organize to make neighborhoods safe for children and get involved to make communities peaceful places to live.

Everyone will benefit as children grow up healthy, happy and able to reach their potential.

Stephanie L. Mann

Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

www.safekidsnow.com

Guns, Ex-cop and Mental Health

Why would ex-police officer, Christopher Dorner, and an ex-Navy man turn violent toward the LAPD? Why has he targeted his rage toward innocent people?

What was missing in his life? What can you do to make sure boys do not become violent? Here is what I think, tell us what you think! SUBSCRIBE To find our podcasts and subscribe, go to www.safekidsnow.podcast.com or on Itunes. Available on your Iphone or Ipad, go to: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephanie-mann-safe-kids-now/id548469786?mt=2

BEYOND GUN CONTROL

Today in USA: 300,000,000 guns in circulation! 

Americans are divided over GUNS! Will more gun laws protect our children?
Let's broaden the discussion, bring people together and work for community change!

      IT IS UP TO ALL OF US TO PROTECT CHILDREN!

"Beyond GUN Control" Tell us what you think! This is your country!

 
Comment from Ed Delph in Arizona "It is getting pretty tough out there. The more DC legislates the worse it will get. To try and have a behavior change without a family values change will never work. It is amazing how they want to go after the gun rather than the values. People have always had lots of guns in this country. What has changed is humanism has changed the values...from constructive to destructive...." Ed

Contact us or for more information...www.safekidsnow.com

Spiritual Crisis - Boys and Guns - Part 6

The terrible tragedy in Newtown, CT is a WAKE UP CALL!  We must broaden the discussion beyond GUNS! 

 
Over the years...What went wrong?  Why are American young men killing innocent people and children on our streets and in our schools, malls and places of worship?

Here are my thoughts!  What do you think?

Spiritual Crisis - Domestic Violence - Part 4

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence.  The odds are...you know someone who is a victim of abuse!

Here are the 4 steps in the Cycle of Abuse. 

We can stop the cycle of abuse if... we recognize what is going on and how to help family members or friends? You can help save a child from being a future abuser or victim!

For more Safe Kids Now Podcasts,  click here.

To hear Rebecca Kimbel's story of survival on YouTube,   CLICK HERE

Stopping Child Abuse!

Do you know the signs of child abuse?   Children need ALL OF US to speak up to help make families stronger and more resilient!  We can stop child abuse.

Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide



For more information about our podcasts - CLICK HERE

6 MYTHS - Keeping cities locked into crime!

Chicago had 10 people killed and 40 wounded in 4 days. This can change if we get beyond the myths!

For decades, politicians and community leaders have perpetuated myths as the cycle of drug abuse, gangs and violence continues from one generation to the next. Myths include:

Myth #1 - Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. Additional police on the streets can increase response time, but their job is to react to crime. The national average is 2.4 police for every 1000 citizens. It is not realistic to assume the police can keep us safe.

Myth #2 – More money will stop crime.
In the past 40 years, billions have been spent on education, home security, and guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter and surveillance cameras. Money doesn’t stop domestic violence or youth from being abused at home or bullied at school. It does not put a responsible father back in the home or increase time spent with children.

Myth #3 – Hitting and verbal abuse will not harm children.
An abused child struggles to be accepted. They can rebel, learn to be bullies or become victims. These children don’t trust their instincts and intuition or develop a healthy conscience, which can protect them. When children have love and a network of support, they grow strong and resilient.

Myth #4 - Laws control criminal behavior.
Politicians pass laws to keep the public safe. Laws have limitations. Most citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers ignore laws.

Myth #5 - Racism keeps the community oppressed.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or society perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent which is a self-destructive false sense of power.

Myth #6 - Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power by creating an illusion of compassion. For decades, billions of dollars has been spent on programs including the “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs.” In our zeal to help, we destroyed self-confidence, self-determination and motivation.

Myths have some truth but they don’t change behavior. Connected citizens have the power to create positive change and restore community safety and confidence.

America at a crossroads
Will security in the U.S. require more laws and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthen families?

The largest group of crime victims, children. They are “canaries in the mine.”

For more information, www.safekidsnow.com

Neighborhood Watch - A different point of view

The controversy over the Trayvon Martin shooting by a Block Captain in Florida prompted the writing of this article. Ms. June Fletcher explores the pros and cons of joining a NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH group.

Do you belong to a Neighborhood Watch group? What is your experience? What do you think?

Article published on Yahoo Real Estate 5/18/12. Click here to read: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/should-you-join-a-neighborhood-watch-program.html

Top 10 Alarming Facts - How Domestic Violence Impacts Kids

1. 63% of all boys, age 11-20, who commit murder kill the man who was abusing their mother
2. 75% of boys who are present when their mothers are beaten were later identified as having demonstrable behavior problems
3. Children from homes characterized by domestic violence are five to seven times more likely to experience significant psychological problems relative to children in the general population.
4. Domestic violence exposed children are four times more likely to visit the school nurse.
5. More than half of school age children in domestic violence shelters show clinical levels of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
6. Researchers have linked exposure to chronic abuse and violence with lower IQ scores, poorer language skills, decrements in visual-motor integration skills and problems with attention and memory.
7. Cognitive problems associated with exposure to violence and abuse comprises one of the most direct threats to the developmental task of school adaptation and academic achievement.
8. Witnessing violence as a child is associated with adult reports of depression, trauma-related symptoms and low self-esteem among women and trauma-related symptoms among men
9. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average in the general population.
10. 3.3 million children witness domestic violence each year in the US.

YOU can bring neighbors together to help stop domestic violence, check out the "Adopt-A-Block" Guidebook on www.safekidsnow.com/adoptablock.html

Root Cause for Violent Behavior!

Hardly a day passes without youth violence making news. From bullying at school to gang activity in the streets, the problem is pervasive. Most recently, rival teenage gangs traded deadly gunfire in the streets of Macon, Georgia, and the mayor there has vowed to find solutions. Macon is not unique.

We believe the best time to counter violent behavior among the young is before it starts. If we expose children from birth onward to positive, nurturing, nonviolent treatment, and to exemplary adult role models, we can safely predict that they won’t evolve into bullies or gang members. The consensus of child development science concurs with our position in this regard. Merely funneling young lawbreakers into the juvenile system doesn’t get at the root of the problem.

Please carefully consider the following recommendations:

• Add parenting education to the standard high school curriculum with a passing grade as a prerequisite for graduation.

• Make parenting education mandatory for parents who are aid recipients.

• Promote legal reforms that will extend to children the same protections against assault and battery that apply to adults.

Share copies of our publication, "Plain Talk about Spanking" with child-related and healthcare-related organizations and agencies, including schools, hospitals, pediatric clinics, libraries, etc. It can be accessed online at www.nospank.net/ and we furnish FREE download or hard copies upon request.

The benefits that will result from our joint efforts to reform harmful child-rearing customs and habits, and replace them with positive alternatives, will become apparent in due course. As Nelson Mandela observed, "There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children."

Video with Jordan Riak, "Plain Talk about Spanking!" at: http://www.youtube.com/user/NeighWatchPioneer


Jordan Riak, Exec. Dir., Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education (PTAVE); P.O. Box 1033, Alamo, CA 94507; Tel: 925-831-1661; On the Web at www.nospank.net

12 Ways POLICE INCREASED crime!

Do you remember when neighbors knew every child on the block and they called parents if they misbehaved? At that time, neighbors knew how important it was to correct children before destructive behavior got out of control.

Over the years, Americans lost a critical balance between police and citizen responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe. As citizens backed off, police increased visibility, involvement and technology to control behavior with limited success. Here are 12 ways police increased crime.

1. Police presented unrealistic expectations. National average approx 2.5 officers per 1000 residents. Police cannot keep your neighborhood safe.
2. Police became crime prevention “experts.” Citizens became passive “watchers.” Police and citizens lost a healthy balance of cooperation.
3. Police created dependency by assuming too much responsibility for minor problems including barking dogs, loud music, young vandals and bullies.
4. Police, in some areas, instill fear with local crime statistics. Citizens bought security systems or arm themselves fearing their neighbors.
5. Police increased anger. They received grants and staff support to “fix” neighborhoods. Neighbors backed off. When the money ran out, problems increased.
6. Police assume too much responsibility. Citizens blamed them for not doing their job. Result in some areas…hostility toward police, less cooperation and reporting.
7. Police increased neighborhood isolation. They held meetings and provided home security info. Neighbors arrived as strangers and left as strangers.
8. Police received community-policing grants. Citizens depend on police who didn’t live in the area. Policy shifts, officer leaves and crime, goes up.
9. Police, not parents or adults in the neighborhoods, became the symbol of authority and correction for youth.
10. Police assumed responsibility without understanding the benefits of neighbors solving problems and becoming role models for youth.
11. Police don’t say... it’s your responsibility to keep your neighborhood safe. Police react to crime, citizens prevent crime.
12. Police have many limitations. Residents must take back neighborhood safety if they want to keep children safe.

Americans can restore a healthy balance between police and citizen’s responsibility in the neighborhood. However, neighbors must be involved to help control criminal behavior and correct youth BEFORE they get involved in gangs, drug abuse and violence. Safe neighborhoods require mutual respect and cooperation.

For more information on what you can do to make your community safe, contact: www.safekidsnow.com

The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. -Albert Einstein

5 MYTHS - Keeping neighborhoods locked into crime!

For decades, community leaders have perpetuated myths.

Myth #1 Police can keep us safe.
The national average is 2.5 police for every 1000 citizens. The job of police is to react when crimes occur.

Myth #2 Money will solve problems.
Taxpayers spend billions on programs, security, swat teams, training, scanning equipment and surveillance cameras. Money has not stopped gangs, demand for drugs or violence on streets. When an area receives funding, violators move.

Myth #3 Laws control behavior.
Laws have limited power. Law-abiding citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers pay little attention.

Myth #4 Racism keeps the community down.
Blaming people who look different perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent. Gangs, like warring tribes, turn youth into uneducated men who end up in prison.

Myth #5 Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power with an illusion of compassion. The on going, “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs” cost billions. In our zeal to “help” the poor, we can destroy self-confidence and create dependency.

Myths have some truth but they don’t change community behavior.

Crossroads…will security require more surveillance and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthening families?

A national goal: strengthen families.
Children need support to discover their self-protective conscience. When youth have a supportive network of family, friends and church family, they learn they have potential and make responsible choices. Most city youth, do not join gangs, take drugs or become violent but they do need a safe city.

Creating peaceful cities will take:
1. A spiritual awakening to raise children with a conscience.
2. Community participation to build strong neighborhoods.

City leaders can train citizen “community coaches” to work with neighbors to reduce anger and overcome fear. Coaches who speak the language within a neighborhood can educate people so they won’t become victims. Neighbors can stop bullies and destructive behavior at an early age. As people work together, youth see new role models.

Civic and church groups can adopt one block to bring people together and build relationships. They can plan activities; a block party, plant a garden, sponsor a safety fair or prepare for emergencies. Involved neighbors become teachers and mentors.

As community support grows, city residents can heal and cities will become safer for everyone.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 steps to a safe and healthy neighborhood.”
“Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide to building self-esteem and staying centered.”
www.safekidsnow.com

THE PERFECT STORM FOR GUN VIOLENCE

Here are 14 reasons why America has become the most violent industrialized nation in the world.

- 51% of marriages fail
- 25% of women in abusive relationships
- Children ignored or abused at home
- Gangs offer protection and support
- Drugs offer escape and money
- Neighbors are strangers
- Cities cutting budgets
- Teachers are overwhelmed
- Police try to control criminal behavior
- Religious leaders ignore local community problems
- Adults blame others for their failings
- Parents don’t take responsibility for their child’s behavior
- Families overindulge or over protect children
- Easy access to guns

Community support and involvement strengthens families. It takes a village….

Every day more than 80 Americans die from gun violence. (Source: Coalition to Stop Gun Violence)

Stephanie Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

ARIZONA TRAGEDY: A WAKE UP CALL!

Twenty-two year old Jared Loughner killed six and wounded 14 innocent people in Tucson. The public reaction; a “deranged monster.” Others blame political speeches. Loughner’s friends called him a “social outcast.” (Contra Costa Times 1-10-11)

This tragic event is a wake up call. We need to identify root causes and examine solutions for violent behavior. Human beings have the power to make choices for good or evil regardless of what has happened in the past.

Violent people were often victims. They never learned how to look within to find their own identity. They feel victimized and powerless. Lacking self-awareness, they can spiral out of control by dwelling on past traumas or injustices. Anger, if left unresolved, grows into rage and confused thinking. They blame others and may seek a cause to feel powerful. Their ego says, “I am right and others are wrong” as they shut down their conscience and play god. If no one intervenes, they look for a victim to relieve their pain and feel in control. I.e. a rapist attacks a vulnerable woman, a predator attacks a child, and an angry husband abuses and isolates his wife. This is spiritual ignorance at its worst.

Loughner was not born “deranged” but anger made him think and act in self-destructive ways. He became an outcast and felt justified in hurting others. Mass murderers are often “loner” with “no remorse.”

How can we prevent children from becoming a social outcast?

Consider these ideas:

1. Spiritual ignorance – Children growing up with mental, physical or sexual abuse at home learn, the biggest bully wins. Violent movies, video games and TV reinforce that message. Without spiritual understanding of self, young people do not learn healthy life skills to help them handle feelings of love or hate. A spiritually off centered child can become a bully or the victim of a bully. If human (spiritual) beings dwell on anger, they can become self-destructive or may turn their anger on the community.

What you can do… Look within your family, set boundaries, listen, demonstrate respect for each other and speak without anger. Do not tolerate bully behavior at home or in your neighborhood. Children need strong, caring families to learn self-awareness and self-discipline.

2. Social alienation fuels violence – When young people feel isolated and lack a network of support from family, friends, neighbors or a religious family, they struggle to develop self-confidence and courage.

What you can do… Successful parents create a network of support around children and seek wisdom from family, friends, teachers and neighbors. A network of support builds trust. Encourage your network to correct unacceptable behavior. Children will develop respect for others and their property. A caring network offers encouragement, mentors and role models. Involved citizens demonstrate how to become contributing members of the community.

We can make our homes and neighborhoods safe places to live and help young people from “falling through the cracks” or becoming “social outcasts.” United, we have the power to create peace at home and in our communities.


Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!
www.safekidsnow.com

FAQ's - From Stephanie, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

14. Violence is spreading throughout the world with religious leaders blaming and attacking free societies. What can be done?
Our freedoms are in jeopardy because our religious tolerance is being used against us. “Freedom of Religion” has never been an excuse to abuse women, control others or silence individuals.

What can we do?
America must become the role model by growing strong from within and working together. There is a huge difference between people controlled by religious leaders or government and a democratic society with people who are connected to each other to make their community safe. Know and respect your neighbor is critical in a free society. Americans must stop tolerating local crime and violence if we are to remain a free society.

A united community can keep gangs; hate groups, drug dealers, predators and potential terrorists in check, as they serve the needs of their children.

Remember: Every juvenile delinquent, bully, abused victim, drug dealer, gang member, potential terrorist, school drop-out and child struggling to grow up with domestic violence…lives in somebody’s neighborhood. Involved neighbors create safe, healthy neighborhoods for families to live and grow.


For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com

Read all questions and answers on the website.

MICHAEL JACKSON: The Tragic Consequences of Child Abuse

Millions of people enjoyed Michael Jackson’s genius as a showman, however, his legacy is even greater if we learn from his life story.

During a TV interview, “Living with Michael Jackson,” Michael stated he was beaten by his father. He was so terrified he became physically ill when he saw him. When asked about his mother, he said he could hear her screaming, “Stop you’re going to kill him.”

Physical, mental and sexual child abuse is a family secret that must be exposed. All forms of abuse leave life long scars on victims. I experienced this tragedy within my own family.

To outsiders, my family looked the picture of success. My father was captain of the yacht club and we mingled with the rich and famous. As a small child, my older brother loved to play the piano. At age six, he was composing songs. But my father thought his talent was a curse and berated him, saying, “Only sissy boys play the piano!” He wanted his son to be a man’s man and excel in sports. As a result, my brother’s love of music was beaten out of him. Seeking to break free of controlling men, he ran away from several military schools. At age 19, he escaped by marrying a woman who was 38-years-old. During his life, he married six times and developed serious health problems as he ballooned to 350 pounds. He lived an unfulfilled life and died too soon. My father became an alcoholic and our family fell apart.

As an adult, I learned my father had been a victim of child abuse himself. He was repeating the cycle by abusing his sensitive, creative son. Then later in life, I became aware of the enormity of child abuse when I spent four years volunteering to help the homeless with the Mother Wright Foundation in Oakland, California. I heard horror stories about beatings, incest, molestation and neglect of children at the hands of the people who were supposed to love them. Without guidance and support, many of the homeless had never learned how to handle their emotions, connect with other people and grow strong from within. As victims of abuse, they often turned to drugs to escape their inability to cope with life.

One Saturday while serving lunch in the park, we needed another helper and James, a homeless man, stepped out of the line to volunteer. We got acquainted and during the next month, I learned his methadone drug treatment program was ending. James, who had been abused early in life, didn’t know what to change in order to stay out of prison and he asked for help. Since I didn’t know how to help him, I just listened to his story and offered the motherly advice I had given my own children.

During one of our meetings, James asked if his friends could join us. We talked to a pastor who agreed to let us meet at a nearby church. The meetings were challenging. At the first meeting, twenty men showed up. Some were high on drugs, two fell asleep on the floor and the men were angry and didn’t know how to listen to each other. We set down rules and the group dwindled to a core group of eight. Within three months, four men got jobs and two joined a drug rehab program.

This experience made it clear to me: child abuse is one of the major factors that lead to drug abuse, teen runaways, school dropouts, prostitution, violence and many other destructive behaviors. If the cycle is not broken, it continues with the next generation.

That is not just my opinion. A long-running study on the “Cycle of Violence” by the National Institute of Justice found that “being abused or neglected as a child increased the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 59 percent, and an adult by 28 percent, and for a violent crime, by 30 percent.” And that is just one report among many over the years which shows the connection between child abuse and crime – and which demonstrates how the cycle of abuse continues turning in destructive ways in the lives of adults who were mistreated and neglected early in their lives.

This cycle can be stopped and it must be. It is critical that parents and caring adults create circles of support around children to help them grow and learn how to connect with others.

The awesome talent of pop star, Michael Jackson, will be remembered. However, if you listen to his music his dream was to “heal the world” and “bring people together.” His legacy is a message to every parent, love your children and give them the emotional support they need to live a productive life without any fear of abuse.

By Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

5 myths - Keeping neighborhoods locked into crime!

For decades, community leaders have perpetuated myths.

Myth #1 Police can keep us safe.
The national average is 2.5 police for every 1000 citizens. The job of police is to react when crimes occur.

Myth #2 Money will solve problems.
Taxpayers spend billions on programs, security, swat teams, training, scanning equipment and surveillance cameras. Money has not stopped gangs, demand for drugs or violence on streets. When an area receives funding, violators move.

Myth #3 Laws control behavior.
Laws have limited power. Law-abiding citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers pay little attention.

Myth #4 Racism keeps the community down.
Blaming police or people who look different perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent. Gangs, like warring tribes, turn youth into uneducated men who end up in prison.

Myth #5 Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power with an illusion of compassion. The on going, “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs” cost billions. In our zeal to “help” the poor, we destroy their self-confidence and create dependency.

Myths have some truth but they don’t change community behavior.
Go website to learn what you can do.

14 killed each week in LA!

16 year-old Brandon Garrido was gunned down May 10th in Los Angeles. He was just one of 14 killed by violence in LA that week (740 a year). Click below to read the whole story!

If you want to help stop children from becoming victims, contact me. Stephanie

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126853039