Sunday, April 25, 2021

People Helping People

People Helping People

43Shares
facebook sharing button 38
twitter sharing button 4
linkedin sharing button
email sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Advocates United for Humanity (AU4H) is an all volunteer, small grassroots organization based in North Bend, Pennsylvania providing vital resources and support to those in need.

Currently AU4H is hosting a fundraiser, People Helping People, to provide free community outreach programs to children. Last year, AU4H hosted Holiday Smiles, a Warming Tree, the Community Closet to children of the Keystone Central School District, The Sky’s the Limit youth program, Comfort Bears to local law enforcement officers, an anti-bullying campaign and an Emergency food Pantry Assistance Program.

AU4H envisions a world where all children can live free of violence and fear. We envision a world where they can focus on being children and growing into the very best version of their authentic selves. We strive to help make the world a better and safer place for all humanity. We help to build confidence in the younger generation for the future of humanity through various community projects, team-building exercises, and fun activities.

AU4H’s goal is to enhance quality of life for those affected by violence. They lead positive social change through resources, services and networking.

The organization was founded in June 2016 by best friends and sister advocates Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts. These leading ladies have volunteered their time and talents with various non-profit organizations over their lifetime, animal rights, volunteered at their children’s schools, in youth groups and gives of themselves as much as they can.

Both women are highly respected activists dedicating their voice to Conner’s Law – Kentucky, uniting with Erin’s Law, Animal Rescue and Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, Writing and Publishing Books, Educational Radio Broadcasts and the Deaf Community.

To show your support, make a donation or volunteer, visit their website at: http://au4h.weebly.com.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/issues/non-profits/people-helping-people_168797/

Meet and Greet with Two Nanas at Noon

Meet and Greet with Two Nanas at Noon


‘Sit down with Donna and Lee, on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm CST for a down to earth talk without sugar coating the truth. They share with their listeners why they stand up fighting for the causes they do.

So grab your lunch, a cup of Joe and kick back with this amazing duo this lunch hour. “Two Nanas at Noon” promises to keep it real.’

Advocates United for Humanity invites you to join their founders Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts as they bring you a real talk on ‘Two Nanas at Noon’ the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12 – 1 pm CST via Your Voice Radio Network.

Kshir and Roberts share from the heart without sugar coating the truth. They bring you a real talk approach on world events that affect us all on one level or another often pervading the lives of those we love. These events often alter our communities and relationships forever in profound ways. Their topics will include, but are not limited to: Child and Animal Abuse Awareness, Deaf and Disability Rights, Homelessness, Missing Persons and Survivor Wellness.

Read Full Story at the Newsblaze!!

Humanitarian Group Starts Kids Watch

Humanitarian Group Starts Kids Watch

Humanitarian group Advocates United for Humanity Founders are devastated over the death of 9-year-old Anson Stover, a fourth-grader at Robb Elementary, who was found dead in his home. An autopsy revealed he died from unspeakable abuse.

In cases like this, authorities ask if anyone has any information on the case to report it but all too often people fear reporting what they see, hear or suspect in fear of being wrong and held accountable. If someone files a report of suspected child abuse in good faith and no evidence is found. There is no harm done.

Read Full Story at the Newsblaze!

UnMasked: The Human Stories of Advocates

UnMasked: The Human Stories of Advocates

107Shares
facebook sharing button 55
twitter sharing button 25
linkedin sharing button 3
email sharing button
sharethis sharing button 5

As an advocate people tend to forget there is more to us than meets the eye. We are husbands, wives, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers. Although advocacy is never-ending, at the end of the day, we too go home to our loved ones.

I have known many advocates in my lifetime. Each have appeared to be strict, hardcore and straight to the point, but there is so much more to an advocate than meets the eye. They are husbands, wives, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers. Although advocacy is never ending, at the end of the day, we too go home to our loved ones.

My best friend and fellow sister advocate Lee Roberts and I have spent a decade of working with some of the top influential advocates in the country. Each are remarkable and have so much more to offer, but sadly the public only gets to see one half of them. In an effort to raise money for child abuse organizations and Charleston, West Virginia homeless shelters, we proposed the question, “What is something in your life people would not really know?”

The goal was to unmask each advocate, as an individual, in a personal light with their family, friends and loved ones behind closed doors; allowing the public to see for the first time the individual behind the mask of an advocate.

We were presented with a collection of raw and unedited poems, short stories, thoughts and letters of beautifully penned stories of hope, loss, pain, healing, inspiration, love, sorrow, courage and strength. They illuminated the unexpected twists and turns of life’s hurdles that later become known as our blessings.

Now, we invite you to share the personal stories and discover the extraordinary lives of the men and women who protect and serve our most precious; our children. Featured advocates are Patricia McKnight, Deana Dixon, Mark Palmer, Patrick Dati, Joshua Murphy, Mike Pistorino, Jane Lemond Alvarez and Mashanna Bachuss-Waggoner.

‘UnMasked’ is a book scheduled for release on February 14th, and will be available in 3 limited edition covers; featuring advocates and survivors Lee Roberts, Patricia ‘Trish’ McKnight and Mike Pistorino. ALL proceeds are being donated to charity. Paperbacks and eBooks will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Lulu, Smashwords and Northern Books Online Bookstore: http://northernbooks.weebly.com/.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/books/unmasked-the-human-stories-of-advocates_73980/

I Am a Survivor

I Am a Survivor

52Shares
facebook sharing button 16
twitter sharing button 20
linkedin sharing button 2
email sharing button
sharethis sharing button

I wanted to share a poem I recently wrote that was featured in a new book, Tent City: Tragedy Turned Triumph, to help the homeless men and women of West Virginia.

Life gives us struggles to face

a test of strength

Always searching to find my place

standing in true faith


Life is challenging

The days are long and hard

The nights feel never ending

But through God’s grace I go on


Bruises and broken bones

where all I knew

Broken promises

held together by cheap glue


Kicked out, no place to go

hungry and nothing to eat

Fear is all I know

life on the street


Those days are long gone

but the memories are alive and running

What seems to be cut, dry and done

keeps my mind wondering


I dream of fluffy clouds and colorful rainbows

I feel the desire to love

but who knows

Only through God I shall overcome


 I struggled everyday

my skin is still tender and raw

I pray for Him to light the way

I came and now I saw


To let go of sorrow

make peace within

Time is on borrow

life is not about pain but living


My past is now behind me

a new day has begun

Today is about me

and its only just begun


I don’t know what the future holds

tomorrow has yet to be written

My life is an open book

with entries still to be written


One thing I know

and I know for sure

I am a survivor

I owe that to our almighty Lord

(Donna M. Kshir)

Source:https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/poetry/i-am-a-survivor_70128/

On the watch for child abuse

This came up in my Facebook memories today… so I thought I’d share it with all of you as a reminder to be on the watch for child abuse. – Donna

The Record Online and the Newsblaze!

Donna Kshir stops by Renovo Elementary to read her new book, The Tale of Jeff the Rabit: Trip to the City to kindergarten.

Wednesday started out to be one of the most emotional days of my life. My grandson entered Kindergarten and the thought of him being out of my care for the first time scared me to death. I kept thinking about his safety. I’m the type of parent that doesn’t allow my children to really go with anyone. I have a small circle of family I fully trust, but anyone who knows me knows I question everything and everyone.

If the day wasn’t already full of emotions, I received several phone calls, emails and private messages concerning rumors of a couple being investigated for child pornography. My first instinct was anger. How dare they prey on innocent children? My best friend Lee Roberts and I run a non-profit organization, Advocates United for Humanity. We do everything in our power to stop these horrific events from occurring and now rumor has that it’s happening in the area.

I have been advocating, writing educational books and testifying before lawmakers for the rights of children for the last 10 years. The things I have seen and heard are more horrible than any award winning screenwriter could ever bring to the big screen. These monsters did not come from the swamp or from outer-space and they don’t attack teenagers on a camping trip. These monsters live next door and attack the most innocent among us…our children.

Regardless of anyone’s opinions or personal beliefs, abusers are usually well-known and liked by both you and your child. Abusers can be a parent, relative, family friend, teacher, coach or anyone. They can be a man or woman, married or single. They can hold any religious belief, and have any sexual preference. These abusers seem as normal as you and I on the outside but sick and twisted on the inside.

I wish people would understand anyone CAN be an abuser. Education or intelligence doesn’t prevent them from abusing, molesting or sexually trafficking your child. Abusers live and work among us; as a stable, employed, and respected member of the community… They become our friends and co-workers, and we quickly convince ourselves we know them, but the harsh reality is we don’t. This world is full of sick and truly evil people.

Abusers easily convince your child they are responsible for their wrongful behavior. They may threaten your child with physical violence against them, you, a pet, or loved one. They are good at manipulating and controlling children through fear. Control makes an abuser feel powerful. How could anyone feel powerful over a small, scared, defenseless child? Only a coward could…

Just because someone has a good reputation, a good job, nice house, fancy car, wealth or are a pillar of the community — they CAN still be an abuser. It’s not the weirdo on the corner you have to fear. Some of the biggest abusers are the ones you know, respect and trust the most. Be careful who you trust your child with. When someone tries to get close or takes a special interest in your child ask yourself why.

I can definitely say my career path has shaped the way I parent. I question everything and everyone. Regardless. I learned it’s important to look for signs of abuse, grooming behavior, strange interactions with other children and adults or my child’s behavior and to always ask questions. The best gift you can give your child is open communication and knowledge. The knowledge to speak out and protect themselves from these monsters. These abusers are pros at being deceptive. I know it really sucks that we have to teach our children that there are people out there that want to hurt them, but we do. I’d rather be vigilant than a vigilante after the fact. 

– Donna M. Kshir 

On September 8, 2016: http://therecord-online.com/site/?p=27678

For Eternity: For The Homeless Men and Women of West Virginia

For Eternity: For The Homeless Men and Women of West Virginia

I wanted to share a new poem I recently wrote that was featured in a new book, Tent City: Tragedy Turned Triumph, to help the homeless men and women of West Virginia.


For eternity

what does it mean

Life’s journey

a beautiful scene


Mounds of sand

oceans of blue

Forests of green

the sky and the moon


From dinosaurs to space

millions of years have passed by

His work full of grace

His heaven, our sky


Eternity’s just begun

no days, no hours, no time

He gave us His first born son

His gift of a lifetime


Time will cease

at home in our kingdom

Feeling at peace

our eternal freedom


Loved everlastingly

surrounded by Heaven’s beauty

God’s family

To serve our Lord, my eternal duty


(Donna M. Kshir)

Editor’s Note: Tent City: Tragedy Turned Triumph is available in paperback and on Kindle.

  • Tent City: Tragedy Turned Triumph
  • Paperback: 108 pages
  • Publisher: lulu.com (February 23, 2016)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1329917987
  • ISBN-13: 978-1329917989
Source:
https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/poetry/for-eternity-homeless-men-and-women-west-virginia_70125/