Here - Community Advocates for Family and Youth

Transcription

Community Advocates for Family & Youth
Presents
10th Anniversary Gala
“Healing Continues Here”
Friday, November 1, 2013
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Villa
4060 Powder Mill Road
Beltsville, MD 20705
Platinum Sponsor
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Healing Continues Here!
Program of Events
 Welcome and History– Gary Cunningham
 Prayer and Blessing of the Food – Robert Joell
 Dinner
 Entertainment – Teisha Marie
Executive Director Remarks – Arleen Joell
 Awards Presentation - Gary Cunningham
 Inspired to be Empowered - Ms. Mildred Muhammad
 Award of Distinction – Mr. Stan D. Brown, Esq.
 Keynote Speaker – Tracee Wilkins - Prince George’s
County Bureau Chief for News4

Silent Auction – Konan – Radio Personality, 92Q Jams
 Final Bids and Announcements
 Closing Remarks
 Dancing
Thanks to the CAFY Event Committee Members that
made this night possible. You are truly extraordinary!
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Platinum Sponsor
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Platinum Sponsor
Color Marketing
14612 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
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Platinum Sponsor
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Platinum Sponsor
Proud Supporter of CAFY
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Platinum Sponsor
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Platinum Individual Donors
Thank you for your Donations
Constance Anderson
Barbara Davis
Robert Joell
Ricky Macklin
Kay Niles
Linda Williams
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Gold Sponsor
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Gold Sponsor
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Gold Sponsor
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Gold Individual Donors
Shaunda Bellamy
Georgianna Carrington
Richard Davis
Kathy Murphy
Genia Reaves
William Walton
Anne Wiseman
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Silver Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Silver Individual Donors
Waldina Belt
Leonie Bond
Donine Carrington
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Greene
Vondale Mack
Jan Withers
Sherrye Wray
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Friends of CAFY
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Friends of CAFY
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Friends of CAFY
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Friends of CAFY
DC
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Friends of CAFY
Individual Donors
Debbie Alexander
Verlyn Ashe
Antoinette Barber
Charlotte Buscher
Ta Tanisha Meadows
Gwen Mustaf
Edward Ransom
Joanna Smith
William & Peggy Stewart
Ellen Wallis
Kristi Wallis
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To build new and stronger partnerships across the county and state that
would act as a bridge between the community and crime victims resulting in lower crime
and confident survivors and to promote a more advocacy-minded and victim-centered
system.
To embrace, educate, and empower victims on their journey to justice,
peace and healing.
CAFY serves all victims of crime (homicide, burglary, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse) through service and education.
CAFY’s victim services include advocacy, education about the criminal and juvenile justice system, medical and social services, victim
rights and finally about potential financial compensation. CAFY’s victim advocates help clients navigate emotional and financial
trauma that occurs as a result of crime. Our Victim Services Collaborative (VSC) provides the breadth of services by CAFY, which is
unique within Maryland. These services include:
 Assisting Senior Citizens (ASC) – educates elderly citizens impacted by crime including troublesome financial fraud;
 CAFY Counseling – offers individual cognitive behavior and solutions-focused therapy designed to mitigate the trauma
syndrome associated with victimization;
 Community Outreach – continues to intensify its efforts to make the public more aware of victim services by attending or
providing a speaker at many events throughout the County and participating in PGPD’s community events. Implementing
PGPD’s community policing theme, CAFY becomes the initial face and the community presence to serve all neighborhoods.
 Court Education Program (CEP) – prepares child victims and non-offending parents to be comfortable in the courtroom
environment before they must give testimony;
 Latino Initiative Program (LIP) – created in recognition of the county’s growing non-English speaking population using bilingual
advocates to provide linguistically appropriate support to residents who have little familiarity with the US justice system;
 Neighborhood Victim Services (NVS) – implements Prince George’s Police Department’s community policing theme as the
community presence serving the neighborhood crime victims not reported to police headquarters at Criminal Investigation
Division (CID);
 Saving Our-Selves (SOS) Domestic Violence Support Group – helps DV/IPV victim to deal with the trauma associated with their
victimization;
We invite our community partners and stakeholders to join us in making CAFY’s journey a sustained reality. Donate your time, talent
or treasure. Go to http://www.cafyonline.org/cafyweb/donation.php
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CAFY’s 2012 - Year in Review
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CAFY’s 2012 - Year in Review
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CAFY Executive Director
Arleen Joell
Arleen B. Joell is the founder and executive director of Community
Advocates for Family & Youth (CAFY). After taking early
retirement from IBM and GE Corporation, she began her second
career in social services. Her long history of volunteering includes
having been a domestic violence hotline worker, a Big Brother/Big
Sister mentor, an Exam Companion at Prince George’s Hospital’s
Sexual Assault Center, and having served as Jury Commissioner in
the D.C. Superior Court. Ms. Joell is active in her community and
church as part of the Domestic Violence and Prison Ministry, in
addition to having been a board member with Maryland Network
against Domestic Violence and Maryland Association for Victim
Service Providers, and currently serving with WHALERS Creations,
an agency focused on youth’s transition out of foster care.
Ms. Joell's passion to serve is based on two beliefs: that crime is a health issue, and that early
intervention and education improves the community and helps those in harm’s way overcome
trauma.
Her deep commitment has helped CAFY grow into a community-based organization that creates selfdefined survivors who gain a sense of justice and self-validation. Under her leadership, CAFY has
attained a unique position in acting as the victim services unit for the police departments of both
Prince George’s County and the city of Laurel. Ms. Joell is a frequent presenter at conferences such as
North American Victim Assistance Conference (NOVA), Maryland Association of Resources for Family
and Youth (MARFY), and Aerospace Retirement Conference, in addition to local church workshops
designed to raise awareness about community and family violence and resources.
Her fervent goal is to make CAFY the leader in the intervention and prevention of harm caused by
crime.
Ms. Joell is a wife and mother of two, and holds a BA in Criminal Justice as well as an MBA.
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Tracee Wilkins
Tracee Wilkins is the Prince George’s County Bureau Chief for
News4. Wilkins’ roots run deep in Prince George’s County. She was
raised in the Beltsville area and graduated from High Point High
School. After graduating from Frostburg State University in
Frostburg, MD, Wilkins returned to the area as a production
assistant and later a news writer for News4.
Wilkins’ first reporting job was at WCBI-TV in Columbus, MS where
she earned an Associated Press award for her general news
reporting.
From Columbus, Wilkins headed east to serve as the government reporter and fill-in anchor at
WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC. While working in Greensboro, Wilkins was dispatched to Washington to
report on the September 11th attacks, both for that station and for WUSA-TV here in Washington.
An African American Studies minor in college, Wilkins traveled to Tanzania teaching African American
History and wrote for the Arusha Times.
Wilkins is very active in the Washington-area community. In 2011, she was honored with the “40
Under 40” Award from the Envest Foundation for her philanthropic work in the Washington area. She
founded and operated a teen-mentoring group called Girls R Talking for several years. She is a
member of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and is an active member of the
National Association of Black Journalists. Her other interests include running, biking, painting and
golfing. She's currently writing her first novel.
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2013 Inspired to be Empowered Award
Ms. Mildred D. Muhammad
Executive Director, After The Trauma, Inc.,
Domestic Violence Survivor, Advocate, Consultant, Author & Inspirational
Speaker
www.MildredMuhammad.com
Mildred Muhammad is a domestic violence survivor with a story to tell the world -"one of the many" stories built on the experiences of domestic violence and the
depths of its terror. After her children were kidnapped, she decided that she could
not go on living without them and began the silent struggle of looking for them. She
knew, however, that if she exposed herself, John Allen Muhammad would locate her
and kill her. She lived through 18 months not knowing where her children were, but
eventually succeeded in regaining full custody of them.
Fleeing from her estranged husband, she moved with them to Maryland. She was frightened during the horrifying sniper
shootings, sat through court proceedings during the trial, and subsequently decided to start a 501©3 non-profit
organization, After The Trauma, to assist survivors of domestic violence. She has become a "National/International
Spokesperson" for domestic violence and has been honored as the keynote speaker at many conferences, speaking to
victims/survivors of domestic violence, law enforcement agencies, advocates, judges, therapists, counselors, military
personnel, medical professionals, and at various universities. Serving as an advocate, she accompanies victims and survivors
to court. In addition, she is a consultant with the Office for Victims of Crime and a board member of various domestic
violence organizations.
Ms. Mohammad has been interviewed on a wide range of television and radio venues (such as Anderson, HLN Issues with
Jane Valez-Mitchell, The Tyra Banks Show, Larry King Live, Good Morning America with Charlie Gibson, Anderson Cooper
Talk Show, The Huckabee Show with Governor Huckabee) and appeared in several documentaries (including CNN, MSNBC
Court TV, Investigation Discovery and, BET). The Washington Post and Newsweek, along with other newspapers, magazines,
and interview blogs, have carried interviews with her. Redbook Magazine has identified her as a Hero.
Her book, “Scared Silent,” was published in October 2009 by Simon and Schuster to favorable reviews. Many have
identified with her story and have expressed gratitude to her for sharing it.
She has also written a working journal, “A Survivor’s Journal,” aimed specifically at victims and survivors to help them deal
with short- and long-term anxieties and emotions that they are burdened by. Countless readers have found the journal
supportive and insightful.
There is a journey that people who have been harmed must take. Some take the journey and reach their “new normal,”
while others are paralyzed. Experience has shown that not only to overcome the consequences of the harm, but to go
beyond and reach their potential, people have to declare themselves “self-defined survivors,” turning their tragedy into a
testimony that can help others. Ms. Mildred Muhammad has been a model of that journey and that sense of empowerment.
She continues to work tirelessly to help get victims out of harm’s way.
Our connection to and appreciation for Ms. Muhammad began when she shared her story with our teen group. Her candor
and willingness to talk to them about the challenges she and her children had to overcome and the strength it took to fight
and win created an environment for teens to define their living situation.
Ms. Mohammad continues to inspire women throughout the country and serves as an example to our local teens. For her
efforts and ongoing commitment to make a social change and improve the lives of women and teens who experience family
violence, we recognize Ms. Muhammad with CAFY’s “Inspired to be Empowered” Award.
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2013 Award of Distinction
Stan D. Brown, Esq.
Stan D. Brown is a graduate of Howard University, BCP; Virginia
Commonwealth University, MURP; and the University of Richmond
School of Law, JD. Stan Brown provides crime victim clients with an
aggressive pursuit of their rights and helps them get through a difficult
time in their lives. With 25+ years of legal experience, he
represents home invasion robbery victims, sexual assault victims, rape
victims, domestic violence victims, stalking victims and other crime
victims in Maryland and Washington, D.C., against negligent
commercial property owners and negligent business owners.
He specializes in Crime Victim Compensation Lawsuits; including lawsuits for tenants against landlords
concerning home invasion robberies at rental apartment buildings and at condominium buildings,
monetary recovery for sexual assault (rape) victims, and monetary recovery for crime victims generally.
Stan Brown’s complete biography is available at www.StanBrown.net
The Award of Distinction has always been reserved for those who never give up, do not get
discouraged, seek to resolve problems and help crime victims see their victories.
Mr. Brown has shown these qualities since our first meeting. Drafted to become our General Counsel
out of need, he represented CAFY to help defend our Court Education Program and the privacy of our
clients. Recognizing our work and small business structure, he offered to help build policy, review
contracts, and assist with critical business questions. While he may not have expected to be on call for
the many challenges CAFY experiences, he never waivers. Mr. Brown has always been responsive to
our needs. Exhibiting patience and achieving results are definitely Mr. Brown’s strong suits. Patience,
because no matter how small our problems, employment, contracts, policy, he is quick to respond and
offer support. Before we can go down the wrong road or implement an inappropriate agreement, he
very politely but definitively informs us not to take that path.
Our common goal is having a passion to help those harmed by crime seek justice. Mr. Brown
appreciated our passion and commitment to serve and saw our obstacles. His observation led to him
offering a solution. He made it possible for us to begin offering therapy by donating space to CAFY.
This space has allowed us to serve over 76 people and their families who have been harmed by crime.
Last year, we were targeted as the “social emergency room”; it was his generosity that helped us step
up to the plate and open an emergency room that deals with the trauma that is left behind when
crime comes into someone’s life.
For his generosity, his patience in supporting us, and his guidance, we recognize Mr. Stan Brown with
CAFY’s “Award of Distinction.”
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“This Campaign is a platform for
survivors to share their story of how
they turned a traumatic event into a
testimony. It is a means to inspire,
empower, and foster healing to those
harmed by crime!”
Thank you
First Baptist Church of
Glenarden’s Photography
Ministry and Michael
McCoy for making this
campaign a reality.
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Still Smiling
Charlena Young
I am a 44 year old wife, mother, aunt, daughter and
friend. I struggled through the journey of academia in November 2011
when I was informed that my first born niece was killed as a retaliatory
action by a group of men who mistakenly believed that her boyfriend
had a killed a friend of theirs a few days prior. I couldn’t stop thinking
about her children that would now be left without a mother. I knew that
it was GOD who was with me, who cried with me, who rocked me while
preparing her obituary and making the arrangements. I had to be the
strength of the family not by choice but by force. I discovered at that
moment that it was God’s way of allowing me to deal with the pain
and to carry me through. My Pastor and Sr. Pastor who provided the
Church, prayer and phone time when needed. It was the time during
Thanksgiving 2011 when I had to be thankful for positive people who
gave me strength on purpose. I was like a sponge; I absorbed any and
all good things to hold on to, to help me through.
I smile knowing my niece’s children are children of God
and I am here for a purpose to take good care of them. Through this
life changing event I have been there with and for my great niece and
nephew who is now ages 4 and 9 years old.. I know that God has
delivered me from a 20 year history of substance abuse to be there
for them. I have 11 years of recovery and I continue to help people in
their struggle of addiction.
From day one Vondale Mack of (CAFY) touched my spirit
and has also guided me through some of the difficult times, she always
gave me words of hope and encouragement. She assisted our family
with Criminal Injures Compensation for funeral arrangement and
helped with relocation. CAFY made sure that the family and children
had Thanksgiving and a Christmas the months following my nieces’
death. My heart was heavy for a while because I didn’t think that an
arrest would be made in the case but as time went by I reflect on the
day that we received a call that the detectives have made 3 arrests in
the case. I immediately praised God and cried tears of joy. My fears
were given to the almighty and he heard my cry that the case would
not get cold. Today, I know that justice will be served.
Today I smile because I hold on to the butterfly. The butterfly is a symbol
that I often see at the cemetery, in my backyard, and my front yard. The
butterfly is my niece Kaya, I smile and I am comforted just to see the
butterfly fly freely. I know that she is free.
And, I SMILE
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Still Smiling
Angela Austin
One quiet morning, January 11, 2013, turned to sheer terror. Around 11 a.m., I had just
returned to my house from getting breakfast for my husband and me. I dashed down stairs leaving the
alarm off. My husband and I sat and ate breakfast; afterwards I began to get ready for work, while
my husband was watching the news on TV. At 11:30am, I got in the shower, while in the shower I heard
the bathroom door open thinking it was my husband I peeked out of the shower to find a mask man
standing in the door yelling, “come out of the shower and stand in the bathroom.” The mask man pulled
me out and took me to the bedroom where my husband was. The mask man pulled out a GUN and told
me to move close to my husband, so he could tie us up. At this point, another masked man came to the
bedroom area and started shouting to my husband and I “where is the money”. I was crying nonstop
and the intruder asked my husband to keep me quiet. At this point I was so shook up that my body was
trembling. I look at my husband and asked him if he was at peace he answered with a yes and I was
ok, I laid my head on his chest and began to pray to GOD. The intruders frantically moved through the
house, unable to find what they were looking for. One intruder asked the other what he needed to do
with us. The one intruder responded and said “man we out, leave them there”. After they left, I ran
upstairs to turn on the alarm.
My Journey, of healing began immediately, GOD spared our lives. Life is so
unpredictable and you never know what might occur but having the faith in our Lord and Savior kept us
moving forward. Then I received a call from Kaylah Smith from CAFY. She helped me complete the
Criminal Injury Compensation Application for lost wages, signed me up for counseling and checked in
frequently. I started counseling sessions twice a week at the CAFY Counseling Center. There are so
many people that helped me during this challenging time in my life. I believed I survived what
happened because God has a higher purpose for me.
They may have robbed us of some of our possessions but we did not allow this incident
to rob us of our spirits. We have experienced many trials and tribulations through this ordeal and my
husband and I were able to become closer and it has strengthen our marriage. I never did return to my
previous occupation but I have recently started a new phase as far as my career. We appreciate the
time and support that was provided to us by the CAFY team. It is because of their support that we
moved through our journey.
“I smile because my life will be used as a testimony to help someone else to overcome a tragic
experience.”
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Still Smiling
Rosalind Young
My name is Rosalind Young mother of Emanuel W Palmer.
My mother, Eliza Young is the lady in the picture with me who have been
nothing but supportive since I lost my son. Also my sister Veronica Elwood and
Auntie Yvonne Young and a host of other family members and friends have
been there for me. Emanuel W Palmer who was a residence of the PG
county was taken from me on October 31, 2009 he was a victim of crime
though gun Violence. This turn my life up side down, I was not able to focus,
breathe or get out of the bed, the pain was unbearable. I had an anxiety
attack which put me in the hospital for 3 days where I was prescribe three
different prescriptions of medicine to help me function on a day by day
routine. The first year was denial, pain, depression, and anger with the world.
The second year was a reality check accepting what really had happen and
asking myself over and over why me? I had to pinch myself to see if I was
dreaming or awake. The third year was understanding what happen and
trying my best to push forward.
This October 31, 2013 will be my 4th year and it seems like
yesterday. I have now accepted what has happened, and understand and
believe my son has gone on to be with the LORD. My son was only 28 when
he was shot and it took a lot of energy from me to say the words shot and
killed. It still hurts and I know now I will never get over it. I have learned how
to deal with it and SMILE when I think of his memories which I have many
pictures, videos and his music. He was a rapper which was also one of his
dreams is to become a rapper .
The detective told me about CAFY (Group) Ms. Arleen Joell
and Vondale Mack who were an inspiration in my life. They gave me hope,
determination and encouraged me to go on with my life. I don’t know what I
would have done without them being a part of my life. Today I am still
smiling because of them and God.
I smile because GOD has blessed me with y grandsons who will caring on their
father’s legends’. Emanuel W Palmer Jr. was 4 at the time now he is 8- Elisa Warren
Palmer who was 2 at the time now he is 6 talk about their dad all the time when we
are together which is twice a month weekends.
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Still Smiling
Rosalind Young
My reality is I cannot pretend June 9, 2012 didn’t happen. I cannot erase the fact that I
was a victim. I’ve replayed the days leading up to June 9th and the day itself over and over again. Each
time I hope that I missed something that would perhaps give me more clarity; help me understand the rage
he felt that day.
Everything about that day resonates in my head like a bad sound track. I live in a quiet
neighborhood where an occasional dog barking at night is enough to pierce an otherwise noiseless night.
I can never erase the memory of 18 hours in the hospital and coming home forcing a smile for days through
black eyes, countless sutures, a portion of my hair shaved and a swollen lip. Smiling and remaining as
normal as possible to regroup and move forward with my life.
I can never erase the endless stares from people in stores or walking down the street
making a task as simple as picking up milk an annoyance. Yet forcing myself to complete everyday tasks
as normal as possible refusing to allow myself the opportunity to sulk, grieve or become defeated.
Ellen Wallis and CAFY were so incredibly supportive and caring through it all and I thank
them for being there for me!
As time passed smiling became easier. It reminded me…gave me the clarity to KNOW that I won!
I smile because, “I didn’t allow that day to be my life story but recognized it only
as one segment of my life.”
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Still Smiling
Cheryl Dessesow
I am still smiling and standing through the grace of my Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, for his word declares “No weapon formed against
you/me shall prosper”.
With that said, it was the evening of October 29th, 2011,
when our life changed forever due to a very serious and near death
domestic violence incident involving my daughter, my husband, myself and
my daughter’s former boyfriend and father of her now 3 year old son. He
(former boy friend) tried to take our daughter’s life but through the grace
of God and parents that would die for their child his mission was not
accomplished.
Yes, we were injured and hospitalized, but I (we) are still
smiling because we are here to tell the story and encourage others that no
matter what you go through continue to stand, have faith and smile. I (we)
will always be so gratefully to the Prince George’s Police Department,
Courts and CAFY. I (we) have been able to gradually return to a normal
life with a big smile on our face.
I smile, because “No Weapon formed against shall prosper”
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Still Smiling
June & Jimele
Washington
On June 7th our hearts were overwhelmed with joy when we were notified of the
arrest for first degree murder of Jimmie’s case. During the preliminary hearing I saw Ms. Mack from
CAFY speaking with his mother and older sister. Jimmie sister informed me of how Ms. Mack may be
able to assist me and our son Jimele. We were both still hurting and needed some assistance. We
were informed of all the services that I and my son were entitled to. She helped me file the paper
work for CICB and signed my son up for counseling with District Heights Family & Youth Service. I
didn’t have to pay a dime for his sessions because CAFY covered everything.
Ms. Mack was always there with encouraging words. I can’t even explain how I
received numerous emails and calls just to check on me and my family. She gave me useful resources
that I and my whole family could benefit from. We were signed up for “Toys for Tot” and received
“Baskets for Thanksgiving.
On September 13, 2013 the offender was sentenced. Although we still miss Jimmie we
are making it through with the help of CAFY. They have really been a great supportive team to us
especially when my son was having dreams about his father or having thoughts of doing harm to the
person who murdered his dad. The counseling that was provided helped him to process the situation
and release the anger that was in his heart. My son was struggling in school but he is now doing a
whole lot better. I had the opportunity of speaking at CAFY 3rd Annual Candle Light Vigil which
allowed me to have my voice heard about the impact crime has on families. This situation has caused
us to draw closer.
“I smile because even though a tragic event happened we have the love and support of family. I smile
because love always defeats evil. Jimmie’s love lives on through me and my son. At the end of the day
family is all that matters.”
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Still Smiling
Anthony Stanley
Wake me up I must be having a nightmare….I received a
call that there was a shooting at the home of my daughter Amber Stanley.
My wildest dreams couldn’t prepare me for what my heart was about to
experience. My baby girl who was only about 110lb soaking wet had been
gunned down in her own bed on Aug 22, 2012. Who would do such a thing?
My daughter was an honor roll student and had plans of going away to
college in next year. She didn’t have any enemies and believed in keeping
peace. How could this happen? Parents aren't supposed to bury their
children, they should bury us. There was no greater feeling than to hold and
hug my daughter and now someone has robbed me of that joy. I wrecked
my brain trying to find out why someone would do such a thing. It could've
been jealousy, but I don't know. There's too much teen violence. As a parent
you try to figure it out. There's nothing in her life to warrant dying the way
she did. This whole process was just so overwhelming. I wouldn’t wish this on
my worst enemy. I felt like the weight of the world had falling on my
shoulders and it was too much for me to handle.
In a blink of an eye I was left with such a huge hole in my
heart and my whole body felt numb. Her senior year was supposed to be a
time of celebration but instead we are trying to figure out how to bury our
daughter. When we received a call from Ms. Mack at CAFY it was a
blessing. They helped us with making funeral arrangements, get free funeral
programs and our family survivors benefits from CICB. God also sent
Master Samuel Scott at the Full Circle Martial Arts Academy to help me set
up my daughter’s website to receive donations. With the survivor’s benefits
and donations from Amber’s website we were able to get the memorial that
I wanted for my daughter’s grave. When I go there it gives me a little piece
of heaven.
‘I smile because God gives me the strength to cope and to maintain every day.
I smile because the “Amber Stanley Foundation” is helping other young girls
protect themselves against violence by learning self-defense classes.”
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Still Smiling
The Jenkins
My name is Mary Jenkins and my life as I know it was changed forever on
March 18th. I received a call that my daughter Kateisha Jenkins was rushed to the
hospital. My daughter’s ex-boyfriend, the father of her middle daughter showed up at the
apartment, after being refused, he pushed in the door and proceeded stabbing her in the
upper body. My son tried to come to her aid and he was stabbed. My daughter was
rushed to Southern Maryland Hospital and was later pronounced dead from multiple stab
wounds.
I was in shock with numerous thought flooding my mind. What about the
girls? How am I going to tell them that their mother is no longer here? How will I tell them
that one of their father’s is responsible? How will I pay for her funeral? At this moment I
found myself overwhelmed but I knew I had to pull it together because I am the matriarch
of this family and I have to be strong for not only my children but especially my three
granddaughters. Then, I received call from CAFY. Ms. Mack talked to me about the victim
service the organization provided and we began to create my victim service plan. She was
able to help me complete the Criminal Injury Compensation application for funeral expense
and loss of support for my granddaughters, helped me make the funeral arrangements and
referred me to a company that provided free programs for the funeral. The girls were
enrolled in counseling and Ms. Brown at the CAFY Counseling Center helped and is still
helping us deal with the multiple changes and adjustments.
After the funeral I had to focus on the transition for my granddaughters, my
children and myself. I was retired and enjoyed my role as a grandmother; however that
role had to change. I had to step in where my daughter left off. They had to not only adjust
to losing their mother but they would have to move from their neighborhood. Even before
they could adjust I had to work to get emergency and then full custody of my three
granddaughters. Custody would be another battle, since one of the girl’s father wanted to
take them. As if I and the girls had not gone through enough with losing their mother; now
the thought of them losing their sisters was crushing. Luckily the court saw it in my favor and
on August 7th , 2013 the court granted me sole custody of all three of my grandchildren.
Ms. Mack provided court companionship for the custody case.
During this time I not only lost my daughter but also my niece and another
close relative. With the help of my support system I made it my priority to take care of my
grandchildren to the best of my ability because I refuse to let my daughter down. I miss
visiting her for days and weeks at a time and spending the holidays with her. Through all
the heartache and pain I still smile because I know that my daughters’ memory lives on
through them. I have some good days and some not so good days but seeing their faces
gives me the strength to go on.
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option. I still smile because
I know that my daughters’ memory lives on through my beautiful grandchildren”.
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CAFY Board Members
Treasurer
Congratulations to
COMMUNITY
ADVOCATES FOR
Family & Youth
(CAFY) for
10 Years
of providing
continued support to
Victims of Crime
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CAFY Team
Waldina Belt
Charlotte Buscher
Lindsay Joell
Arleen Joell
Georgianna Carrington
Rebecca Johnson
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Sydney Bryson
Barbara Davis
Linda Kline Lau
CAFY Team
Vondale Mack
Kay Niles
Edith Palacios
Claudia Poole
Beverly Rouse
Not Pictured
Raquella Smith
Sarah Adenugba
Olu Akinfeleye
Chantelle Allen
JoAnn Artis
Stephanie Brown
Kathleen Buscher
Shirley Carr
Nancy Christian
Mary Cotton
Fernanda De Oliveira
Courtney Giles-Herbert
Charlotte Johnson
Najeena Larue
Joana Myers
Carolyn Rand
Mollie Smith
Latoya Walters
Faynell Tatum
Ellen Wallis
47
48
If you participate in United Way Campaign and would like to
donate, designate “Community Advocates for Family & Youth”
on your pledge
49
Acknowledgements
 B&B Flooring
Sponsoring our Still Smiling Campaign Participants
 Ebenezer Baptist Church
Survivor Pamper Day
 Hope Ministry of First Baptist Church of Glenarden
Adopting our Youth Services
 Kingdom of Priests Community Church
Support for homicide survivors - Candlelight Vigil
 Office of the Sheriff
Collaboration in serving crime victims
 Photography Ministry of First Church of Glenarden
Adopting CAFY to capture our service in time
 Stan Derwin Brown, Esq.
General Counsel & Donated Office Space
 Tabernacle Church of Worship & Praise
Partner in addressing domestic violence
Contacting CAFY:
P.O. Box 4419 Capitol Heights, MD 20791
301-390-4092 - Email: [email protected]
www.cafyonline.org
CAFY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations & proceeds from this
event will be used towards direct victim services.
50
Acknowledgements
 Corina Higginson Trust
 Council Chair District 5 – Andrea Harrison
 Delta Research & Educational Foundation
 Governor’s Office of Crime Control &
Prevention
 Prince George’s County Bar Association
 Prince George’s County Community
Partnership
 The Community Foundation for Prince
George's County
 TJX Foundation
 Verizon Foundation
Contacting CAFY:
www.cafyonline.org
51
Acknowledgements
 Mr. Gary Cunningham for being our Master of Ceremony
 Ms. Tallulah Anderson for her outstanding contributions and dedication
to this event
 Ms. Georgianna Carrington for her tenacity in working with our
sponsors and donors
 Ms. Kay Niles for pulling together a great team to organize this event
 The Event Committee (Tallulah Anderson, Georgi Carrington, Arleen
Joell, Marjorie Lawson, Vondale Mack, Kay Niles, Anne Wiseman and
Ellen Wallis) for organizing such a wonderful event
 Ms. Kay Niles for designing and developing the program
 Ms. Antoinette Barber and Ms. Judy Marwell for their work in editing
the program
 The Villa for hosting our event and preparing and serving the wonderful
food
 Xerox Community Involvement Program for printing our program
A special Thanks to
YOU
for your support
and attendance
Rudy Spruill
Konan
Thanks to the Rudy
Spruill Trio band for
providing excellent music
and entertainment.
Thank you for your
extraordinary efforts with
our Silent Auction and
continued support for the
last 9 years
Contacting CAFY:
www.cafyonline.org
52
Platinum Sponsor
53
Platinum Sponsor
Xerox Community Involvement Program
Commitment since 2003 is a
great achievement
Congratulations on this your
10th Anniversary supporting
Victims of Crime in and around
Prince George’s County
Program Designed by Kay Niles
Program Printed by Xerox Community Involvement Foundation

Here - Community Advocates for Family and Youth

Transcription

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