P.E.A.S Magazine April 2013 Edition by Gaetane Borders

Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support

Magazine/April 2013

www.peasintheirpods.com

HASSANI CAMPBELL

MYGIFT

Missing 2009 Oakland CA

MENTORING YOUNG GIRLS INSPIRING FOR TOMORROW INC.

APRIL featured Missing Children

PARENTING CORNER Gaetane Borders

THE GLASS SLIPPER FOUNDATION GIVING BACK DREAMS

KUNTRY KIDZ INC.

Exposure Inspiration Encouragement for YOUTH

Peas In Their Pods

Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support Website: www.peasintheirpods.com

Janice Lowery Chief Executive Officer

Peas In Their Pods is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that provides a specific

Gaétane Borders President Training Specialist

the place of the Amber Alert System. We simply pick up where they leave off or never en-

Denise Bethune Editor P.E.A.S. Magazine Publicity Manager Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant Yolanda Butler Business Consultant Vickie Britton Researcher for Missing Children Anita Harris Parent Mentor Marcus Dent Guardian Angel

service to those who have missing loved ones. The organization is self-funded, and is comprised of a team of volunteers who work diligently to assist families during their time of greatest need. We are here to help parents find their missing children. We do not take gage due to program criteria. Peas In Their Pods Organizational goal takes pride in helping to find missing children of color, fight against child abuse, and provide information to

* Featured Organizations 4 The Glass Slipper Foundation Giving Back Dreams 8 Kuntry Kidz, Inc. Exposure Inspiration Encouragement for YOUTH 12 MYGIFT Mentoring Young Girls Inspiring For Tomorrow Inc. * Monthly Contributors 6 Gaetane Borders Parenting Corner 16 Author Sharon Fox Comfort Food for the Mind, Body & Soul 22 Pat Holmes Monthly Treat

Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster

Giving Back Dreams The Glass Slipper Foundation is an entity of Vessels Interceding Sowing Into Our Nation (VISION Inc.). While both organizations share the same founder, The Glass Slipper Foundation was founded in 2009 when a need was identified amongst the female adolescents TaSaSha Harper-Nickerson Founding Executive Director in the community.

monds In the Rough Step Team offers an avenue of escape to our girls and the opportunity to learn the art of stepping. All services are provided at no cost. www.theglassslipperfoundation.org

of VISION Inc. & The Glass Slipper Foundation

The VISION Inc. team visit a local residential treatment facility for girls and met a young lady who was a senior high school. She had been in the foster care system most of her life and had no immediate family to fulfill her dream of going the prom. A promise was made to make that dream a reality and The Glass Slipper Foundation (TGS) came into fruition. To date, TGS has three programs to serve the female adolescents of our community. Project: Prom Dress offers prom gowns and accessories to economically challenged females who are looking to attend their high school prom. CUTE (Cultivating yoU To Excel) Mentoring partners with area middle schools to provide mentoring classes to a select group of at-risk students. Dia4

SUPPORTING THE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF

AT-RISK ADOLESCENT FEMALES.

Parenting Corner Gaetane Borders President Peas In Their Pods

Vacation on a Budget

for children to visit the museum. Free tickets are available for pickup at the museum on the day of your visit. It is good to get in line early because tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis and these types of free activities get very busy during the summer. The times vary at each location so check with the Children's Museum in your city for complete details. There are tons of activities for children to do at the Children's Museum!

It’s that time of year again when parents start making plans for summer vacation. While your kids are undoubtedly excited about their upcoming weeks of “freedom,” many of you are a bit stressed about what to do with them. After all, camps can be costly. Yet, letting your kids sit idle over the course of the summer is boring and nonproductive. So here are a few ideas that might interest you.

4. Check with your local library for their schedule of free activities for children and summer events. They often include puppet shows, story times, arts and crafts sessions, live theater, reading challenges, and book festivals. They are just about always free and can be lots of fun. Many times they will have their schedule of activities posted on their website.

1. Kids Bowl Free is one of the many free activities for children available this summer. This is a program where participating bowling centers around the United States offer children (within a particular age limit) the opportunity to register for two free games a day, all summer long! You can also check with your local skating rinks for similar types of free activities or even suggest one if it is not already available in your area. Visit http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/ for details.

5. Learn from college athletes, their coaches and even professionals in the sport. Free sports clinics are usually held on college campuses for a limited amount of kids. Each free sports clinic has its own rules but many allow children as young as 4 and up to 17 years of age.

2. Movies can be costly, especially when you add in the price of popcorn, a drink, and some candy! However, your wallet will be spared this summer because AMC Theaters offers a summer movie camp for children on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM. All tickets are just one dollar, and the proceeds go to charity. Get there early because camps frequent these free summer activities and the tickets generally go very quickly. Check their website for movie line-ups and dates.

6. Many parks and recreation departments set up a summer schedule of day-long activities. So check your city's local parks and recreation department website to see what activities are planned near you! The free and affordable possibilities are endless!!! All it takes is a bit of creativity and investigation, and you’ll be surprised by how much your town has to offer. However, while your kids are enjoying these fun activities, make sure that they continue to read daily for at least 15 minutes. This will keep

3. Plan to visit the Children's Museum in your city. The Children's Museum has partnered up with Target and offers a Target Free Tuesday every month 6

the day

em academically sharp and prepared for the first y of school;)

RILYA Alert Criteriaâ&#x20AC;˘ *The abduction is of a child age 17 years or younger. The parent must have contacted law enforcement to report child missing. *A RILYA Alert may also be issued if the child is classified as a runaway by the police. If the parent has reported missing child and has convincing evidence that child does not have a history of running away, an alert will be initiated within the 1st hour. *We recognize that at times, not all information is readily available (ie. license plate numbers, name of abductor, or witness to abduction. In such cases, the available information will be reviewed and verified prior to RILYA Alert. *The law-enforcement agency believes the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. *All children of color meeting the criteria for the Amber Alert will also receive the RILYA Alert If these criteria are met, alert information is assembled for public distribution. This information may include descriptions and pictures of the missing child, the suspected abductor, and a suspected vehicle along with any other information available and valuable to identifying the child and suspect.

Missing/Silver Springs Maryland Erica Turay DOB: NOV 15, 2010 AGE NOW: 2 MISSING: MAY 13, 2012 MISSING FROM: SILVER SPRING MD UNITED STATES SEX: FEMALE RACE: BLACK HAIR: BLACK EYES: BROWN HEIGHT: 2'9" (84CM) WEIGHT: 20LBS (9KG) SHE WAS LAST SEEN ON MAY 13, 2012. ERICA MAY BE IN THE COMPANY OF HER MOTHER. THEY ARE BELIEVED TO BE IN KENYA. ERICA'S FULL NAME IS ERICA ESTHER KENSAL TURAY. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (MARYLAND) 1-410-265-8080 OR YOUR LOCAL FBI 7

Provide educational support, exposure, inspiration, and encouragement to today's youth. Elisha Barnes Booth Kuntry Kidz, Inc., a state registered nonprofit was founded in 2008 with the purpose of meeting a need for programming that nurtured character building, social responsibility, leadership skills and academic excellence and to provide EXPOSURE, INSPIRATION, and ENCOURAGMENT to youth residing in rural areas, which are not often times afforded the accessibility to youth programs that inner city youth have. Kuntry Kidz was established to provide opportunity for youth to participate in activities that were designed to instill personal integrity and excellence, emphasize positive family values, and give youth some of the much-needed tools to make them competitive and productive on a local, state and national level. Kuntry Kidz has served over 300 students since its inception through the free public workshops offered including free ACT prep, Financial Aid, and Money Matters workshops. In 2012 Kuntry Kidz held its first Pack-a-Backpack school supply and motivational rally in which we were able to provide over 150 bags of school supplies to students in two different school districts. Additionally, Kuntry Kidz, Inc. established its mentoring program, GEMZ & GENTZ which allows selected participants to have access to community mentoring volunteers that are willing to utilize their personal, professional and educational experiences to broaden the participants thinking. Additionally, participatants are provided with assistance in academic and career tracking; assistance in scholarship research for post-secondary education including college tours as well as application assistance to higher institutions via our partnership with the College Club of America Program. The GEMZ & GENTZ program is designed to mentor students from junior high school throughout high school to prepare them for higher education. This program is designed to bridge the gap between home and school and to be a support system for students, parents and teachers. We are a part of the village that helps to raise a child. Elisha Barnes Booth founded Kuntry Kidz, Inc. and the Kun-

try Kidz Youth Foundation in 2008 with the purpose of meeting a need for programming that nurtured character building, social responsibility, leadership skills and academic excellence and to provide EXPOSURE, INSPIRATION, and ENCOURAGMENT to youth residing in rural areas, which are not often times afforded the accessibility to youth programs that inner city youth have. Kuntry KIdz Youth Foundation was established to provide opportunity for youth to participate in activities that were designed to instill personal integrity and excellence, emphasize positive family values, and give youth some of the much-needed tools to make them competitive and productive on a local, state and national level. We also offer public workshops that promote a positive selfimage and life skills education In 2012 The SOUTHERN GEMZ & GENTZ program was created which allows selected participants to have access to community mentoring volunteers that are willing to utilize their personal, professional and educational experiences to broaden the participants thinking. Additionally, participatants are provided with assistance in academic and career tracking; assistance in scholarship research for post-secondary education including college tours as well as application assistance to higher institutions via our partnership with the College Club program. The GEMZ & GENTZ program includes an annual leadership retreat that further develops skills in leadership, communication, teamwork and critical thinking. Ultimately, the goal of our founder is that Kuntry Kidz Inc. be successful in inspiring and lead youth to a personal commitment to integrity and excellence for many years to come and that MISSISSIPPI youth and beyond will understand their uniqueness and their strengths to become leaders in their own communities. Elisha firmly believes that every individual has the potential to be successful if provided with the tools for success-EXPOSUREINSPIRATION-ENCOURAGMENT www.kuntrykidzinc.org

Hassani Campbell Missing 2009 Oakland CA Case Type: Lost, Injured, Missing DOB: Sep 24, 2003 Sex: Male Missing Date: Aug 10, 2009 Race: Black Age Now: 9 Height: 3'0" (91 cm) Missing City: OAKLAND Weight: 40 lbs (18 kg) Missing State : CA Hair Color: Brown Missing Country: United States Eye Color: Brown Case Number: NCMC1129016. Circumstances: He was last seen on August 10, 2009 at approximately 4:15p.m. Hassani was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray pants. He wears braces on his ankles. Abducted from a car outside of a shoe store, according to published reports Hassani’s (has cerebral palsy ) foster parents may have information about his whereabouts. Since his disappearance the foster parent’s have been arrested. (according to published reports) Hassani was given up after birth into the care of a family whom the state considered suitable in providing him with special care. When a family opens there home to a child with special needs the state will provide the family with unlimited resources including extra financial support. Since Hassani’s disappearance there has been limited updates. As I read all the information, reports on Hassan, the one question that popped in my mind, would he had been safer with his biological parents, and what were the circumstances surrounding there decision to give him up in the first place? As a parent it is almost impossible to live life fully knowing that someone may have information, but will not cooperate with law enforcement. With all our missing children, we asked the public for your help in sharing their faces & stories in hopes that someone can help in bringing all our children home safely. If anyone has information on the disappearance of Hassani Campbell please contact National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - 1-800-843-5678 or 510-238-3455 It takes a village to care for our children, Hassani still may have a chance to be loved by such a community..

Mentoring Young Girls Inspiring For Tomorrow (MYGIFT) Program, Inc. Michelle Dunn Michelle Dunn has a gift for girls in the metropolitan area, one that cannot be purchased in a store or ordered online. Her gift is priceless, because it will provide a lifetime of enrichment for those girls who accept and utilize it to the fullest. It is the gift of confidence and self-esteem. Mrs. Dunn is the founder and Executive Director of “Mentoring Young Girls Inspiring for Tomorrow Program, Inc.,” or MYGIFT Program, Inc., a nonprofit mentoring program based in Prince George’s County for girls ages 8 to 18. With a staff of four, the organization provides guidance, support, and encouragement to young ladies facing the challenges and responsibilities of everyday home and school life. The program seeks to show young girls a world beyond their block or neighborhood ripe with opportunities that are theirs for the taking by standing strong in their belief in themselves and avoiding people and situations that could divert them from a positive path. Established by Mrs. Dunn in August 2007, MYGIFT Program, Inc. offers a full-service mentoring package that provides girls with life tools to handle many of today’s challenges. Using role play, individual and group activities, and open discussion, the program walks participants through ways to respond to uncomfortable situations, including how to deal with bullies and the pressure to become sexually active at an inappropriate age. MYGIFT Program, Inc. also holds monthly workshops on college preparation, resources for grants and scholarships, job interview skills, career counseling, and financial planning. Addition, MYGIFT Program, Inc., holds a resume and job application workshop that provides hands-on experience in building an effective resume. Workshops are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 12

9:30am to 2:30pm, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided. Mrs. Dunn has more than 25 years of combined professional administrative and managerial experience. She is a graduate of the Government of the District of Columbia’s Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program, cosponsored by the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Municipal Management (CEMM). Contact Information: Phone: (301) 627-0025 Fax: (301) 952-1975 Website: www.mygiftprogram.org Email: michelle@mygiftprogram.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/mygiftprograminc

Missing/St. Louis Missouri

APRIL IS NATIONA

Kelly Allen DOB: Dec 4, 1986 Age Now: 26 Missing: Mar 13, 2007 Missing From: BERKLEY MO United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel Height: 5'4" (163cm) Weight: 165lbs (75kg) Kelly's photo is shown age-progressed to 25 years. She was last seen leaving a friend's home in Berkley, Missouri, on March 13, 2007, but she resides in Saint Louis, Missouri. Kelly has a tattoo of brown eyes and a flower on her left shoulder and a tattoo of a half moon behind her left ear. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - 1-800-843-5678 Saint Louis Police Department (Missouri) 1-314-444-5338

Shemika Cosby DOB: Oct 1, 1992 Age Now: 20 Missing: Dec 30, 2008 Missing From: BERKELEY MO United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'5" (165cm) Weight: 160lbs (73kg) Shemika 19 years. She is believed to be in the local area. Shamika's ears are pierced. She may go by the nickname Mika. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Berkeley Police Department (Missouri) 1-314-524-3311

PREVENTION 14

AL CHILD ABUSE

N MONTH

Missing/Menlo Park California Mitchell Deon Owens Age Missing: 5 Date of Birth: Nov 21, 1978 Height: 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;0â&#x20AC;? Weight: 40 lbs Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Gender: Male Race: Black Identifying Characteristics: He has a scar on the upper part of his nose, a surgical scar on the left side of his rib cage and a lazy right eyelid. Circumstances: Unknown. An unidentified person broke into the Owens' family home in Menlo Park, California on February 3, 1983. The intruder attempted to strangle Ona Owens, Mitchell's mother, with a telephone cord and she lost consciousness. She was also savagely beaten. When Ona awoke, her son was missing. Mitchell has never been seen again and the intruder has never been identified. Ona received telephone calls for several years from an unidentified man who threatened to take her other two sons; the man's identity remains a mystery and it is not known if he was connected to Mitchell's abduction. Mitchell's photo is shown age-progressed to 33 years. If you have any information on the disappearance of this person, please contact: Menlo Park Police Department: 650-858-3308 Or National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1800-843-5678

Jahi Turner DOB: Feb 10, 2000 Age Now: 13 Missing: Apr 25, 2002 Missing From: SAN DIEGO CA United States Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 2'5" (74cm) Weight: 30lbs (14kg) Jahi's photo is shown age-progressed to 12 years. He was last seen on Thursday, April 25, 2002, at approximately 2:30 p.m., playing at a park in the 2800 block of Beech Street in Golden Hill, California. Jahi has a scar over his knee. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeve blue shirt, blue nylon cargo pants, and gray sneakers. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-8435678 (1-800-THE-LOST) San Diego Police Department (California) 1619-531-2000 15

FRESH STRAWBERRY SORBET

Clean and quarter 3 pints fresh Strawberries. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar and 2 Tablespoons Limoncello. Stir and set aside for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Puree with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Place a strainer over the frozen bowl of an ice cream maker, then press through to remove seeds. Process for 20 - 30 minutes until frozen.

MONTHLY RECIPES

Author Sharon Fox

Mind, Body & Soul Author Sharon Fox understands the importance of feeding the spirit from the inside. Her love for flavor is more than a culinary experience, it’s apart of new lifestyle experience. Food Editor for P.E.A.S Magazine, Tru Magazine and Latino Connection Magazine, also named The Official Culinary Artist of the Social Networks

CHEESY ORZO 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth 1 – 14.5oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes 1 cup orzo 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 2 cups fresh spinach, packed, to taste 4 oz. cream cheese 3 tbsp. Parmesan Romano grated cheese crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt & black pepper, to taste chopped Italian Parsley, optional In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion & saute 3 – 4 min. Toss in red pepper & cook for another 3 min. Add garlic & cook 1 – 2 minutes. Add wine (or chicken broth) & tomatoes (including juices); simmer 15 min or until most liquid is reduced. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, bring water & chicken bouillon cube to a boil. Add orzo, stirring constantly, about 8 min. (Water should be mostly absorbed by pasta, but still a little saucy.) Add orzo to skillet; cook & stir until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 min. Stir in cream cheese & spinach; mix until cream cheese is melted & spinach is wilted. Season to taste & sprinkle with Parmesan Romano cheese. Garnish with fresh Parsley. *You can easily make this into a complete dinner dish by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or beef. Serve with a salad, roll, and beverage of choice. 17

Missing/Miami Florida

Missing/Atlanta Georgia

Jarkeius Adside

Sabah Karriem Conner

DOB: Sep 30, 2000 Age Now: 12 Missing: Oct 18, 2001 Missing From: MIAMI FL United States Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 2'0" (61cm) Weight: 30lbs (14kg) Age Progressed. Jarkeius' photo is shown age-progressed to 11 years. He was abducted by three unknown males during an early morning robbery on October 18, 2001. Jarkeius may be injured and may be in need of medical attention. His hair is in braids and he was last seen wearing a red, white, and blue shirt and a diaper. Jarkeius may respond to the nickname Kisha. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Miami-Dade Police Department (Florida) - 1-305-471-8477

DOB: Jul 27, 1983 Age Now: 29 Missing: Jul 17, 2000 Missing From: ATLANTA GA United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Height: 5'6" (168cm) Weight: 125lbs (57kg). At the age of 16, Sabah left her apartment in Atlanta, Georgia to look for a job. She never returned and has not been seen or heard from since. She may go by the alias of Ameria Davis or Amirea Davis. Sabah has two gold bottom teeth, a cursive tattoo of "Ms. Hollywood" on her right shoulder, and her tongue is pierced. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT : National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) East Point Police Department (Georgia) 1-404-761-2177

our children should be worth alot more to us than to others . . .

Marco Cadenas

Anjalayiah Hicks

DOB: Dec 13, 1984 Age Now: 28 Missing: May 11, 1994 Missing From:MIAMI FL United States Sex: Male Race: Biracial Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 4'7" (140cm) Weight: 70lbs (32kg) Age Progressed. Marco's photo is shown ageprogressed to 24 years. He was last seen at his home on May 11, 1994. He has not been seen or heard from since. Marco is Biracial. He is Black and Hispanic. He has an appendectomy scar and a scratch on his left cheek. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Miami Dade Police Department (Florida) 1-305-418-7200 18

DOB: Feb 13, 2006 Missing: Oct 15, 2011 Height: 4'1" (124cm) Eyes: Brown Race: Biracial Age Now: 7 Sex: Female Weight: 45lbs (20kg) Hair: Brown Missing From: DALTON GA United States. Anjalayiah was seen October, 15, 2011. She may be in the company of her mother and an adult male. They may travel to Mexico. Anjalayiah is biracial. She is Black and White. Anjalayiah may go by the nickname Lay-Lay and the alias last name Reyes-Rios ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) East Point Police Department (Georgia) 1-404-761-2177.

The Autism Awareness Ribbon - The puzzle pattern reflects the mystery and complexity of the autism spectrum. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition.

The brightness of the ribbon signals hopeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hope that through increased awareness of autism, and through early intervention and appropriate treatments, people with autism will lead fuller, more complete lives.

U.D.M. seeks to partner with local educators, connect community resources, equip and educate families and single parents, and hold everyone Accountable! Mission: The mission is to help individuals break the cycle of violence, lack of education and diminished family structure and to unite and galvanize the strengths and power within communities to live and act with a positive resolve. United Dream Montgomery seeks to empower individuals to live a life of hope, integrity and compassion while making positive changes in their lives, communities and the world. United Dream Montgomery seeks to unite individuals and the communities as a force of change to improve the quality of life that breaks the cycle of hopefulness and creates an environment of possibilities. Vision: The vision is to rally communities to combat the infectious activities (behaviors) that plague our youth, communities, families, educators, and educational institutions.

MONTHLY TREAT Pat Holmes BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE 1 lb. box of elbow macaroni noodles ½ cup butter 4- Tablespoon + 4 teaspoons of flour 2 cups milk 3 cups coby cheese plus enough to spread on top 1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ Teaspoon salt 4 Tablespoon breadcrumbs (if desired) Preheat oven to 350 Light grease a 13x9 pan. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Melt butter in Dutch oven over low-medium heat. When the butter in completely melted, whisk in flour until smooth and thickened. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in coby cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, and salt. Continue to cook and stir until cheeses are melted and you have a smooth, thick mixture. Add drained noodles to Dutch oven, stir will to coat noodles. Spoon mixture in to pan, top with cheese and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake for 1520 minutes. The cheese on top should be melted completely.

PEAS IN THEIR PODS KEEPING OUR CHILDREN PRIORITY