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Editor’s Message: Were you aware that a child is abducted every 40 seconds in this country? Moreover, did you know that over 40% of these children are African American? If not, you are not alone because few people are aware of this epidemic. The truth is that African American children receive limited media coverage when they go missing. Sadly, without this exposure it is less likely that they will be safely found. The staff at Peas In Their Pods works diligently to spread awareness about this issue by alerting media outlets as needed when African American children are missing or abducted. The media play a critical role in getting news and information out to the public, maybe in the future the role of reporting will include the safety of our children by alerting the public when one of our children are in danger, especially our African American Children, the response time ; immediate. Our mission is to bring awareness to our communities the plight of these children, and to make them a national priority. Peas In Their Pods are concerned about all our children, the organization strives to bring awareness to any child missing, no matter, race color. The commitment is to keep the public on alert and aware. There are many organizations across this country who’s missions are to provide resources to families in helping to build stronger and healthier communities. Community based organizations are key factors in developing opportunities that will help our children advance to higher levels of achievement, without these additional support systems our children and families would lack the most. Peas In Their Pods is a not-for-profit organization that provides a specific 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 the place of the Amber Alert System. We simply pick up where they leave off or never engage 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 the public It still takes a village‌!!! Denise Bethune, Editor-In-Chief Whitesboro, New Jersey http://www.peasintheirpods.com hfmbc@hotmail.com
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Featured Individual/Organizations J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares Jessica Ballew
Sistah Sheppard Natural Bath & Body Monica Sheppard
What To Do If Your Child Is Missing? Adapted from Just in Case...Missing
Be Positive Campaign
Peas In Their Pods Staff Janice Lowery CEO Gaetane Borders President Training Specialist
Keishorne Scott
Mildred Nixon Vice President
The Bruises That No One Wants To Discuss Gaetane Borders
Lisa Sellers Treasurer
PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc.
Stacy Rodgers Story Of Hope & Restoration Simeon Newman
Bullying Change Speaks By Yolanda M. Jenkins
“Home Cooking For A New Generation� Hospitality Corner /Sharon Fox
Clutter to Clarity to Confident Angel L. Richards
Are You Sure Your Hair Loss Is Inherited? You May Be Surprised! Eddie Simpson/Sweet Nature
Denise Bethune Editor in Chief P.E.A.S. Magazine Pattie Fitzgerald Safety & Prevention Advisor Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant Delilah Jones Publicity Manager Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster Teri Kendle Researcher
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Peas In Their Pods was formed in March of 2007 to bring awareness about the epidemic rate at which African American children are abducted or endangered. Few realize that a child is abducted every forty seconds in the United States. Moreover, over thirty-three percent of these children are African American. Sadly, these children receive the least amount of media exposure. This negatively impacts the likelihood that they will be safely reunited with their loved ones. Peas In Their Pod’s goal is to spread awareness, and improve the reporting and search system as it pertains to African American children. The organization created a new alert system called the RILYA Alert system named after a youngster named Rilya Wilson who went missing for over eight months before anyone realized she was gone. This new alert system will help reduce the response time in which the crucial information is shared with the public so that Rilya’s tragedy does not occur again. Peas In Their Pods is a not-for-profit organization that provides a specific 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 the place of the Amber Alert System. We simply pick up where they leave off or never engage due to program criteria. Peas In Their Pods Organizational goal takes pride in helping to find missing children of color, fight against
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Jessica Ballew Chief Empowerment Officer J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares P O Box 321 Sparta, NJ 07871 862-258-5447 www.jessicacares.org
Jessica Ballew, Chief Empowerment Officer and Founder of J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares has extensive leadership and management experience through working in the corporate world for over twenty years. Through participating in various community events, I found my passion of working with, mentoring and empowering teen girls; thus the birth of J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares. J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares (Journey to becoming an Extraordinarily, Strong, Successful, Individual with [Soft Break] Courageous, Aspirations) is a not for profit organization founded in November of 2010 that focuses on enriching the lives of at risk teen girls ranging in ages of 13-19. Unfortunately, low self esteem is at the root of many poor decisions and behaviors young ladies manifest in their daily lives. Young women today face difficult challenges like never before due to the negative portrayal of women in music and media; thus causing a negative sense of self worth. I believe that every young lady has something special and extraordinary to offer the world. My belief is that they possess a uniqueness and talent that is part of their D.N.A. My mission is to assist young adolescent girls to see themselves under the same powerful light and guide them to develop necessary skills to live a life of purpose. At J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares, we offer unique empowering programs filled with opportunities for teen girls who are at a crossroad in their lives. The girls participate in powerful life changing seminars, summer empowerment retreats and exercises that foster positive behaviors. We aim to encourage and support: ● ● ● ● ● ●
The building of and Maintenance of self esteem Goal Setting Creating Responsibility Community Accountability Leadership Critical and Independent Thinking
J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares mission is to eradicate the negative thoughts that precede negative behaviors by virtue of "empowering young ladies, one positive thought at a time." 5
Baby Jhessye where are you!!
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Emotions are running high for the family of a missing girl from Glendale. (Peasintheirpods Children) 5-year-old Jhessye Shockley was last seen in the area of 45th Avenue and Glendale on October 11 between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Teekah Latres Lewis Missing since January 23, 1999 from Tacoma, Washington
Police are baffled and the family is frustrated.
Circumstances of Disappearance: Teekah Lewis was last seen on January 23, 1999 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the New Frontier Lanes bowling alley in Tacoma, Washington.
After police did an exhaustive search of the area, they scaled back. The family is upset with police because they don't feel enough has been done to find the little girl. Officers were back in the area Tuesday night with family members, handing out flyers. At this point, no one knows what happened to her.
Nearly a dozen of Teekah's relatives were there.Teekah's family members--her mother, uncle and her mother's boyfriend-took turns staying with Teekah and watching over her.
One neighbor with a child of her own is very upset with the situation and spent the day handing out flyers to everyone she saw.
When her uncle briefly turned around to watch someone in their group bowl, he was only about a foot away from the toddler. But when he turned back toward where Teekah had been sitting, she was gone.
"Me and my kids..we just came out to support..'cause if it was one of our kids.. we would do the same thing..we all in the neighborhood together..and we have to help each other out," said Barbara Williams.
Teekah's family searched for her, and after a few minutes, ran up to alert the Tacoma police officer who was working security for New Frontier Lanes. He made an announcement over the loudspeaker. Teekah's family and others who were at the alley began searching everywhere, and police stopped everyone leaving the parking lot According to police, the game room where Teekah was last seen was only six feet away from the exit.
Jahessye is about 3' 5" tall, 55 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.
Police had no leads and Teekah was no where to be found. Teekah's biological father was in prison at the time, which ruled out a custodial abduction.
If you think you've seen her, or know something about her disappearance, call this special tipline: 623-930-HELP (4357). You can remain anonymous.
Police questioned registered sex offenders in the area and checked the background of the bowling alley's employees, but came up empty-handed.
Silent Witness is offering $1,000 and the Glendale Police Department is offering $10,000 for a total reward of $11,000. In order to be eligible for the money, the call has to be made to 480-WITNESS.
A witness said they saw a 1980s Pontiac Grand Am pull out of the parking lot around the time that Teekah disappeared. The vehicle was maroon with dark windows and a large spoiler. Investigators:: If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Tacoma Police Department Detective Larry Lindberg 253-798-4721
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/local/ glendale/police-shockley-update-10192011
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out, found and brought home the man of her dreams. This man was quite handsome and gave the appearance of being worldly and all knowing while in fact he was a cruel, divisive and formidable foe. Eventually, this person would rock the very foundation of this young girl’s beliefs in all things deemed Godly.
Rape vs. Molestation In today’s environment of self-righteous indignation when it comes to the treatment of animals, our nation should be astonished by the lack of outrage concerning the mistreatment of our most valuable resources. The human animal. Our children.
By the time, the little girl was in the third grade she was separated from her siblings with the exception of one sister. This separation came in the form of being placed in a “private” school. Separation is a usual and effective tactic. This was the beginning of a life filled with hurt, lies, and betrayal. This was a lot to deal with for anyone. Let alone a child. Eventually, the children’s only protector was driven out and forbidden to have access to the children sometimes for as long as a year. With grandma essentially out of the picture, it was open season.
For years, we have taught our children to be afraid of the dark character in the black coat and hat lurking in the shadows, offering candy and other enticements. We never took the time to teach our children about the dark hearts of the people we call family, friends, and acquaintances. Oh, we may have whispered, “Tell me if someone ‘touches’ or ‘bothers’ you”. When told, this information usually falls upon the deaf ears of those responsible for protecting and ensuring the safety of the child. Mostly for the sake of keeping the family together or to smother the supposed shame brought upon the family.
In time the child, less than one month after turning 12 years old would give birth to her stepfather’s child, without interference from anyone within or outside of the family. Teachers, family nor doctors raised any red flags. There were whispers. People knew. No one came to her aid. Not even her mother.
The laws of the land are written as to accommodate this by minimizing the true heinousness of the crimes against children. One way of accomplishing this is to slap the brand of Child Molester on the perpetrator, which can lead one with the misguided perception of a person who simply fondles, or had a casual inappropriate occurrence with a child. Meaning he/she placed some part of his/her body on, or in a child’s body. Maybe it’s because there are in most instances no physical bruising to catch the eye. Maybe it’s because children change their stories especially when the perpetrator lives in the home or has easy access to the child. We mistakenly
This is our fault. In our mind’s eye, when a man or woman is raped, it’s often a brutal attack such that would leave bruising and physical scarring. In most cases, this attack lasts only for the brief period available to the attacker. Although the victim is hurting both mentally and physically for all intense and purposes, the attack is over save for the aftershock and its lasting affects. In the situation where a child is raped in what should be the comfort of their home, daycare, camp, church or school these rapes are constant, real, and more brutal. This is because the repeated attacks are not on the body alone. The mind, body and spirit are all victims of this savagery. The assailant does not run away. More often than not, he or she merely retreats to the next room until a later date. The rapist, more often than not, greets the victim, over morning breakfast.
consider that a child can essentially influence whether or not they will be raped. In recent months, a special has been airing on the television show Dateline. On this show, episodes have aired showing sting operations used to catch and humiliate cyber predicators. The fact that the men portrayed on the show are being caught attempting to have sex with a minor does not appall, as one would expect. Instead we shake our heads, and yes sometimes laugh at the absurdity of the sad excuses provided to the host. What really amazes me is the fact that these men are often repeat offenders whose sentences for their crime may last months at most and in some instances, there is no jail time.
This is not an attempt to diminish the damage caused by rape from a stranger or associate on an adult. A child, however, is placed in the situation of having to suffer the continual attacks of the perpetrator. Diminished is the will to fight, the opinion of self-worth and sometimes the will to survive. The crimes of the attacker become the shame they carry in secret places of their hearts. Not long ago, there was outrage expressed regarding the treatment of prisoners of war at Guantanamo Bay. Where is this same outcry against the brutal attacks on our children?
Put before you is the idea that if these persons have not been charged with rape, there would be no record of having raped multiple women and being let out on the street with what amounts to a slap on the wrist. Serial rapist would be the brand placed upon this criminal. Have we not reached the point of calling a spade a spade? This is our fault. Our society has also come to believe that women, especially those deemed by some to be of exceptional beauty, are incapable of committing the crime of rape. How is this possible? Have we made physical appearance criteria for determining the level of depravity of the mind and heart?
This is our fault. Even with the overwhelming reports in the news about the kidnapping and rapes of children we, as a society, still live with the false comfort of thinking this could never happen to “my” child. We point fingers and ask where the parents are. We point fingers at our politicians and ask what they will do to protect our chil
A young girl is the eldest of what would eventually become twelve children. In her early years, she and her sisters and brother were raised primarily by their grandmother. Her mother went 8
dren. The question that begs to be asked is what we will do to protect our children. Politicians are not born into office. We vote them into and out of positions. This is accomplished by choosing to either cast or not to cast a vote. Children don’t vote. We are at an impasse. The continuance of idle discussion about the changes that must be made is of no benefit. There is the blood of cruelty and deceit and hopelessness on the hands of those who choose to look the other way. How can we look into the faces of our children and know within our hearts that we do nothing to protect them? How do we look into the face of the person in the mirror with the knowledge that we cower from the prospect of standing upsometimes alone, against the masses?
Based in Santa Monica, California, SistahSheppard Natural Bath and Body is a true family business passionate about creating soothing handmade bath and body products ( in small batches) from natural and certified organic ingredients that are paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, cruelty and artificial color FREE!
When we do nothing, we are a part of this quiet conspiracy. When we do nothing, we are co-defendants in these crimes. An even greater cause for concern surrounds the issue of the statute of limitations. As you may be aware, most assaults begin when a child is of such a young age that when they have reached adulthood, and are supposedly empowered to address the crime, the assailant is protected under this veil of injustice. These crimes are of such degradation as to kill the spirit, hopes and dreams of children.
Our mission is to provide you with personal care products that not only pamper the body, but also lift the spirit and soothe the soul. Peace & Blessings
The time limitation in place renders the victim of these vile crimes as helpless as when the assaults were taking place. The idea that the victim’s youth is being wielded, as a weapon to fend off prosecution is ludicrous. This crime is responsible for killing and cutting short a childhood that as in physical death cannot be restored. This loophole cannot be made available to these criminals. The term “molestation” can leave one with the misguided notion that the crime is not as “severe” as a rape. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The severity of repeated rape is incalculable. The devastation is more profound when the rapist is the caregiver or someone of authority.
Monica Sheppard Owner Sistah Sheppard Natural Bath & Body. http://sistahsheppard.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html
If we were to strike the label “molester” from the vocabulary of laws, and name the crimes as they truly are: rapes, then perhaps we can begin to deal with this growing epidemic and stunt the cancer that steals our children’s innocence.
What is a Rilya Alert? A Rilya Alert is not a Amber Alert. The Rilya Alert is for families who have a missing child. The Rilya Alert lets the public know a child is missing and we need your help to find them.
I write all of the above to offer that we must begin the healing process somewhere. Remove the binds of the statute of limitations for molestation, to make persons responsible for committing these crimes against children criminally liable for their actions long after the crime is committed. If we do nothing to protect our children, then it is our fault.
It helps the family know we care and that their child will not be forgotten. Rilya Alert is named after a child Rilya Wilson who went missing for two years before anyone knew.
-Claresa "Laus Deo"
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H.O.W.S (Helping Other Women Stand) Our Mission is to become part of the solution in our local communities and the world. To reach young girls, teenagers and women. To assist them in discovering their personhood, purpose and passion. To provide encouragement and hope. We serve as lecture facilitators, mentors, and motivational speakers. For more information, please contact CEO/ Founder Sharon Whitfield-Hawkins or Robyn Leath, Consultant. msrobyn@mail.com Visit H.O.W.S on facebook
Domestic Violence - Three Dimensional Survival by Angela M. Smith No matter how you look at domestic violence (DV) we who are advocates or victims or survivors must deal with the spirit of violence, harm, and fear. This spirit has no respect of person! If we handle DV from a one dimensional perspective, we will always get a one dimensional outcome, which means an individual will find themselves in DV relationships time and time again. It only took one time for me, and that one time lasted for six years. My ex-husband was emotionally and spiritually abusive - - to mention he was also a homosexual preacher. So, not only was I challenging him and his abusive behavior, I was dealing with his lovers and their desire for his attention, time, and body. I was dealing with who is sleeping in my bed tonight and whose underwear am I washing this time. I was dealing with will me and my children eat tonight, or will he be cooking for his lovers and I have to figure out how we [me and the children] are going to eat. I was dealing with will he pay the bills this time or will he be paying off his lovers with money and sex for the items they furnished the house with or the clothes and jewelry they put on my back and around my neck. I had to deal with sitting with him in the sanctuary with my dignity to still lead the people into worship and praise to God, while his lovers lifted hands in agreement to my songs of the Lord. I had to deal with the threats of if I left him I would die realizing that if I stayed the results would be the same.
It was right disgusting! But, I became wise and got the hell up out of that rut! This wasn't about staying for the sake of the children; it was about getting out so that we could live. It was no longer about staying because I believe in the marriage covenant - - there was no covenant anymore. When you become joined at the bone and marrow with someone it is always painful to detach. No matter what the volume of the situation is, to leave hurts. However, it only hurts as long as you want it to hurt. Some want it to hurt until it gets better, but by the time it gets better (if it gets better) someone is dead or psychologically decapitated. And then what was so wrong becomes so right - which is still so wrong. Selah! The three dimensional perspectives to dealing with the foundation and results of DV, and any other kind of mental illness, is addressing (1) the generational aspect, (2) the spiritual aspect, and (3) the emotional/psychological aspect. When you omit one of these three-corded aspects, you will inevitably breed an abuser, return to being an abuser, and/or become united to being (and remaining) a victim of violent behavior.
Kimberly Nicole Arrington Missing since October 30, 1998 from Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama Date Of Birth: May 23, 1982 Age at Time of Disappearance: 16 years old. Circumstances of Disappearance: Arrington was last seen at the CVS Pharmacy located at Third Street and Forest Avenue, in Montgomery, Alabama on October 30, 1998. Investigators: If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Montgomery Police Department 334-241-2708 / Alabama Department of Public Safety 800-228-7688
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Another child growing up without her mother. Chanda Thompson
A two-yearold girl celebrated her birthday without her mother Sunday, blind to the news that her mother and two friends were killed just the day before while out buying her birthday cake. Chanda Thompson, 21, was picking up her daughter's birthday cake with two friends at a Chicago bakery early Saturday evening when a gunman approached their parked car and opened fire, according to police. All three inside, including Cortez Champion, 21, and Shawn Russell, 21, were killed. She was working, going to school and raising a two-year-old,' Ms Thompson's brother Joshua Thompson, 22, told The Chicago Sun Times. 'I don’t understand why this happened. She was my best friend. You couldn’t meet a better person,' he said. A 17-year-old is in custody in relation to the shooting after witnesses say they saw the shooter approach their vehicle, parked outside 'A Piece of Cake' bakery, and fire before fleeing the scene. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-2058757/Mother-gunnedshops-daughters-second-birthdaycake.html#ixzz1d4CklWfx
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Tarasha Benjamin DOB: Sep 16, 1992 Sex: Female Missing Date: Jun 26, 2010, Missing City: SELMA, Missing State : AL Tarasha Benjamin said goodbye to her mother right before she left their Selma, Ala., home for a flea market in June 2010. That was the last time Tarasha's mother saw her 17-year-old daughter. Whether or not Tarasha made it to the flea market remains a mystery -- but Selma police do know she came close to her destination. Cops say they recovered the gray Mazda Tribute that Tarasha was driving on Route 80 -- just 1 mile from the flea market. "At this point, we are just trying to figure out what exactly happened," said Detective Michael Harris of the Selma Police Department. The recovery of the car is one lead police are looking into. According to police, Tarasha visited a yard sale after leaving her home. There, cops say she met with a relative who borrowed Tarasha's cell phone to make a call. Tarasha was last seen wearing blue shorts and a striped yellow and white shirt. Cops say she always wears a silver necklace. Police say another thing to look for is the unique "Pooh" tattoo that Tarasha has on her upper right arm. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Tarasha Benjamin, call our Hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV
What To Do If Your Child Is Missing * Act immediately if you believe that your child is missing. * If your child is missing from home, search the house checking closets, piles of laundry, in and under beds, inside old refrigerators--wherever a child may crawl or hide. * If you still cannot find your child, immediately call your local law-enforcement agency. * If your child disappears in a store, notify the store manager or security office. Then immediately call your local law-enforcement agency. Many stores have a Code Adam plan of action--if a child is missing in the store, employees immediately mobilize to look for the missing child. * When you call law enforcement, provide your child's name, date of birth, height, weight, and any other unique identifiers such as eyeglasses and braces. Tell them when you noticed that your child was missing and what clothing he or she was wearing. * Request that your child's name and identifying information be immediately entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File. * After you have reported your child missing to law enforcement, call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on our toll-free telephone number, 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). If your computer is equipped with a microphone and speakers you may talk to one of our Hotline operators via the Internet. Adapted from Just in Case...Missing. CopyrightŠ 1985 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved. 13
Qua’Mere Rogers DOB: Jun 6, 2005 Missing Date: Dec 1, 2008 Missing City: SYRACUSE, NY Syracuse man has been arrested after police say he gave his two-year-old son to a stranger he met in Brooklyn two years ago.Damion Davis is charged with child abandonment. His son, Qua'mere Rogers -- now four -- has not been seen since July 2007. Police didn't know Rogers existed until someone called them this past July and said Davis knew the whereabouts of a missing child. It turns out Davis fathered Rogers with a 15-year-old in the summer of 2005. The mother walked out on the pair two years later. When he was arrested Davis told police he handed the toddler over to someone he met at a friend's apartment in Brooklyn in July of 2007. That person was with a group called the "United Nation of Moors".Police have no idea whether Rogers is alive or well-cared for. What's worse, they have no way of verifying Davis' story, so they're asking anyone with information about either the child or his father to call them. Davis goes by several aliases. You might know him as Yakeef Davis, Rakeef Davis, Zayquan Ross or Zayquan Rose. If you know anything about either Davis or Rogers, call investigators at 442-5330. Davis has also been charged with rape and endangering the welfare of the child for the relationship he had with Rogers’ mother.
“44,000 Children Were Missing Last Year” The Be Positive Campaign, Inc is a youth empowerment organization established to empower the lives of the youth, through education, leadership, and arts; which promotes positive values through programs that build selfaffirmation. Thereby encouraging them to set and achieve their personal and educational goals. Keishorne Scott is the Executive Director of the Be Positive Campaign, an entrepreneur, and community activist who continues to positively impact youth with his positive message by using media and positive apparel to proclaim his message of unity and harmony, Mr. Scott shows no signs of slowing down. For more information about the Be Positive Campaign or Mr. Scott, please visit: www.Bepositivecampaign.org We are here because we have lives to touch, lives to change, lives to restructure, lives to save, lives to empower, and lives to create for those who want to live! This is our job! We didn’t build this as a hobby! We love this as much as we love ourselves! Much more than a business, this is a lifestyle. We are here to build self-esteem while providing a unique and safe place where young men and wowomen can interact with committed positive role models, and encourage them to be men and women of honor. Thereby encouraging them to set and reach goals to achieve their dreams. To help these kids develop their own unique strengths, talents, and gifts. We are here to praise them with greatness and most important; give them hope, confidence, and encouragement for a better tomorrow. We are more than a organization, we are a family. 14
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The Bruises That No One Wants To Discuss October was Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Month. However, I believe that the shear magnitude of this issue warrants awareness every month. In fact, it’s the single major cause of injury to women, and accounts for an estimated $1.4 billion annually in medical bills, and an additional $900 million in mental health treatment. It’s an issue that perme ates the fiber of a reported 60% of marriages, and happens at a rate of every 9 seconds in the United States. With statistics this high, why is it that it is such an underreported crime? Research shows that only one-fourth of all physical assaults against women by intimates were reported to police, according to a national survey. Yet, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between ages 15 and 44 in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Many people often ask, “Why don’t battered women simply leave?” It seems logical after all that one would not stay in a relationship that caused both them and their children such harm. However, the answer is not so simple. Many women in this circumstance are clinically depressed, and are terribly afraid of their abusers. They also feel as though they cannot escape because when they have tried the abuse inflicted was worse. Also, many women become so isolated from family and friends that they feel as though there is no one to whom they can turn. The emotional and physical injury to women is undeniable, but we often do not address how domestic abuse affects children. Many children in homes where domestic violence occurs have difficulties in school, including problems with concentration, poor academic performance, difficulty with peer interactions, and more absences from school. In addition, boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in nonviolent homes. (There is no evidence, however, that girls who witness their mothers' abuse have a higher risk of being battered as adults.) As a community, there is a lot that can be done to help those that are fearful of leaving. Many times we as family members, friends, and work associates may ignore signs that suggest that someone is being abused. The following are just some signs that your friend or loved on may be in an abusive relationship: • Frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents” • Frequent and sudden absences from work or school • Frequent, harassing phone calls from the partner • Fear of the partner, references to the partner's anger • Personality changes (e.g. an outgoing woman becomes withdrawn) • Excessive fear of conflict • Submissive behavior, lack of assertiveness • Isolation from friends and family • Insufficient resources to live (money, credit cards, car • Depression, crying, low self-esteem ● Spouse makes cruel or demeaning comments If you suspect that someone you love is experiencing abuse, offer them support by listening empathetically. DO NOT judge or criticism, but instead show patience and understanding. Validate her feelings; she may feel hurt, angry, afraid ashamed or trapped. She may love the abuser and think that he can change. Provide her with resources like hotline numbers and contact information to abuse shelters, and help her to create an escape plan. However, if you observe the abuse, or strongly believe that she and/or the children are in immediate danger, call 911 because her life may depend on it. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) Sincerely, Gaétane Borders, Ed.S, President, Peas In Their Pods 16
Stacy Rodgers, MSW, ACSW, DVS, WTS Executive Director/Founder PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. My name is Stacy Rodgers and I am the Executive Director/Founder of a NJ non profit mentoring program for young girls called PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. The acronym I.M.A.G.E.S stands for Intelligent, Mature, Aspiring, Gifted, Educated, Systas. PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. is a nonprofit corporation providing female specific and female responsive mentoring programs to elementary through high school girls in the Essex and Hudson County, New Jersey areas. The program forms partnerships with local school districts, state agencies (DYFS), youth mentoring organizations, social service agencies and the juvenile court system. PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. goal is to foster a commitment to young girls that will promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in their future. The mission is promised by PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. pledge to Educate, Enlighten, Encourage and Empower young girls to grow and become independent women in collaboration with their families and community. PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. primarily focuses on elementary through high school girls (9-17 years old). PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. offers young girls that have already been identified as at-risk, or in need of an opportunity to work with a caring mentor to improve their ability to develop a positive attitude towards their future. The longterm goal of PURE I.M.A.G.E.S .Inc. is to empower young girls to become independent women, in collaboration with their families and community, to give them an opportunity to succeed or fail in a loving and stable environment with the support of peers and elders. We strive to break the habits that are leading to trouble in school, at home and in the streets. PURE IMAGES Inc. has six distinct mentoring programs: • Good for the Soul: Good for the Soul is the central program of PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. It is a tailored 8 month curriculum program geared to enhance the girl’s view of the world. This curriculum is facilitated by trained individuals. • In Her Shoes: This program will expose, explore and prepare the adolescents girls to work in a variety of career opportunities. • Good for the Soul; Excellent for the Mature: Workshops designed to increase parental involvement in their daughter’s life and serve as source of networking and support for parents. • M.A.D. & D.A.D.S: Mothers and Daughters and Dads and Daughters Speaking, are 12 month programs designed to help build strong relationships with daughters and their parent or parents. ● H.O.P.E: Helping Other People Excel is our community service program, exposing young girls to the obligation and fulfillment of giving back through community service. To learn more about PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc., you may visit our website at: www.pureimagesinc.weebly.com Mailing Address: PURE I.M.A.G.E.S. Inc. 2327 Kennedy Blvd. Suite 151 Jersey City, +J 07304 Phone: 641-715-3900 ext: 896152 (Local +J #) 17
Story Of Hope & Restoration Simeon Newman - Doctors removed tunor from his spine. I read a post on facebook about nine year old Simeon New man, his family asked for prayers for there son who doc tors had reported that a tumor was found on his spine. The community near and far have been praying for Simeon and his family. Here is an account of how it began and what has transpired just in the last couple of days. P.E.A.S. Magazine will continue to follow Simeon’s progress. The Newman Family appreciates the prayers for there son Simeon, they are effect tually effective in winning this battle and it has not gone unnoticed. We are victori ous, the tumor is out. The MRI last night showed no tumors in his brain. The nerves in his legs are coming back with avengeance, but he has not as of yet been able to move his legs and arms without much pain. But we are relieved that there is pain for him to feel, thats a good sign. The tumor was on his spine for many years undetected, until the tumor grew to the point that it was pushing against his spinal cord that eventually caused him to lose the use of his legs. The neurosurgeon said that if that did not happen and we waited for another two more days it would have been, "Game Over". We are thankful and rejoicing that in retrospect that Simeon lost his legs in order to save his legs and maybe even his life. This all transpired only in the last two weeks when at first the doctors thought it was just a groin pull at another hospital. That examination took a total of 5 minutes long. We are now once again asking the brethren to pray that the second surgery to build and rebuild his spine with titanium screws, since the tumor has eroded some of his spine to guide the surgeons hands and for his back to be as strong as ever. Doc stated that the prognosis looks good for him to have a normal and productive life, with full range of motion. Then the chemo and radiation begins after the surgery. Again thank you all for your prayers and concern. This battle is not ours, but the Lords. We are faithful and strong, despite at times being weak and numb. God is strong when we are weak, thats how He gets the glory. Time to walk our our faith! Lets storm the gates of hell! UPDATE from daddy: "Surgery is over and it was a success! The doctor said it was not as bad as he thought. He shall recover and be a normal healthy boy with the steel rods. Thank you for all the prayers." UPDATE: it looks like Simeon is facing 18 months of rehab, please keep the prayers coming for with God nothing is impossible! A facebook page has been created for Simeon and his family. Visit and offer the family support. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pray-for-Simeon-and-his-family/186819168066312
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Change Speaks By Yolanda M. Jenkins Bullying Last month (October) was Bullying awareness month. It hurts my heart when I think about how far bullying has come. As long as there have been children there have been bullies, but this climate of bullying has taken it to a dangerous level. With the popularity of social networking, it's now more constant than ever. Our children are taking their own lives because they can't break free from their tormentors. My goddaughter just started school this year and is already dealing with bullying, I'm talking about kindergartners! Here are some quick facts about bullying: 1 out of 4 kids is bullied 43% of teens, 97% of middle schoolers and 47% of older teens 18-24 cyberbullied 9 out of 10 LGBT students experienced harassment at school Child and teen Bullying and Cyberbullying are at an all-time high Some kids are so tormented that suicide has become an alternative for them It can mess up a kid's future. Bullies are more likely to skip school, drop out of school, smoke, drink alcohol, get into fights and be arrested at some point in their life. 60% of boys who were bullies in middle school had at least one criminal conviction by the age of 24. ● As many as 160,000 students may stay home on any given day because they're afraid of their bullies and/or they just can't take the pain anymore
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Bullying is an intentional, aggressive and repeated behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Young people are going to have to change their mentality about how they treat their peers. Adults are going to have to change their mentality about bullying. As adults we just expect that bullying is a part of a child's life. I think we downplay the severity of the situation. This isn't your grandmothers bullying. These kids are vicious. We have to make sure that we pay attention to what's going on in the lives of our youth and do what we can to prevent and stop bullying. We also have to make sure not just to punish the bullies but to get them help. I heard on the radio this morning that the majority of kids that bully come from homes where they are dealing or have dealt with some type of abuse. That's a fact that can't be ignored. We have to do what we can to eliminate the severity of bullying that is occurring these days. Our children are losing their lives because they feel like there is no way out. That's something that none of us can afford to accept. For more information (and all facts came from) www.stompoutbullying.org Yolanda M. Jenkins holds BA in Sociology from Morgan State University. She is the Program Coordinator for Girls Rock! a mentoring program by Sister's Empowerment Foundation, Inc. and is a case manager for a leading substance abuse company. Guest speaking and workshop facilitating services for non profit and youth serving organizations, customized to fit your needs "Be the change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi. It is my life's mission to change the lives of youth by providing knowledge and skills that will allow them to be the most successful versions of themselves possible. By changing the lives of our youth, we can change the world. www.changespeaks.blogspot.com 19
SWEET POTATO COBBLER Crust: 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour 1⁄2 cup shortening 1 teaspoon baking powder 1⁄2 cup milk 1⁄4 teaspoon salt Filling: 1 stick butter 3 cups sliced sweet potatoes 21⁄2 cups sugar 21⁄2 cups water 2 tablespoons flour 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
Hospitality Corner /Sharon Fox “Home Cooking For A New Generation”
Tears: A Washing of the Soul Everything in your life has some type of value on it. Your home, your car, your vacations, or even your pets all have some kind of value to you. We sometimes tend to walk through life taking all these things for granted, never realizing that they are all blessing given to us by God. Sure, you worked for all this- but it is God who gave you the strength to work so that you could gain all these things of value in your life.
Heat oven to 350°F. Mix crust ingredients. Roll out and cut into strips; set aside. Melt butter in 9-by-121⁄2-inch baking dish. Cover with sliced sweet potatoes. Top each way with strips of dough. Combine sugar, water, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour over pie. Bake for 1 hour.
This month as we approach a time of Thanksgiving, let's take some serious time to get really deep with ourselves. Find some quiet time alone to just look over your entire life. Pretend you're on a mountain top looking over your life. Everything isn't beautiful is it? There were times of distress, times of sorrow, times of rejection, and times of pain. Yet you survived. Dig a little deeper. Let the tears flow unto the Lord as you really look into the valleys and under the rocks of your life. What have you uncovered? Buried emotions, bitterness, depression, questions, or all of the above may come to the surface.
SIMPLE DINNER ROLLS 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed 2 teaspoons instant yeast 2 teaspoons salt 1 Tablespoon sugar 2 Tablespoons cold butter 2 eggs 1 cup (about) milk, preferrably whole, Softened butter for pan. Melted butter for brushing
Now look over the mountain tops. You see the sun shining brightly down on you! This is the grace of God letting you know that He is merciful.
Combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar and cold butter in a food processor. Pulse the machine on and off until the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour, but is not completely blended in. Add the eggs; pulse the machine a few more times.
You have been blessed, not because you deserved it- but because He loves and cares for you. If we lived on what we de-
With the machine running, add 3/4 cup of milk through the feed chute. Process for about 30 seconds, adding more milk if necessary — just a little bit at a time — until a ball is formed that is slightly sticky to the touch. (If it is dry, add another 1-2 Tablespoons of milk and process for another 10 seconds. If too sticky (an oddity), add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
served, we'd all be in bad shape. But God has mercy on us and blesses us above and beyond what we truly deserve. Take some time to cry out and thank Him from your soul for all He has done. Tears can cleanse us from all that mess we have built up inside. Pour it all out to Him and take on a grateful attitude.
Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead a bit by hand. Form a smooth round dough ball, put in a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until the dough doubles in size. When the dough is ready, form it into a ball and divide – divide in half, again and again, until you have 16 medium balls. Shape into rolls. Grease a few baking pans with the softened butter (or cover with parchment). Place the rolls a few inches apart on the pans, cover, and allow to rise for about an hour. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes, until they're golden. Remove the rolls from their pans and cool slightly on a wire rack.
We value all these material things in our lives, but in all honesty we should value the grace and mercy that God has given us to enjoy the life we have today. It may or may not be all you want, but still it is a gift from God. Another day we should accept as a gift. COMFORT FOOD for the Mind, Body, and Soul by Sharon Fox is available nationwide and in London at all Barnes and Noble and Books-aMillion bookstores. Also available on amazon.com or at http://goodcookin4u2.webs.com/apps/webstore/
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Myron Traylor Missing July 27, 1988, PHOENIX, AZ
Angel Richards is the Author of Clutter Kills Confidence: 25 Tips for Women DeClutter Your Life and Live Sexy, Successful & Secure, an Educator and Lifestyle Coach to women.
Sandra Traylor watches for news reports on 5-year-old Jhessye Shockley, missing for more than two weeks now.
Her mission is to teach women how to go from Clutter to Clarity to Confident to Creating the life of their dreams. She teaches powerful yet practical strategies for overcoming mental, emotional, spiritual, relational and financial clutter… creating space for clarity and increased self confidence. She is dedicated to educating, motivating, inspiring and empowering the lives of all around her. After overcoming fear and self-hate caused by molestation, rape, abuse and feeling like an outcast as a teen parent; Angel wants to share her story in hopes that it will help other women to realize, ”Your past does not determine your future and that you can be, do and have it all if you are willing to de-clutter and take action.” http://helpingotherstransform.com/
Peasintheirpods Children
"I think a lot about her -- every day it's on the news -- wondering what happened," said Sandra Traylor. The desperate pleas for help by Jhessye's family are heart wrenching. "I know the pain. I know the pain," said Sandra Traylor. Her nephew Myron Traylor went missing July 27, 1988. Thirteen-year-old Myron was last seen buying a cherry soda from OK Fish and Chips in south Phoenix. "I remember the day he was here. One of my employees served him. It was the last we saw of him," said Tommy Hale, the long-time owner of OK Fish and Chips. "We searched and searched (and) never came up with anything," said Sandra Traylor. Sandra Traylor keeps photos and newspaper clippings of Myron in her home, and said she prays for answers every night. Even though 24 years have passed since Myron disappeared, hope was renewed two years ago after another high-profile story hit the news. It was the story of Jaycee Dugard - found more than 18 years after her kidnapping in south Lake Tahoe.
Our Nation is in a state of emergency. Every 40 seconds a child is reported missing in the United States. Of these missing children, under 45 percent are African American children. Peas In Their Pods Organizational goal takes pride in helping to find missing children of color, fight against child abuse, and provide information to the public. 22
"It still gives you hope. Miracles can happen. We're still looking for a miracle," said Sandra Traylor. Sandra Traylor said she prays not only for Myron and Jhessye but for all the missing children in Arizona and beyond. "Let all the missing children know that a lot of people are praying for them and their safe return," said Sandra Traylor.
Tineshia Rene Jackson Missing since March 2, 1998 West Covina, Los Angeles County, California Classification: Endangered Missing Date Of Birth: July 21, 1981 Age at Time of Disappearance: 16 years old , Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'1"; 155 - 170 lbs. Distinguishing Characteristics: Black female. Brown or black hair; brown or black eyes. Marks, Scars: She has "Tineshia" on her chest or left side of back; a tattoo of a rose on her thigh; and "trust no man" tattoo somewhere on body. AKA: Teneshia Renee Jackson. Circumstances of Disappearance: Jackson was last seen in West Covina, California on March 2, 1998. She was last known to be in the company of a her boyfriend, Sean Spenser, on March 2, three days before his suicide. Jackson had been living with the 19-year-old Spenser in the 1900 block of Hawaii. Before his death, a despondent Spenser told a friend that he had killed Jackson. Investigators: If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: West Covina Police Department: 626-814-8557 / 626-9398540
Melody McKoy Missing since December 1, 1991 from Baltimore, Maryland. Vital Statistics: Date Of Birth: October 1, 1979 Age at Time of Disappearance: 12 years old, Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'0" (152 cm); 100 lbs (45 kg). Distinguishing Characteristics: Black female. Brown eyes; brown shoulder length hair. Mole right cheek. Clothing: A waist-length, sky-blue coat with puffy sleeves. Blue sweat shirt. Blue jeans. Yellow socks. Either red Reebok tennis shoes or white tennis shoes. Circumstances of Disappearance: McKoy was last seen in Baltimore, MD on December 1, 1991 at around 19.00. McKoy failed to return to her West Baltimore home on December 1 after spending the night with a friend at a Freemont Avenue high rise (now demolished). When the friends' family awoke in the morning, Melody was gone. She had left her coat behind and taken one belonging to a teenage boy living at the apartment. No one saw her leave. The day of her disappearance, Melody left her bike, which apparently had a flat tire, at her friend's house. Her mother reported Melody missing at 12:30 on December 3. Melody's mother thought Melody may have been staying with an aunt as she had done many times. Melody was attending sixth-grade at Harlem Park Elementary School and was a good student. Investigators: If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Baltimore City Police Department Detective Mingle 443-984-7395 23
Are You Sure Your Hair Loss Is Inherited? You May Be Surprised! Eddie Simpson/Sweet Nature Sometimes you look around at your mother and your aunt's and even your sister and cousins and you notice that the majority of them suffer from alopecia around the hairline or thinning in the crown of their head; you begin to stress and worry because you are afraid you are next. You've read all of the research that has led you to believe you are destined to suffer the same fate and there's nothing you can do about it. Then that dreadful day comes; you do your usual style and you notice that you can see right through your hair, or someone standing behind you makes a comment about you having a bald spot! After crying for hours, you realize the only thing you can do is try to cover it like the rest of the family members; you go wig and/ or weave shopping and give up on the fight for longer, stronger healthier hair. Did you know that many women thought to suffer from heredity hair loss are actually suffering from inheriting bad habits and damaging practices? Habits, good and bad, are passed on from generation to generation the same way traditions are. Many years ago hair pomades and hair grease was introduced to our grandparents as the best thing since sliced bread; we also fell in love with the bone straight look relaxers offered us. In gravitating towards these "solutions" to our hair "problems", we forgot to do the research on the ingredients found in them. Many ingredients in our hair products such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates (shampoos), paraffin, petrolatum, triethanolamine (TEA), mineral oil or propylene glycol are extremely toxic and can cause side-effects as minor as itching to excessive dandruff, stunted hair growth, dry hair, excessive hair loss/shedding, temporary to permanent damage to the follicles, scalp lesions, and more. Relaxers contain dozens of ingredients that should not even touch the skin at all, which is why we are instructed to wear gloves when applying. The degree of damage depends on your sensitivity to the ingredients, how often you are applying them, and how long you have been using them. Some people will notice immediate and severe effects and others will not notice anything for years, but because these ingredients are toxic and not made to be used on our body and in our hair, most of us will have some adverse effect one time or another during our life time. Now, here's where the genetics comes in. If my mother is allergic or has a high sensitivity to these ingredients, chances are I may be too. If she keeps using them, but doesn't realize the breakage, shedding, and thinning hair is the side-effect of the ingredients, she will likely use them on me and of course, I will use them on my daughter as well. As we age, each of us will likely all have thinning hair and chalk it up as bad genetics. If I am allergic to peanuts, but I insist on eating them, chances are I am going to suffer from awful side-effects; and if the allergy is severe enough, I may die, just like your follicles! If you take this same family and void their hair diet of these ingredients and replace it with nourishing, healthy vitamins and minerals, chances are their hair will thrive. This philosophy also works with eczema, psoriasis, acute dermatitis, and severe dandruff, as all of these can be linked to reactions to toxic ingredients. Now, there are definitely some legitimate genetic and internal causes of each of these disorders, but don't just assume that you have to suffer from them just because your mother did, do some research. About The Author: I am a healthy hair care specialist, creator of Sweet Nature by Eddie comprehensive healthy hair care system, author of Relaxed or Natural, You Can Have Beautiful, Healthy Hair, and the owner of http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6025557 24
Peas In Their Pods
Thank You..!
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