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Tell your friends about Vision of Hope
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About Vision of Hope
Vision of Hope, launched in July 2005, is a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. The campaign works to protect our children from the devastation of sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse happens at an alarming rate. One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by age 18. While these statistics are shocking, they do not express the anger, betrayal, fear, guilt and self-hatred that is often experienced by victims – our children. As adults, we have the power to intervene and protect their childhoods from further devastation. By remaining silent and inactive, we impose the burden of speaking out on the child who is already forced to cope with the reality that someone they love, trust or even live with has taken her/his innocence. Through Vision of Hope, we are working to protect – and restore – the hopes and dreams of our children. Nationally, Vision of Hope will promote:
Other PCAR projects include the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the HERO Project and TeenPCAR. For more information on child sexual abuse visit: Investing in SolutionsAdvocates across the country work diligently to develop and execute innovative programs, curricula and initiatives that serve to prevent and minimize the impact of child sexual abuse. With proper support and funding these tools have the power to calm the cries of a child, quiet her/his fears and heal the wounds of abuse through kindness and compassion that inspires trust. Children’s dreams are pure and their futures deserving. Learn how you can invest in solutions that bring promise and hope to those most vulnerable – our precious children. Together, we can be their hope. Our accomplishmentsAchievements and Successes…We are Making a DifferenceMandated Reporter TrainingIn 2008 and 2009 Vision of Hope provided funding for Network of Victim Assistance of Bucks County to develop and implement a comprehensive training curriculum and trainer’s guide for educating mandated reporters about the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse. Mandated reporters are teachers, child care workers, medical professionals, police officers and anyone else who works with children. The Mandated Reporter Curriculum is now available for wider use statewide. The 2010 Vision of Hope grant was awarded to PA Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, to expand their statewide training of family doctors on the detection and intervention of child sexual abuse. Internet Safety ProgramsVision of Hope also provided funding to develop and implement an Internet Safety Program for Parents, to be presented in a series of hands-on workshops addressing the dangers of internet predators, safety within social networking sites and monitoring home computer usage to protect children from exposure to pornography and sexual solicitation. This program was funded by Vision of Hope in 2009 for implementation in Bradford County. Through a generous Verizon Foundation grant, the Internet Safety Program was expanded to Cumberland County in October 2009. Children’s TherapyVision of Hope supported each of the 51 rape crisis centers this year to help them purchase supplies to use in children’s counseling. Many of the counselors are trained in using art and play therapy to help children communicate their stories of abuse and move forward in their healing process. Expect Respect - Bullying EducationPCAR is providing support and funding to local rape crisis centers as they implement the Expect Respect program in partnership with local schools and community agencies. The Expect Respect program was developed by Safe Place in Austin, TX and is a multi-level approach to promote healthy relationships in teens, create an inclusive space for teen survivors of violence, as well as change community-level social norms. One project is being funded by Vision of Hope, with a charitable grant from The Wells Foundation, to effect positive and permanent change in school culture in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry Counties. Literature ReviewVision of Hope funded research that conducted a scholarly literature review and evaluated programs and materials related to the prevention and intervention of child sexual abuse. This helped identify gaps in the response to child sexual assault, as well as priority areas of research and promising practices. The HERO ProjectThe statewide, community-based, child sexual abuse prevention program, called HERO, is designed to educate and motivate adult community members to call the 24-hour HERO Hotline if they suspect child sexual abuse. Through this media-driven empowerment model, Vision of Hope hopes to further engage adults as the protectors of children and encourage them to “STEP IN, STOP ABUSE” by talking with their peers about how to report suspected abuse. For more information visit the web site at www.heroproject.org. RYOT Against RapeRallying Youth Organizers Together is a network of teen activists that engage teens in the anti-violence movement to end sexual violence, sexual harassment and bullying. RYOT Against Rape helps teens who have been sexually abused transcend their identity as victims to become empowered activists. Activities include partnering with local rape crisis centers to conduct teen outreach at local shopping malls, community events and fairs and participating in educational theatrical performances about the impact of violence on youth. A message from our honorary gala chairMessage from Michele M. RidgeGreetings! As a mother of two and honorary chair of the Vision of Hope Gala, I want to thank you for taking a moment to learn more about child sexual abuse and how you can help these young victims whose fullest potential may never be realized. During my tenure as first lady of Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with victims of sexual abuse, both young and old. Often shared with me was the profound impact these acts of violence had upon their lives. Every child deserves a chance at a life filled with love, laughter, friends and family. I believe Vision of Hope can make this happen. While our ultimate vision of ending child sexual abuse may be ambitious, I am confident that each of us has the power to make a difference in the life of a child. In reducing child sexual abuse, we are further protecting our sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or students from despair. With your generosity, we can support prevention and intervention resources that will bring promise and hope to those most vulnerable – our precious children. Please join me as we work together to “touch a life, make a difference and shape a future” for generations to come. Very Sincerely, Michele M. Ridge Advisory Council members
Mr. Jim Anderson Mr. Anthony Campisi, CEO Dr. Mary Carrasco Ms. Mitru Ciarlante Dr. Richard Edley, CEO/President Mr. Mark Hanna Mr. Theo Kotjarapoglus Senator Allen Kukovich Ms. Susan Kurtz Dr. Maria McColgan Ms. Tina Nixon Ms. Nobuko Oyabu Ms. Cathleen Palm Mr. Michael Rashid, CEO Ms. Karen Smith Ms. Leslie Stiles Ms. Colleen Treml Ms. Suzanne Yunghans
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 ©2012 Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape |