Friday, November 30, 2012

Comments Posted….

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A boot camp operates a military style program, and they are not all the same. They offer different services, charge varying prices and have individual histories. Before you send a troubled kid to a kid's boot camp, it's important that you understand what these boot camps are and how effective (or not) they are in transforming angry, unhappy, struggling kids. on A. B. S. R. A. Kid's Boot Camp

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Each year, during summer and winter vacations, thousands of schoolchildren pass through a seashore boot camp of South Korea's 1st Marine Corps Division in Pohang, an industrial town on the southeast coast.Participants riding in an armored vehicle are a little nervous and a little excited.----------------kimrenninviral marketing on A. B. S. R. A. Kid's Boot Camp

kimrennin

on 11/6/08

CPS/DPSS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT (RIVERSIDE, CA) FOR KIDNAPPING OUR CHILDREN WITHOUT CAUSE We are organizing a class action lawsuit against the County of Riverside, the State of California, and all parties involved in unlawfully detaining and holding our children against our will, and without cause. We have documented the deep, imbedded corruption in the “social services” agencies in California. We have filed three lawsuits so far, and are looking for other families who have also been annihilated by this evil. Go to the link at www.Fightcps.com or email us at fightcpscalifornia@gmail.com to join the fight to save our children. TRUTH• CPS manufactures multiple nonexistent/fictitious abuse case scenarios to offset true statistical abuse case information.• CPS concurrently processes these children from foster care to Adoption, in order to obtain perverse monetary incentives in the form of bonuses.• CPS provides a market to neighboring agencies and the courts (Judges, psychologists, on FIGHT CPS

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on 10/30/08

Health and child-welfare workers say the smoke is invading the bodies of addicts’ children, who are testing positive for meth after they’re taken out of their homes. As local officials implement a new protocol advocating urinalysis of children removed from environments of meth use and sales.=========================susaCrystal Meth Addiction on Secondhand METH smoke

susa

on 9/30/08

This whole story is very scarry...how do these people get important jobs like this? The part that is not in the article is that Jill Winter has a little 4 year old daughter that is paying the highest price for her mothers abusive nature. She is known for her hot-headed temper and for being verbally/physically abusive. She is also under investigation for using her position to randomly look up people in her work computer for her own curiosity. Huge HIPPA breach which needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent. I have only recently become aware of all the misconduct professionally. This is a woman that committed adultery with a family friend, and moved him into her husbands house immediately following his departure under the pretense that he was a friend that could help pay the mortgage. Evidently virtue is not a requirement either when it comes to protecting children. Again it is always the children that suffer for the mistakes and selfishness of adults. on Social worker suspended after being accused of misconduct

Lisa

on 7/25/08

An injury to the head is always a serious matter as it could lead to all sorts of complications, what feels like a normal headache could be something else. If you or someone you know suffers a head injury they should be checked by a professional as soon as possible. If it a industrial accident then inform your boss of the incident and ask if you can leave for treatment. on Meth overdose causes severe brain injury

Isabel Celis Missing

Isabel Celis Missing

Woman And Dad Arrested In Phoenix Kidnapping Case

Posted: Nov 23, 2012 12:01 PM PST Updated: Nov 23, 2012 12:01 PM PST

PHOENIX (AP) - A woman has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a young boy from a Phoenix motel room and the child's father is being accused of abuse and neglect.

Phoenix police say 31-year-old Candace Clark is being held on suspicion of kidnapping and theft of a means of transportation.

They say 23-year-old Dominique San Miguel was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and abuse.

Police say San Miguel was at a motel Wednesday night with his 3-year-old and 5-year-old sons.

At some point, police say San Miguel hooked up with two women and the 3 of them began drinking in his room.

San Miguel says he fell asleep and when he awoke, his wallet and youngest son were missing.

The boy was later found at a Phoenix home and Clark was arrested.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20171588/woman-and-dad-arrested-in-phoenix-kidnapping-case

Chandler Mom and Her 2 Sons Burned In Fire

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Posted: Nov 22, 2012 10:48 AM PST Updated: Nov 22, 2012 10:48 AM PST

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) - A Chandler mother and her two sons are hospitalized at a burn center after a fire in their home.

Chandler Fire Department officials say their crews arrived at the scene about 5 a.m. Thursday to find nobody inside the house.

They say the woman drove her two sons - ages 5 and 9 - to the Chandler Regional Hospital. They all were later airlifted to the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center.

Chandler police and fire investigators say they're still searching for the cause of the fire.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20166004/chandler-mom-and-her-2-sons-burned-in-home-fire

Baby Found In Bathroom At Tucson Medical Center

Posted: Nov 27, 2012 2:53 PM PST Updated: Nov 27, 2012 2:53 PM PST

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Pima County sheriff's deputies say a baby has been found in the bathroom of a Tucson medical center.

Television station KVOA reports (http://bit.ly/VbXyGC) that the baby is being evaluated but appears to be in good health.

The discovery was made Tuesday afternoon at the Northwest Medical Center, which serves as a safe haven center for newborns.

Arizona's "Baby Safe Haven" law allows newborns 72 hours old or younger to be anonymously dropped off at a staffed fire station, a hospital, an adoption agency or some churches with no questions asked.

Information from: KVOA-TV, http://www.kvoa.com/

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20199506/baby-found-in-bathroom-of-tucson-medical-center

Death Sought for Tucson Woman in Kids Death

Posted: Nov 28, 2012 5:49 AM PST Updated: Nov 28, 2012 7:37 AM PST

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty for a Tucson woman accused of shooting her children to death in August.

Court documents made available Tuesday show the Pima County Attorney's Office informed a judge last week that it planned to seek death for 26-year-old Perla Morales. The Arizona Daily Star reports (http://bit.ly/V4Z0VN ) the filing says prosecutors made the decision because there were multiple victims under age 15.

Court documents show Morales told police she shot 17-month-old Richard Rosovich Jr. and 4-year-old Emma Rosovich multiple times after her boyfriend threatened to leave her.

Assistant Pima County Public Defender Dawn Priestman provided mitigating evidence to the county attorney's office in the hopes prosecutors would not pursue the death penalty. That mitigating evidence is sealed.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20204398/death-sought-for-tucson-woman-in-kids-deaths

Az Couple Arested in Child Custody Freud Case

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Posted: Nov 28, 2012 5:46 PM PST Updated: Nov 28, 2012 5:46 PM PST

MESA, Ariz. (AP) - A Maricopa County couple is facing criminal charges for allegedly defrauding the court system and dozens of families.

Television station KPHO reports (http://bit.ly/SuyCpo) that Ciara and Michael Coultrap, the owners of Legacy Family and Children Services in Mesa, have been under investigation for months.

Maricopa County sheriff's investigators believe the couple provided child custody mediation services but weren't qualified to do so.

The investigation began after the sheriff's office received complaints from families that were represented by the Coultraps in court. Authorities say the number of victims could be in the hundreds.

The Coultraps have been arrested and search warrants were served at their business Wednesday.

Phone listings for the Coultraps went unanswered Wednesday evening. It wasn't immediately clear if they have an attorney.

Information from: KPHO-TV, http://www.kpho.com/

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20211659/ariz-couple-arrested-in-child-custody-fraud-case

Police Look For Mom Who Left Hospital With Child

Posted: Nov 29, 2012 7:04 PM PST Updated: Nov 29, 2012 7:04 PM PST

PHOENIX (AP) - Police are looking for a mother who left Phoenix Children's Hospital with her 11-year-old daughter while the child still had a catheter in her heart.

Police Sgt. Steve Martos says detectives are concerned about the girl's welfare. If the catheter isn't removed medically, it could potentially become infected and the girl could die.

Martos says detectives haven't been able to find the girl and her family. They've checked addresses locally and out of state.

The girl was initially brought to the hospital by her parents - identified only as Luis and Norma - to receive treatment for leukemia. That's when a chest catheter was placed into her heart. She also had to have her arm amputated due to infection.

Police say the mother removed the IV from the catheter, changed her daughter's clothes and walked her out of the hospital Wednesday night.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20223242/police-look-for-mom-who-left-hospital-with-child

2nd Trial Begins for Tucson Womans Babys Death

Posted: Nov 30, 2012 6:48 AM PST Updated: Nov 30, 2012 6:48 AM PST

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A Tucson woman is on trial for the second time on charges she killed her newborn baby after a previous jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Denise Pesqueira faces first degree murder and child abuse charges. Prosecutors allege she wrapped up her newborn son in towels, stuffed him in a trash bag and threw him in a trash bin. His body has never been found.

The Arizona Daily Star reports (http://bit.ly/Uwel5e ) the 23-year-old 's lawyer told jurors in Pima County Superior Court on Thursday that Pesqueira gave birth in her parents' bathroom and discovered he wasn't breathing. Attorney Erin Carrillo says she made a decision she'll always regret to dispose of the dead child.

Pesqueira was arrested in March 2010. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20226614/2nd-trial-begins-for-tucson-woman-in-babys-death

Man Guilty In Death Of Girlfriends Daughter

Posted: Nov 30, 2012 12:36 PM PST Updated: Nov 30, 2012 12:36 PM PST

PHOENIX (AP) - A Phoenix man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse stemming from the death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter.

Martwane Mackey entered his pleas in Maricopa County Superior Court on Friday.

Phoenix police say that Mackey called 911 around 2 a.m. on June 25 , 2011 and said that 3-year-old Tyshea Austin wasn't breathing.

When police arrived, they saw bite marks and injuries to her head and torso, and said that she appeared to have been dead for "some time."

Investigators found similar injuries to her 1-year-old sister.

Police say that the then 18-year-old Mackey admitted to abusing the girls but denied causing Tyshea's death. He will be sentenced in January.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20230145/man-guilty-in-death-of-girlfriends-daughter

My Grand Daughter Adelyn Rose Hepner

My Son Richard James Hepner and His Daughter Adelyn Rose Hepner

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Lifeline Internet

Your selection of cheap internet options just got a little broader. On January 31, 2012 the Federal Communications Commission approved Lifeline Internet, a major expansion of the popular government’s free cell phone program.

Lifeline is the granddaddy of government programs designed to bring state-of-the-art communications tools to low income Americans. The program was originally designed to offer affordable rates on landline telephones. It was expanded to include cell phones in 1996 and the number of users has grown dramatically each year. In February 2012, Time Magazine estimated that 12.5 million people now participate in the Lifeline free cell phone program.

But cell phones can’t provide all the help people need so much these days. What the financially-strapped in this country need most is high speed broadband — to help them search for jobs, find services and especially to help their kids do well in school. Now we see that FCC commissioners have come to the same, obvious conclusion that we reached long ago: Internet access has grown so important, and yet so expensive, that Lifeline should be expanded to include internet access.

Details are still being worked out by the FCC, but it appears that the program will work like this:

Although cell phones and service are free under the Lifeline plan, Lifeline Internet will cost $9.95 per month. That, of course, is a major savings over the “inexpensive” $29, $49 and $69 per month plans now available through phone and cable companies (don’t believe the teaser rates you see advertised), and a major advance in making internet access available to America’s needy.

How will you qualify for Lifeline Internet?

Although no official guidelines have yet been established, it is assumed that the requirements for Lifeline Internet will be identical to the requirements for the Lifeline phone program.

There are many ways to qualify for Lifeline and you will probably be eligible if:

(1) You currently participate in some other federal, state or local
assistance programs such as food stamps (SNAP), public housing, Medicaid, Section 8 housing, Supplemental Security Income, various Home Energy Assistance Programs, National School Lunch and other programs.

or if…

(2) Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (More good news: Residents of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas can qualify with household incomes all the way up to 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.)

Coming soon

Like we said, the FCC just approved Lifeline Internet so it has not yet been rolled out and the rules haven’t been established. But they have announced a $30 million pilot program that will work out all the details, and then they will roll it out.

In the mean time, you’ve got two other similar options: Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and CenturyLink’s Internet Basics program. And beginning in Fall 2012, the Connect to Compete will begin to roll out across the country. If you are having a hard time understanding all the various programs, please read our help page.

Check back frequently, because we’ll continue to update this exciting news for low-income Americans. In fact, subscribe to our news updates to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/lifeline-internet

Internet Essentials: Another twist on low-cost broadband service for low-income Americans

Comcast, the cable TV giant, is also getting into the low-cost internet business with a program called Internet Essentials. This is very good news. If you live in areas of the country served by Comcast and you qualify, you can now get Internet Essentials for just $9.95 per month instead of the $40–60 the company had charged in the past for its lowest cost basic plan.

Consider this important statistic: Only 45% of families earning under $30,000 currently have broadband service in their homes. This puts those parents and their children at a huge disadvantage when it comes to finding and applying for jobs, communicating with doctors, completing homework and other everyday tasks that more affluent families take for granted.

Internet Essentials is very similar to the Connect To Compete program. They both cost just $9.95 a month and deliver a blazing fast 1.5 – 3.0 Mbps download speed. Qualifying families will even be able to purchase a computer for only $149.99. There are no activation fees and no additional equipment fees.

You also get the world famous Norton Security Suite which gives you professional online security. It’s a $160 value, but you get it absolutely free.

And finally, Internet Essentials gives you free parental control features to help protect your kids whether they’re doing their schoolwork or just playing on the internet.

How to qualify for Internet Essentials

To qualify for Internet Essentials and get a low-cost computer and high-speed internet access for just $9.95 per month, a family must have at least one child who receives free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). If your child qualifies for the free lunch program but doesn’t yet participate, you’ll need to sign up.

In addition, you cannot have been a Comcast internet subscriber in the last 90 days and you cannot have any overdue Comcast bills or unreturned equipment.

Of course, you have to be in an area served by Comcast, but you’ve got a good chance, since Internet Essentials will be available in more than 4,000 school districts in 39 states plus the District of Columbia.

The states we show as having Comcast Cable available are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Minnesota, Michigan, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia (DC). If you don’t see your state on the list, you should still check with Comcast in case they’ve added service in a state since we wrote this.

Contact Information

Comcast Cable:
Website: www.comcast.com
Phone: 855-846-8376

Internet Essentials:
Website: www.internetessentials.com
Phone: 855-846-8376

Comcast profile:
Profile Page: Comcast Cable

Once enrolled, a customer will be able to continue receiving Internet Essentials service for at the same low price as long as at least one child in their household continues to receive free lunches under the National School Lunch Program.

While Comcast hasn’t joined other cable companies in Connect To Compete program that brings low cost internet service to America’s neediest citizens, the details of the two programs are virtually identical.

Internet Essentials originated when Comcast acquired NBC. In order to win FCC approval, Comcast agreed to “increase broadband deployment in low income households” for three years.

Let’s hope the program ends up running a lot longer than that.

http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/internet-essentials

Connect to Compete Internet Program for Low Income Americans

Connect to compete is one of those rare organizations formed by a combination of private companies and non-profit organizations.

Its goal is easier said than done: To bring high speed internet and digital literacy to low income communities across the United States in order to improve lives in those communities.

The program is making a lot of news, getting a lot of attention and many of America’s best known cable companies are adding their resources to the program.

This means you can get low cost monthly broadband internet access. Plus a low cost computer for your home. And very low-cost computer training classes. That’s a combination that lower income, struggling Americans can really use these days.

Connect to Compete will make it easier for you to apply for better jobs and also make it easier for your kids to excel in school. And that, in a nutshell, is the whole idea behind Connect to Compete.

Let’s take a look at what Connect to Compete has to offer:

Cheap internet access

Connect to Compete is great news for low-income families and individuals who have desperately needed less expensive, more affordable internet. Not slow dial-up, but high-speed internet access at unbeatable prices. Check out all you get:

  • Internet service for only $9.95 + tax per month
  • Program lasts for two years (and you can apply any time in the next three years)
  • 1 Mbps minimum speed (If you’re not fluent in tech jargon, let’s just say that 1 Mbps means fast – so fast that pages pop up on your screen almost immediately.)

So far, participating companies are Cablevision, Charter, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, Bend Cable, Bright House Networks, Eagle Communications, GCI, Insight, Mediacom, Midcontinent, Sjoberg’s Cable and Suddenlink. And Comcast and CenturyLink have similar plans called Internet Essentials and Internet Basics, respectively.

Cheap PCs, too

If you think cheap internet service is a great deal, wait until you see what else this program offers. One of the following will be available to you:

Refurbished Redemtech computers from just $150

The price is so low you may be shocked, but we guarantee you’ll be even more shocked to learn that these computers also come loaded with the kind of software you and your kids will need most. Specifically, here’s what you get:

  • Microsoft Windows 7
  • Microsoft Office
  • 90-day tech support
  • Pre-loaded educational and career content
  • Free shipping
$250 PCs from Microsoft

Microsoft, one of the biggest names in the high tech world, is also a partner in Connect to Compete. It’s offering personal computers for just $250. Here’s what it includes:

  • Microsoft Windows 7
  • Microsoft Office
One more benefit: Cheap computer classes

Retailing giant Best Buy is part of the Connect to Compete program, too. And its contribution to the effort may just be the most important part of the whole package.

Simple fact is, a personal computer and internet access won’t help you very much if you don’t know how to use a computer. It’s like having someone give you a car, but no driving lessons.

So the Best Buy Geek Squad’s contribution is to offer basic digital literacy training sessions in 20 major cities around the country. But they don’t stop there. The Geek Squad will work with work with community non-profits to train them how to train additional people.

Finally, industry leader Microsoft has agreed to build an online digital literacy training center for people who live in smaller cities that aren’t large enough for in-person digital literacy classes. And that’s just the beginning. Microsoft will also offer valuable Microsoft Certification training sessions in 15 states. These certifications, normally quite expensive, can help you land a job or improve your career.

What else? Plenty.

Qualified participants will also get free access to Discovery Education’s “premier educational content.”

And CareerBuilder.com will offer online prep and certification classes for just $1 per course.
And, of course, additional jobs and education content will be offered on an ongoing basis.
In other words, the program starts with more than you could have hoped for and grows rapidly from there.

Connect to Compete Eligibility: Do you qualify?

The bad news on a national level is that millions of Americans, maybe even tens of millions of Americans are eligible for this program because of our devastated economy.

But the good news – on a personal level – is that you may well qualify for Connect to Compete.

You qualify if you meet these three simple standards: Eligible families must (1) have at least one student enrolled in the Free School Lunch Program; (2) not be a current subscriber to broadband (or have subscribed in the last 90 days); and (3) not have an overdue bill or unreturned equipment to the participating service provider.

Connect to Compete is going to be an outstanding program that helps a lot of needy Americans when they need it most. We say “it’s going to be,” because it won’t be available until as late as September 2012.

But the good news is that if you are in an area that offers Comcast or CenturyLink cable service, you can participate in a similar plan now. In fact, these plans offer internet service to a broader spectrum of low income Americans: not just those with a child on the National Free School Lunch Program, but to those on any one of a number of government assistance programs such as Meidcaid, Food Stamps, SSI and others.

How to Apply to Connect to Compete

Connect to Compete has officially rolled as of Fall 2012. Schools with participating internet providers in their area should be handing out flyers to the kids. The flyer will have a “Connect to Compete Offer Code” on it (or perhaps the school gave out the code in another way), which you will use when applying for the program at the program’s site, Connect2Compete.org. On that site, you can both apply and go back to check your application status.

And don’t forget, you’ve got two other similar options: Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and CenturyLink’s Internet Basics program. If you are having a hard time understanding all the various programs, please read our help page.

Check back frequently, because we’ll continue to update this exciting news for low-income Americans. In fact, subscribe to our news updates to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/connect-to-compete

Low Income Americans are eligible for very inexpensive high-speed broadband internet and powerful computers

And absolutely free internet broadband programs are on their way, from the private sector, nonprofits and likely the government.

Thanks to many U.S. internet providers, public and private broadband initiatives, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and expanding array of inexpensive internet programs are available to millions of low-income Americans suffering through a difficult economy.

If you’re among the rising number of Americans who cannot afford a typical, yet expensive, high speed internet service that is required to function in everyday life, the programs explained in this website may help you get online at a price you can afford. Not only will you learn about how to get cheap high-speed internet for only $9.95 a month, you’ll see how you can get a Microsoft Office-loaded, Series 7 PC for only $150, which includes free training.

We at CheapInternet.com are experts on the low-income internet programs; use us as your official, go-to source for everything you need to know about all the accessible and inexpensive internet service options that make high-speed broadband internet affordable for everyone. Understand that these cheap internet programs are not stripped down, low-speed dial-up services. Not at all. These are blazing fast, high speed internet service plans that qualify for the term “broadband internet,” with no special restrictions on their speed or use; these are the same types of plans you would pay many times over for without these beneficial programs.

Cheap High Speed Internet Access is Important in Today’s World

Having high-speed cheap internet access available has never been more important than it is today. Tens of millions of Americans are suffering terribly in this poor economy. The official unemployment rate is at near record levels and the real unemployment rate is actually much higher than what’s reported. Even though unemployed, or underemployed, these Americans still need internet access for work, family, medical and emergency needs.

The fact is, quality internet access has increasingly become an important key to finding a job. Consider these startling statistics that were recently reported:

  • Most of the nation’s largest companies (over 80% of them according to another recent survey) including large companies like Wal-Mart and Target, now require job applications to be filled out online, rather than in person. No internet access, no job.
  • Students from homes with broadband service have 6-8% higher graduation rates than students without high-speed internet at home. In other words, the digital divide leads to higher dropout rates.
  • 50% of today’s jobs require some minimal technological skills. Experts predict that this will increase to 77% in ten years or less. So, even if you don’t need internet access to get your next job, you’ll need it to get the one after that.
Now, Cheap Internet Service for Low Income Americans

Cheap internet access –- as provided through the organizations profiled in this site — can be a complex, confusing subject. There are several inexpensive broadband programs available, depending upon where you live. Some are being offered as part of a national program called Connect2Compete. Most of the nation’s major cable companies (well-known names such as Cox Cable, Cablevision, Time-Warner Cable and Charter) and many more of the smaller, regional cable companies (such as Bend Cable, Bright House Networks, Eagle Communications and Sjoberg’s Cable) have banded together to make Connect2Compete the largest and most significant cheap internet access program.

Other unique programs, such as Internet Essentials and Internet Basics, are being offered by individual cable companies, thanks to individual deals they struck with the FCC, who has been a strong advocate for bringing cheaper internet, high speed internet, to needy Americans. This was one case where the federal government stood its ground and got something for consumers in return for granting something the cable companies wanted.

And still other unique programs are occasionally offered by various cities and entities around the country. CheapInternet.com monitors the programs, both public and private, and the broadband initiatives of the FCC, and keeps you up to date on the cheapest internet service offerings that can help you and your family.  http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet

 

 

 

http://www.cheapinternet.com/

A Note From The Author Jessica Lynn Hepner

It is now November 29, 2012 and the last time I checked the total amounts of hits to this page was at 3:39 pm and that number was 44, 720.  Wow that is simply amazing.  I am so thrilled that the information is reaching people all over the world.  Thank you to all those who have come to this site in search of answers.  I hope you found the information that you were looking for or maybe some helpful links.  My mission is very simple, I just want people to know the God’s honest truth when it comes to dealing with Child Protection Services.  They are no force to be reckoned with.  But the more you learn and the more you reach out the better chances you will have at beating them.  Thank you so much, my readers.  You have helped in the healing process, and  may God Bless you all…

 

Sincerely,

Jessica Lynn Hepner

Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Link

http://www.stopitnow.org/guidebooks#Algoestaba

What Every Parent Should Know About CPS- Craigslist Arizona ad

What Every Parent Should Know (Arizona)


Date: 2012-11-29, 1:28PM MST

Reply to: j6gkg-3443689706@comm.craigslist.org[?]


Are you suddenly finding yourself caught up in the deceitful web of Child Protection Services? Then you are not alone. For all the information you need including helpful links, news, and lots of other stuff please check out "What Every Parent Should Know About CPS" http://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com

image 1

http://tucson.craigslist.org/vnn/3443689706.html

WebRing

http://f.webring.com/navbar?f=g&y=jessicalynnhepner&u=defurl

Child Protection Services Falsely Accused

<a href="http://www.fightcps.com"><img src="http://www.fightcps.com/images/fightcpsbanner.gif" width="468" height="60" border="0" alt="Fighting Child Protective Services False Accusations" /><br />
Fighting Child Protective Services False Accusations</a>

Here is a link for lawyers who take child abuse cases

http://fightcps.com/2007/08/10/lawyers-who-take-cps-defense-cases/

Verdicts & Settlements

The Law Office of Richard L. Lougee - Criminal Defense Lawyer Tucson AZ

REPRESENTATIVE RECENT CRIMINAL DISPOSITIONS

CASE NO

CHARGE

RESULTS

CR20100792

3 counts Sex Conduct w/
Minor under 12
Not guilty-all counts

CR20030863

1 count Murder 1st
Hung jury

CR20111301

6 counts Sex Conduct w/
Minor under 18
Probation

CR20110004

Continuous Sexual Abuse
Of a Child
Probation

CR20120686

1 count Sex Assault
2 counts Sex Abuse
1 count Kidnapping
Dismissed on defense motion- all counts

CR20120473

4 counts Sex Abuse
1 count Kidnapping
Pled to misdemeanor
(no sex registration)

CR20100389

1 count Sex Conduct w/ Minor under 12
3 counts Molest
Not guilty-all counts

CR200945402
Luring a Minor for  Sexual Exploitation  Attempted Sex  Conduct with a Minor
Pled to Misdemeanor  (Probation-Non-sex)

CR20103992
Insurance Fraud
Dismissed

CR09-00659
Federal Court
Possession with Intent  to Distribute  Marijuana
Probation

CR11031
Santa Cruz Co
3 Counts Sex Conduct  with a Minor
Pled to Misdemeanor  (Probation-Non-sex)

CR20093701
1 count Murder 1st
Not guilty-all counts

CR 200900762
Mohave Cty

3 counts sex conduct
w/ minor under 12

Not guilty-all counts

CR 2010122866
Maricopa Cty

Sex conduct w/minor
kidnapping/sex abuse

Dismissed on defense
motion

CR 2009135370
Maricopa Cty

8 counts computer
child pornography

Probation

CR 20093899

Aggravated robbery/
Kidnapping/agg.
Assault

Probation

CR 40086

3 counts Murder 1st
(Death)

Not guilty-all counts

CR 54932

1 count Murder 1st

Hung 10-2 for insanity

CR 57407

1 count Murder 1st

Manslaughter

CR 56903

2 counts Murder 1st
(Death)

Guilty (life sentence)

CR 60563

1 count Murder 1st
(Death)

Not guilty

CR 2000770

2 counts Murder 1st

Pled to manslaughter 1ct

CR 65068

1 count Murder 1st

Pled to burglary (rec'd
probation)

CR 53877

10 counts child abuse

Not guilty-all counts

CR 59870

3 counts agg.
assault/dang.

Not guilty-all counts

CR 54888

Sex abuse

Not guilty-all counts

CR 54255

Agg. assault/dang.

Not guilty-all counts

CR 53904

Mult. sex assaults

Dismissed day of trial

CR 54120

Multiple molests

Dismissed day of trial

CR 53401

16 counts dang.
crimes against children

Not guilty-all counts

CR 59608

Multiple molests

Not guilty-all counts

CR 63780

Multiple molests

Not guilty-all counts

CR 98-615

Sexual assault

Not guilty-all counts

CR 68063

Multiple molests

Dismissed day of trial

CR20003097

Agg. assault/Police
Officer Felony
resisting arrest

Not guilty

CR20001929

1 count Murder 1st
4 counts agg assault

Not guilty
Convicted Manslaughter
Not guilty all assaults

CR2000004837
Maricopa County

Multiple molests

Dismissed day of trial

CR2001090821
Maricopa County

Shaken Baby
(7 broken bones)
(facing lifetime
  imprisonment)

Probation

CR20010619

2 counts sex conduct

Hung jury

CR20000588

Kidnapping/burglary
(numerous allegations
  of possession of
  internet pornography)

Pled to misdemeanor
(non-sex plea)

CR95-03860
Maricopa County

Committing a federal drug crime while on Probation

35 days in jail

CR20013260

Multiple molests

Dismissed week before
trial

CR20002433

3 counts Murder 1st
(Death)
(Mother and 2 young
  children murdered)

Pled (life sentence)

CR20003443

2 counts sex conduct-
minor
1 count sex abuse

Dismissed day of trial

CR20012232

3 counts sex conduct

Dismissed on defense
  motion-all charges

CR20021140

18 counts sex conduct

Dismissed on defense
  motion-all charges 

CR20032308

1 count child abuse-
dangerous crime
against children

Pled to misdemeanor
(probation)

CR20000383

3rd probation
violation-sex with
minor

Continued on probation

CR2002003402

4 counts sex conduct-
minor 4 counts sex
exploitation-minor

Pled to misdemeanor
(probation-non-sex)

CR99-942
Federal Court

2 counts distribution of
illegal drugs-statutory
20 year prison

Probation

CR20032834

1 count continuous
sexual abuse of a
minor (Life)

Not guilty

CR20031421

1 count Murder 1st
1 count attempted
Murder 1st

Dismissed on defense
motion

CR20041607

1 count Murder 1st

Dismissed on defense
motion

CR03-1375
Federal Court

Conspiracy to
distribute 4000 lbs.
marijuana-statutory 20
years in prison

Probation

CR20050122

5 counts child abuse
(7 prior felonies
  alleged)

Probation

CR20050227

2 counts armed
robbery
1 count theft

Dismissed on defense
motion

CR20053773

1 count Murder 1st

Dismissed on defense
motion

CR20043120

10 counts kidnapping,
agg.assault, assisting
criminal syndicate

Probation

CR06613467

1 count Murder 1st

Dismissed

CR20060763

2 counts sex conduct-
minor
(Facing life on each
  count)

Not guilty- all counts

CR20061370

1 count Murder 1st
1 count Consp. To
Commit Murder 1st

Dismissed

CR07700739

Child abuse

Dismissed

CR15544803

Assault

Dismissed

CR20072189

1 count Murder 1st

Probation

CR07-0192
Federal Court

3 counts assault with a
firearm

Not guilty

CR08-0462
Federal Court

Possession with the
intent to distribute
marijuana
(2nd  offense)

Dismissed

JD08-013
Tribal Court

1 count Murder 1st
12 other counts

Dismissed

CR2007007530

8 counts sex conduct
with a minor
5 counts furnishing
dangerous drugs to a
minor

Probation

CR06-1881
Federal Court

Possession of child
pornography on
computer

Dismissed

CR08816263

Theft

Dismissed

CR20072337

Continuous sexual
abuse of a minor

Probation

CR20083283
2 counts sex
conduct with a minor
Probation

CR08-434
Federal Court
Sex act with a minor
Probation

CR20074234
Agg. Assault-
dangerous nature
Pled to Misdemeanor
(Probation)

CR20081809

Sexual Assault

Pled to misdemeanor
(probation)

CR200800878   Cochise County

Computer Child Pornography

Probation

CR20090321
1 count Murder 1st  1  count robbery 
Probation

CR20080323
CR20070656

1 count Murder 1st
1 count Burglary 1st

8 years total

CR201000055
Cochise County

5 counts Sex Conduct   with a Minor under 15

Probation

CR20080393

1 count Murder 1st

5 years

CR20093556

1 Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation
Sex Conduct with a Minor

Pled to Misdemeanor (Probation)

Way To Go Dad

Abandoned Baby Found At Northwest Medical Center

Submitted by KOLD Web Staff

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012, 7:52am

 

Pima County sheriff's deputies say an abandoned baby was found at Northwest Medical Center.

Deputies responded to make sure the baby was healthy and that there were no signs of abuse. The baby is said to be in good condition and is less than a day old.

The hospital serves as a safe haven center for newborns.

Arizona's "Baby Safe Haven" law allows newborns 72 hours old or younger to be anonymously dropped off at a staffed fire station, a hospital, an adoption agency or some churches with no questions asked.

Workers at Northwest Medical say that this type of case is very rare. The baby is now in the custody of Child Protective Services.

According to reports citing state data, 20 babies have been dropped off at facilities like this statewide.

Those numbers were recorded from when the program took effect in 2001. That data runs through September of last year.

Of course, Tucson News Now told you a month ago about a baby that was found at a midtown apartment complex. The child was inside a duffle bag on the top of a staircase.

Investigators say this program is most effective when mothers follow protocol: take the baby, under 72 hours old, to a safe baby haven site, and hand over the child directly so medical experts can ensure the continued health of the child.

Investigators say the site makes all the difference.

"This has a happy outcome because this was done at the correct location, and we want people to understand this program exists to allow for that, this is the ideal ending," said Pima County Sheriff's Deputy Renee Carlson.

To learn more about the safe baby program, click here: http://www.tucsonsafebaby.org/

Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

http://marana-avravalley.tucsonnewsnow.com/news/news/94953-abandoned-baby-found-northwest-medical-center

 

 

I just wanted to add that whom ever the mom was she should be commended.  Way to go Mom, you did the right thing.  I know it may have been one of the hardest decisions to make, but you made the right choice.  Thank You. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Mental Help Net Sourcebook

Starting a New Self-Help Group

The following guidelines are based on the experiences of the American & N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouses. While there is no one recipe for starting a group in your community (different national groups rely on different models), we have listed a few ideas you may find helpful.

Don't Re-invent the Wheel
Chances are that a group focused on your particular concern already exists. If you have a local self-help clearinghouse serving your area, call to confirm that there isn't already a group in you area. Check the database here. If you find an existing national group, contact them and ask for any "how-to" guide or starter packet they may have. Ask about group leaders nearest to you and consider calling them. If you are contacting a model group for your issue, ask if they might send you sample material they have used (flyer, press releases, etc.). If there is a local self-help clearinghouse in your area, also determine from them what assistance they can provide to you in developing your group. If you can, consider attending a meeting of one or two other local self-help groups that may be somewhat somewhat similar to the group you are starting, simply to get a feel for how they operate, then borrow what you consider their best techniques to use in your own group. Before going to any such group, call first and ask if you may attend.
Think "Mutual-Help" From the Start
You do not have to start a group by yourself. There are others who share your problem.

Find a few others who share your interest by circulating a flyer or letter that specifically cites how if one is interested in "joining with others to help start" such a group, they can contact you. Include your first name, phone number, and any other relevant information. Make copies and post them at places you feel are appropriate, e.g., library, community center, clinic, or post office. Mail copies to key people whom you think would know others like yourself. You can also ask if the notice might be published in your local church bulletin and newspaper.

When, hopefully, you receive a response, discuss with the caller what their interests are and what you would like the group to do. Ask if they would be willing to share the responsibilities of organizing a group for a specific period of time. By involving several people in the initial work of the first meeting, they will model for newcomers what your self-help mutual aid group is all about: a cooperative effort.

Also, consider obtaining the assistance of any professionals who may be sensitive to your needs and willing to assist you in your efforts. Physicians, clergy, and social workers may be helpful in various ways, from providing meeting space to locating needed resources.


Find a Suitable Meeting Place and Time
Try to obtain free meeting space at a local church, library, community center, hospital, or social service agency. Chairs should be arranged in a circle and avoid a lecture set-up.

If you anticipate a small group and feel comfortable with the idea, consider initial meetings in members' homes. Also, try and set a convenient time for people to remember the meeting, e.g., the first Tuesday of the month.


Publicize and Run your First Public Meeting
To reach potential members, consider where they might go to seek help.
Would they be seen by particular professionals or agencies? If the answer is yes, try contacting these professionals. Posting announcements in the community calendar section of a local newspaper, library or community center can be especially helpful. The key is to get the word out.

The first meeting should be arranged so that there will be ample time for you and other core group members to describe your interest and work, while allowing others the opportunity to share their view of how they would like to see the group function. Identify common needs the group can address. Although you do not want to overload you new arrivals with information, you do want to stress the seriousness of you intent and the necessity of their participation. Make plans for the next meeting and consider having an opportunity for people to talk and socialize informally after the meeting.


Future Meetings
For future meetings consider the following:
  • Purpose: Establish the purpose of the group. Is the purpose clear? Groups often focus upon providing emotional support, practical information, education, and sometimes advocacy. Also determine any basic guidelines your group will have for meetings (to possibly ensure that group discussions are confidential, non-judgmental, and informative.
  • Membership: Who can attend meetings and who cannot? Do you want membership limited to those with the problem? Will there be membership dues? If so, how much?
  • Meeting Format: How will the meeting be structured? How much time will be devoted to business affairs, discussion time, planning future meetings, and socializing? What topics will be selected? Can guest speakers be invited? If the group grows too large, consider breaking down into smaller sub-groups of 7 to 12.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Continue to share and delegate the work and responsibilities in the group. Who will be the phone contact for the group? Do you want officers? Consider additional roles members can play in making the group work. In asking for volunteers, it is sometimes easier to first ask the group what specific tasks they think would be helpful.
  • Phone Network: Many groups encourage the exchange of telephone numbers or an internal phone list to provide help to members between meetings. Ask your membership if they would like this arrangement.
  • Use of Professionals: Consider using professionals as advisors, consultants, or speakers to your groups, and as sources of continued referrals and information.
  • Projects: Always begin with small projects, then work your way up to more difficult tasks.

Final Thoughts
  • Stay in touch with the needs of your members. Periodically ask new members about their needs and what they think both they and the group can do to meet them. Similarly, be sure to avoid the pitfall of core group members possibly forming a clique.
  • Expect your group to experience "ups and downs" in terms of attendance and enthusiasm. It's natural and should be expected. You may want to consider joining or forming an informal coalition of association of leaders from the same or similar groups, for your own periodic mutual support and the sharing of program ideas and successes.

While you can obtain the best "how-to" literature from existing self-help groups, as well as from any local self-help clearinghouse, there are other suggestions provided (to include those for professionals seeking to help initiate the process) in the Self-Help Sourcebook on pages 195 to 216.

Copyright © American Self-Help Clearinghouse, 1993-2012
Published by Mental Help Net, a service of CenterSite, LLC

 

http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/selfhelp.php?id=866

Building A Self Help Support Group - Support

1.  See if your group already exists.  Use the suggestions in this site covering ways to find a self-help group to determine for sure whether or not the group you want already exists.  (Click here to link to that page.) This is a no-lose proposition.  If you visit a group and find what you are looking for, hey, you don't have to start your own group.  If that group does not provide what you want, or if you feel that another group would be appropriate for your area, you can learn from what you see there; the members may even be available to help start and make referrals to your new group. 

2.  Work with others from the get-go.  If you start the group alone, it will likely forever be identified by members as "your" group.  You then have the pleasure of doing all the work and often figuring out why so few people attend.  If you as "founder" of the group identify a few others as "leaders" and all of you start the group, you then have a group started where every member feels some ownership of the group and is invested in its success. In addition, as new folks join, they are more likely to recognize that it is important for every member to make some contribution to the group.

3.  Talk with others who have done what you want to do.  The old phrase is "Don't re-invent the wheel."  In our experience the most valuable person to contact is someone who has founded and hopefully led a group very similar to yours.  Be sure to ask for ideas that have worked, as well as things they did which bombed!

4. Start small (you know, the old Keep It Simple and Stupid principle).  This will give you a chance to work out the bugs, make some mistakes, and generally get things in order before you do your marketing to the general public.

 

Internet Resources

Faking Pain and Suffering in Support Groups on the Internet.    This isn't discussed very often, but is an important consideration.  As Bill Cosby used to say about the New York subways, "There's a nut in every car."   (This link is outdated; we are researching a new source.)

Starting any type of local support group.
This brief excerpt from the Self-Help Sourcebook OnLine by Ed Madara and Barbara White is an excellent 5 minute primer on start any type of group. 
(URL: http://mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/selfhelp.php?id=866)

Comfort and Support Are Just A Dial Tone Away (Information on Telephone Conference Support Groups.  This brief on-line pamphlet describes the basics of one free or low cost telephone system sponsored by grants to SupportWorks.  The system is available to individuals and any nonprofit organization.  It does not go into detail regarding how to start a group (see print pamphlet above). 
(URL:  http://www.supportworks.org/infoslnk.htm)

Starting an OnLine Self-Help Group. (URL: http://mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/selfhelp.php?id=863)
Starting a New OnLine Support Group.  (URL:  http://www.grohol.com/howto.htm) 
Two quick-to-read essays covering the basics of starting an on-line support system.  The first is from the ever-popular  Self-Help Sourcebook OnLine and the second is from Dr. John Grohol's Mental Health Page(s).  The latter is a bit more detailed; both are well-written and helpful.

http://www.supportworks.org/shgbuild.htm

How To Start A Support Group - 7 Steps

Basic suggestions for starting any type of community mutual aid support group, to pool the collective experiences, coping skills, insights, and knowledge of others "who have been there." Learn how to do it, so it's not all on your shoulders, but "mutual help from the start."

 

Steps

  1. 1

    If at all possible, Don't "Re-invent the Wheel." Chances are that at least one national group, focused on your particular concern, already exists. Find out by researching it. To find any existing national group, check the free keyword-searchable database of the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. Obtain any how-to guide, or group starter kit, that the national organization offers (many provide them free online). If there's no national group, see if your search results revealed any "model group" elsewhere in the world, which you can contact and duplicate in your area.

    Explore a possible Treatment Option Get information and learn more
    www.healthline.com/bipolar
  2. 2

    Think "Mutual-Help" From the Start. Find a few others who share your interest in starting a group by circulating a flyer or letter that specifically cites how if one is interested in "joining with others to help start" such a group, they can contact you. Include your first name, phone number, and any other relevant information. Make copies and post them at places you feel are appropriate, e.g., at local community website, library, community center, clinic, or post office. Mail copies to key people who you think would know others like yourself. Submit your notice to newspapers and church bulletins. Also, check to see if there is any local "self-help group clearinghouse" serving your area to help you.

  3. 3

    Consider obtaining the assistance of any professionals who may be sensitive to your needs and are willing to assist you in your efforts. Social service workers, clergy, physicians and others may be helpful in various ways, from providing referrals or meeting space to locating other needed resources.

  4. 4

    Find a Suitable Meeting Place and Time. Try to obtain free or very low cost meeting space at a local church, library, community center, hospital, or social service agency. Chairs should be arranged in a circle and avoid a lecture set-up.

  5. 5

    With the help of your "core group of co-founders," discuss and draft a group purpose or mission statement, and a name for your group. Share these at your first meeting for additional feedback and ideas from members, before deciding.

  6. 6

    With your core group, Publicize and Run your First Public Meeting. Permit ample time for you and other core group members to describe your interest and work, while allowing others the opportunity to share their view of what they would like to see the support group do. Identify common needs the group can address. Make plans for the next meeting, and consider providing an opportunity for people to be talk and socialize informally after the meeting.

  7. 7

    Continue to share and delegate the work and responsibilities in the group. Who will be phone contact persons for the group? Do you want officers? Consider additional roles members can play in making the group work.

    (5) Signs Of Bi Polar
    The (5) Symptoms Of Bi Polar Will Shock You. See The Symptoms Now!
    Bi-Polar-Test.FamilyVirtue.comThe (3) Scariest Depression Signs That May Be Hiding In Plain Sight.

  8. http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Support-Group

How to start a self-help peer-to-peer support group

A number of years ago, in 1994, I remember asking my family physician if he knew of any support group where I could talk to people about my tinnitus. "Maybe there is some place I can go to boost my coping skills?" "No, there aren't any I am aware of." I had to go it alone but fortunately I managed to overcome the problems I had with my tinnitus. I would have dearly loved to be able to go to a group back then and remembering how I felt, I started up the Hamilton Area Tinnitus Support group ("HATS") in guess what, Hamilton, Ontario (Canada) in October 1999. It is my sincere hope you will find enough motivation and information here to start your own group.

The motivation part is simple: if tinnitus is a problem for you - you'll find out more about it and how it affects others who are in the same boat. You can be totally selfish about it and why not, you'll be the first in line to get support. If tinnitus no longer is a problem for you, it is immensely satisfying to share your experiences with others on how to overcome the problem(s) you had with it.

At first you might think the information part is harder: what, or how much, do I need to know? What qualifications do I need? The answers: not much and not much. Consider the function of a peer-to-peer support group: people sharing feelings and if available, information. Peer-to-peer means meeting folks like yourself, folks who are in the same boat. Support groups are about helping one another with emotional support. Support groups are not about finding cures, or researching and debating medical theories and procedures, or fixing problems - those are the jobs of medically trained experts. If you are in the medical field and want to start a group: pat yourself on the back. If you happen to know just a bit about tinnitus and can answer some of the common questions, that's great. If not, that's OK too. Things you need to consider:

A place to meet

Quite a few places have meeting rooms available for nonprofit community events and are very approachable for good causes. Before you go shelling out to rent a meeting room, here are some places you can try to hit up for free, or low cost, meeting facilities. By the way, I mention smoking in the "Con" category but these days in a lot of area that of course, does not apply:

Location
Pro
Con

Your own home or apartment
Saves you looking around for a place and you don't have to go somewhere to attend
Potential privacy, security and liability problems

Condo/Apartment building rec rooms
Talk to the super indendant, or preferably the building complex owners, to see if they allow you to use the building's rec room. Nice and quiet conditions, usually a wet bar & coffee machine available. Invite the super or the owner to come to one of your meetings so they can see what you are trying to do for the community.
Super's tend to come and go so make sure you try to get the building owner's permission in writing so you can show it to the new super if/when there is one else chances are they don't even let you in.

Public Library room
People know where it is, usually wheel chair accessible (in Ontario anyways), message board for posting notices and announcements
Members might feel uncomfortable about being recognized by library users

Community centres
See above + availability of community publications you can announce your group
See above

Supermarket special event rooms
Easy access, excellent parking
Often noisy (PA systems, shoppers),

Churches
Excellent privacy
Some people might not want to come if it's "the wrong" church. Many churches expect donations which might be a problem for upstart groups.

Hospitals
Instant credibility for the group, excellent parking, built-in potential candidates for guest lectures
Often expensive parking might discourage folks to come while others might cringe at the thought of being in a hospital.

Medical centres
See above
See above.

Malls, plazas
Excellent parking, wheel chair friendly.
Member privacy, rooms could be noisy

Schools
Many possible locations, excellent parking, wheel chair friendly.
Might involve heavy duty talking and negotiating with bureaucrats.

Union halls
Built-in group exposure in industrial environments.
Depending on your part of the world: alcohol, smoking on premises.

Legion halls
Many service people are likely candidates for group membership.
Depending on your part of the world: alcohol, smoking on premises.

[Hard] of Hearing Societies
Built-in "customers," excellent support and promotion from the Society.
People might be under the impression it's available only to deaf people.

Telephone

A separate telephone number strictly for use by the support group is great, but not always practical or possible because of the group's budget restrictions. Sometimes organizations providing meeting rooms have voice mail systems available for the groups they host. This kind of set up can be real handy because group members can take turns in retrieving and answering messages. Should you decide to use your own home or office phone number (your boss might be real impressed eh...) for the group, make sure all family members know about it. Imagine your teenage kid yelling: "yo dad, some looser's telling me they're beeping and wansa talk to you!" I'm sure you get the picture...

The phone rings...

"Uh, [long silence] is this the number for tetanus?" Be patient, callers often are not sure how to start the conversation and often do not know the terminology. Remember, just like at the meetings, you cannot/should not try and fix the problem, especially on the phone. Suggest they attend a meeting and bring a spouse, friend, anybody - they do not have to come alone. Of course, sometimes they do not want anyone else to know about them contacting you. It's important to respect their privacy. If they leave a message on your answering machine and you return their call, ask for them personally: "Hi, I'm Joe, may I please speak to Joe." Do NOT tell them you're with a support group: the person you're calling might not have told anyone about their tinnitus because they're afraid of being thought of as weirdos or freaks. If the person is not there, leave your name and number and wait for them to call you back. Again, do not give the reason you are calling to whomever answers your call.

"Uh, [long silence] I can hear voices..." It's been on the tip of my tongue several times: "we only do noises, not voices." Please don't ever get tempted to make this your answer, it is as real a problem for some as is tinnitus. Hearing voices, or radio stations, is NOT tinnitus and therefore well beyond the scope of your group. Suggest they contact their doctor or someone else qualified to deal with this. Anything flippant, or light hearted, is no different than the "nothing anyone can do about it, learn to live with it" people with tinnitus get to put up with.

Places to advertise your group

Pinup bulletin boards everywhere:

  • Supermarkets
  • Variety stores
  • Music stores (musicians are prime candidates)
  • Health food stores
  • Laundromats
  • Drug stores or pharmacies - Keep in mind, many pharmacies do not allow posters of any kind. If they don't have a pinup board ask the head pharmacist and give them a copy of your flyer "for their own records" while you're at it.
  • Public libraries
  • Post office boxes
  • Lunch/staff rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Colleges, universities, schools
  • Churches

From time to time take a tour around town and refill/repost the ones that have disappeared. Don't feel guilty about ripping down someone's MLM or baby sitting service ads, these boards are meant to be for community services only. If you're worried, ask the store manager to make room for your poster. Click here to take a look at the poster I used to (please note: this group no longer exists) use. It's in PDF format so you'll need [the freeware] Adobe Acrobat to see or print it. Edit it to your heart's content or simply keep it the same, whatever.

More places to advertise

  • Family doctor's offices - if you can personally give one to the doctor, perfect. You probably only get to talk to the receptionist so give them two: one for the doctor and one "for keeping on file." And heck, since you happen to spot a bulletin board, "mind if I stick one on there..."
  • Ear Nose and Throat specialist - same thing (find them in the Yellow pages)
  • Neurologists - same thing
  • Psychiatrist - same thing
  • Audiologists and hearing aid stores - these fine folks are awesome allies to have and are always always totally delighted to hear the good news about tinnitus support groups starting up.
  • Local newspapers - most of them have a "good causes" section for freebie announcements. If you can write, don't be surprised if they print your article or letter to the editor.
  • Local community newspapers - same thing
  • Town/city event calendars - often a place where your group can get a mention.
  • Senior Citizen buildings - check with the building manager for in-house newsletters.
  • Local TV/radio stations - community announcements, talk show hosts, newsroom.
  • Community Cable TV - see above.
  • At other support groups: drop by at a meeting of whatever support group, it'll give you an idea what others do to fill an evening. The focus of other group could easily tie in with tinnitus: mood disorders, migraines, depression etc. Introduce yourself before the meeting and your purpose for being there. Often you get introduced during the meeting and get a chance to spout off about your own group. By all means take some of their flyers and put them out on the table at your own meeting. Of course, it goes without saying you should bring a goodly bundle of flyers yourself to give to them. Not only do you get the idea what other group are all about, sometimes you hit it lucky and get to meet fabulous people. I once had the great pleasure to bump into Dr. Stephen Nagler, it was an enormous pleasure to meet him and put a face to someone who I greatly admire. Also a great guy, Dr. Raj Mathiramani, who happened to be a psychotherapist and teaches psychology courses. Guess what, he invited me to attend his courses and now I got me two totally legit and awesomely spiffy psych diplomas I never counted on...
  • Ask group members to take a few flyers to put up around their neighbourhood to spread the word. They can give one to their family doctor, dentist etc. next time they need to see them.
  • Encourage group members to talk to others about their tinnitus, they'll be simply amazed to see how many people they run into that know all too well what tinnitus is, and thereby clearly illustrating the point that you're not alone. Not just for your own sanity, but they just might have a dickens of a time with it themselves and be pleased as punch to find out there is help/support available. Who knows, you might just have made it possible for someone to "keep the lid on."

Things you might run into

While doing the rounds with your flyers, or making phone calls to promote the group you WILL run into the odd stick-in-the-mud. Receptionist at doctor's offices telling you they don't want your flyer, "we don't do that." People who refuse to let you pinup a flyer, "we don't do that." I remember phoning the mood disorder clinic at our local psychiatric hospital, "no, tinnitus is a medical problem, we only deal with depression." "But what if the depression is caused by tinnitus" "Then they have to see their doctor because tinnitus is a medical problem..." Ten-four rubber duck! Be polite, thank them for their time anyway and hang up the phone. After you hang up, call them right back. Yup, just like with government offices, chances are someone else will answer the phone and will be totally pleased to hear about your group!

Keep track of

The places your contact telephone number ends up at: before you know it you'll be listed in all kinds of directories, computers and who knows what. Should your phone number change, or you can no longer be involved with the group for whatever reason, it's up to you to notify all these folks. Not only as a courtesy, but the people looking for support deserve nothing less than getting proper and up to date contact info. Nothing worse than for someone to finally discover a group exists in their area and then get shot down with a "this number is no longer in service." I'll grant you, sometimes it is unavoidable because your name and number do find their way into totally unexpected or unknown places, but you have to try your darndest.

Things to expect at meetings

  • People might be uncomfortable being there, uncomfortable because they don't want anyone to know they're there. Suggest they talk to their spouse or significant others to share their problems, going it alone is not a satisfactory way to recovery.
  • Meeting others with tinnitus face-to-face can be a powerful and emotional experience. Watch out for eyes misting over, or someone to actually burst out in tears. Try to take them aside to an area where they will not interfere with the meeting until they calm down.
  • Marketeers. There's folks who flock from support group to support group to hustle health stuff: pills, supplements and all kinds of wonderful junk they stand to make a bundle on. They could be selling it themselves, for someone else, or handing out business cards for ear candling etc. Make no bones about it, they're not welcome to do so and please stop it right now and/or leave. Speaking about ear candling, or ear coning: the sale of ear candles is illegal in both Canada and the United States. They are deemed to be medical devices and are not approved as such by neither Health Canada nor the F.D.A. When I asked someone in Health Canada if ear candling as a procedure itself was legal, the answer was something like "you're performing a procedure with a non-approved medical device that's illegal to sell..." Hmmm, I ain't no lawyer but defending yourself in court against charges of practicing medicine without a license for one... Check with Health Canada and see what they have to say about ear candling and if you're still hell bent on wasting your money - you'll get a lot bang for your buck if you buy me a beer or two...
  • People hogging the floor with horror stories: you don't want them to scare anyone into far out fantasies about how horrible tinnitus can be and leave more worried than when they came in.
  • "Those yuckie, uncaring doctors - they just don't give a darn..." Some truly don't, but MOST truly do so be sure you don't paint them all with the same brush. Try keeping a list of the doctors people see - and make sure they get a flyer...
  • Fixers - some people just can't accept the fact there's no immediate cure available right now, this very minute. They just can't resist trying to find a cure themselves and will egg others on to help with research etc. "If they [them yuckie doctors] don't, we'll have to do it ourselves..."
  • "We ended up talking about something that didn't have anything hatswhoaever to do with tinnitus..." Great! Being in each other's company is great support as well, perhaps even an indication the people in this group are well on the way to shedding the burdens of their tinnitus - consider it positive and pat yourself on the back for doing a good job at that meeting.
  • "People only show up for one or two meetings and you'll never see them again..." Two ways of looking at it: 1) you're doing a terrible job, or 2) you're doing a fabulous job! I spoke to some folks who's job it is to promote group start-ups. According to them this is common for all groups, no matter what the group's focus is. Again, be positive to yourself about it and take it as a pat on the back for doing a good job.
  • "Whenever I come to these meetings my tinnitus is way louder..." Yup, very common because it is foremost in everyone's mind when you are at a meeting. You talk about it, think about it, focus on it - of course it's going to be more noticeable at that moment.
  • Case workers with their clients. After our group was up and running word got out that we were doing good things. Waddaya know, health care case workers from the Brain Injury Clinic started showing up to bring their clients so they could attend the meetings - we had hit the big time, we were getting famous. Pretty darn flattering and down right cool!!! I missed the boat big time though: I totally forgot that these were prime candidates for getting decent contributions and/or sponsorships. At the end of the meeting it was all too obvious that they hadn't bothered to part with even a token coin or two while sucking up on the coffee and goodies I provided at my own expense. Be sure to hit them up: after all, their employer bills the health system for them to sit in on your meeting and they're making a decent pay cheque for themselves to boot so they ought to be good for at least a ten or a twenty at the donation box.

Continuity

This is something you need to really think about. Many times when someone learns about your group, from one of your flyers or by word of mouth, the contact info gets put in a wallet and can stay there for many months before it gets re-discovered. It might get tucked away until someone gathers up the courage to call you, or until a more convenient time, or for whatever reasons you might never hear (or need to hear) about. Where ever, however you decide to set up your group, try to keep the meetings in the same place and don't change your contact phone numbers all the time. I know it's not always practical, but try your darndest anyway.

When you're the only one doing all the talking

Some people come only to hear others talk, whether it's conversation or informative speeches. Sometimes you end up being the only one doing all the talking. I used to run into this a lot and found myself running out of things to say. An easy "trick" was for me to tell the others to discuss whatever they wanted to talk about while "I had some things to do that needed looking after." Yup, I'd simply disappear for fifteen minutes or a half hour and go next door where there happened to be a coffee shop. This "unsupervised time" worked out really well - people would sit there and have no choice but to start talking to each other without having to worry about "doing it right." Yes, some people were just uncomfortable as if they were back in grade school or something, it's funny the way that goes. A lot a friendships resulted from this "trick."

Guest Speakers

  • It's always a treat to have someone come over and do all the talking for a while and hey, you just might learn a thing or two. Who might you, or should you, try to approach?
  • doctors, especially Ear Nose and Throat specialists, neurologists - they can explain how tinnitus works, the latest developments like neuroplasticity
  • psychologists - they can teach relaxation, talk about things like cognitive therapy etc.
  • pharmacists - to discuss various medications and/or herbs
  • relaxation gurus - could be hypnotists, Yoga people, chiropractors, spiritual leaders, Feng Shui, reflexology: any of these folks can show you how to properly relax
  • audiologists - discuss how the hearing system works
  • hearing aid dealers - to discuss tinnitus-friendly hearing aids
  • motivational speakers
  • religious/spiritual leaders - is tinnitus a devine punishment? Check this out with the group before hand as this may be an extremely touchy subject for some members

Be careful about inviting people who have something to sell, whether products or services. Make it clear they are not invited to come harvest new customers. If they have something to offer that you, or your group, finds interesting or beneficial then discuss before hand that you expect a decent donation in case they stand to make money off your group.

Time

Wow, all this sure sounds like it's going to take up a lot of my time! It could, period. But all in all, a couple of hours a month for the meeting itself plus a couple of hours a month delivering flyers, hmmm, not that big a deal. When the group gets bigger you can get others to help out doing chores.

Paper work

Does the group need a charter, nonprofit status, constitution, governing bylaws? Hmmm, Our group is pretty small so far and I haven't seen the need for anything in the administrative or bureaucratic department. If ever the group gets big enough having to worry about that I'll be pleased as punch to try and sucker someone else into looking after that. Me, I simply hate paper work.

Funding

Put a can, a box or a whatever near the coffee machine or something - you need to try and recover some of your expenses for photocopies or whatever. A mistake I used to make when people started flipping tens or twenties, "too much, no need for it..." Accept it gracefully and if it starts adding up too much you can always donate the excess to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) or something. In the mean time, consider that not everyone can afford to donate so you can use these bigger donations to cover shortages. Don't be shy about pointing out where the box is and reminding people of your personal expenses incurred.

Literature / handouts

Try to keep up a supply of pamphlets, photo copied articles etc. for people to take home. Hearing Societies, the ATA has some great material available. Other places you can often get literature: worker's compensation boards, worker's safety committees etc. When making photocopies make sure you check into author permissions to avoid copyright hassles.

Personal Sanity

This is an important one folks, hugely important: you need to completely, totally be aware that the going can get rough, very rough. You'll meet people who are at various stages in their journey through tinnitus land. Some are only curious. Some are there at the suggestions of their physicians. Some are there to clutch on even the tiniest glimmer of hope they pray for that you might give them. Some of these folks are in dire straights and they'll spring their horror stories on you about how totally screwed up their lives are. Listening to these gruesomely descriptive tales can really, really, really get to you. You need to line up someone who you can talk to if/when that happens before hand because chances are that some day you need to depend on them to help you put things in perspective. Don't assume for one second that you've heard it all, even if you been doing it for a while, because I assure you you haven't. Better take my word for this folks because it'll help you stay away from the bottomless pit these poor souls can suck you into - you MUST make these arrangements else you're guaranteed to be looking around for depression support groups for yourself on short order.

Frustrations

After having done all the leg work, the announcement's in the paper and you sit there eagerly awaiting the first few hundred people to come through the doors - and only two show up... In fact, both moan and bitch about "how come there's only us three..." You sheepishly agree because you figured if one out of five people are supposed to have it (to whatever degree), you ought to be able to fill up the football stadium once a week... Yup, there could be more, should be more, but this too, is sometimes a reality. Simple: you tried your best, you've done your job. Since there's only a few members it'll give you more chance to really talk to them and reach a little deeper than in a sold-out house. You can also exploit the low turnout by focusing more on the few that are there. Can they help to promote the group? Do they have suggestions? It could be be that low turnouts are common for your area. I attended a migraine support group once just to see what they did during a meeting. Of course, migraine is more of a "main stream" problem than tinnitus - only seven people were present. So before feeling bad about doing a crummy job put it in perspective. Besides, even if you reach only one person, you've reached one more than had you not tried at all - pat yourself on the back for doing a great job!

I spoke to an audiologist one time to try and get them to put up a poster for the group and waddaya know, they started grilling me about how many years experience I had in this sort of thing. Demanding to know how many, and what kind of, diplomas I had. Where did I train and what's my degree? Man oh man, I'm thinking you got diplomas up the yimyams and you don't have to foggiest how to affect any kind of cure so don't you dare asking me these questions. I was furious but managed to bite my tongue and answered "we are a peer-to-peer group, the only qualifications we need is that we have tinnitus and since you obviously are an expert, we'd appreciate it if you would be our guest speaker sometime." "In the mean time it'd be great if you let us put up a flyer." "Well, ok then." Sigh, what nerve eh...

More frustrations - insurance

  • In October 2001 I ran into a brand new frustration and quite frankly, I didn't know what to do about it. My regular house insurance policy was due for renewal and the insurance company freaked out when they learned I hosted a support group. Not only that, I talked to people one-on-one from time to time and this one especially spooked them - "we just don't want you hanging around with all these people who commit suicide all the time" is what the agent told me. Now there's a well informed opinion eh... The long and short of it, they declined the renewal of my policy and I had a hard time finding another company. When I finally did, I had to promise to stop the one-on-one sessions and they [the insurance company] strongly suggested I stop my involvement with the support group all together. Their reason: I am not a professional, do not have a professional liability policy and do not have an errors and omissions policy. Even if I could get this kind of policy, it would be well over five thousand dollars. They explained that if I give someone incorrect advise, even as a peer at the nonprofit peer-to-peer meetings, I'll get sued because I'd be the one personally liable for any damages and seein' as you own a house blah blah blah. Like I said, I really don't know what the heck to do about it so far but it might be prudent for you to first discuss your plans with your own insurance people...
  • November 13 2001: I spoke with someone from the Self Help Network, according to Caroline there are no cases on record in all of North America where self-help groups have been successfully sued. By the way, the Self Help Network is a valuable resource for anyone in Canada wanting to start a support group. Click here to go to their website.
  • January 27 2002: I'm with another insurance company now but it seems I was misinformed by the agents I was talking to previously. Being at a group meeting is outside of, or "off premises," my own house and of no interest to the insurance company. Mind you, the one agent insisted I should not be involved. Either he's not on the ball or maybe it is the shape of things to come. Insurance companies did get plenty to worry about on September 11 2001 but jeesh, common sense should not get turfed out the window. Having said all that...
  • Just in case you ever run into insurance hassles and some company doesn't want to renew your home insurance policy because of your involvement in a support group, here's the lingo you use when talking to the sales folks: "no, I was not canceled nor was I declined. The company I was with simply DID NOT HAVE A PRODUCT THAT SUITED MY NEEDS." It's real important to word it this way because if they figure you were declined or worse, canceled, you'll have a dickens of a time to get renewed anywhere else.

Precious moments

The time when the woman came in, totally worried and panic stricken. The way the panic and fear melted away from her face as the meeting progressed. The looks of joy when she left now knowing that she wasn't a weirdo or a freak. Knowing her tinnitus was something real and not something she was told she imagined.

The time the desperate man phoned me from his car during dinner. He'd been having a particularly bad tinnitus day and had been chewing out employees all day long. He was so angry at the world he'd been driving around for hours, he was too afraid to go home because he would take it out on his family by beating up on them or something. I met him for a coffee somewhere, we talked for about an hour about anything and everything. His anger disappeared, a smile returned to his face. Sure, he could still hear the tinnitus, I couldn't fix that of course, but he managed to regain his focus and composure.

The time a case worker brought a young fellow in, he'd been in a car accident. We spent quite some time talking about things that distract you from noticing tinnitus and once you discover such an activity that you should do more of it. He showed up at the next meeting with a big smile on his face and told me about the "bus therapy" he'd discovered - he had noticed that whenever he was on a bus that he was so busy enjoying the ride that he never noticed his tinnitus. The "therapy" he came up with for himself was to hop a a city bus, any city bus and get transfer after transfer. He'd ride the darn bus for the whole day marvelling about how nice and quiet it was. Definitely a winning coping strategy for this guy, you gotta love creative thinking!

Yup, I felt enormously super having been able to make someone feel a bit better. Worth all the hassles and roaming around town dropping off flyers? You betcha!

Summing up

No doubt there are many things I have not yet thought of, or maybe things that can be done different or better. These are just some ideas that'll help get you started. So what's the most important thing you should be trying to do? Simple, all you need to do is to provide an environment where people can let down their hair for a couple of hours a month. A place where they can meet others who are in the same boat. A safe haven where there's no need for them to explain what they're up against. An inviting place where they know they're welcome and not being thought of as problem cases or weirdos. A place where they get taken serious instead of brushed off. A place where someone asks you "how are you doing" and you know that they know what your personal world is like right now. It's amazing how most people benefit so hugely from only a couple of hours' worth of sharing someone else's company and understanding. If nothing else, it drives home the point of not having to go it alone and you know what - spirits get lifted, moods improve, the whole world seems a little easier to handle and before you know it people start getting on with their lives and more often than not whether you still have tinnitus or not, it becomes a moot point because you're back in the saddle and enjoying life. This is neither a myth nor a dream, I've seen it time after time after time - it's just the way it is. Lemme tell you folks, if your efforts result in someone's life become a little less crummy, hey, that is one awesome feeling!

Looking back

Yes, looking back. In September 2003 I decided to call it quits and stopped running the meetings of the group I had founded five years earlier. After many, many requests during the regular monthly meetings and after several ads in the news paper for volunteers to help me out, give or take none, approximately zero people stepped up to bat to keep the group going. Running the group had become a strain on my time and more importantly, on my personal finances. Unfortunately, as a result of this the group simply ceased operation, it died - another important item for you to have learned and can improve on. All in all, it's been a real privilege having been involved in the lives of a goodly number of people, especially since most all of them ended up feeling a whole lot less crummy than they did before coming to one of the meetings. In fact, from time to time I get an email from some of them telling me their tinnitus is a thing of the past. Don't believe tinnitus can be beat? Don't believe in miracles? I sure to goodness do, I've seen it happen many, many a time! With a bit of leg work it could very easily be your turn to watch the miracles happen...

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