The Vatican has expressed “shame and sorrow” over the sexual abuse of at least 1,000 children by more than 300 Catholic priests in Pennsylvania, and has said Pope Francis is “on the side” of survivors. The grand jury report, nearly 900 pages long, was the result of one of the largest US investigations into sexual abuse in the Catholic church. It detailed both the scale of abuse and the extraordinary lengths the church went to conceal and protect the perpetrators. “Victims should know that the pope is on their side. Those who have suffered are his priority, and the church wants to listen to them to root out this tragic horror that destroys the lives of the innocent.” The statement is part of fresh efforts by the Vatican to get on top of a wave of sexual abuse scandals and cover-ups. The pope was personally damaged by his denunciation in January of abuse survivors in Chile who drew his attention to cover-ups by senior figures in the church. Francis was later forced to apologise and launch an investigation which resulted in the resignation of five bishops. He will face further pressure on a papal visit to Ireland next weekend, when survivors of sexual abuse will demand he take institutional responsibility for the church’s failures. Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/16/vatican-pennsylvania-sex-abuse-scandal-children-pope-response

The author states a Kentucky law has “good intentions” but is burdensome for school districts around the state because the law requires child abuse and neglect background checks of public school personnel, student teachers, contractors, and parents on school based decision making councils. A letter from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which is responsible for processing the checks, is required to verify a check has been completed. Prior to the new law, criminal background checks were required for all school system employees and school volunteers. Now, the background checks include a state social worker’s substantiation of child abuse or neglect. Although some may consider this law to be an unnecessary headache, it may just be the extra step needed to find and help hurt children in need of aid. https://www.google.com/amp/amp.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article215775035.html

A shout out to Art 4 A Purpose, a similar organization like us. empowering children and their communities to recognize child abuse and get help through art. Art 4 a Purpose invites the community to view its annual Cake Decorating, Coloring and Art Contest on display at CoMMA through Thursday, June 28. The organization is using the event to further its mission of using the arts to raise awareness of child abuse.  Artists, photographers, writers and coloring artists from across Burke County, NC have submitted works that seek to educate the public of the trauma of child abuse and the need for preventative efforts. The exhibit can be viewed anytime during CoMMA’s regular business hours. CoMMA is located at 401 S. College St. in Morganton, NC and can be reached at 828-433-7469. Art 4 a Purpose is located at 3522 Baptist Camp Road in Connelly Springs NC and can be reached at Art4aPurpose@gmail.com or 828-475-2881. For more information, visit www.Art4aPurpose.org . Read the full article here: http://www.morganton.com/gallery/art-a-purpose-cake-decorating-coloring-and-art-contest/collection_2496dc1a-6ff9-11e8-af7f-13f04cac116a.html#3  

When we started this foundation we fully anticipated that it would be a vehicle to help educate parents, students, and caregivers.  What I didn’t anticipate was that others would then become educators themselves and even more intense is that one of them would be my beautiful niece Breanna Horner.  She chose the topic of child sexual abuse for her senior project, inspired by mine and her mothers history of abuse.  When you click on the link you will be viewing the project that she put together, edited and presented! She did an amazing job and I was moved to tears and inspired beyond words when I viewed this and I hope you are too! This is how change happens!  Think of the number of students she touched because she chose a topic that has typically been hush hush! Thank you Breanna – we are so proud of you! This is our first student project!  Hmmmmm! We save lives with these kinds of efforts!  We protect children!  We preserve humanity!  There is no better time than now! https://youtu.be/zNZJullssoc

After holiday shopping? Here is how YOU can shop and help our foundation!  When you shop through AmazonSmile, for every $$$ you spend Amazon will donate a percentage to a charity that you select!  You can sign up and find our charity by clicking the link provided. Each time you log onto Amazon, just make sure you are on the Smile program. Sign Up for Smile Here

HPF took part in the 3rd annual fundraiser for Camp Twitch & Shout by purchasing a table and attending the event and supporting awareness of those affected with Tourette’s syndrome. Each year, children get to attend this one week camp at Camp Twitch and Shout in which they get to relax and be themselves without the fear of being made fun of or bullied in an environment that helps to build self-esteem. Many children affected with this have very few friends and isolate themselves. Funds raised goes towards scholarships so children that can’t afford the fee are still able to attend. The event included a full buffet, drinks, silent auction & raffles along with a DJ and an amazing performance by the camp counselors! Children with disabilities and challenges like Tourette’s are at a greater risk of being bullied or sexually assaulted due to communication barriers and warning signs that are often masked and an effort that helps to build self-esteem, a contributing factor to prevention, is an effort HPF can support! To learn more about Camp Twitch & Shout https://www.facebook.com/camptwitchandshout/  

Take a look at Chad Fletcher, Executive Director for Michigan HPF Chapter, alongside with Oprah once again! In 2010, the ‘Oprah’ show hosted 200 men, each of whom stood bravely to say that they had been molested as children.  Among their stories was that of Chad who recalled how his own father molested him repeatedly and how, when he finally told other family members, they refused to believe him. Now, Oprah sits down one-on-one with Fletcher, who talks openly about his overcoming the abuse, and how he continues to heal, plus other updates from men who bravely came forward. Catch this amazing episode on the OWN Network on May 23rd  For more info on this show or to view the Oprah episode featuring the 200 Men click on the links below. http://www.tvweeklynow.com/news-blogs/news-blogs-RicksPicks/all-new-episodes-of-oprah-where-are-they-now-to-air-saturday-nights.htm

Today marks the 4th anniversary of the landmark Oprah Winfrey Show that I had the honor to be on “200 Men Molested” It was the first time that I publicly spoke of my own personal story and speaking thereafter. My life changed forever that day in the best of ways! At that time, and going forward the outpouring of support from everyone has been amazing! The last 4 years have been incredible with new and exciting opportunities and I am so blessed! I dedicate today to the 199 other men who stood alongside me on that show – shattering the silence and breaking the shame! Today we honor those that have never had the opportunity or strength to stand or live within the silence – please keep them in your thoughts. If you have not had a chance to watch the show I have provided the link. Take a look and then have a conversation with your children, caregivers, and members in your community. We need to do something so that the innocence of children doesn’t continue to perish. Not sure what to ask or say? Shoot me a message and I would be happy to help you out! Together as a group we can make an impact. I am living proof of what a group of 200 men did four years ago! THANK YOU ALL!  ‪#‎oprahsmen‬ ‪#‎followtheorangeheart‬‪ #‎protectourchildren‬   

On Saturday,  January 11th , – co-founder Rhett Hackett had the pleasure of being asked and participated in the inaugural radio show Down Town Hot Radio for the RAPP Show hosted by Andrea Johnson.  Rhett, along with Torrance Young and Derrick Hook from ISWAT and Walil, an independent activist participated in a panel style talk show.  The topic centered around today’s young men, the dangers they face, and why boys (who become men) don’t tell or speak up when they are affected by crisis or trauma.  Speaking from the perspective of HPF’s mission, Rhett talked about child sexual abuse, domestic violence in the home, and bullying. It was discussed how these 3 things are intertwined with one another and the importance of educating young men so that they know – how to prevent these types of inhumane acts from happening, and that if they have been a victim of them, it is okay to speak up and get help.  Additionally, the topic was rounded out by speaking to the subject of sex trafficking and how the number of children (boys included) are alarming.   HPF also learned of ISWAT’s efforts in taking young men out of their urban environment and go camping – free electronics – so that kids can see that there is a bigger world beyond their everyday setting.  It also provides them with the opportunity to come together as young men and be able to talk about issues.  HPF is looking forward to learning more about this organization and broadcasting on RAPP in the future.