Mario Lopez turns his back on Victims of Domestic Violence

(Image Source: perezhilton.com)

Mario Lopez a NO SHOW, actor from Saved by the Bell and host of Dancing with the Stars, who was scheduled to attend a benefit for victims of domestic violence and their children in his hometown of Chula Vista (San Diego) on Saturday, October 27th

The 9th annual benefit raises money for children of Casas Seguras, a shelter for domestic violence victims.

Lopez had signed off on the event and was on all their promotional materials. Lopez claimed that he was unable to attend the event due to the local fires in California and displaced relatives due to the fires. However, Lopez was instead partying at the Playboy Mansion instead.

This story has been heard on the radio through out the country. From Washington DC's Mix 107.3 to St. Louis Movin 101.1.

(Image Source: movinstlouis.com)

I really don't know what sort of comment to leave to this story........speechless!

Second Chance Helps Women Become Independent

Financial Abuse is one of the key ingredients in a domestic violence situation that keeps a woman trapped.

Signs of Economic or Financial Abuse (from the helpguide.org website):

Remember, an abuser’s goal is to control you, and he will frequently hurt you to do that. In addition to hurting you emotionally and physically, an abusive partner may also hurt you in the pocketbook. Economic of financial abuse includes:

• Controlling the finances.
• Withholding money or credit cards.
• Giving you an allowance.
• Making you account for every penny you spend.
• Stealing from you or taking your money.
• Exploiting your assets for personal gain.
• Withholding basic necessities (food, clothes, medications, shelter).
• Preventing you from working or choosing your own career.
• Sabotaging your job (making you miss work, calling constantly).

Above is the Music Video by Destiny's Child called Independent Woman from the Charlie's Angels. Second Chance Employment Services is all about helping at-risk women become independent so that someday they may too be able to say these same verses about themselves and the children they care for:

Question: Tell me how you feel about this
Try to control me, boy, you get dismissed
Pay my own car note, and I pay my own bills
Always 50/50 in relationships

The shoes on my feet - I bought 'em
The clothes I'm wearing - I bought 'em
The rock I'm rockin' - I bought it
'Cause I depend on me
If I wanted
The watch I'm wearin' - I bought it
The house I live in - I bought it
The car I'm driving - I bought it
I depend on me

All the women who independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me, baby
All the mamas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me

The White House Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

President Bush proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 2003. I wanted to highlight some of the parts of his speech since we are in October and the awareness is needed just as much today as ever. I am only posting a few things the President stated in his address below. For the full article you can click on the title link above. There obviously needs to be a lot more work and awareness here, but I applaud and thank President Bush for helping to break the silence.

President Bush said the following about Domestic Violence:

A home, a family should be a place of support, should be a peaceful place -- not a place of cruelty and brutality. Domestic violence betrays the most basic duties of life, it violates the law, it's wrong, it is a crime that must be confronted by individuals, by communities and by government.

Too often its victims suffer in secret and in silence.

Domestic violence cuts across every line of geography and income.

Abuse is found in every community in our country -- every community -- and it must be fought in every community.

Hundreds of thousands of incidents of domestic violence are reported every year. The sad news is, many go unreported.

About a third of women murdered each year in America are killed by this type of violence. And nearly half the households where domestic violence occurs also has a child under 12 years old. There's more than one victim.

Women and children are facing dangers in this country, and they need strong allies.

Imagine what it would be like if you were an abused person trying to find help and you went from one place to another. With laws and police and all the rules of a regulations of a free society, it must be confusing and disheartening. The victim has been so traumatized, and then she has to tell her story over and over again, which repeats the trauma. There's a better way to do this. There's a better way to help people who need help in our society.

We have a moral obligation in our society to help relieve the suffering and to show that there is a better life.

May God bless those who are victims of domestic violence. And may God continue to bless our country. Thank you.

Domestic Violence Out of Control - In Many States

In the news this evening, the article Domestic Violence Out of Control in SC by Katie Newingham of Charlston's ABC News 4. It is an article about an inept law enforcement, judicial, and social services unable or unwilling to assist an at-risk woman with fatal results.

Although this problem is not unique to South Carolina, this state "ranks seventh nationwide for domestic violence". The article makes several interesting points, such as:

"Attorney General Henry McMaster says domestic violence is the number one crime problem in South Carolina."

“More than 36,000 victims annually report a domestic violence incident to law enforcement agencies around the state,” As stated on the Attorney General’s Website.

“Over the past eight years, an average of 38 women have been killed each year by their intimate partner.”

I believe that these numbers are actually higher. Especially since the law, courts, medical, and psychologists have such a wide difference of opinion as to what is classified as domestic violence and what is simply ignored. Many states like South Carolina are frustratingly aiding the abuser and perpetuating abuse.

In the article Rebecca Williams, Communications Coordinator for The South Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, or The Coalition, spoke out.

Williams says of South Carolina "First of all, the issues of control and power, and the patriarchal system are historically very southern as far as women’s place. For a long time in South Carolina it was impossible to get anything passed, it’s not as stringent as other state laws."

Hauntingly Williams added that, "Control issues don’t stop just because the relationship ends."

Last Kiss of Summer Gala A Huge Success!!

The Last Kiss of Summer Gala held on September 27th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown was a huge success!! The picture above is from last year's Gala event with Ludy Green (Black Suit), daughter Megan, Kathleen "Kassie" Brown (Brown Dress), and myself, Stephanie Willson (Burgundy Gown and Shawl).

The atmosphere was incredible. The silent auction was beautiful with many items that had been donated. Thank you to all our donors that helped to make the event possible: Stephanie Willson Jewelry , Borghese, Inc., Freed Photography & Videography , Green and Blue , Gregory Fine Portraits , JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes , Main Event Caterers , Marriott Wardman Park Hotel , Sassanova , The Family Groove , The SalesDoctor , The Studio Theatre , Tranquil Space Yoga , Lana Hamilton of Grace + Gumption, Washington Nationals , and many many more. Thank you, thank you for helping to break the silence!

The seated dinner was excellent! The Four Seasons started us off with salad, then salmon, and finally dessert. During that time we had speakers and introductions. A video was played with a woman silhouetted in the shadows as she spoke about her heart wrenching tale of desperately trying to survive her divorce with little resources and the humiliation of having to ask friends constantly for help. It's truly a shame that our court systems allow this sort of abuse to be perpetuated.

Another one of Second Chance's clients went on-stage and told her tearful tale, in Spanish - the only language she can speak. This woman spoke from her heart about her trials and tribulations in trying to get survive her situation and the loving help and support that she received from Second Chance in helping her with housing, food, child care, English training, and job placement. The English translation moved the room and it was difficult to hold back a tear.

Tanya Brown, internationally acclaimed domestic violence advocate, author, and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson gave the keynote address. Tanya spoke from her heart and moved the room with her personal story and sharing the life of Nicole Brown Simpson. Tanya Brown gave a speech that penetrated and moved the room. It is truly a wonderful service that Tanya is doing by sharing her story as she delivers her message so powerfully in a way that many women wish they also could share. Thank you Tanya for breaking the silence!

The event had a live auction, which was made possible by many donors including German Embassy in Washington, DC and Toka Salon and Day Spa. Followed by dancing to a fantastic live band!

The event had many wonderful volunteers who made the event possible, such as Kathleen "Kassie" Brown and many other wonderful women. The incredible effort of many Second Chance staff made the event possible, such as Tawanna McCants and Judy.

Most of all, this organization would not even exist and women would never receive the services that are not found elsewhere if it were not for the incredible Founder and President of Second Chance Employment Services, Dr. Ludy Green, and her husband Joseph Green. Thank you Ludy and Joe for making it possible for all of us to break the silence together!

A Summer Kiss for the Last Kiss of Summer

On Thursday, September 27, 2007 I attended the Last Kiss of Summer Gala last night. We had a great turn out and it was a lot of fun!!

I donated the necklace for the silent auction which is shown in the photograph above that I named Summer Kiss since the necklace was specially commissioned for this Gala event to help raise money for Second Chance Employment Services which is a non-profit that connects at-risk women with suitable employment. Summer Kiss is a hand-crafted, hand-wired triple strand necklace, approximately 22" in length. Summer Kiss is made of two (2) types of turquoise in chips and 8mm rondelles, 8mm freshwater pearls, Sterling Silver Wire, Sterling Silver O-Ring Clasp, and Seed beads.

Tanya Brown, Nicole Brown Simpson's sister was the guest speaker and I was honored to hear Tanya's heart-felt story and plea for helping at-risk women. It was earth moving to hear Tanya speak last night and she touched me and many others last night with her story. Thank you Tanya for protecting women and breaking the silence!

Toka Salon's Diva Night for Last Kiss of Summer!!

Teresa Beaman Yurt, a beautiful petite blond, and her generous husband Nuri Yurt , owner and founder of Toka Salon, are donating a fabulous and exciting package to Second Chance Employment Services for the upcoming Gala on September 27th at the Georgetown Four Seasons - Last Kiss of Summer! Teresa Beaman Yurt, co-owner of the famed Toka Salon located in Georgetown and Penn Quarter, will be donating the ultimate spa package for that special get together of your dreams: Diva Night which is the ultimate spa and party package for 35 people valued at $6500.00!! This exciting item will be featured as one of Last Kiss of Summer's live auction items.

Toka Salon has been honored both with celebrity clients, such as First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush. Toka Salon has also featured in the media, such as Washingtonian, Washington Life, Home & Design, and Washington Flyer.

Here's an excerpt from the Washingtonian on Toka Salon :

First Lady Goes Glam
by Ann Limpert
February 2005:
Just after the 2005 inauguration, Mrs. Bush began seeing Nuri Yurt, owner of Georgetown's Toka Salon, who also styles twin daughters Jenna and Barbara. Looser layers and subtle highlights have given the First Lady her best look yet.

Thank you Nuri and Teresa Yurt for helping so many at-risk women become gainfully employed!

Special Thank You to Mr.George W. Koch

Second Chance Employment Services held a very successful meeting tonight Wednesday, August 22nd at the law firm K&L Gates regarding the exciting upcoming, Last Kiss of Summer which will be held on September 22nd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. Second Chance would like to take the opportunity to give special thank you to Mr. George W. Koch who is with the of law firm K&L Gates for his generosity in hosting our meeting for us.

Mr. Koch has also served in many top level positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc., Director of Federal Affairs for Sears, Roebuck & Company, and Associate Director of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants.Mr. Koch is also a firm believer in giving back to the community, not only through Second Chance, but also has served in other Professional and Civic Activities for the Advisory Council of the International Executive Service Corps. (Board of Directors), Borden Chemicals & Plastics, Inc. (Board of Directors), 2004 Bryce Harlow Foundation’s Business & Government Relations Award recipient, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (Former member of the Board of Directors), McCormick & Company, Inc. (Former member of the Board of Directors), andWatchdogs of the Treasury (Board of Directors).

Thank you also to everyone who attended!!

Young Rock Group Breaks The Silence

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is a young rock group that is currently very popular on the radio. This song is called Face Down. In an blog interview by Connie Phillips of Interview: Elias Reidy of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Elias Reidy answered the following question:

The song has very gritty lyrics and a sociological message, Ronnie Winter has said the writing came from a personal place. Have you begun to get personal feedback from the fans … Maybe someone the song has touched because they are in a similar situation?

That song was actually released on the demo almost two years ago now. Almost two years and running and it never stops. Every day someone comes up to us who tells us how much that song has affected them or helped them. Everybody says they take it so personally. Domestic battery is just something everyone has either dealt with or knows someone who is dealing with it.

Members of the band with individual MySpace, an online social network, pages are:
Ronnie
Elias
Duke
Joey
Jon

Thank you Red Jumpsuit Apparatus for breaking the silence!

Recognition and Thanks to our Next Meeting Sponsor!

Second Chance Employment Services would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr. George W. Koch for generously hosting our next upcoming committee meeting at his law firm K&L Gates.

Mr. Koch has an impressive range of talent in business, legislation and regulation at the federal and state level as well as the European Union, association governance and management.

Mr. Koch has also served in many top level positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc., Director of Federal Affairs for Sears, Roebuck & Company, and Associate Director of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants.

Mr. Koch is also a firm believer in giving back to the community, not only through Second Chance, but also has served in other Professional and Civic Activities for the Advisory Council of the International Executive Service Corps. (Board of Directors), Borden Chemicals & Plastics, Inc. (Board of Directors), 2004 Bryce Harlow Foundation’s Business & Government Relations Award recipient, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (Former member of the Board of Directors), McCormick & Company, Inc. (Former member of the Board of Directors), and
Watchdogs of the Treasury (Board of Directors).

Wednesday, August 22 at 6:00pm at K&L Gates 1601 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006. There is a garage for the building on the K Street side or street parking.

K&L Gates represents capital markets participants and leading global corporations, growth and middle-market companies, and entrepreneurs in every major industry group as well as public sector entities, educational institutions and philanthropic organizations. Thank you again Mr. Koch for providing Second Chance with our next committee meeting space!

Please RSVP by Friday August 17th to e-mail at ludygreen@scesnet.org or call Tawanna at 202-331-7451.

Second Chance Gala Speaker Announced!

The following is a press release for Second Chance Employment Services upcoming special guest speaker at our annual fundraiser, Last Kiss of Summer!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact: Kirk Monroe
(202) 486-7144
kirk@kmpcr.com

Hollywood and Washington to Join Forces
for Victims of Domestic Violence in Last Kiss of Summer IV

WASHINGTON, D.C. August 4, 2007—What do tickets to the Academy Awards, the Four Seasons in Georgetown, and Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister have in common?

They all will be key parts of one of Washington’s most unique events, the Second Chance Employment Services annual fundraising gala to be held September 27th. The event is called Last Kiss of Summer IV, and has become an annual affair that has raised more than $1 million to help hundreds of abused, elderly, welfare-recipient, and otherwise at-risk women attain long-term employment.

Tanya Brown, internationally acclaimed domestic violence advocate, author, and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson will give the keynote address. Based in California, Tanya Brown founded the Nicole Brown Simpson Foundation and has dedicated her speaking and writing career to educating the public about the dangers and impact of domestic violence. She has joined forces with Second Chance Employment Services to promote its mission of independence and empowerment through the gala.

The black tie dinner/dance event will also feature an exclusive auction to include Academy Awards tickets, Emmy Awards tickets, unique embassy dinners and tours, along with numerous other one-of-a-kind experiences. Although the primary purpose of the evening is fundraising through the sale of individual tickets, corporate sponsorships, table sales, and auction proceeds, the gala has established a reputation as one of Washington’s most elegant and spirited events.

Second Chance Employment Services (SCES) is a non-profit organization of human resource (HR) professionals that seeks to promote financial security for victims of domestic violence and their dependents through comprehensive training and career placement services in the Metropolitan Washington area and New York City. SCES founder, Dr. Ludy Green, is a fifteen year veteran of HR management. Along with her many accomplishments, Dr. Green has a heart for volunteering and has made it her organization’s mission to provide less fortunate women with comprehensive support, free of charge.

New Law Permitting Victims to Break their Lease

An article in the New York Daily News today entitled "Abuse vics can break lease with judge OK" by CHRISENA COLEMAN is about new legislation permitting victims to break their leases in order to help them escape from their desperate situation.

This bill has become an answer to so many cases in which victims are penalized financially for trying to escape their situation.

The article states, "Johnson and Heastie said the legislation will remove one of the most important obstacles domestic violence victims face and they will have the freedom to leave on their own terms. Heastie said the bill has protections in place for landlords. The domestic violence issue cannot be used as an excuse to break a lease. Domestic violence victims will have to petition the judge in order to vacate the lease and landlords will be given an opportunity to be heard by the judge as well."

Aside from the article, it is a good step in the right direction that there is legislation being put forward to help give victims assistance. However, this legislation does not go far enough. Not all courts recognize domestic violence unless there is proven physical abuse, thus turning a blind eye towards acts that the victim may have had to endure. Clearly New York recognises there is a major problem here, but the legislation stops short of giving equal relief to ALL victims seeking escape from their terrifying situation.

Upcoming Meeting in August

This is a reminder that there will be an upcoming meeting for our upcoming gala Last Kiss of Summer next month on Wednesday, August 22nd at 6pm.

There will be more details to follow later!

Ludy Green and the National Network to End Domestic Violence

On June5th, Ludy Green attended the National Network to End Domestic Violence held an event at the Library of Congress. It was a wonderful networking event in working together to help at-risk women.

Here is a picture of Dr. Green with Sue Else, President of the NNEDV:

Here is a picture of Dr. Green with Congressman Costa:

Thank you NNEDV, Sue Else, and Congressman Costa for helping to break the silence and make a difference in so many women's lives!

German Embassy Donation

The German Embassy has made the most generous and unusual donation for our auction. They will be offering lunch and a private tour of the Embassy House with lunch followed by a tour of the New Ambassador's Residence. This is a very rare opportunity as the Ambassador's agenda does not allow for private dinners.

Successful Meeting at Sangam!

Second Chance Employment Services held it's upcoming Second Committee Meeting last Wednesday, June 20th at the Sangam Restaurant discussing our exciting upcoming gala, Last Kiss of Summer.

Second Chance would like to take the opportunity to give special thank you to Edward Dean the owner of Sangam for his generosity in hosting our meeting on the house for us. We would also like to thank Rich Massabny for introducing Second Chance to the wonderful food at Sangam . Thank you to everyone that attended!!

My Name is Luka

Here's a video back from the 1980's called Luka by Suzanne Vega found on YouTube. Thank you Suzanne Vega for breaking the silence!

Reminder of Upcoming Comittee Meeting

Second Chance Employment Service is reminding everyone about our upcoming Second Committee Meeting which will be taking place next Wednesday, June 20th at 6pm the the Sangam Restaurant located at 1211 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201. Sangam has outside parking free of charge and it is also located close to Ballston Metro Station. Sangam is also the two time grand prize winner for the Taste of Arlington and featured in the Sun Gazette!

Second Chance would like to take the opportunity to give special thanks to Rich Massabny of PM Arlington who has generously acquired a space for us at Sangam. Second Chance would also like to thank Sangam for hosting our meeting!

Our upcoming Gala is already selling sponsorships and tables. We are also receiving donations and support with local businesses.

Last Kiss of Summer is going to be a fabulous event!!

Benetton Ads are A Fake!!

I was certainly taken aback by these Benetton Ads. After I posted one in my previous post I contacted Benneton directly and asked about the ads, especially since Second Chance Emplyment Services helps at-risk women. Anissa Nouhi at Benneton said:

"I would like to inform you that the images you are referring to with thelogo "Domestic Colors of Violence" are a FAKE and are NOT an advertingcampaign of Benetton Group. The ONLY project Benetton has done on domestic violence was in 2003, created and developed by Fabrica (Benetton's communication research center) and Colors Magazine (part of the publishing activities at Fabrica). Please see the attached link for further information http://www.benetton.com/colorspress/56/."

Wow! What a surprise! This was all over the blogosphere. I did more follow ups and thought that Kairos Rae said it best:

"Unfortunately, this brings to light one of the biggest problems with the blogosphere: fact checking. Most bloggers don't make phone calls and are not held under as strict credibility standards as print and broadcast journalists. Bloggers complain about not getting enough respect, and then we go and do things like this. This is a perfect example of running away with a story just because we want it to be true. I'm not trying to point fingers because we all know I totally respect and admire Feministing.com, but let's just use this as a lesson. Fact checking can be an aspect of the blogosphere...and I'm preaching to myself here too."

Other bloggers had the same sentiments such as SAJAforum, Amitava Kumar, Jill Miller Zimon, and others out there in the blogosphere.

This is an interesting way to get the message out there, but why would anyone create FAKES instead of finding or creating a real organization to support these pictures?

United Colors of Benetton Ad

While searching the Internet, I came across a blog posting this public service ad by The United Colors of Benetton. I am not sure how I feel about this ad, but it certainly created a knee jerk response for me. Generally people's responses in the blogosphere is that they were not able to determine why the ad campaign upset them or made them glad that someone was getting the word out. One thing is certain with an ad like this - it certainly starts a discussion which ends the silence. What are your thoughts?

The Revolutionary Susan Feaster

Second Chance Employment Services would like to give a special thank you to Susan Feaster for her time, dedication, and commitment to our organization. Ms. Feaster is Senior Vice President of Partner and Employer Sales for Revolution Health.

On the Revolution Website it says:

"Revolution, a new company launched by Steve Case in April 2005, seeks to drive transformative change by shifting power to consumers. Our mission is to give people more choice, more control and more convenience in the important aspects of their lives - and build significant companies in the process."

I tried out the interactive site. It has a really cool interactive forum with user profile, personal blog (I love that), specialized articles on health topics, and more! The basic membership is free, but also has an upgraded inexpensive option.

Hanley Foundation

Second Chances Employment Services would like to thank the Hanley Foundation for being a GOLD SPONSOR for our upcoming 2007 Gala: Last Kiss of Summer!

The Hanley Foundation has expressed their support and how pleased they are to show their support!

It is through the incredible support of foundations such as the Hanley Foundation that Second Chances Employment Services can provide free services to help abused women enter the workforce!

Christina Aguilera

Second Chance, like everyone, loves great music. Stephanie Willson is a big fan of Christina Aguilera's music and found this great song on her Back To Basics Album called Oh Mother . Christina Aguilera wrote this beautiful song for her very brave mother. It's too bad there is not a video playing here, but the music is fantastic. Thank you Christina for your courage to break the silence!

Upcoming Committee Meeting!

Second Chance Employment Service is proud to announce our upcoming Second Committee Meeting which will be taking place on Wednesday, June 20th at 6pm the the Sangam Restaurant located at 1211 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201. Sangam has outside parking free of charge and it is also located close to Ballston Metro Station. Sangam is also the two time grand prize winner for the Taste of Arlington and featured in the Sun Gazette!

Second Chance would like to take the opportunity to give special thanks to Rich Massabny of PM Arlington who has generously acquired a space for us at Sangam.

Second Chance would also like to thank Sangam for hosting our meeting!

Our upcoming Gala is already selling sponsorships and tables. We are also receiving donations and support with local businesses. Last Kiss of Summer is going to be a fabulous event!!

Ludy Green Honored in Washington Hispanic

(Ludy Green, president and founder of Second Chance Employment Service, receives the prize at the hands of the general prosecutor of the U.S.A., Alberto Gonza'les. Photo courtesy Second Chance Employment Service.)

Below is an article that I have posted for Ludy Green and Second Chance Employment Service by Washington Hispanic which can be found in English and in Spanish.

"Washington Hispanic is the biggest Hispanic newspaper serving Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, reaching more than 100000 households." (Washington Hispanic)

Its mission is to work by the woman victim of abuses
Latin organization receives prize of the General prosecutor of the United States
Mitzi Macias
Washington Hispanic

It began like volunteer of an organization who offered services for women victims of domestic violence where she took care of the children of these people while they received training or they attended factories. Later, it helped to make up them so that the women saw and they felt better and when she began to develop its masters she advised them to prepare its leaves of life and began to worry to incorporate them to the labor world.

They have passed more than 15 years and Ludy Green, of Peruvian origin, not only it has managed to establish an agency of use for people victims of domestic violence, but also it finishes receiving a prize of hands of the General prosecutor of the United States, Alberto Gonza'les, by the professional innovation in offering services to victims.

“To the being witness of the suffering and the humiliations that they have to live the women victims of domestic violence I discovered that so that they break with that vicious circle they must reach financial independence. This interest has been the motor that took to me to found Second Chance Employment Services”, tells to Washington Hispanic Ludy Green, director and founder of this organization without profit aims.

The prize granted by Gonza'les was made within the framework of the celebrations by the National Week by the Rights of Victims of Crimes, during which the development of effective methods is recognized to put within reach of the victims its rights and services available.

“It has been a great honor to receive this prize because we have been selected of a great number of participant organizations. In addition not only they have recognized the innovator of our work but also by to have created a system of pursuit of the process of development of the person to whom we served by to a period as two years, which allows us to have a record”, explains Ludy Green.

Second Chance, from its foundation in 2002, has served more than 1,600 victims as domestic violence in the process to get up itself to the active labor life.

At the moment, Second Chance serves 103 women who receive all the consultant's office necessary to be able to obtain an employment that allows them to become independent.

The women victims of domestic violence often need from a place where to be with its children until medical and psychological aid. In the same way, Second Chance them aid to prepare its leaf of life and locates in labor positions according to its capacities and skills.

“In a beginning we found much resistance of the employers because they thought that a violence victim domestic servant was not prepared to enter the labor market, but with our work we have demonstrated to them that they are the best workers because these women are in search of a new opportunity of life”, it express Green.

Second Chance, at the moment, tells on 178 employers national level, but as she refers his founder every time more organizations are needed and companies than wish to offer jobs. In addition, it is needed that foundations take interest in the work that make for this way counting on the bottoms necessary to continue expanding their services.

Second Chance has its seat in Washington, DC, and finishes opening a branch in the city of New York, where it has found a great reception of the authorities and the organizations.

“This week represents a time to remember and to honor to which they have suffered in the hands of criminals. Through the people who receive these prizes we want to demonstrate to our commitment and dedication to assure that all the victims are listened to and not forgotten. Many of these people have worked untiringly and they have not been recognized and today I honor when bringing to light its works”, said the general prosecutor, Alberto Gonza'les.

Donation Forms Going Out and Online!

Our Last Kiss of Summer Gala is kicking off in excitement for our upcoming event! The picture above is from our silent auction from our 2006 Gala. Nancy Mraz, President of HP Productions, Inc., (seen in the center with the sassy print top) and Janice Nicols of Serenity Day Spas (seen at the right in the lovely black dress), are both admiring some of our donated auction items.

Second Chance Employment Services will begin taking donation forms soon for our silent auction. In the right margin of this blog we will soon be hosting a list of those who have donated their items to our silent auction as we count down to September 27th! Click here to download our Donation Form so you can be included in the list!

Additional contributions can be made through Network for Good and Paypal.

We free services to help abused women enter the workforce. The only way we can continue to aid at-risk women in becoming independent of their abusive situation is with your help!

Support Second Chance With A Banner

Second Chance Employment Services has a banner for it's upcoming Gala: Last Kiss of Summer. We would like to thank The Family Groove for inspiring us to make this banner. We would also like to thank Jason Waag for giving me ideas on making the banner. I worked on making this banner over the Memorial Day weekend and will list websites and blogs in our right hand column that post this banner on their website until after our exciting Gala on September 27th.

To host this banner on your website or blog and be listed under our "Internet Sites Hosting SCES Banner" on our blog. It is through your support and generosity that Second Chance is able to help at-risk women for free. Thank you!

Upcoming Gala!

Here is a picture of me, Stephanie Willson (red dress), at the Last Kiss of Summer 2006 Gala. Second Chance Employment Services is so excited about our upcoming 2007 Gala: Last Kiss of Summer! We have updated our website so that you can now download Our Letter to Our Friends, Donation Form, and our exciting Sponsorship Opportunities!!

Second Chance continues to receive media attention; FOX News, CNN, and Washington Business Journal is only to mention a few from the long list. We’ve just received an Award from the US Attorney General’s Office as the most innovative business in the country for battered and abused women.

Additional contributions can be made through Network for Good and Paypal.

We provide the following free services to help abused women enter the workforce: Job search training, resume development, interview counseling, as well as medical and dental care, housing, clothing, childcare, transportation and food needs. The only way we can continue to aid these families in becoming independent of their abusive situation is with your help!

Praise for our Volunteer

For the last three weeks, our office has had the honor of having an unpaid volunteer, Eliza Gordon, to help with our organization. Ms. Gordon is a senior at the National Cathedral School for Girls in Washington, DC providing telephone coverage, writing letters, office support, and speaking Spanish to help serve women at-risk. The Gordon family has also donated office supplies to our organization. Thank you Eliza and the Gordon Family for your time and contribution!

Successful Committee Meeting

Yesterday Second Chance Employment Services held its committee meeting which was generously hosted by Napoleon Bistro owned by Fatima Popal. There was a houseful of 26 attendees of renowned benefactors in the community, such as Dr. Ronald Pearlman our Chairman, Dr. Tina West, George Webb, and Dr. Claudia Cotca to name a few of the many young and energetic members of our committee. There was much excitement and discussion regarding sponsorship of our upcoming gala called Last Kiss of Summer to be held on September 27th!

Upcoming Gala: Last Kiss of Summer

Second Chance Employment Services will be holding it's annual gala on September 27th! This is a worthwhile cause that benefits in helping real women at-risk gain financial independence. Contact me through the website, by e-mail at stephaniewillsonconsulting@gmail.com, or phone at (202)331-7451 for ticket information, sponsorship event, making a donation and/or gift, or further details.

We provide the following free services to help abused women enter the workforce: Job search training, resume development, interview counseling, as well as medical and dental care, housing, clothing, childcare, transportation and food needs. The only way we can continue to aid these families in becoming independent of their abusive situation is with your help.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Second Chances Employment Services Blog

Second Chances Employment Services (SCES) now has a blog to communicate the needs of our non-profit community and help better serve the public.

Second Chance Employment Services (SCES) is a nonprofit organization of human-resources professionals who have placed hundreds of adults in meaningful employment positions free of charge.

Our mission is to promote financial security for at-risk women and their dependents through comprehensive employment placement services.

Our beneficiaries are the abused, the elderly, welfare recipients and other financially at-risk women who seek long-term employment.

We are proudly the Recipient of "Knock-Out Abuse" Award 2002.

Join our blog and conversations in making a difference for people!