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Press Release
December 15th, 1998.
CENTRAL AMERICAN TEDDY BEAR CAMPAIGN HITS THE GROUND RUNNING.
They're here! The first 15,000 teddy bears collected through Casa Alianza's "Operation Bear Lift", will be given out in Tegucigalpa, Honduras this Friday during a huge celebration with thousands of children.
The Amphitheatre of the National Autonomous University of Honduras will be used to launch the distribution of the bears, which are arriving from Ireland in a boat named the "Scottish Star", whose service has been donated by Fyffes, the Irish banana company. Casa Alianza's street children and the child victims of Hurricane Mitch, who are currently housed in shelters dotted around the
country, have been invited to the event in order to claim themselves a new bear friend. There are an estimated 85 thousand children, under the age of five, currently housed in temporary shelters in Honduras. Teddy Bears are also to be distributed to the street children living on the streets of Tegucigalpa and the Children's Hospital.
The first lady of Honduras Mary Flakes de Flores has been invited to launch the event, which will also be attended by the director of The Honduran Institute of the Family, INHFA, Jorge Valladares and representatives from UNICEF and other distinguished guests. Arriving from Ireland will be Andrew Keily and Paul Flynn, who co-ordinate "Operation Bear Lift" in their country.
The personal and children from Casa Alianza Honduras are busy preparing for the event which will mark the first distribution of an estimated 190,000 bears currently being collected around the world. Speaking about Friday's event, Executive Director of Casa Alianza, Bruce Harris stressed the importance of the campaign and the significance it holds for the children involved.
"These teddy bears are much more than toys, they offer a very real source of emotional support for the children who have suffered terrible traumas as a result of Hurricane Mitch. The benefit of giving child trauma victims a teddy bear has been demonstrated time and time again," commented Harris. "After an event like Mitch, children are left unable to process, in their developing minds, such huge life changes. This generates anxieties and fears. A bear can give them security, it's a comfort blanket in a time of uncertainty," he added.
Operation Bear Lift was launched by Casa Alianza three weeks ago after Harris saw the devastation wrecked by Hurricane Mitch on the children of Honduras and Nicaragua. In that time, exceeding all expectations, close to 200 thousand teddy bears have been donated from countries such as Belgium, Germany, the UK, USA, Japan, Peru and Mexico. 75,000 are currently on route to Honduras and Nicaragua, for example, 50,000 alone recently set sail from Germany in a boat called the Cap Norte, donated by Hapag Lloyd and Geologistics Hannover. The bears are being transported in three 40ft containers!
Each bear being distributed by Casa Alianza will carry a label detailing articles 31 and 39 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 31 states: "States Parties recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts." Article 39: "States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of any form of neglect, exploitation, or abuse, torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or named conflicts. Such recovery and reintegration shall take place in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child."
All members of the press are welcome to attend the first distribution of Operation Bear Lift, which will be held in the Amphitheatre of the National Autonomous University of Honduras Friday, December 2nd at 09:30 AM. For more information please contact Casa Alianza at media@casa-alianza.org in
Honduras please contact National Director Alvaro Conde on + 504 237 1750 / 237 3623 or honduras@casa-alianza.org
Please also watch for Bear Lift updates on our web site at www.casa-alianza.org
Casa Alianza/Covenant House Latin America
SJO 1039
PO Box 025216, Miami FL 33102-5216 USA
Tel. in Costa Rica: +506-253-5439 or 253-6338
Fax in Costa Rica: +506-224-5689
Home page address: http://www.casa-alianza.org
Cemetery Receives Special Flags.
Special Thanksgiving Celebration held
Wilmington, DE November 27, 1998 For Immediate Release
A special service was held at Riverview Cemetery , 300 N. Market St. in Wilmington, to celebrate the lives of those who were buried there and to give Thanks for their influence on our lives. The ceremony was an attempt to demonstrate the unity and equality that can be achieved with the wide diversity of cultures that have been interred at Riverview over the past 127 years. The mission of the cemetery is to provide a final resting place with dignity and respect, regardless of social economic, ethnic or religious background.
Following a short prayer service and hymns, a procession was held through the cemetery and culminated at the main Flag Pole. Flags representing the Knights of Pythias of Pennsylvania and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were presented and raised one each side of the large American Flag.
The Non-Profit cemetery is owned and operated by Delaware Lodge #1, and Eden Lodge #34, I.O.O.F. and the K.O.P.
For Immediate Release
Subject: National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Contact: Deborah A. Yates, Wk. 302-830-6316
Nationally, Nov. 15-20 is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Locally, Mike Lovett, Director of The Shepherd Place homeless shelter in Dover, marked the occasion by releasing Shepherd Place statistics for Oct. 1997 through Sept. 1998. (The Shepherd Place is a family shelter on Governors Ave which provides 30 day emergency shelter to families.)
- 304 people occupied the shelter, including 151 children (50%).
- 2,613 people were turned away due to lack of room at the shelter. This included 1,065 children (41%). 8.6 people are turned away for every person given shelter.
- 98% of the people were Delaware residents.
- 90% of the people were Kent County residents.
Other local activities planned by The Shepherd Place include distribution of book markers ("A Homeless Shelter Wish List) at local stores, libraries and churches; distribution of a homelessness fact sheet in local papers and a display at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover on Nov. 14 & 15. For more information, contact Mike Lovett, The Shepherd Place, 678-1909.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is being cosponsored this year by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness. In order to highlight issues concerning hunger and homelessness, The NCH webpage, http:/nci.ari.net, includes examples of activities for local community groups, including poster contests and letter writing campaigns.
The NCH web site also highlights the photography project of photojournalist, Pat Van Doren: "It’s About The Children: Photography to Raise Awareness". Van Doren recently resigned from a newspaper to work full time to raise awareness of America's homeless people through her photography. One picture, entitled "These Little Piggies Are Homeless: We Can Change That!", pictures the tiny feet of an 18-hours old homeless baby.
Myths & Facts about Homelessness (For possible use as a side box to story)
(Source: National Coalition for the Homeless, 1998)
- Myth #1: In today’ booming economy, anyone can get a job. Homeless people just don’t want to work. Fact: According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors 1997 survey of 29 cities, almost one in five homeless persons are employed in full or part-time jobs.
- Myth #2: Homeless people are all crazy or drunk. That’s why they’re homeless. Fact: Only 20-25% of the single adult homeless population suffers from severe mental illness. These rates apply only to single adults, not to families with children, who represent approximately 40% of those who become homeless nationally.
- Myth #3: There are plenty of shelters and services for homeless people. People on the streets don’t want help. Fact: In most cities, there are far more people in need of shelter than available shelter beds. In Los Angeles, there are 5-8 homeless persons for every available shelter bed.
- Myth #4:America’s generous welfare policies and extensive safety net prevent children from becoming homeless. Fact: Declining welfare benefits and housing assistance have contributed to record numbers of children who experience homelessness in the U.S. One in five American children lives in poverty – twice the poverty rate of any other age group.
- Myth #5: Homeless an urban phenomenon. It is very rare in rural areas and the suburbs. Fact: A 1994 national study found the incidence of homelessness to be the same in rural and urban area. Almost one quarter of rural residents pay more than 30%of their incomes for housing, leaving them with less money left over for other expenses and putting them at increased risk of homelessness.
Special Celebration and Thanksgiving Service at Riverview Cemetery.
The "us" Project, Inc. sponsors a Unity & Diversity event for local Cemetery
Wilmington, Delaware Noember 1, 1998: The "us" Project which has agreed to assist Riverview Cemetery with its Public Relations and Community Image
While the community surrounding Riverview Cemetery has changed dramatically over the last 127 years, our commitment to the community stands stronger than ever. Our mission of providing a final resting place based on dignity and respect, regardless of social, economic, ethnic or religious background is more important than ever before and sorely needed by society today.
We have always felt that those who were buried here at Riverview were part of an extremely diverse family of ours, and that their friends and relatives were part of an extended family.
Because of the diversity of our family, we see a tremendous opportunity for learning that is brought to us through the memory of those who have preceded us. We schedule several events during the course of the year to invite the entire community to join with us in sharing this experience and witnessing the fellowship and unity that can arise from the common factor of having a relative or friend laid to rest at Riverview. This is a unique demonstration of the equality that awaits us all, and we are all called to learn from it.
We invite you to join us in our very special service on Friday November 27th, 1998, (the day after Thanksgiving) at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us and to give thanks for the lessons they teach us. In the event of inclement weather, services will be held next to the cemetery, at 8th Street Baptist Church, 3301 N. market St. We are also inviting participants to bring a toy to be donated for our special Christmas program in honor of the memory of those in repose.
Riverview Cemetery is located at 3300 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE. For further information, call (302) 764-2632.
Memory Walk Raises Funds for Alzheimer’s
Wilmington, DE October 3rd 1998
For Additional Information, Contact: Walt Mateja, Ph.D. The "us" Project, Inc. (302) 475-5874.
Over 200 people participated in the 7th New Castle County 1998 Memory Walk at Rockford Park in Wilmington on Saturday. Walkers raised more than $13,000 to support the Delaware Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. An additional $ 10,000 has been raised from corporate and business sponsors, according to Linda Healy, chairperson for this year’s event. The Memory Walk is the only national fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease. It helps fund programs and services like respite care, help-lines and counseling, and involves the whole community. A simultaneous sister event has also been held at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach as Sussex County’s 2nd Memory Walk, bringing the Statewide total raised to over $30,000.
"Alzheimer’s is a disease that destroys the brain’s ability to remember, reason and judge. An estimated 14 million Americans will be affected by the middle of the next century. It is fatal and there is no cure." According to Alzheimer’s Board Chairman Margarita Duffy. "The Alzheimer’s Association is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated to conquering the disease and to providing support and assistance to people with the disease, their families and caregivers."
Tee Shirts commemorating the Walk are available, and for more information on Alzheimer’s or the Association’s programs, call (302) 656-2676.
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"us" Project to assist Riverview Cemetery
July 8, 1998 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The "us" Project Inc. has been recruited to provide its Public Relations and consulting services to the Riverview Cemetery Co., Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware for the 2nd year in a row. Riverview Cemetery is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide dignity and respect, regardless of social, ethnic, religious or economic background.
Riverview has been in operation for since 1872. The community that it serves has changed dramatically during that period of time, going from a middle class to a mostly lower income group. This means that keeping costs of running the 80 acre cemetery is vitally important in order to serve the community in an affordable manner.
The "us" Project will be consulting and designing programs for fund raising from the business and corporate community, generating community support and demonstrating the important service that the cemetery provides through its programs for the community. Funds are required to bolster the Perpetual Care Fund, a Capital Equipment Fund, a Capital Improvement Fund for Buildings and roads and additional operating income.
Because of the special mixture of people who have been buried there, stressing diversity, unity and healing is a key theme along with "Celebrating" the lives of these beloved who have touched our lives.
"us" Project to assist Smyrna Odd Fellows
June 23, 1998 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. As part of its service to the Grand Lodge of Delaware, IOOF, The "us" Project Inc. has been asked to represent the Grand Lodge as its official spokesman and to provide its Public Relations and consulting services to a special committee recruited to assist Morning Star Lodge #6, IOOF of Smyrna, De. As part of their mission to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan, the Smyrna Odd Fellows own and operate a non-profit cemetery.
The cemetery has run into hard financial times over the last several years and is in the process of rebuilding its Perpetual Care Fund and regaining the confidence of the community.
The "us" Project, Inc. sponsors a Unity & Diversity event for local Cemetery
Wilmington, Delaware April 11, 1998: The "us" Project which has agreed to assist Riverview Cemetery with its Public Relations and Community Image strategy has completed its first successful event.
Stressing the diversity of Riverview Cemetery, Inc. located in Wilmington, Delaware, a Unity and Healing Memorial Service was held on the Saturday before Easter. Riverview is a non-profit Cemetery jointly owned by Delaware Lodge #1, I.O.O.F. and the Knights of Pythias, both of which are also non-profit groups. The "us" Project has been instrumental in defining the Mission of Riverview to provide affordable, dignified, and respectful final resting places for members of the community regardless of social, economic, reigious or ethnic background.
The Cemetery has been in service to the community for over 125 years, and during that time the surrounding community demographocs have changed. As part of its mission, Riverview has adapted and changed to try and meet the changing community needs. Many of the over than 36,000 who are buried at Riverview, which is over 88 acres in size, no longer have relatives who are living or who reside in the area.
In conjunction with the Interdenominational Ministers Action Council (IMAC) and featuring the Rev. Dr. Manford Carter of Scott A.M.E. Zion Church, as guest speaker, a short Prayer Service was held, followed by a processional through the cemetery, singing hymns and symbolically visiting those with no reamining families.
Walt Mateja, Ph.D. stressed that "these events were unique in that they were an attempt to heal wounds that have occured in our nation due to past discrimintaion. We would like to demonstarte that the equality that is evident of the other side of life can also be accomplished on this side, if we all come together and treat each other with respect, compassion and dignity."
Rev. Aaron Moore of IMAC pointed out that "The Cemetery is very rich in history and heritage. Years ago when blacks could only be buried at Mount Olive and Mount Zion, (two cemeteries for blacks), Riverview opened to us." Moore said. "That says a lot about the people who run Riverview."
This is only the first in a series of speclal events and programs that are designed to involve the entire community that are planned throughout the year.
"us" Project to assist Odd Fellows
November 8, 1997 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The "us" Project Inc. has been recruited to provide its Public Relations and consulting services to the Grand Lodge of Delaware, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and their member Odd Fellow and Rebekah Assembly Lodges.
In response to the quarterly News Letter we have been publishing for the past year for Delaware Lodge #1, the Grand Lodge has requested that we provide our services to the individual I.O.O.F.Lodges and Rebekah Assemblies under its jurisdiction.
In addition to publishing a News Letter for individual Lodges and Assemblies we will be handling Press Releases, Public Service Announcements and any other publicity necessary.
Local Charities have come to identify the Odd Fellows with significant contributions to further their own programs and fund raising efforts.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a non-profit fraternal organizations with membership and lodges world wide. It's mission is to "Visit the sick, bury the dead, relieve the distressed and to educate the orphan."
"us" Project Recent Service Projects.
October 8, 1997 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The "us" project Inc. has been working with several local volunteer groups to assist in promoting and publicizing their events and organizations. We recently provided photo coverage of all the volunteer teams in the "Meals-on-Wheels" program in Wilmington for documentation and so that the team members could be given a copy of the photos. We have also provided photos for the "Alzheimer's Walk" which was a major fund raiser. The photos were for distribution to participating volunteers and corporate sponsors. In addition we are in the process of using our volunteers to produce a Video Documentary on this event which can be used for future promotion and planning. It also will be distributed free of charge to Corporate Sponsors and Volunteer team sponsors.
"us" Project nominated for Global Award
August 8, 1997 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The "us" project Inc. has been nominated by a special selection committee out of hundreds of websites to enter the 1997 Global Information Infrastructure (GII) Awards in the category of Community.
GII is the only independent Awards program recognizing uses of the Internet and Information Technology across industries. GII provides the premier forum for recognizing and promoting new models and best practices in use of the Internet and network technology. For more information on the GII Awards program, including descriptions of all 11 award categories, please visit the GII site at http://www.gii.com.
An influential and well known group of people is involved with the GII Awards as Ambassadors, supporters, judges and speakers at the awards ceremony scheduled for December in New York. Among these people are Vice President Al Gore, Steven Spielberg, Nicholas Negroponte, Ann Winblad, Linda Ellerbee and Esther Dyson, among others.
What they are looking for, and think they have found in our project/site, are applications that dramatically demonstrate the power and potential of networked communications technology. Winners will be announced in special ceremonies in New York City in December.
"us" Project to assist in ISP Service to members.
August 1, 1997 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The "us" Project Inc. has made arrangements with www.delanet.com as our primary Name Server. We have also made arrangements so that for any member or client group who subscribes to DelaNET for ISP service, at the rate of $11.95 per month for unlimited access & E-Mail, The "us" Project will receive $1.00 for each subscription directly from DelaNET. This contribution will also be shared with the volunteer groups that the subscribers belong to.
We are also making arrangements to upgrade our connection from 33.6 to 56K Service in the beginning of September, and hopefully to ISDN in the 1st quarter of 1998. Our change in providers should be in place and fully functional by the end of August. We apologize in advance for any difficulty you may have in reaching "us" during this transition, but making the required changes to our InterNIC registration can take time to get properly propagated to all Servers.
"us" Project to assist "Front Money"
July 15, 1997 ...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The Board of Directors of The "us" project Inc. has have voted to establish a separate fund which will be used as a source to assist "grass roots" volunteer groups with advance money they may need to conduct fund raising or other projects that require an "up front" investment.
It has come to our attention that many times a tragedy strikes, and while dedicated volunteers are willing to help, it may take too long to raise funds that are needed quickly, or to start fund raising activities. We hope to be able to assist in these circumstances as long as we have funds available.
A special committee will be named to evaluate the needs and plans of the various applicants to insure at least a reasonable probability of repayment off interest free loans. We will begin collecting funds for distribution this fall and plan to be in a position to extend limited interest free loans at the beginning of 1998.
"us" Project to Assist Easter Seals
June 1, 1997...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. Volunteers from The "us" Project have been requested to conduct a site evaluation of the 13 Easter Seals sites in the Delaware/Maryland Area. The criteria for evaluation are varied, but include such items as accessibility, location in community, friendliness and professionalism of staff and adequacy of facilities.
This continues a long standing commitment by The "us" Project in assisting Easter Seals in their efforts to work with persons with disABILITIES. We have been tutoring many of their program participants on computer skills, BBS usage and InterNET capabilities for several years.
"us" Project to Diocese of Wilmington
March 1, 1997...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington sponsors many community service organizations through their individual parishes and through Catholic Charities. Most of these programs are available to the community at large, regardless of religious affiliation. These include Dining Rooms and Shelters for the Homeless as well as general assistance and counseling/support for anyone in need.
In an effort to assist the Diocese in their charitable community work, Volunteers from The "us" Project are compiling and publishing on this Web Site, the entire Directory of the Diocese of Wilmington, along with their organizations and individual parish work and activities.
"us" Project to Assist IOOF
January 1, 1997...Wilmington, Delaware, USA.. Because their membership is geographically spread out across many portions of the United States, Delaware Lodge #1, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has been asked to design, compile and publish a quarterly official News Letter for this tradition filled beneficial non profit organization.
The Odd Fellows have a mission to bury the dead, educate the orphan and care for the widows. They are ardent supporters and contributors to the Diabetes Association, Multiple Sclerosis, Association, Eye Care Organizations , Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Ronald McDonald House, and many other worthwhile community groups.
As a testament to the commitment for their mission, the Odd Fellows sponsor many non profit cemeteries across the United States.
The only time the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington, D.C. stop is to allow the Odd Fellows to place a wreath at the tomb. This is a singular and distinctive honor that recognizes the benevolent character and dedication of the Odd Fellows.
The News Letter will be titled "Linking Together" and is an effort to keep their long-standing members who cannot regularly attend meetings informed and in touch with their beloved Lodge. The News Letter will be published quarterly in April, July, October and January of each year. All design, compilation, photos and articles will be written and edited by volunteers from the "us" Project. For more information on Odd Fellowship, please visit http://usproject.org/IOOF.HTM. For information on subscribing to the NewsLetter please E-Mail with a subject of IOOF News.
June 1, 1996...Wilmington, Delaware, USA..Walt Mateja, Ph.D., the CEO of The "us" Project, Inc. announced that a site has been established on the World Wide Web. This makes "us" accessible to all who have an InterNet Service established. The IP address is http://199.233.93.241. An official Domain Name has been registered and will soon appear to InterNet Users as http://www.usproject.org.
The "us" InterNational Web Site will be used to publish information about The "us" Project itself, what resources it has to offer, activities and news about it's volunteer members and client groups who use its free services.
The "us" Project is a collection of individual volunteers and groups who are working with various social needs. While membership is free to individuals and groups, and no charge is made for services, volunteers are asked to share whatever resources they have to offer. These may take the form of specific talents (professional or amateur), experience with other groups, computer equipment to give others access, or simply their time and ideas.
Everyone of "us" has something to offer that someone else needs. The "us" Project is simply a vehicle to connect both ends.
Currently the resources of The "us" Project, BBS are available only through a direct call via Modem, but the BBS is a Free 24 Hr. Access System. It's File Areas are also available via File Request (FREQ) by any Local BBS that is a Member of FIDO Net and also through RIME via File Request. Contact the SysOp of your Local BBS if you are interested in a listing of our File Areas. There are also many Message Conference Areas which serve as a communication vehicle for many different subjects, and Members of The "us" Project can be contacted through FIDO, RIME, or USENet E-Mail..
The identifying Node Numbers
for The "us" Project BBS are as
follows:
FIDO 1:150/420
RIME 900:100/1563
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