A special thank you to the sponsors of this event goes out to the Administration on Aging. We also want to thank the Prince Georges County Police TRIAD Officers, and the staff from the Department of Family Services, for coming out and showing your support and helping with this event. Everyone had a wonderful time again this year. Thank you, one and all.

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) had its 5th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

This day is held in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action which recognizes the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Many organizations ranging from religious groups and government organizations to professionals in the field of aging, interested individuals as well as older persons themselves will promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by organizing activities around the world to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day was celebrated at “The Mall at Prince George’s” in Hyattsville, Maryland and at the “Iverson Mall” in Temple Hills, Maryland. There were numerous information booths manned by the Prince Georges County Office of the Sheriff Triad Officers, Prince George’s County Police Department, State’s Attorney Office, Maryland Crime Victim’s Resource Center, Inc., The Office of 911, Prince George’s County Health Department, Register of Wills, Prince George’s County Fire Department /EMS, and the Department of Social Services etc. They were assisted by their Explorers who ran the “BINGO” games for the participating seniors. Seniors were informed about neglect, Abuse, Financial Crimes, Scams, Identity Theft and what to look for in everyday situations. They were given health screenings, door prizes and some even had their finger prints done at this event.

Everyone had a wonderful time and they are looking forward to another great event next year.  A special thanks goes out to Lorna Jones and Cindy Buie-Brown for their hard work and dedication to Prince Georges County TRIAD.

Please join them in their efforts to raise community awareness of crime victim services and prevention as they celebrate Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness, Dignity & Respect. Your organization’s attendance and participation will be greatly appreciated. A table will be provided for your organization to share brochures, pamphlets, handouts etc., (at no cost). This event will allow you the opportunity to embrace the many victims that are in need of your services, while informing the community of your organization’s services. Please contact Tenna Kirk if you would like to make a reservation for your organization and request a table. Tina Kirk can be reached via email at tkirk@lancaster-tx.com .

This event is free and open to the public. Many awards and prizes will be distributed.

For additional information regarding this event, you may contact Nakeya Fincher, Crime Victim Assistance Coordinator at 972-218-2751 or email her at nfincher@lancaster-tx.com.

Officer Caughlin attended the Crime Stoppers Convention that was held January 13 – 15, 2010 at the Imperial Palace Casino in Biloxi, MS. During the convention he was able to share information about the 911 Cell Phone Bank with the Sheriffs from multiple counties, Police Departments, and even some of the U.S. Marshalls. This event was open for the State, County and Federal levels only. He really got the word out there and it was well received. We really want to thank him for his tireless efforts he has demonstrated with our program. This is just some of the things he has done that I wanted to share with you to help you out with your collection efforts. It only takes making a first step. Thank you again Officer Caughlin and a big thank you to the entire community of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

This was submitted by Elynne Greene, Victim Services Supervisor and Human Trafficking Task Force Director of the LVMPD.  Thank you Elynne…

In law enforcement, we are often in a reactive mode, rather than a proactive one.  Citizens can’t file a police report or request an investigation of a crime that hasn’t happened.  LVMPD has a very talented Crime Prevention Section in each of our Area Commands.  Now, we have another resource to help prevent crime which is the Catholic Charities. We have partnered with them on behalf of vulnerable seniors.  Over the last two weeks, we have distributed 20 phones throughout Clark County to homebound and vulnerable senior citizens without a home phone.  Many of these individuals also have medical issues and must rely on neighbors to call for help if they become ill! 

The emergency phones we receive from the 911 Cell Phone Bank are being provided with large print information about community resources and instructions for using the phones.  While we have had firsthand experience of the impact of one of these 911 cell phones saving a potential victim’s life, the ability to provide these phones as a lifeline and preventative tool for our vulnerable citizens is truly a gift! 

Recently I received an email from one of my clients that has been partnered with us for over two years. It literally gave me goose bumps after reading it. The little things we do can have a big impact on others. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy helping others.

Here is the success story Elynne Greene, the Victim’s Services Supervisor with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shared with me.

Elynne provided a 911 Cell Phone Bank emergency cell phone to a very high risk victim of domestic violence.  Her abuser, who has been in and out of prison, had become very adept at avoiding the police, avoiding service of protection orders and getting through the courts with reduced charges. She had just about given up hope when she was given the emergency cell phone.

One investigator expressed the concern that it only calls 911. With the inability to locate the cell phone or even call back after it was disconnected, he really didn’t see the value of the phone. His final words were ”well it is better than nothing”.

That night, the abuser showed up at her residence. Before entering, he cut the wires to the landline phone so she could not dial 911. She quickly grabbed her emergency cell phone, ran into the bedroom and dialed 911. He had no idea that she would have access to a cell phone and as a result he was arrested and she is alive today!

Please bring your old cell phones and receive a raffle ticket for every phone you turn in. Please go to www.noahsanimalhouse.org  and click on “donations” to see Noah’s Animal House wish list.  For each item you bring, you will receive a raffle ticket for that as well. There will be a silent auction, raffle items and of course top prizes for the top scoring bowlers and much, much more! Donation of all kinds are encouraged and accepted. 

Special rates includes: Shoes, 3 games (per player) and a gift. Call Elynne Greene at (702) 828-3266 for more information.

Recently Eric was in contact with the Lakewood Police Department and told them what he has been doing for the community. He found that this is exactly what they were in need of; a program that provided seniors and victims with emergency phones. Within minutes of ending my conversation with Eric, Karen Herritt, the Neighborhood Patrol Officer (whom expressed a great concern for her community) called me and discussed  the needs and her desires for Lakewood.

Karen Herritt would like to personally thank Eric and the entire staff at Goodwill Industries of Tacoma for all they have done thus far.