Donna Kshir has been hard at work on an 11th novel, creating and publishing a series of children's books under her own publication company with co-writer Sandra Dawn Potter, mentoring high school students and opening a branch of the nonprofit organization, Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, in the community.
Dreamcatchers is a Michigan-based, 3 nonprofit organization run by two moms (Kshir and Potter) on a mission to spread the word about child abuse awareness in our society. The organization is dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of abuse, and is the largest and most used Child Abuse Resource Center in Michigan.
Dreamcatchers was founded in 2007 by Potter after her step-father, who was charged and served 15 years in prison, was released for sexually abusing her daughter.
"It's hard to believe we started with one Myspace page, and today we are Michigan's largest Child Abuse and Resource Center. Sometimes it seems surreal that we have come this far, so fast," said Kshir.
Over the last year, Kshir has worked to organize and secure funding to open a branch of Dreamcatchers for Abused Children in Clinton County which will aid in the ability to get local community outreach programs placed into action to make a difference in the lives of children throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
The question on Kshir's mind is, will the people of Clinton County area feel there is there a need for such an organization in our community?
"Most people don't realize how important child abuse education is. I have seen the effects of child abuse up close and personal," she said. "People tying their kids up with ropes and extension cords, breaking their tiny limbs, burning them with cigarettes and stabbing them with knives, ultimately scarring them for a lifetime. That is only if the kids involved are lucky enough to survive the abuse and torture without losing their lives.
"I'm not judging anyone for not knowing the facts. I, too, was uneducated on the affects of child abuse until six years ago when I met Sandi. But once I was educated, I know the only way to protect your children is to educate yourself."
Statistics show 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested by the age of 18. Every 10 seconds a child is abused in the United States and today, five children will die from abuse or neglect. Currently there are 60 million survivors of child sexual abuse, and on the average in one pedophile's lifetime he or she will affect the lives of 117 to 120 children.
"It's funny, people are always so ready to listen, but the very second they hear the word 'abuse,' the red flag goes up and they become offensive. They don't understand it's not a personal attack against them. "It's to help those children in need. Most people think, 'It (abuse) didn't happen to me or my kids so it's not my business,' but abuse is every one's business. These kids are the future leaders of tomorrow."
The Clinton County branch of Dreamcatchers is scheduled reach out to the community starting May 1. Kshir, who will run and oversee Clinton County Dreamcatchers, has many community outreach programs ready to place into action. To help fund such projects she will be selling membership cards, wristbands, T-shirts and eBooks from her bookstore. She will also ask local businesses to sponsor her.
For more information on sponsoring or supporting the Clinton County Branch of Dreamcatchers for Abused Children email Donna directly at: donnakshir12@gmail.com or visit her website at: donnakshir.weebly.com. For more on Dreamcatchers, Visit; dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dreamcatchers for Abused Children opens branch in Clinton County, Pa
Donna Kshir has been hard at work on an 11th novel, creating and publishing a series of children's books under her own publication company with co-writer Sandra Dawn Potter, mentoring high school students and opening a branch of the nonprofit organization, Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, in the community.
Dreamcatchers is a Michigan-based, 3 nonprofit organization run by two moms (Kshir and Potter) on a mission to spread the word about child abuse awareness in our society. The organization is dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of abuse, and is the largest and most used Child Abuse Resource Center in Michigan.
Dreamcatchers was founded in 2007 by Potter after her step-father, who was charged and served 15 years in prison, was released for sexually abusing her daughter.
"It's hard to believe we started with one Myspace page, and today we are Michigan's largest Child Abuse and Resource Center. Sometimes it seems surreal that we have come this far, so fast," said Kshir.
Over the last year, Kshir has worked to organize and secure funding to open a branch of Dreamcatchers for Abused Children in Clinton County which will aid in the ability to get local community outreach programs placed into action to make a difference in the lives of children throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
The question on Kshir's mind is, will the people of Clinton County area feel there is there a need for such an organization in our community?
"Most people don't realize how important child abuse education is. I have seen the effects of child abuse up close and personal," she said. "People tying their kids up with ropes and extension cords, breaking their tiny limbs, burning them with cigarettes and stabbing them with knives, ultimately scarring them for a lifetime. That is only if the kids involved are lucky enough to survive the abuse and torture without losing their lives.
"I'm not judging anyone for not knowing the facts. I, too, was uneducated on the affects of child abuse until six years ago when I met Sandi. But once I was educated, I know the only way to protect your children is to educate yourself."
Statistics show 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested by the age of 18. Every 10 seconds a child is abused in the United States and today, five children will die from abuse or neglect. Currently there are 60 million survivors of child sexual abuse, and on the average in one pedophile's lifetime he or she will affect the lives of 117 to 120 children.
"It's funny, people are always so ready to listen, but the very second they hear the word 'abuse,' the red flag goes up and they become offensive. They don't understand it's not a personal attack against them. "It's to help those children in need. Most people think, 'It (abuse) didn't happen to me or my kids so it's not my business,' but abuse is every one's business. These kids are the future leaders of tomorrow."
The Clinton County branch of Dreamcatchers is scheduled reach out to the community starting May 1. Kshir, who will run and oversee Clinton County Dreamcatchers, has many community outreach programs ready to place into action. To help fund such projects she will be selling membership cards, wristbands, T-shirts and eBooks from her bookstore. She will also ask local businesses to sponsor her.
For more information on sponsoring or supporting the Clinton County Branch of Dreamcatchers for Abused Children email Donna directly at: donnakshir12@gmail.com or visit her website at: donnakshir.weebly.com. For more on Dreamcatchers, Visit; dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com
UPrinting / Interview
(UPrinting.com –01 May 2012) On May 1, 2012, DreamCatchers, a 501© 3 that aims to bring awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect issues will open a branch/office in Clinton County Pennsylvania that will be ran by Dreamcatchers president Donna Kshir. This is the first of many DreamCatchers for Abused Children branches/offices to come.
Dreamcatchers is a member of UPrinting’s UCommunity Program. Sandra Dawn Potter, our contact at Dreamcatchers, explains their mission “DreamCatchers is dedicated to educating the public on the signs, symptoms, statics, intervention, prevention to assist victims and survivors in locating the proper resources to help achieve and enable a full recovery.”
She continues “Last year we were able to assist over 75,000 people. Just knowing that we are helping people and saving lives is my favorite thing working within this amazing organization!” DreamCatchers also recently concluded a candlelight vigil to raise child abuse awareness, on April 15 on Oklahoma City.
DreamCatchers has ordered pamphlets, brochures, as well as other print products from UPrinting.com. Says Donna “I love the fact UPrinting works within the community offering discounts to help non-profit organizations accomplish their goals.”
“We are very pleased with UPrinting. The materials we purchase are of very high quality, UPrinting offers fast shipping at a low and affordable price, the staff provides excellent and quick customer service. I highly recommend UPrinting to everyone!”
DreamCatchers for Abused Children
Address: P.O. Box 142 Peck, Michigan
Website: http://dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Save a Life Walk
Today, May 22, I was blessed with the opportunity to represent my organization and be a voice for children. I participated in the Save A Life Walk at Keller Park in efforts to end child abuse. I, along with 12 other organizations participated.
Child abuse is a huge concern in this country. I have spent the last 6 1/2 years working with Dreamcatchers for Abused Children in efforts to educate the public and end child abuse. Dreamcatchers is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, child abuse and neglect awareness organization, dedicated to educating the public on the signs, symptoms, statics, intervention, prevention to assist victims and survivors in locating the proper resources to help achieve and enable a full recovery. This wonderful organization was founded in 2007 by Sandra Dawn Potter and her husband, Phil.
Many people are uneducated on the subject and believe child abuse is not a problem. I know it can be hard to rationalize, but 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested by the age of 18. Currently there are 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse, every 10 seconds a child is abused in the United States and today, 5 children will die from abuse or neglect.
How can we as a society accept these statistics?
We can't! We can not allow these children to suffer in silence. I have worked one-on-one with abused children and their families. I have seen firsthand how abuse can cause a lifetime of trauma. I have seen these children suffer, live in fear and silence. Its heartbreaking. I know firsthand the only way to fight child abuse is to expose the truth and secrets pedophiles use to lure innocent children into their deceitful web. The public needs to know how manipulative and cruel abusers can be, how to fight back, and how to survive.
I am asking each parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother and sister to take a stand in your own community, and protect your, my and our children, and assure they, too, have a safe, happy and healthy childhood. The need for awareness education cannot be overstated.
http://www.examiner.com/article/save-a-life-walk
Donna's Volunteer Work
Donna Kshir is very well known in her community and does a lot of hands on charity work. For the last 5+ years she has been sending care packages to America's finest serving in Iraq and Afghanistan through her organization Operation: Hometown Heroes Renovo Division.
One Step Ahead of Fate is a raw 46,946 word detailed account of a young woman's dramatic story of domestic violence. Every woman dreams of meeting the perfect man, but no woman dreams of being physically and sexually abused, tortured or held hostage in their own home.
This powerful story takes our reader through the vicious cycles of abuse, shattered dreams, broken promises and the brutal reality of having to fight just to stay alive. After surviving being hit, kicked, punched, slapped, raped, stalked and beaten daily for over five years she finally manages to escape. Her road to recovery would be a long, emotional battle, but new beginnings would soon follow as she desperately struggles to regain back her life and her dignity. This must read shocking story will also provide domestic violence education, advice, tips, escape plans, hotline numbers and resources. Donna Kshir and Sandra Potter show the reality of domestic violence.
A Story of Survival hits Bestsellers List
On January 9, 2011 Donna Kshir and her co-writer Sandra Potter reached #77 on Amazon.com's Orphan's and Foster Home Books. They also reached #97 on Amazon.com's Sexual Abuse Books with their new release, "A Story of Survival" based on a young boys struggle in the foster care system.
Donna is now on iTunes
Donna Kshir's books are now available on iTunes.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/breaking-the-silence/id465778392?mt=11
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