Youth Off The Streets’ Post

A Sobering Reality: Supporting Families in Our Communities and World. Recently, I had the privilege of following up the end-of-year and Christmas program for widows in my small community, Ru-Ndele, under the auspices of a local foundation. What I discovered left me deeply moved and troubled—a staggering and verified count of nearly 1,000 widows in a community that many would consider small. This number compelled me to reflect on the underlying causes and the profound challenges faced by families when a man—often the breadwinner—passes away. My further research uncovered two painful truths: 1. The African Man’s Struggle The responsibility to provide, protect, defend, and elevate his family is immense for the average African man. This task is further compounded by economic instability, societal expectations, and the unrelenting pressure to meet standards set by political elites who often flaunt their wealth. This burden takes a significant toll, reducing the life expectancy of the average African man by at least 10 years. Those years, which could have been spent creating cherished memories, imparting wisdom, and sharing laughter with their children, are lost to stress and overexertion. 2. The Widow’s Fight for Survival When a man passes away, the challenges for his wife are magnified. Many women, suddenly thrust into widowhood, are unprepared for the void left behind. Without the necessary skills, empowerment, or resources, they are left to navigate life’s complexities alone. This struggle can persist for years, leading to confusion, despair, and an uphill battle to provide for their families. This harsh reality calls for action. Let us remember that every little effort counts. Light up your neighborhood, your community, and the world in whatever ways you can. The struggle within many families is real, but it becomes infinitely harder when the man is no longer there. Humanity Nest , we take this act more serious than you can imagine, we consider it a mission and a vision. The App and Community Mini Donation/ Food Pantry Centers (CMDFPC) prevents disaster during aid distribution. Together, we can build a society where no family, widow or child is left in the shadows. #HumanityNest #CommunityCare #SDGGoals

Francine Katsoudas shared a powerful post spotlighting a heartbreaking reality: 4.2 million youth and teens experience homelessness in the U.S. 💔 As we approach a season of gratitude and giving, let’s consider redirecting some of our resources to impact these young lives. By giving, you can: - Support young people escaping human trafficking and finding safety - Offer hope to those who feel the world has left them behind - Transform spare change into essential shelter, clothing, and protection for those most vulnerable One less pizza, T-shirt, or streaming movie could mean the world to someone without a safe place to sleep. Be a holiday hero—better yet, become a monthly hero! With monthly support, you can keep hope alive for young people who desperately need it, which is an eternal investment with unprecedented ROI. Believe it or not, the most significant difference often comes from everyday people with a heart for those in need. Together, we can make change happen. https://lnkd.in/g7mmfmKP Steve Gatena Ryan Sick Covenant House International

MYTH versus FACT MYTH: Homelessness only affects adults FACT: In the US, approximately 1 in 30 children experience homelessness each year, with around 3.5 million children affected. Additionally, nearly 20% of the homeless population consists of families with children, emphasizing that many babies, children, and teens face homelessness. When you support Crisis House, you're helping us further our reach to serve the families who need support the most. As the year begins to come to a close, please consider a donation of any amount to help us sustain our mission. Every person and family deserves a safe place to call home. Visit the link in our bio for more information or email impact@crisishouse.org to make a difference. #homelessness #homeless #domesticviolence #abuse #survivors #safehousing #permanenthousing #community #sandiego #

On this #WorldChildrensDay2024, under the theme#ListenToTheFuture, we must confront the uncomfortable truth about our justice system and its impact on children. Are we truly listening to the future when we allow a system to perpetuate cycles of trauma and hardship? The incarceration of mothers—often for acts of survival or self-defence against relentless abuse—raises critical questions about our commitment to the best interests of the child. Each time a mother is taken away, we are not just severing a vital bond; we are sentencing her children to a future marked by stigma, instability, and emotional turmoil. As we advocate for a world that listens to children and prioritises their well-being, we must confront the systemic flaws that perpetuate their suffering. We must stand together to demand justice that is not only equitable but also sensitive to the realities faced by families. Let us be the voices for those who cannot speak, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. On this #WorldChildrensDay2024, let us commit to actively listening to the future—because their voices today will shape the world we all share tomorrow. A thought-provoking article on this issue is available at this link: https://lnkd.in/dWTdKmkE Join us as we continue our fight for the protection of mothers and their children during and post-incarceration by donating to our cause: https://lnkd.in/d7Kq-AyG #Decrminisalisepettyoffences #listentothefuture #childrensrights #Worldchildrensday2024

There are seven days left until Christmas a time to reflect on how charity is more than just an act of giving. It’s about genuine care, compassion, and extending a hand to those who need it most. Charity is rooted in love and affection, as shown by figures like Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity, who dedicated their lives to serving those society often overlooks. Their work reminds us that charity isn’t about waiting for others to seek help but stepping forward to meet their needs with grace and humanity. Closer to home, organizations like Shower the People in Nashville embody this spirit by providing mobile showers and laundry services to those experiencing homelessness. Their work reminds us that charity is about more than donations—it’s about restoring dignity and offering essentials with compassion. Just like the innkeeper who found space for Mary and Joseph or the Good Samaritan who stopped to help, small actions can create a ripple effect of kindness and hope. At its heart, charity reflects the spirit of seeing beyond oneself to care for the vulnerable. Often, it’s not about solving every problem but doing what we can with what we have and making a meaningful impact on someone’s life. As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s remember that charity is about showing up for others in ways that truly matter. Whether it’s giving time, resources, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture counts. This season, let’s “go and do likewise,” carrying the spirit of charity into our workplaces and communities. #KindnessMatters #LeadershipThroughService #SeasonOfGiving https://lnkd.in/g3Yg5kjG

Today is RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS DAY 🎉 I would like to encourage everyone who sees this post to do a random act of kindness this weekend. Here is a list of some acts of kindness • Paying for a stranger’s food bill. • Giving a homeless person food or money. • Checking in on your elderly relatives or neighbours. • Donating to charities like ours https://lnkd.in/ePCsqsn8 • Complimenting people. • Offering your services to someone who may not be able to afford them otherwise but would benefit from them. • Sharing a word of encouragement with someone. • Giving a bunch of flowers 💐 to a stranger & tell them it’s random act of kindness day (pass it on 😊)… you just never know what someone is going through and that random act of kindness, could be the very thing that uplifts them and changed the course of their life! So your challenge; should you wish to accept it is 1- Share this post and 2- Do at least 1 random act of kindness this weekend 🥰💐

Let’s Remember the Homeless This Christmas As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas, let us pause to remember those less fortunate, the homeless men, women, and children who will face tomorrow with nowhere to go for shelter or warmth. While many enjoy the comfort of home, a warm meal, and the joy of togetherness, tomorrow will be particularly challenging for those experiencing homelessness. With businesses and shelters closed for the holiday, the struggle to stay warm and safe becomes even more urgent. This Christmas, let us open our hearts and extend our compassion. Here are a few ways we can help: 🎁 Donate a body warmer: If you see a homeless person offer them  a body warmer. They sell body warmers that you can wear around your neck to keep your body warm for about $20 at Walmart and Target. They run on batteries so no electricity is needed. 🍽️ Share Your Resources: If you see a homeless person or family share a meal with them. 💌 Support Local Organizations: Research and donate to groups in your community working tirelessly to provide resources for the homeless. 💭 Raise Awareness: Share posts like this to remind others of the ongoing needs of our homeless population. Christmas is a time of giving and reflection. As we celebrate the season, let us embody its true spirit by showing kindness, generosity, and care for those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference, not just tomorrow, but every day. How will you spread hope and warmth this Christmas? Share your ideas below. #Compassion #HomelessnessAwareness #ChristmasGiving #KindnessMatters 

Today, we join the world in recognising International Missing Children's Day. Every year, countless children go missing around the world, leaving behind devastated families and communities. In 2022 alone, millions of children were reported missing globally, with staggering numbers such as 83,350 in India, 94,200 in Germany, and 359,094 in the United States (International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children) Each of these children has a story, a dream, and a family yearning for their return. Their absence leaves a void, a constant reminder that they are still loved and actively searched for. At Space 2 Grow, we refuse to let these children be forgotten. We raise our voices for the voiceless, shining a light on the darkness of their absence. Every child deserves to be safe, to be loved, to be found. The heartache of a missing child is unimaginable. This day allows us to show our support and offer hope to those families who haven't given up. We understand the complexities of battling this. By developing empathetic strategies and impactful programs, we help our partners provide sustainable support to survivors. Now here is what you can do: 👉Stay Informed: Learn about the issue and spread awareness. 👉Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups dedicated to finding missing children. 👉Be Vigilant: Keep an eye out in your community and report anything suspicious. Behind every statistic is a child. Behind every name is a story. Let’s ensure these stories don’t end in silence. #InternationalMissingChildrensDay #FindEveryChild #Childprotection

April the 12th is International Day for Street Children - a special day acknowledging the strength and resilience of street children around the world. When we lived in Costa Rica I had a contract with Toybox, a charity helping children connected to the streets in Central and South America. I was contracted to undertake an evaluation of the child protection frameworks of El Salvador. During this project, I learned about the factors which forced children to live on the street. Family breakdown, poverty, parental bereavement. Also, El Salvador had legislated to close their children's homes and relocate children back with family, even if families couldn’t provide a safe and nurturing home. These families struggled to provide the care and support and so the children became dependent on the streets for their basic needs. Many left El Salvador, crossed into neighbouring countries to find safety, food and networks. Sadly, Tāmaki Makaurau has our own street connected children. Sometimes called homeless children, sometimes couch surfers. Lifewise Trust tells us that half of Aotearoa’s homeless population are under 25. That’s about 20,0000 young people. There is a day for everything these days, I hear you! But I’ll be making a donation to Lifewise this week for their awesome work to house the homeless young people in our city. What can the Local Board do: Be curious about the factors that push kids out of their homes and onto the streets Learn who the providers are supporting young people, and support them! Listen to young people. As elected members, are we accessible to homeless young people? How can they tell us their needs if we’re not accessible to listen Understand local boards responsibilities to uphold UNCROC. Unicef offers a child's rights impact assessment tool for Local Government. https://lnkd.in/gRX4tXYH 

🌟 Change Starts Here: Your Role in Ending Family Violence 🌟 Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? Bring Niki Gent, a renowned trauma specialist from Family and Child Consultants, to your workplace for a transformative session on ending family violence. Why have Niki come and speak at your workplace? Learn Direct Actions: Discover practical steps beyond financial contributions to help stop family violence. Empower Your Team: Equip your staff with the knowledge to advocate for safety and support in both personal and professional environments. Build a Supportive Community: Create a workplace culture that understands the signs of family violence and knows how to act on them. Cost: Absolutely FREE (Travel contributions appreciated) Target Audience: Builders, Lawyers, NFPs, Charities, International Corporations, and more. Location: Your own office or preferred venue Hear from Those Who've Benefitted: "After Niki Gent's session at our company, we were all incredibly inspired. She opened our eyes to what we can actively do to combat family violence. No question was off-limits, making it a truly engaging and enlightening experience." – BLOOM Building Services, Melbourne. Book Today! Give us a call at 1300 789 649 to schedule a session. Let's take a stand together and foster a safer community. #ChangeStartsHere #EndFamilyViolence #CorporateResponsibility