Dress A Girl in the Spotlight: The Catholic Courier

The Catholic Courier took some beautiful shots of our last Dress A Girl event.
You can check them out, HERE

Our next DRESS A GIRL

Our next DRESS A GIRL is at St. Cecilia's.

Last month Elizabeth Reyes, from the City Schools Homeless Education Program spoke to us.  Attached is  flyer regarding the WISH LIST for the children.  Originally we were going to have 2 weeks for drop off, but please note: if you have items now and want to bring to DRESS A GIRL...please feel free to do so.

Several of our DAG volunteers have expressed a desire to bring a dish to pass and have asked what we need.  We have decided to welcome your generosity.  

We will be providing...
         The Main Entree and Salad and beverages. 
 If anyone would like to bring FRUIT, munchies (appetizers) or a dessert, please email me before  or email Gigi atgeorgianabondi@yahoo.com,

Blessings to all---and remember to stay cool!!!!  Please bring a friend and lets have a great day!!!

Love,
Mary Jo

SLAVERY IN AMERICA IS NOT DEAD – IT JUST LOOKS DIFFERENT

Please feel free to forward this invitation to all of your friends!  

Hope you can join us as we help STOP THE TRAFFICKING and END THE CYCLE of violence and abuse!

Human trafficking in America is spinning out of control:

#      Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor - a modern-day form of slavery.  It is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world; it is estimated that trafficking generates $32 billion annually.

#      34 - The number of children that are forced into the horrific world of child sex trafficking every single hour , right here in the United States of America.  Children are enslaved in human trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion.

#       The United States has become one of the top destinations in the world for child sex trafficking. New York is one of the top destinations in the U.S. for trafficking. 

Who is at risk?  The average age a child is first exploited is 13 years old.

#      Runaways - 1.7 million runaways in the US.  >200,000 sex trafficked each year.  1 in 3 children will be picked up by traffickers and forced into prostitution within only 48 hours of being on the street. 

#      Kids in the foster system - 80% of foster kids who age out of foster care end up homeless within 2 months

#      Homeless children – did you know that there are 2000 homeless children in the Rochester City School District?

#      Victims of prior abuse – 1 in 5 American girls will be abused by the time they turn 18.   50% of shelter youth have been trafficked, and 70% of trafficked victims have experienced physical or sexual abuse in their homes.

#      Our daughters, sisters, granddaughters are all vulnerable – Kids are especially susceptible to the deception and manipulation of traffickers.  The internet has made trafficking easier than ever.

Who are the traffickers?

#        Many human traffickers have switched from drug trafficking because human trafficking is far more profitable, and the penalties are less harsh than for drugs.

#      Traffickers are very smart; they know the laws and are usually very likeable.  However, they control victims through intimidation, manipulation, physical violence-even torture, establishing daily quotas, or withholding food. They often threaten the victim’s family.

#      Traffickers prey on teens’ desire for romance and adventure and will promise an exciting, stress-free life.

What can YOU do to help?  We CAN make a difference

#      EDUCATE YOURSELF, your loved ones, and friends.  Learn about human trafficking from the websites below.  Attend a local Trafficking Awareness Event..  Check the Angels of Mercy website for an event near you.  SHARE  the warning signs with all of the teens you know.

#      STOP THE DEMAND FOR SEX WITH CHILDREN  - If you are a man, commit to avoiding all contact with pornography, prostitution, and sexual entertainment – nearly all participants in these industries are trafficking victims, regardless of their age.

#      Anything you do to mentor and minister to at-risk children and youth will reduce their risk of being trafficked.

#      Participate in efforts to create more beds to shelter and restore minor sex trafficking survivors.

Resources: 

Angelsofmercyny.org     SharedHope.org     ForesakenGeneration.com     WorldHope.org

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (missingkids.com) 1-800-THE-LOST

Stop the Trafficking - End the Cycle 5K Run/Walk

Dear Friends of Angels of Mercy,

Please consider sponsoring and participating in our first annual 5K Run/Walk supporting the mission of Angels of Mercy.

Your contribution will ensure that Angels of Mercy will achieve its objective, to
Stop the Trafficking and End the Cycle of abuse and violence against women, girls and young children.

Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the United States and sex trafficking is estimated to surpass the drug trade in less than five years.

We need leaders to step up, be official advocates, and help save lives.  Young women are brutalized by this horrific crime, right here in our own backyards.

We also need volunteers to spread the word and help us in our effort to make this a very successful event.

Thank you for helping us raise awareness, transform lives, and end the cycle.  You can make a DIFFERENCE!!!


WHEN:     Saturday, September 28, 2013
WHERE:     Meridian Centre Park, 2025 S. Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14618

HOW TO REGISTER: log onto                   www.angelsofmercyny.org           right under Upcoming Events you will see Stop the Trafficking -
             End the Cycle
             5K Run/Walk     click on that and you will be able to register yourself, start a team and get any info you want.  This will bring you to Active.com

With Blessings,
Mary Jo