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Every Monday at 9:00amAbout the Show
Jaws of Justice Radio
It is the intention of Jaws of Justice Radio to investigate how to achieve justice in America, this includes issues of economic injustice, political injustice and the criminal justice system. We want to put a human face on those caught in the grasp of injustice and those that are part of an unjust system. We strive to dispel the misconceptions created by the news and entertainment industry, politicians and our educational system.
Dr Madeline Douglas – Director of Residential and Administrative Services at Niles Home For Children
On this edition host Melvin Merritt talks with Dr Madeline Douglas about Niles Home For Children and her own organization Glory Train Community Mobile Ministries. Listen in for Dr Douglas’s words of wisdom gather over many years of service to children and families in our area.
Dr. Madelyne Douglas – Director of Residential and Administrative Services
[email protected]
Niles Home has been a safe haven for children since 1883, when Samuel Eason, an African-American bricklayer, began caring for homeless and orphaned children he found in his neighborhood near the historic 18th and Vine area. In 1896, the organization was incorporated under the name of the “Colored People’s Charity Association.” After Mr. Eason’s passing in the early 1900’s, Dr. Katherine B. Richardson, founder of Children’s Mercy Hospital, and other civic-minded citizens launched a campaign to build a new home to serve the needs of homeless children. In 1924, local philanthropists Frank and Emma Niles donated land and constructed a mansion to house up to 100 children on the same site as the current facility on East 23rd Street.
In the 1960’s, the agency evolved from a custodial home to a residential treatment center to serve children with emotional problems. Also during that time, the agency made a decision to open its services to children of all races. Through the Residential program, Niles now serves as state-appointed foster parent for up to 33 children at a time. These children have suffered trauma caused by abuse, neglect and abandonment.
In 1987, Niles Prep Behavioral Management and Day Treatment was created to serve Niles residents and area students from surrounding school districts needing academic, emotional and behavioral intervention.
Niles Home for Children, Inc.
1911 East 23rd Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64127
Office Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm M-F
Office Telephone: (816) 241-3448
website – http://www.nileshomekc.org/
Richard Wexler – National Coalition For Child Protection Reform
We stay with our theme of helping children by replaying an interview Elisa Brietenbach did with Richard Wexler, founder of the National Coalition For Child Protection Reform back in 2010. Richard has dedicated his life to reform of the Foster Care System in this country. He feels the system as instituted in most states ensnares children and provides a monetary incentive to keep them in foster care instead of heal the family.
National Coalition For Child Protection Reform
For decades, America has engaged in a public monologue about child abuse. One group of think-alike self-proclaimed “experts” has sought and received enormous public attention. They have painted a distorted picture of child maltreatment and encouraged us to create the failed system we have today.
These “experts,” whose 19th Century counterparts proudly called themselves “child savers” tell us that we have a choice: Engage in massive destruction of families or accept the deaths of innocent children. In fact, the system they have created has given us both.
The professional community has been divided about how to deal with child abuse from the outset. We know that a system can be created which disrupts far fewer families, keeps far more children out of our destructive system of foster care, and protects more children from harm at the hands of their parents.
In the fall of 1991, experts in the field held a conference at Harvard Law School to organize a new group to take the case for child protection reform to the public. The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform is the result of that conference. We are committed to seeking comprehensive change in the child protective system. We do not seek this change because the system hurts parents. We seek this change because the system hurts children. Our hope is to turn the public monologue about child abuse into a dialogue.
National Coalition for Child Protection Reform
53 Skyhill Road (Suite 202), Alexandria VA 22314
Phone -703-212-2006
website – http://nccpr.info/
Calendar of Events January 5, 2015
The Criminal Justice Task Force will meet Monday, January 5th from 6:45 to 8:45 pm at the Church of the Good Shepard, 4947 Chouteau Drive, KCMO. They will be discussing the new challenges for the 2015 Missouri Legislature. Their main goal is to reform Missouri’s sentencing laws that deal with Life Without Parole and Long Term Sentencing. They ask that you bring a friend and non perishable food items for the church Back Pack Program for school children in need. For information contact Robin Johnson at 816-522-4081 or email: [email protected]
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You are invited to join Communities Creating Opportunity take action at the Missouri capitol on Jan 7th and call on our elected officials to make human dignity and human life the priority in 2015. Together we can move Medicaid expansion and real criminal justice reform forward and bring relief to our people. Buses will leave from Kansas City Wednesday, Jan 7th, 2015 at 7am. Please meet at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 2310 Linwood, KCMO. To find out how to reserve your spot call 816-221-9900 or online at http://tiny.cc/j7rsvp
The Kansas City Chapter of Missourian’s For Alternatives to the Death Penalty will meet Tuesday, January 6th, from 6:30 to 8pm at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut, KCMO. They will be discussing their lobby day in Jefferson City set for Jan 21st and the scheduled execution of Marcellus Williams on January 28.
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The Greater Kansas City Radio and TV Broadcaster Ascertainment gives your group, business or institution the opportunity to get your message out to the greater Kansas City community. These quarterly meetings with the media lets you tell your story, promote your fundraiser, promote your cause and hopefully get some coverage in the locaal media. For more information contact Kathy Hannis, Assertainment Coordinator, at Entertainment Plus Public Relations 913-362-6632. email – Kathy Hanis ;
