 DATE: Thursday, May 16, 2013
TIME: *5:30pm to 8:30pm
LOCATION: Compassionate Families, Inc., 218 Broad Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, (904) 354-0007
May 2013 CFI Family Support Group Topic "SURVIVING THE AFTERMATH OF HOMICIDE", please join us Thursday evening, May 16, 2013, as we continue discussing the hurdles that come with life after the tragic and violent loss of loved one.
THE INTENSITY OF HOMICIDE GRIEF
Please join us Thursday evening as we continue discussing the hurdles that come with life after the tragic and violent loss of loved one.
In recent meetings we discussed many topics regarding the emotions that follow the violent loss of a loved one. Including…
- Guilt associated with sudden loss. Things we wish we had done and said along with things we wished we hadn't.
- Long investigations and communication problems with detectives.
- Understanding the judicial process and what to expect. The difference between pretrials, hearings, motions, arraignments, etc.
- The struggles of those left behind. How can parents, couples, children, siblings, relatives, and friends cope with losing someone unexpectedly and violently?
- Ways of coping with birthdays and anniversaries.
This month we will continue those topics and others including the intensity of homicide grief. Grief as a result of homicide is very different than other types of grief. It adds elements of turmoil, distrust, injustice, and helplessness among other things. If you can relate to these feelings please join us this week as we work together and support each other.
Our Family Support Group is held at our office (218 N. Broad Street) & includes light refreshments. We encourage anyone affected by homicide to come down and spend the evening with others that can relate to the tragic loss of a loved one due to homicide. Light refreshments will be provided. Please note that our support meetings are “OPEN DOOR” and participants are welcome to arrive and leave as their schedule permits any time.
*PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN "OPEN DOOR" MEETING YOU'RE ENCOURAGED TO ARRIVE ANYTIME BETWEEN 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM!
YOU CAN ALSO SUBSCRIBE (RSS) AND/OR VISIT THE "NEWS & EVENTS" SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE @ http://compassionatefamilies.org/cfi-news--events.html TO KEEP POSTED!
TO KEEP POSTED ON ALL CFI NEWS & EVENTS PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, BY USING THE AVAILABLE LINK SIGN-UP AVAILABLE ON THE TOP RIGHT SIDE OF THIS SCREEN! IF YOU USE THE SOCIAL MEDIA (FACEBOOK) YOU CAN ALSO GOTO www.facebook.com/CFIJax ! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE, STAY INFORMED & JOIN US TODAY!
 2013 CFI Victims Rights' Week Candlelight Vigil (NCVRW) 2013 CFI Victims' Rights Week Candlelight Vigil, open to ALL!
We would love the support & respect for the Families! If you are unable to attend our Jacksonville Vigil we encourage that each of you find a local event in your area but we would love to have you join us on Thursday April 25, 2013 in Jacksonville!
April 21 - 27 is 2013 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Compassionate Families will be participating in a number of events including our Annual CFI Candlelight Vigil to honor victims of homicide, Thursday, April 25, 2013 5:30 PM Musical Prelude, 6:00 PM Program, Downtown Jacksonville's Hemming Park @ City Hall.
Each April since 1981, OVC has helped lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will begin National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with the Annual National Candlelight Observance in Washington, DC.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @ www.facebook.com/CFIJax and SUBSCRIBE (RSS) TO KEEP POSTED on ALL LOCAL CFI EVENTS!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead (1901-1978)
www.facebook.com/events/467302046660575/www.ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovccalendar/
The Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council (VAAC) is seeking award nominations for the 29th annual observation of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April. Each year VAAC awards individuals and organizations for their hard work and dedication to victims in our community. The award categories are:
* Courageous Victim
* Outstanding Victim Advocate
* Judicial Victim Advocate
* Law Enforcement Victim Advocate and Media
Please take a moment to nominate someone or someplace that has helped you, your family or other victims you know. Below is all the info and for official VAAC Nomination Form please print attached form.. Thank you! NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
ANNUAL AWARDS NOMINATION FORM
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
THEME: NEW CHALLENGES - NEW SOLUTIONS
APRIL 21 - APRIL 27, 2013
The Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council (VAAC) will sponsor the 29th annual observation of National Victims’ Rights Week in Jacksonville. Individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievements above and beyond their daily responsibilities on behalf of crime victims and victims’ rights will be recognized. The Mayor’s VAAC will present victims’ rights awards in the following categories:
- COURAGEOUS VICTIM – A victim of crime who has shown the courage to speak out and make a difference regarding fair treatment of victims in the criminal justice system and in our community.
- OUTSTANDING VICTIM ADVOCATE – A person or organization that has demonstrated excellence, compassion, and dedication in working for the welfare of victims, improvement of victims’ services, and protection of victims’ rights.
- JUDICIAL VICTIM ADVOCATE – An individual (prosecutor, judge, or other judicial professional) who has demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to victims’ rights.
- LAW ENFORCEMENT VICTIM ADVOCATE – An individual (police officer, correctional officer or other professional) who has demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to victims’ rights.
- MEDIA – An individual, corporation or organization that has demonstrated respect for the dignity of victims of crime and sensitivity to victim issues.
A VAAC Selection Committee will choose the winner in each category. Winners will be honored at our Annual Awards luncheon on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 during Victims’ Rights Week. Persons submitting nominations may be contacted for additional information and/or to present the awards.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Please print & submit a nomination (attached below) form for the one most outstanding candidate of your choice in one category on the official nomination form. You may nominate more than one person. However, please complete a separate nomination form for each person. Your Nominee can be a paid professional, a volunteer, or an organization. Include at least two (2) of the following general areas of consideration in your nomination:
1. Uniqueness of Contribution
2. Impact of Service on/in the Community
3. Amount of Time Spent on this Achievement
DEADLINE: Friday, April 5, 2013Direct all inquiries to: Nicoa Garrettnicoa@coj.net
Fax: (904) 255-1069
FCSL Criminal Law Society (The Florida Bar YLD Law Student Division, Hispanic American Law Student Association & Criminal Law Society) will be hosting a Cornhole and Bingo Tournament “Raising the Bar” event on Saturday, February 16th, 2013, to benefit Compassionate Families, Inc., a local Non-Profit Organization that serves the needs of all homicide survivors in Northeast Florida. They provide individuals with immediate and long-term support, grief recovery assistance, and life rebuilding skills founded on a unique peer support and counseling program.
The price for participating in the Cornhole tournament is $10.00 a team. Bingo cards will be sold for $1.00 per card at the door. Compassionate Families will also accept any donations the day of the event. All proceeds from the event will benefit Compassionate Families. This event will also provide law students the opportunity to meet and network with local attorneys and other members of the legal community.
For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/413349765420729/
It’s always nice to ring in the New Year, with family & friends, yet be responsible when drinking, be alert of others, and be helpful prevent someone from driving under the influence by taking their keys, providing a cab home, and talk to others about taking steps to invite your guest to car pool with designated drivers. Make a proactive effort to inform and talk to others of the dangers of drinking and driving, maybe your influence could prevent someone from drinking and driving this New Years. The end of the Year shouldn’t mean the end of your life! That’s why on this New Year’s law enforcement will be cracking down on impaired driving as a part of the ongoing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign cracking down on impaired driving through increased sobriety checkpoints, roving and saturation patrols, and other enforcement methods.
The Facts…
* According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,885 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2010. Thirty-one percent (10,228) of those fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.* The holiday season is particularly dangerous. During December 2010, 2,597 people lost their lives in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and 30 percent (775) involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
* Data further shows that over two-thirds (71%) of those killed in December 2010 were in alcohol-impaired crashes where a driver tested at a blood alcohol concentration of .15 grams per deciliter and above.
* During December 2010, 25 people were killed in impaired-driving crashes per day on average.
* Nighttime driving is the most deadly. Seventy-eight percent of the alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes during December 2010 were driving from 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.
* Data further shows that during December 2010, 45 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes from 12 a.m. to 2:59 a.m. had BACs of .15 g/dL or higher.
* Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually.
Break the Law, Face the Consequences
* If you break the law, you face jail time, the loss of your driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work
* Law enforcement will have zero tolerance for those who don’t obey the law. If you choose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses.
* It is illegal in 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher.
* Refusing to take an alcohol breath test in many jurisdictions may resut in the loss of your license on the spot and enhanced penalities, not to mention that having to inform family, friends, and your employerthat you lost your license will add to your embarrassment and humiliation.
Three Simple Ways to Prevent a Tragedy
* Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not drive. Designate a sober driver or arrange another safe way home.
* If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, use public transportation, or call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
* Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
Wishing all of you a wonderful and SAFE NEW YEAR!
THIS NEW YEARS PLEASE, THINK AHEAD & PLAN TODAY FOR TOMORROW!
AAA AUTO CLUB & BUD LIGHT "TOW TO GO"
Phone: (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246
Hours: 2012 "Tow to Go" Holiday Schedule
"Tow to Go" is Providing "FREE" Services during the Holidays (December 21st -January 1st) - Cost: FREE
Details: "FREE" and open to both AAA members and non-members (100% confidential)
Call 1 (800) AAA-HELP — the call will be directed to a ERS Call Center
The AAA tow truck takes the vehicle and the driver safely home
DESIGNATED DRIVERS OF JACKSONVILLE
Phone: (904) 639-5250
Hours: 24/7 - Cost: $
Details: A driver drives you home in your own vehicle; bar hopping drivers are also available
DUI PATROL
Phone: (904) 655-4666
Hours: 7p.m. - 2:30a.m Sunday-Thursday, 4p.m.-3a.m. Friday-Saturday - Cost: $
Details: A driver drives you home in your own vehicle
BEMYDD
Phone: 1-877-U-BEMYDD or 1-877-823-6933
Hours: 24/7 - Cost:$
Details: Designated Driver Service - Reserve a personal driver in advance to meet you at your location OR Pickup You AND Your Car Service - If you've already driven somewhere and decide for whatever reason you shouldn’t be driving home, BeMyDD's
pickup service is your solution.
For More Information on each of these programs links have been provided below for your convenience:  Sober Ride
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a listing of sober/safe ride programs across the country. Please feel free to clink the AAA link provided to find one in your area, and save the number in your cell phone so you always have it on you.
CFI's 2012 Christmas Candlelight Vigil is quickly approaching; mark your calendars for this Very Special Event. You, your family, and friends are ALL invited to join us in friendship and love as we honor our lost loved ones with this very special vigil during this Holiday Season!
Following the program in the Ruth Lindsay Auditorium (125 W Ashley St., Jacksonville, FL 32202), we will be gathering for Fellowship & Refreshments in the adjacent dining area, you are welcomed to bring a side dish representing a Family Christmas Tradition or a Favorite of Your Loved One!
Parking will be available in the Preschool Parking Garage (entrance on Laura between Church & Ashley, 520 Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202).
Please feel free to post any questions you might have on the Christmas Vigil event wall or if needed you are encouraged to call our office at (904) 354-0007!Thursday, December 20, 20126:30PM Musical Prelude ~ 7:00PM Program Begins
~ First Baptist Church Jacksonville ~Program - Ruth Lindsay Auditorium, 125 W Ashley St., Jacksonville, FL 32202Parking - Preschool Parking Garage, 520 Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202www.facebook.com/CFIJaxcfi@compassionatefamilies.org
 Annual Meeting 2012 & Family Support Meeting
Sunday, October 21, 2012, Gathering at 1:00PM – Annual Meeting begins at 1:30PM to be held at:
Brooks Family YMCA
10423 Centurion Parkway North
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
NOTE: REFRESHMENTS SERVED AT CONCLUSION A GROUP SUPPORT MEETING WILL FOLLOW
TENTATIVE AGENDA
*Welcome/Introductions
*Confirm Board Attendance
*Review/Approve Minutes 2010 Annual Meeting
*Overview of 2011/12
*Grants Report
*Annual Budget
*Confirmation/Roll Call of Voting Members
*Election of Directors
*Other Business/Announcements
 In October of 1996, Unity Plaza was dedicated at Terry Parker High School to honor the young people of our community who have been lost to violence. You are Cordially Invited to the 17th Annual Unity Plaza Candlelight Vigil & Remembrances, hosted by Compassionate Families & The Jeff Mitchell Foundation. Please join us on Monday, October 15th at Terry Parker High School in Unity Plaza to Remember our Children.
Everyone is invited to join us in Remembering & Honoring our Children
Musical prelude 5:30pm, Vigil begins at 6pm...
Please visit our CFI Family Yearbook @ http://www.compassionatefamilies.org/Yearbook/unity-plaza/ to view our previous Vigil's & remember to visit our Honor Gallery @ http://www.compassionatefamilies.org/cfi-honor-gallery.htmlhttp://www.facebook.com/CFIJax
Being Honored at our 2012 17th Annual Unity Plaza Vigil:
Kelsey Elizabeth Sluder ~ Makayla Lynn Wofford ~ Miranda Joy Zant ~ Maida Marie King Sy
Tevin Davonte' Riggins ~ Catherine E. Case ~ Ranod LaShawn McKann ~ Willie James Nituan Davis
Lavonia Dewitt Jackson Jr ~ Alexis Faith Abney ~ Brien Andrew Alvezios ~ JaNay Felicia Jackson
Michael Allen Poe Jr
 Unity Plaza - Terry Parker High School Design for Healing Wounds
Unity Plaza Terry Parker High School
Jacksonville, Florida
On the night of November 4, 1993, tragedy struck the family of Glen Mitchell when his 14-year-old son Jeff was shot during a robbery attempt following a student/teacher fund raising event at his school. Jeff’s death the following morning awakened the entire Jacksonville community to the reality that the growing violence around us has become boundless. Earlier that year, Jeff had entered Terry Parker High School as a promising freshman, aspiring to make the honor roll and the soccer team; both goals were achieved. Before entering Terry Parker, Jeff was an honor student and soccer player at Arlington Middle School, where he was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. In early 1993, he became a charter member of the Arlington YMCA Teen Board, helping to plan, organize, and conduct preventative programs and activities for other teens, and volunteering his time for YMCA activities. The week before his death, Jeff entertained young children as a costumed “Baby Bop” at a YMCA Halloween party. Earlier that October, he was part of the volunteer group who begun the initial demolition/renovation work to convert the old clubhouse at the YMCA into a teen and family center, which now bears his name.
In January of 1994, Greenscape, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the greening of Jacksonville, proposed to plant 14 Live Oaks at Terry Parker in honor of Jeff. That idea quickly evolved into a vision for a specific site for the plaza was identified in December of 1994 in conjunction with the development of plans for a major construction program at Terry Parker. Lamar Drake, A1A, of Drake & Patillo, who is the project architect for the construction program, afforded Glen Mitchell the opportunity to design the plaza.
The six thousand square foot plaza enjoys a prominent location as the foreground setting for the Terry Parker High School Auditorium. The plaza design is strongly influenced by the “Circle of Life”. Bands of differing materials delineate the symbolic design. Radials form around fourteen flowering trees representing the hope that children bring to us all, and the fourteen years of Jeff’s life. The strong, resilient but colorful Bradford Pear was chosen to serve this purpose. In Jacksonville, the flowering pear is dependable and vigorous. A single Southern Live Oak anchors the plaza representing Jeff’s strength of character. Perhaps no tree symbolizes these attributes better than this traditional evergreen oak. The sketch shows the plaza in years hence where glory of these great trees and the durability of the plaza materials will continue to symbolize the memories of Jeff and many children whose lives have been lost. Strategically located benches will provide places for rest, relaxation, and mediation. A special sculptural element is envisioned to individually commemorate all Duval County student victims, along with a dedication/identity monument. In addition to this commemoration, Unity Plaza will host ongoing activities and events related to the elimination of violence.
As Unity Plaza nears construction, many of us in Jacksonville reflect on the current issues that shape our lives. The violent death of a child, especially someone you know, rivets the mind if only for a few moments on our true predicament, and we are left to resolve issues that seem insurmountable. A memorial plaza dedicated to the students of Duval County, Florida, symbolizes the search for meaning in American culture at the end of the twentieth century. The family of Glen Mitchell was suddenly and rudely victimized by the myriad consequences that revolve around us. Glen, a landscape architect graduated, designed the plaza to remember his son, to remember the children, and to help heal himself and his family. It also helps to heal us all in a sense, this making of a special place It is naturally hoped that people will gather in peace and cooperation to discuss and celebrate progress in resolving such extraordinary issues. Though, as designers, we do not understand exactly how a plaza serves to nurture the culture, we do almost intuitively believe in special gathering places. In the case of Unity Plaza, a once remote tragedy is transported and translated directly into our otherwise quiet lives. The plaza’s role will be played out quietly, doing plazas have done for centuries, allowing people to relax, together, to reflect and to enjoy one another’s company and perhaps to heal wounds created by the paradox of modern life.
Written by James Turner
 Christopher & Deon Kirkland If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to violence we would like you to join us in Loving Honor & Support of the KIRKLAND FAMILY & ALL INNOCENT VICTIM'S IN OUR COMMUNITY!
When: Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 7PM
Where: 3rd & Fairfax, Jacksonville, Florida
September 26th will mark the 10th Anniversary of our communities & the Kirkland Families loss of these two promising young men, Christopher R. Kirkland & Deon R. Kirkland, to sensless violence in our community. The Kirkland Family & CFI encourage you to come out with your loved ones, not just in your hearts, but on your shirts so, as a united community, we can & will bring awareness that THE VIOLENCE HAS TO STOP IN OUR COMMUNITY. We have to come together not just as a community, but as "ONE BIG FAMILY" fighting against the violence!
If you plan on attending please confirm by contacting Tara Kirkland @ (904) 802-3221 with your Loved Ones information.
Hello Campers & Volunteers it's that time again!!!
VOLUNTEERS: If this is your first time Volunteering for CFI's Youth Hope Day Camp please download & fax the *Compassionate Families Volunteer Application to (904) 396-9667.
*Compassionate Families Volunteer Application can be downloaded by clicking provided link (Join the "V" VOLUNTEER Team Icon)
Feel free to call the CFI staff at 354-0007 with any questions.
Youth Hope is quarterly day-camp program, established to compliment and reinforce the attributes of Camp Maddie. JOIN THE FUN!
www.compassionatefamilies.org
www.facebook.com/CFIJax
LOCATION: Arlington YMCA, 8301 Fort Caroline Road., Jacksonville, Florida 32277
CAMPERS TIME: Saturday, September 15, 2012, 9:00am - 4:30pm
VOLUNTEERS TIME: Saturday, September 15, 2012, 8:00am - 5:00pm
MORE INFO: VERY IMPORTANT ALL VOLUNTEERS YOUR ARRIVAL TIME IS 8:00AM!
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