Article: Giving Back to your Community with Project Nightlight

“I never realized how amazing it would feel to volunteer with kids. It’s like I am truly making a difference”, stated a new volunteer at a recent Project Nightlight event. “It’s the best thing I have ever done” chimes in another man, as he puts away folding chairs as another successful Project Nightlight event comes to an end.To be a volunteer is to open your heart, to give back. It is an affirmation of all the good things that we are fortunate enough to have in our own lives. It jolts us into the present moment with a sense of purpose and gratitude, while helping someone else.” Project Nightlight, a Venice based non profit organization, helps children that are affected by child abuse. They are actively seeking volunteers. If you have never volunteered before, it is a great time to try a new experience. If you have volunteered, perhaps try a different organization. You may find, a connection with a different cause will bring a whole new level of enthusiasm. Give back to your community, while making new friends and affecting children in a positive way.Project Nightlight offers many incredible opportunities for volunteers. They have created several, high energy, non-threatening awareness programs for children and teens in LA County. Each program is based on film, fashion, music or extreme sports. Volunteers are needed for all of these activities, all you need is a willingness to learn and have fun with the kids. Project Nightlight also offers programs for children and teens recovering from abuse, such as granting wishes or providing lessons for them in an area that they are interested in. Perhaps you know how to play an instrument, or can teach a specific sport or work for a corporation that can help in that area? Whatever your specific interest or specialty is, Project Nightlight has a volunteer opportunity for you.

This Venice organization was founded in 2003 by child abuse survivor, Stacia Oemig. Because of the abuse in her own past, Stacia knew first hand about the fear and shame that almost always prevents children from reporting abuse. In the United States, less than .1% of all abuse is reported by the child. Most abuse is reported by teachers and it is usually only abuse that can be seen by others that is reported, such as bruising on the arms and face. Unfortunately most physical and sexual abuse is never reported because only the victim knows that it is occurring.

In 2003, Stacia decided to put her experience to good use by launching Project Nightlight. In less than 5 years, Project Nightlight has created 7 public service announcements, posted 700 billboards advertising the child abuse hotline and touched the lives of hundreds of Los Angeles children. Adults don’t report abuse because they don’t want to offend the abuser who may be a neighbor, friend, co-worker or relative. “Keep the light on” for LA’s kids by reporting any and all abuse that you suspect. It is not your job to investigate; it is your job to make a report. This is the only way to help innocent children get started on their path to recovery. However, it is not just about reporting abuse, there are so many ways to help. Donate your time or make a financial contribution. Give back to your community, while creating a new rewarding experience for yourself…..call now (310) 991-1852, or go to www.projectnightlight.org. For more press info email kathy@kathyleonardo.com