Community DialoguePhilly Melva_wexler Print

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  • 8/8/2019 Community DialoguePhilly Melva_wexler Print

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    With special guests

    Melva FloranceThe LaStraw Inc.,Greensboro NCFormer foster child, anti-povertyadvocate addressing issuesperpetuating poverty in low incomeareas of Greensboro, NC.

    Richard WexlerNational Coalition for Child Protection

    Reform, Washington DCAn award winning journalist and author, Mr

    Wexler has testified in Philadelphia andCongress on reforms that keep families

    together and reduce child abuse deaths.

    Screening of the heartbreaking but inspirationalnew film

    DHS - Give Us Back Our Childrenpart of a Community Dialogue onChild Welfare, Poverty & Welfare Cuts -

    Does Caregiving Count?Friday,December 3, 5:30-8:30pm

    Tabernacle United Church, 3700 Chestnut St. 19104 (West Phila)

    Child welfare from the point of view of children as well as of mothers, grandmothers & other relative caregivers &supporters. Our poverty is not child neglect, & we refuse to be punished for it. Of every 1000 of the poorest children in

    Phila County, the Dept of Human Services snatches 28 children from families the highest rate in the US and childrecolor are more likely to be its victims.

    Cuts in welfare, lack of housing, and domestic abuse resulting in the detention of children by DHS and criminalization ofmothers. Older people are forced out of their homes into institutions and into debt.

    The Luzerne County case exposed how justice for children and young people is about money. Phila has the highestincarceration rate in the US, with 1 in 9 Black adults under 35 behind bars. PA has the highest number of minors servinglife sentences without parole A State crime against children. Mothers in prison are at risk of losing custody of theirchildren.

    Valuing the caregiver and those they care for -children, elders, people with mental health and other disabilities, veteranAnd those who are cared for also do caregiving.

    Raising children is a job: mothers count, count mothers work! The caregiving work of a mother has been valued at$100,000/year (Alternet.com, 2007).

    Living wages/income, quality healthcare, housing, education and healthy food for all caregivers and our families. Money fomothers, not banks, war and occupation.

    Policymakers and advocates invited to hear from YOU!

    Come & speak out! Spanish translation, childcare, refreshments. Wheelchair accessible.Suggested Donation: $5 more if you can, less if you cant

    Documentary film showing: DHS - Give Us Back Our Children:mothers & others come together to reclaim children from the child welfare industry

    18 min. To order www.everymothernetwork.net

    For more info on the Community Dialogue or the film contact: Every Mother is a Working Mother Network215-848-1120; [email protected]; www.everymothernetwork.net

    Co-sponsors: DHS Give Us Back Our Children, Global Women's Strike www.globalwomenstrike.net,Payday mens network www.refusingtokill.net