Marjaree Mason Center’s Post

The skyrocketing evictions occurring nationwide are having an impact on people and their beloved pets. Overflowing animal shelters have also become a national crisis. The dip in adoptions along with the rise in dog intake from unclaimed strays and owner surrenders is a complete 180 from the surge in adoptions of dogs and cats we saw during the pandemic. According to Shelter Animals Count (SAC), stray dogs taken in by shelters have risen 6% in the January to November 2023 period compared to 2022 and are up a whopping 22% since 2021! What can YOU do to help: Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate https://evictionlab.org/

It’s difficult to come to the realization that child sex trafficking actually happens, but it would be despicably irresponsible and cold-hearted to ignore these heinous acts. Children are precious, and it is our duty as adults to protect them. Please, let’s stop pretending this problem doesn’t exist or that it doesn’t matter because it isn’t affecting our day-to-day life. There are children out there living through hell, and we’re getting upset about partisan politics, traffic, weather, etc. Let’s focus on something actually important we can all get behind and help stop child sex trafficking at home and abroad. No decent human being can be OK with this. First step is admitting there’s a problem. I’m encouraging everyone to support Veterans for Child Rescue, but especially the many veterans I’m connected with on LinkedIn.

Today is Native American Heritage Day! We acknowledge and celebrate the rich history, achievements, and traditions of Native American and Native Alaskan culture.  Did you know there are a variety of resources specifically for Native American and Native Alaskan survivors? It is important that individuals can find organizations that provide advocacy tailored to meet their needs. Here are some organizations that provide culturally specific advocacy.

In this week’s blog post, Marvin Blum reflects on Lady Bird Johnson’s legacy and our own search for a way to leave behind a legacy that will be a gift to future generations. Click here https://conta.cc/3QVjQ0i to read “Take a Walk – Alone, No Phone.” #familylegacyplanning #estateplanning #familylegacy #legacyplanning 

Did you know that children who have spent time in foster care are 3.5x more likely to experience PTSD like that of a war veteran? Placement stability is an integeral part of helping mitigate the affects of trauma children in the foster care system experience. Once healthy stability is achieved, children can begin the process of learning how to form healthy trust-based attachements. This is vital to their healing journey. Keeping sibling groups together, whenever possible, is a monumental part of lessening the overal impact that the trauma of removal can cause for a child. Think about it, even if a child is in a desperate situation and removal is a necessary, they are still being ripped away from all that is familiar to them. For children, routine and control are two extremely important components for healthy development. When children are able to enter into the unknown space of the Child Welfare System and navigate it with their sibling, the trauma that comes with removal can have less severe lasting affects. They have eachother and intimate connection and that gives them a sense of control and safety. I am so excited to see that Christian Bale has discovered this reality and has a passion to help make it possible for siblings to remain together during foster care placement.

For a second year, i'm growing a mullet to raise awareness around the importance of mental health for Black Dog Institute's, Mullets for Mental Health. Mental health is an issue burdened with stigma, affecting individuals regardless of background or gender. Campaigns like Mullets for Mental Health are crucial, as they challenge stereotypes and promote open dialogue about mental well-being which can often be kept quiet in the corporate world. If you can, please donate to support my mullet by clicking the link below, and help empower all Australians to look after their mental health. https://lnkd.in/g9xpjthi

The conversation has started. We can all do more. We can make change happen through awareness. BatonOfHopeUK https://lnkd.in/eCycd3s5