Angels at Work Newsletter

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March 2007

Advances for Angels@Work

On February 8, I testified before the Senate Committee regarding the Next of Kin amendment. The Senate Committee voted unanimously for the amendment to go before the entire Indiana State Senate for a vote. The Indiana State Senate cast a unanimous vote to pass the amendment.

Today’s Woman Magazine nominated my niece, Kelly Willoughby, for the Evolving Eve category. This category represents someone who has not only made positive changes in her own life, but has also worked to make positive changes in her community. Kelly was responsible, with the help of Kentucky Senator, Gary Tapp, for getting an amendment made to the Next of Kin law in Kentucky.

In mid February, I spoke to a group of high school seniors about domestic violence. I shared Christi’s story with them and taught the behavior patterns and warning signs to look for in perpetrators. I was filmed by Rick VanHoose, reporter for WLKY news. I was named Hometown Hero.

Today, March 13, 2007, I testified before the House of Representatives. Today, a hearing was held by the House to determine if the Next of Kin amendment should be carried forward. Again, we received a unanimous vote. Now, the amendment will move to the floor of the House for a vote. If the amendment is carried there, it will go to the Governor’s desk for signature. Once this occurs, the amendment will become Indiana law July 1.

I have received a lot of concern over this amendment and the possibility of innocent people’s rights being violated. There are 25 points of exception included in the bill to address these concerns.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Senator Connie Sipes for her determination, hard work and resolve to get this amendment passed, without whom none of this could have been possible. Thanks to Kerry Bloomquist and Kathy Williams and the support of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. I have been very fortunate to have them in my corner. Thanks to all of our supporters. Thanks for your prayers. I could not have done this without you.

Thanks to all of those who worked in the background, those whom I have not met, and I do not know, for doing the right thing. It gives me hope for the human race.

January 2007

Thank You

Our Christmas gift drive for the Center for Women and Families was a huge success. I estimate that we collected about $5,000 in gifts, ranging from toys, school supplies and books for kids to bathrobes, bath sets and cosmetics for the Moms. Special thanks to Heartland Payment Systems, the Goetzinger Family, the Meade Family, the Anderson Family and the Customer Service Department at Anthem Blue Cross for your generosity.

Advances for Angels @ Work

I contacted Connie Sipes regarding our request for an amendment to the Next of Kin Law. She advised she had filed the bill to be voted on this month. I may need to go to Indianapolis to testify one more time. Please keep us in your prayers as we fight for this very important amendment.

Moving forward

I am now working an 8-5 job. Due to time constraints, I can no longer teach domestic violence awareness in public schools. I am still very interested in raising awareness when ever I can. If you belong to a church, have a youth group or belong to a women's club, please pass my information along so I may continue to do this work.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Please remember: You do not have to be abused physically, mentally, or emotionally. Get help. Get out before it's too late.

Holiday 2006

Advances for Angels@Work

In August, I testified before the Judicial Committee for Criminal Justice of the Indiana State Senate regarding an amendment being made to the Next of Kin law. This amendment would specifically address the cases when the next of kin confesses to murder or is suspected of murder. After I testified, I received an email from Indiana State Senator, Connie Sipes advising that we received a unanimous vote in favor of supporting the amendment going before the floor in the January 2007 session. I would like to ask for everyone's prayers that this amendment is carried and becomes law in 2007.

Thank You

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your love, prayers and support. I would not have survived this past year and a half without you. I was not able to make Angels@Work financially feasible and went back to an 8-5 job in October. I will always do A@W in some form or fashion, but needed a way to support myself financially. I was offered a job with the company I worked for before I moved to Florida. I went back to work for the same company doing the same job, working with the same people I worked with 3 years ago. If I had to go back to work this was a good fit for me.

Christmas Giving

Some family members and I have decided to purchase gifts for women who are spending their Christmas with their kids at the Center for Women and Families to honor Christi, Jaiden and Trinity's memory. The Center is a shelter for abused women and children; a place that not only provides shelter, but makes sure kids get to and from school safely, as well as providing medical attention, counseling and financial assistance so these families don't have to return to their abuser just because of finances or lack thereof. To follow is a list of ideas I got from the Center's website. My house will be the drop off point because I will be volunteering there over the holidays. If anyone wishes to participate, please let me know.

Gift ideas

Children
Toys, sleepers, teethers, car seats, art supplies, puzzles, educational games, art supplies educational toys, baby books,ducational toys, books, musical instruments, jewelry sets, books, nonviolent movies musical toys

Teens
Books, watches, handheld non-violent books, Discman or walkman, alarm clocks, slippers, electronic games, jewelry, non-violent CD's (top 10 no profanity), jewelry

Moms
calendars, umbrellas, picture frames, educational toys, gloves/hats, CD players, robes, journals, nightgowns, day planners, suitcases, watches

These are just a few of the suggestions that can be found on the Center for Women and Families' website. For more information, go to www.thecenteronline.org.
br /> Blessings

Especially during this Christmas, let's try to remember the reason for the season. This is a good time of year to count our blessings and to reflect upon just how lucky we are; to think about all the things we take for granted every day....a roof over our heads, a spouse or significant other that isn't abusive, food on our table, clothes on our back, but most of all the love of a family. One of the most significant lessons I have learned in this past year is just how lucky I am to have my family, and to never take that family for granted. We never know this time next year, which chair may be empty. Let us embrace each other...the love and the family we share.

Thanks to each and every one of you. May God bless you and yours and may you have a peaceful, loving, blessed Christmas season.

August 2006

Advances for Angels@Work

Zach’s sentencing was August 3. It was a very emotional ordeal to sit in the court room and listen to him recant his crimes with a grin on his face. The judge was pasty white and the deputy was hanging on to the railing of the booth that surrounded the court reporter, white knuckled. It was all he could do to keep his composure. But justice has been served. Zach received to life sentenced for Christi and Trinity, and 65 years for Jaiden to be served consecutively with no chance of appeal or parole. Now, my family can move forward with our dream for Angels@Work. The healing process has begun.

I had a meeting with the Committee for Criminal Justice Matters for the Indiana State Senate on August 30 regarding an amendment to be made to the next of kin law, so that if the next of kin confesses to a murder; the families of the victim(s) do not have to seek their permission to bury the bodies. Senator Connie Sipes said she felt the committee would have done something anyway, but stated that my testimony "sealed the deal." The following day I met with the Legislative Committee of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They assured me I have their support. They will do everything they can to see that the amendment is pushed through the House at the next Legislative session in January, 2007.

Public Opinion Poll

I have been working on a battle of the bands for our fund raiser in October. The fund raiser was (is?) to be held at Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar on Main Street on October 29. The manager of Stevie Ray’s is doing everything he can to help me. I have advertising in the Louisville Music News and the Leo. Thus far, I have three bands that have expressed interest, one of which I would rather not have perform.

People in the music industry have advised me that it is hard to pin bands down this far in advance, and has encouraged me to be patient. I have contacted some of the bands that performed at our concert in June, 2005, and have either gotten flat refusals or been ignored, my phone calls remain unreturned.

My concern is this: Should I pursue the battle of the bands or jump ship and try to plan something else for October. I only have eight weeks to plan and want to do something. Your input and opinions are greatly appreciated.

Please remember, you do not deserve to be battered or abused. Get help. Get out before it’s too late.

April 2006

Advances for Angels@Work

My niece, Kelly Willoughby and I were nominated for HER awards, (Honoring Excellent Role Models) sponsored by Today’s Woman magazine. Although we did not win, we were in very good company. Kelly ended up being on the front page of the Shelbyville Sentinel newspaper regarding her accomplishments.

Thanks to Kelly, an amendment is being made to the next of kin law in Kentucky. I am still trying to get an amendment made in the state of Indiana, but have had little progress. In that regard, I have become a member of the Domestic Violence Task Force in Clark County, Indiana. I have also contacted the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. I spoke with their attorney regarding my frustrations with this issue. I have been invited to become a member of the legislative committee and am attending a meeting of that committee in Indianapolis on May 25.