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Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
F “For the Families & Friends of those who have died by violence”
19620 North 38th Avenue, Glendale AZ 85308-2215
Chapter Phone: (602) 254-8818 Chapter E-mail: [email protected]
* National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
635 West 7th
Street, Ste 104, Cincinnati OH 45203 (513) 721-5683 Fax: (513) 345-4489
Toll Free Number (888) 818-7662
http://www.pomc.com/phoenix/index.html Volume 29 No. 5 May 2020 https://www.facebook.com/pages/POMC-Valley-of-the-Sun/
MONTHLY SUPPORT MEETING
LOCATIONS
4th
Tuesday - Grief Support Meetings
Be sure to note meeting start times
NOTE: Due to recent events, there will
be NO meetings held until
deemed safe to do so.
◄WEST VALLEY MEETING►
Closed until further notice Peoria Community Center
8335 West Jefferson Street
Peoria AZ 85344
Facilitator: Dorothy Green 602-885-6819
Anna Ybarra 623-986-9168
◄CENTRAL VALLEY MEETING►
Closed until further notice Mountain View Police Precinct
Community Room
2075 East Maryland, Phoenix AZ
Facilitator: Beckie Miller
Co-Facilitator: Carolee Holbrook
623-582-2406
◄BILINGUAL EAST VALLEY
MEETING►
Closed until further notice Scottsdale Police Department
McKellips District/Community Room
7601 E McKellips Road Building A
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Facilitators: Sandy & Paulino Navarro
480-695-4789
◄◄SPEAKER/INFORMATION►►
MEETING (2nd Tuesday of each month)
*NO CHILDREN
ALLOWED AT MEETINGS*
Closed until further notice
*** Mountain View Police Precinct
Community Room 2075 East Maryland, Phoenix AZ
(off AZ 51 at 20th Street between Glendale
Avenue and Bethany Home Road -
Across from Granada Park)
***Our meeting this month is cancelled
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Mail Memorial Page items for “The Journey” by the
10th
of the month prior to publication month to:
POMC Newsletter
19620 North 38th Ave Glendale AZ 85308-2215
*Please use order form on Page 11
You can also email items to [email protected] Be
sure to place any article or picture in an attachment,
otherwise it can’t be accessed properly (especially
pictures) and may not be used. Also, be sure to put
POMC Newsletter in the subject line of the email.
CRIME VICTIMS LEGAL ASSISTANCE
PROJECT
Free legal aid to help assert victims' rights
through Arizona Voice for Crime Victims @
(480) 600-2661, P.O. Box 12722, Scottsdale,
AZ 85261 or contact Mary Wallace at
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Aaron Cones
Alfonso Rangel
Alfred Thompson, III
Amy Santa Maria
Andrew Burk
Andrew Sandoval
Antonio Torres Redondo
Ashley Johnson
Ashley Tellez & Kelly Cardenas
Barney Henepen
Brian Huckey
Brian Smythe
Brittanae Howard
Candace Marie Barnes
Carol Romero
Charles Findley
Cheree Goard
Cheryl Maher
Chris Ebert
Christopher Swift
Christy Ann Fornoff
Damien De La Cruz
Damien Punzo
Dariel Overby
David Amado
David Mark Anthony McBain
Dennis Bartley
Deputy Jason Lopez
Derek Miller
Donald Pettit
Elizabeth Ann Byrd
Erasmo Gonzales
Erica Clark Harvey
Eugen Patino
Frank Ferek
Gillis Champagne
Ian Blair
Jamal Burt
Jason Stanley
Jayden LaRell Young
Jessica Marie Helms
Jessica Martin
Jesus “Pancho” Lopez-Rocha
Joanna Noriega
Joanne Rushano
Joe Puckett
Joel Matthew Woodard
John Michael Adams
Joseph Anthony Lugo
Joseph Wells
Julia May Garrett
Kaci Leann Orosco-Chenault
Kay Buffington
Kevin Ore
Kimberly Anne Moffitt
Kirsten Lynee Anderson
Kyleigh Sousa
Lorenzo Mada
Malachi Patterson
Malinda Raya
Manuel Issac Alvarado
Marcus Gabriel Elwess
Marcus George Pizano
Mark Fraijo
Mat Stauffer, Jr.
Mercy Cordova
Michael & Joshua Young
Michelle Dickinson
Mitchell North, Jr.
Neal Patrick Beaudoin
Nicholas Steven Reynolds
Nichole Millsaps
Pete A. Ruiz
Pete Hopkins
Quinn Miller
Rick Daniel Glum
Robert Edward Pogue
Roger Miller
Ryan Harris
Sarah Clark
Sharon Louise Butler
Stephen A. Johnson
Steven Michael Hernandez
Tanya Ramsdell & Baby Girl
Theresa McCullough Drummond
Thermon Yonnie
Thomas P. Brantley
Timothy Kinder
Todd Alan Hershberger
Travis Murphy
Van L. Aldridge
Venita Jean Talafous
Virginia Bateman
Zachary Huff
*Please note every effort is
made to have accurate
information on this page. Let
us know if they are any errors.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
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TAKE MY GRIEF
(Charla Norman)
Do you want my grief?
Take it please,
Hold it next to your heart.
Feel it burn and tear you apart.
Please, I beg of you,
Ease my mind,
Give me sleep for just one night.
Take the flashbacks,
The heart stopping pangs,
The helplessness from losing my way.
Can you feel my grief?
Hold it close,
It will bring you to your knees.
Your soul will yell, it will scream.
Can you can hear it bellow while it takes your peace?
Your body aches. Your mind stands still.
You live in the past, where things were real.
Help me friend,
I ask of you.
Take this grief,
For a day or two.
Just long enough, so I can clear my head.
So I can pretend my child’s not dead.
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VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER NEWS
TRIAL - JUDICIAL - ARREST UPDATES
• Susi Miller reports the sentencing for the killer of her son, Michael, has been postponed from April to June.
• Gretchen Poulsen reports the trial for the killer of her son, William, has been delayed again until May 27.
♥♥♥Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with each and every family member as they endure this difficult process.
IN LOVING MEMORY GIFT DONATIONS (THANK YOU!)
♥ Denise Brewer in very loving memory of her sister, Rosemarie Little.
♥ Don & Beckie Miller in very loving memory of their son, Brian Ray Miller
(*All donations are tax deductible: Our chapter exists on the generosity of others, grants, and fundraisers)
CORPORATE & OTHER DONATIONS THANK YOU! UNITED WAY (Please Note: the write-in number to designate funds to our chapter through your employee
contributions is 0772). You must use this number for designating any funds to go to our chapter. Our chapter
name is not listed except by number.
Donations from Christine Busch in memory of her son, Erik; Lisa Tamborski-Bishop in loving memory of her
son, Alex; Mari Bailey in very loving memory of her son, Michael Adam Hampson; Shaayna Slotkhin in loving
memory of Craig Elrod; Robin Grass in memory of all loved ones lost to violence.
AMERICAN EXPRESS - donations from Norma Yanez.
***SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 40 plus families on Fry’s Community Rewards Program contributing to
donations to our chapter. Every little bit helps go a long way. PLEASE RENEW AND MAKE POMC your
choice each year. Fry’s does not just leave your choice in until you change it.
CHAPTER ITEMS FOR SALE
We have red and black bracelets for POMC with “Always in our Hearts” on them for $3 each; Window Decals
for your automobiles with our chapter logo and information for $5 each; Sun Catchers with our logo for $3 each;
and Act of Kindness cards (you can attach to a donation or gift to someone…they have a space to write your
loved one’s name on them “This act of kindness was given in very loving memory of: ______________________).
These cards are $3 for 10 cards. You can order by simply writing it on a piece of paper. Include $2 for shipping
and handling. Mail to POMC, Valley of the Sun Chapter, 19620 North 38th
Avenue, Glendale AZ 85308-2215.
These items can also be purchased at our Speaker Information meeting. For more information email:
SPEAKER INFORMATION MEETING
There was no April Speaker Meeting due to the Corona Virus and the stay at home restrictions. We hope to
resume our meetings as soon as possible. Stay safe and healthy everyone.
►►►FRY’S COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM FUNDRAISER FOR OUR CHAPTER◄◄◄
***PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU ARE SUPPORTING US THROUGH THIS PROGRAM***
EACH YEAR YOU MUST GO ONLINE AND PICK US AGAIN
Our chapter is now a part the Fry’s Community Rewards program. If you shop there, you can simply sign up to
connect your VIP card and we will get a percentage of proceeds. Just go to http://www.frysfood.com, select
Register, under Sign In information, enter your email and create a password. Select User Card # and enter your
Fry's VIP number, last name and zip code. Under Select Your Preferred Store, enter the zip code of that store.
Select Find Your Store then select Create Account. You will be prompted to confirm your email. Click the
hyperlink to finish creating your Online Account. If you already have an Online Account with Fry's, you can skip
this and go to https://frysfood.com/topic/community?activePage=community-rewards-2. Select Sign In and enter
your email and password. Select My Account and then Account Settings from drop down menu. Click Edit
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under Community Awards. Under “Find Your Organization”, select the box next to POMC and enter the NPO
number #DX532. Save changes and you are good to go. If you have registered correctly, you should see our
organization information listed under "Community Rewards" on your account summary page. Thanks for your
support.
☺☺☺☺☺AMAZON SMILE FOUNDATION☺☺☺☺☺
We are also part of Amazon Smiles, in which a portion of your purchases goes to our chapter. If you use our
special link, you will automatically be asked if you want to support our chapter, Valley of the Sun.
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/31-122548 . Please note: Parents and Relatives of Murdered Children comes up
under POMC. We ARE NOT affiliated with them so search for Parents Of Murdered Children, Valley of the Sun
Chapter.
►►►►►JACKSONS FAMILY CARWASH FUNDRAISER FOR CHAPTER►►►►►
A new way to help raise funds for our chapter has been offered by Jacksons Carwash. With every windshield
replacement through them using the referral code PARENTS, our chapter will receive $50. Just call 480-505-
5983 and give the referral code and set up your appointment. Thanks for your support. Every little bit helps us to
continue providing our programs and services. ***Thanks to Carolee Holbrook for replacing her windshield on
this program.
CHAPTER SIBLING COORDINATOR Amanda (Harris) Labelle is our Sibling Coordinator and provides support for siblings outside of meetings. You
can reach her by phone (623-866-3189) for more information. Amanda lost her brother, Joshua, to murder.
MEMORIAL BENCH AND TREE AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Our chapter has a tree, marker and bench on the Senate Grounds at the Capitol. Please visit it sometime. While
there are some 100 names of victims listed on stepping-stones surrounding the bench and tree and we can no
longer add additional names, the bench and tree are dedicated for all victims. The original tree planted there was
donated to our chapter for a Holiday Memorial in 1995 and was only about four to five feet high when planted. It
is now over 30 feet high. The bench is inscribed as follows: Parents Of Murdered Children, Valley of the Sun
Chapter -- "In memory of our loved ones, In honor of their lives, In hope that a new day will dawn when no lives
are lost to violence.”
CHAPTER SPRING GRIEF RETREAT IN PINE (CANCELED DUE TO VIRUS)
While our spring retreat was canceled those who were signed up for it are now signed up for the fall retreat
October 16 -18. This means we will have less spots available in the fall so if you were planning to attend the fall
retreat you should sign up early. Our retreats are hard but necessary emotional work, but it is peaceful in the
mountains at the cabin where the deer and other animals come up almost the porch of the cabin. And the Fornoffs
who cook meals for us and treat us like family are also survivors.
DECEMBER SUPPORT MEETING
Our chapter is considering having a (1) support meeting in December for those who need it, something we have
not done in the past because of the holidays and our Holiday Memorial that we provide in December. If we
decide to have one would those of you in the West, South and further Southeast/Southwest valleys be willing to
drive to Scottsdale for the meeting or would you prefer a more central location for everyone? Please email
[email protected] and give us your thoughts. Or call 602-254-8818 and leave a message.
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NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE OF POMC
Website: www.pomc.org Phone 888-818-7662
E-mail: [email protected]
The National Office location is 635 West 7th
St., Suite 104, Cincinnati, OH 45203.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/National-Organization-of-Parents-Of-Murdered-Children-Inc-
145164118873865/
• FACEBOOK Birthday Fundraisers: We have had many individuals do a birthday fundraiser on Facebook
for National and it is an easy way to get money donated to POMC. If anyone would like to do that for their
birthday or anniversary on Facebook and are having problems, contact Danielle at [email protected].
• Amazon supports POMC! Please visit the National website at www.pomc.org and look for the Amazon
link. By accessing Amazon through the POMC website, POMC will receive a percentage of all purchases (4 –
13%) depending on the item. This does not increase the cost of your purchase. This is a great opportunity to
purchase items and contribute to POMC while doing so! Please share this wonderful opportunity with chapters
& family.
Victims’ Rights Week is April 19-25, 2020, with the theme for this year: Seek Justice - Ensure Victims’
Rights – Inspire Hope. This information is for anyone who would like to plan a ceremony.
Save the Date: The 2020 Annual Conference is July 23-26, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Atlanta
Hilton Airport. More will follow on the POMC website in the coming months. The room rate is $119.00
plus tax for the Conference weekend. The Conference registration is on the POMC website
www.pomc.org. ***We continue to monitor the Covid-19 virus and how it will affect our National
Conference. At this time, we are still planning on having the Conference but if the situation does not get
better we will have to cancel the Conference.
POMC has received a grant for $3,000 for survivors who have never attended a POMC National
Conference before and want to apply for a partial scholarship. The partial scholarship will cover 1/2 the
registration fee, so $120.00 will be applied to your registration and you will have to pay the other $120.00.
If you are interested or know of anyone in your Chapter that wants to come and this can help them, fill out
the scholarship application that is with the CPCL. Limited scholarships available.
2020 Conference Workshop Presenters If you are interested in presenting a workshop at the 2020
Conference in Atlanta, please contact National. Information was sent out by Sherry via email and several
emails came back for some that have been doing workshops for years. If you have not received the
workshop information, please contact her ASAP at [email protected]. Workshop spaces are limited and
could be filled before the April 1st deadline.
The Peyton Tuthill Foundation is accepting 2020-21 College Scholarship Applications. The Peyton
Tuthill Foundation “Hearts of Hope Scholarship” is accepting applications for college or vocational
scholarships that will be awarded July 2020 to children who have lost a sibling or parent to homicide to
help them reclaim their lives. Peyton believed “that we should all leave the world a little better place than
we found it.” Her legacy inspires the Foundation.
Please spread the word to young survivors and encourage them to apply for the scholarships.
Applications may be downloaded at
http://www.peytontuthillfoundation.org/scholarship-information/
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How to Spend Mother’s Day on Your Own Terms
Some people have a picture-perfect Mother’s Day, complete with bouquets of flowers, breakfast in bed, and a joyful family celebration. But that’s not what Mother’s Day looks like for everyone. Maybe you have lost your mom and are grieving her absence. Maybe you don’t have a great relationship with your mom and would prefer to avoid contact. Maybe you long to be a mother and are struggling to conceive, or you’ve lost a child and find the holiday an unbearable reminder. If Mother’s Day is painful for you, you’re not alone – and you have the right to spend it however you want, and to take care of you in the process. Use these strategies to find strength this Mother’s Day – and consider sharing them with loved ones so they can help support you. You have the right to: Choose how you want to spend the day Even the most understanding friends and family may expect you to be cheerful on Mother’s Day. Talk to them ahead of time so they know how you’re feeling and what you’re up for this year. Let them know that you may change your mind about participating in festivities, even at the last minute. Tell them if you’d prefer to play it by ear. Research shows that we’re not actually that great at predicting how we’ll feel in the future, so leave yourself room for flexibility. That may mean saying no to the social pressure to celebrate – as well as the guilt and shame that can come with it. Those negative feelings can be especially powerful for mothers and daughters who struggle to connect. According to Tamara Afifi, a professor of interpersonal health communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara, there’s an expectation in our society that mothers and daughters should be close. “When you don’t have that kind of relationship with your mom or your daughter – and see others who do – that can be really hard,” she says. Her advice: let go of the guilt by remembering that: • Not every family relationship has to be close • Not everyone knows how to feel, show, or express love • Not every strained relationship can be fixed by trying harder Do only what feels right If you don’t feel like marking the day in a certain way, don’t. If you want to honor traditions in your own way, go for it. Maybe you can’t or don’t want to spend the day with your mother but still want to make her signature quiche or visit her favorite park. If it makes you happy or comforted, that’s reason enough to do it. Or if you want a complete change of place, start a new tradition. Think about activities you’ve always wanted to do, places you’ve always wanted to visit, or special meals you’ve always wanted to make. New traditions give us something to look forward to. Even the simplest tasks – like buying a Mother’s Day card – can feel daunting at times. Ask for and accept help with any of them. People who care about you will be happy to do something to lighten your load. Feel however you feel Mother’s Day can be filled with memories and traditions that cause unexpected and shifting emotions. There’s no one right way to be. People who tell you how you “should” feel or act may mean well, but they may not know what’s best for you. Dr. Afifi suggests, “Find connections with people you choose, people who show you the kind of love you deserve.” Surround yourself with others who accept you as you are – and try to limit your time with those who don’t. If you’re being hard on yourself, try to go easy. Notice when you tell yourself how you “should” feel. Try to replace those thoughts with acceptance of your feelings as they come.
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Talk about it – or don’t The question of whether and when to open up can be complicated. People who know that you’re struggling may ask how you’re doing. With some friends and family, you can tell them how you’re really feeling without ruining their day. But not everyone will handle honesty well. In some moments, it may be easier to deflect the question than choose between opening up and giving a sugarcoated response. Consider making a list of topics of conversation you can dive into easily if you want to change the subject. (“What’s on your reading list?” “Seen any good movies recently?”) Be gentle with yourself. Research shows that self-care can make it easier to cope with stress, especially during challenging times. Eat well, stay active, try to sleep, and give yourself the opportunity to relax when you need it. Hold on to hope This particular day may not be the same as it was before. It may never be quite that way again. But it won’t necessarily always be this hard. You don’t know what the next year has in store for you, and you won’t always be feeling the way you do right now. Watch for signs of the mental trap of permanence – believing that things will never get better. If you find yourself falling into it, try replacing words like “always” with “sometimes” to remind yourself that the future doesn’t have to be like the past. *Tamara Afifit is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. ***To our POMC mothers who lost their only child, may you find comfort in precious memories that are forever yours on Mother’s Day. Take care of and be good to yourself.
“They say I’m sorry for your loss. They say your heart will mend. They say you’re in a better place, and death is
not the end. They say you’re reunited with loved ones gone before. They say you’ll be waiting when I walk
through Heaven’s door. I feel their love in every word of comfort they impart and know that each is spoken
from deep within the heart. But all the words of comfort, though kind, sincere and true, can’t take away the
emptiness I’m feeling without you.” (Donna Luaag)
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WORDS, WORDS, WORDS (by Darcie D. Sims, Ph.D.)
"He's in a better place."
"At least you have other children."
She's better off now/not in any pain."
Where's your faith? You should be happy for him."
"God needed another flower in his garden."
"Time heals all things."
"You'll be better tomorrow."
"You can't stay sad the rest of your life."
"Your loved one wouldn't want you to be so sad."
"You can have another baby."
"You were so happy together. Be grateful for that."
"At least he didn't suffer."
"She was so young. You didn't really get to know her that well."
Words, just words. Often spoken in an attempt to ease the pain of grieving the death of
someone we love. But, instead of bringing relief, those words just seem to add to the hurt,
confusion, the anger, and the grief. There are no words that will make it all right that someone
we loved has died. But there are words that can soothe the hurt, ease the loneliness and add to
the healing.
I don't think people are trying to hurt grievers. They just seem to engage their mouths before
their brains. Or maybe what they were planning on saying sounded pretty good in their heads,
but by the time those words of hope made the journey from their minds to their mouths,
something happened. And those words came out, sending hurt instead of hope across the space
between us.
What are you trying to say? Are you trying to fill the silence between us, show how much
you care of how much you know? Do you think words will help when a heart is broken?
Why do we hide behind words, any words, when a hug or simple touch on the arm would say
so much more? Have we forgotten the power of presence? Do we fear silence because it might
mean we have nothing to say?
Why must a moment between friends be filled with noise or empty platitudes or meaningless
sounds of comfort? Why can't two people simply be in the presence of each other, allowing that
great strength to flow between them without any words to interrupt the message?
"You can have another baby."
"You were so happy together. Be grateful for that."
"At least he didn't suffer."
"She was so young. You didn't really get to know her well."
ARRRGGG! Words! Words! Words meant to help that only add to the hurt. Give me
silence please! Not emptiness...silences. Not loneliness...Silence. Don't not come, but come
silently. Sit on my couch, hold my hand, share a cookie, hand me a tissue. Come, but leave your
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words of hollow hope behind. No words can speak more eloquently than the shared silence of
presence. Come sit beside me. Hold me. Touch me. Be with me but leave the noise behind.
Are we afraid the silence will kill us? Are we afraid that we will say "the wrong thing?"
(What is the right thing?) Are we afraid that we will "remind" the bereaved of their loss? (Do
you think we will ever forget it?)
"Time heals all things."
"You'll be better tomorrow."
"You can't stay sad the rest of your life."
"Your loved one wouldn't want you to be so sad."
If only I could think of something I could say in return! But my mind as well as my body and
soul have gone numb. I am frozen and I can't think of anything to say. Sometimes I am so
shocked that I cannot believe I heard what you said, or maybe you don't even realize what you
said.
"Be happy she's healed now."
"Why are you so sad."
"We have gathered here to not mourn the loss of...But rather to celebrate his life."
Words. Just words. You'd think they wouldn't hurt so much, but they do. Sometimes it
really is better not to say anything. That doesn't mean don't do something...It means don't use
words to fill up the space that sadness occupies. By all means, do something! Bring flowers, a
casserole (not tuna, please), chocolate, cookies, napkins, paper towels. Come help with laundry,
the childcare, the mail, the dusting. Drop off a ham, a turkey, a hug. Send a note, a lemon
meringue pie, and a donation to my loved one's favorite charity.
Slip a note into my pocket, a card into my mailbox, a hand into my empty one.
Share a memory, a laugh, and a moment. Tell me stories of the past; bring me pictures from
your scrapbook. Speak of love, not sorrow. Remember the life, not just the death. Give me
hope, not meaningless words.
Hug me, hold me, love me, leave me, but don't shower me with words meant to soothe, but
scar instead. Your presence really is the healing touch. No words need be spoken between
friends and family when it is the weaver of the threads.
"He's in a better place." (I thought right next to me was a good place)
"At least you have other children." (Yes, but I really loved that one, too)
"She's better off now...not in any pain" (She may be out of pain, but I'm not)
"Where's your faith? You should be happy for him." (My faith may help my heart feel better, but
it's my arms that are empty and aching)
"God needed another flower in His garden." (What about MY garden?!)
"You can have another baby." (Maybe, but no one can replace someone)
"You were so happy together. Be grateful for that." (I am grateful, but I want more)
"At least he didn't suffer." (Yes, that's true, but I am suffering now.)
(*We lost Darcie Sims on February 27, 2014, but her writings and her memory as a cherished
bereavement specialist and bereaved mom herself live on forever.)
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VALLEY OF THE SUN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2019)
Beckie Miller, Chapter-Leader .......... .(623) 582-2406 Don Miller, Treasurer ........................ .(623) 582-2406 Mari Bailey, Secretary…………………(602) 405-7401 Carolee Holbrook, Co-Leader ............(602) 300-7665 Ola Wladyszewski…………….............(480) 703-7115 Marie Belmontez……………………….(562) 508-2397 Amanda Labelle……………................(623) 866-3189 Sandy Navarro, Co-Leader.................(480) 695-4789 Anna Ybarra……………………………(623) 986-9168
(Volunteers)
Carolee Holbrook - Office Assistance Mari Bailey - Facebook Information Admin
CONTACT NUMBERS
SIBLING SUPPORT: Amanda (Harris) Labelle is our
chapter's Sibling Coordinator providing support for
siblings. Her contact info is 623-866-3189 or email is:
POMC VOICE MESSAGING)....................(602) 254-8818
Chapter E-mail.……………………. [email protected]
Chapter Fax: .................................................(623) 582-0917
CRISIS LINE/MOBILE CRISIS TEAM
Empact Crisis Line ............................ ..(480) 784-4949
OTHER HELP LINES
Teen Lifeline.......................................…...(602) 248-8336
GrandCare (Grandparents help line) .....(602) 274-5022
Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (480) 965-5640
MCAO Victim Services.............................(602) 506-8522
Crime Victim Compensation....................(602) 506-4955
♥♥♥ THANKS FOR CARING ♥♥♥ To the Mountain View Police Precinct, the Scottsdale Police Department and the Peoria Community Center for donating our meeting rooms. To the Department of Public Safety (VOCA), for the grant for our newsletter, and everyone who has donated gifts of their time, talents and energy to our chapter activities. With your help, we are able to continue the outreach that is needed by our community.
Memorial Wall Order Form
Please add my loved one’s name to the “Valley of the
Sun Memorial Wall in their Memories.” Each
nameplate is $15. Our wall is displayed at many
special events across the valley during the year.
NAME__________________________________
Age:___________ Murder date: _____________
Picture Board
___ Check here if sending picture for the picture
board &/or Holiday Memorial Video (no cost)
You may email picture to [email protected]
Chapter Bracelets
Red and black with words “Always in our Hearts.”
$3 each: # ordered _____
Chapter Window Decals
$10 each for auto or home with our logo and chapter
information: # ordered _____
*Make all checks or money orders out to POMC
*Mail to 19620 North 38th Avenue
Glendale AZ 85308-2215
Call 602-254-8818 and leave a message if you wish
to pay by credit card. Minimum $20 order
“The Journey” Memorial Page Order Form (newsletter)
Please reserve: □ ½ page (suggested donation of $10)
□ Full pg (suggested donation of $20)
Month you wish memorial to appear in: ________________
Loved One’s Name________________________________
Age _____
*No dates are recommended because of identity theft.
YOUR Name_____________________________________
YOUR Phone Number______________________________
YOUR E-MAIL __________________________________
A half page will hold a picture and short poem OR message,
depending on space. If a photo is included, please provide
identification of the person on the back. If you wish the photo to
be returned include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, big
enough for the picture to fit in. Unless otherwise specified,
location, size and structure of the text and picture will be at
editor’s discretion and space permitting.
**We also, if space is available, print "Survivor to Survivor"
stories if you would like to send in a one page, single spaced and
typed document. Also, if you have written poetry about your loss
or have a favorite poem to share with others. We do edit for
misspellings and or profanity. There is no charge for these
items, either poetry or shared stories.
*Return this form with your material for The Journey by the 10th
of the month preceding the issue you wish it to appear in; for
example: September 10 for October's newsletter, etc.
*A donation for the memorial page can be made by sending a
check made out to POMC and mailed in care of:
POMC
Valley of the Sun Chapter
19620 North 38th Avenue
Glendale AZ 85308-2215
Return Address PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN, INC.
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER 19620 North 38th Avenue
Glendale AZ 85308-2215 (602) 254-8818
WHY WE ARE HERE: MISSION STATEMENT: “POMC makes the difference through ongoing emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy, and
awareness.”
VISION STATEMENT: “To provide support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims while working to create a world free of
murder.”
This project is supported by Grant No. VOCA-2018 -V2-GX-0012 FY2020 Year 3 from the US Department of Justice - Office for Victims of Crime. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US DOJ or the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
“It shall be the policy of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., to provide equal membership/employment service opportunities to all eligible persons without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disabilities, membership in any labor organization, political affiliation, and for employment only, height, weight, and record of arrest without conviction.”
*If you feel you have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with our National Office,
635 West 7th Street, Suite 104, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203. www.pomc.org (513) 721-5683
To refer a complaint to an appropriate investigating entity:
Office for Civil Rights
Office of Justice Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20531 www.ojp.gov
In order to file with the federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR), two forms must be downloaded from the internet and submitted in writing to the ORC. The forms can be found at www.ojp.gov/about/ocr/complaint.htm.
Arizona Department of Public Safety
VOCA Administration
Civil Rights Coordinator
PO Box 6638 - MD 1320
Phoenix AZ 85005-6638 (602) 223-2491 www.azdps.gov/services/crime_victims
Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., is a self-help organization dedicated to the aftermath of murder. The success of its mission depends upon the participation of the families and friends of those lost to murder.
POMC number (602) 254-8818