What's New
Project Prevention Goes Global
Barbara Harris is amazed that her small dream/plan to prevent unwanted pregnancies for addicts/alcoholics has gone Global.
The UK chapter of Project Prevention will be up and running very soon. Given the difference in Healthcare in the UK and the fact that the BMA has control over what UK doctors can and cannot do, Project Prevention UK will not offer tubal ligation as one of their paid types of birth control. This comes after realizing only long term birth control is better than nothing when it comes to getting UK addicts on long term birth control.
We have been contacted by many other Countries wanting us to bring Project Prevention there. The only way that will happen is if there is a financial backer in that Country to fund paying addicts there.
NO United States donations will be spent on other Countries.
February 9th BBC Interview
Barbara Harris was interviewed by a BBC radio station in hopes that London would learn about Project Prevention. The interview was unlike any she has done. Tune in on Feb. 9th to learn why.
End of Year Letter 2009 - from Barbara Harris, Founder and Executive Director
Dear Supporter: This summer, I watched a heart wrenching television special called "America" that told the story of a teen in foster care, separated from his siblings, preparing to age out of the system. The tears that filled my eyes spoke to the tragedy that unfolds far too often across our country. At the same time, I also felt a sense of joy for two reasons.
First, the story I had watched easily could have been told about my four youngest children had they not become a part of our family. Each day I realize how fortunate we are to watch them grow up, especially as we sent two of them away to college this fall. Second, I felt a sense of pride that this organization continues to reduce the number of children entering the foster care system. What separates this organization from many others is that we work to prevent a problem rather than spending the money we receive to treat one.
Throughout the course of the past few months we have continued to do our part to break the cycle. Thus far, we have paid nearly 400 new clients in 2009 including hundreds of ongoing participants. On average, we have paid 44 new clients per month making 2009 our most successful year ever for new program participants.
Despite our success, it is important that we continue to do our part to break the cycle of addiction. Attached is a letter I received from an MSW student in California that speaks to the importance of our mission. It also speaks to the power of individuals that identify a problem and do their part to address it. For the last few years you have been the backbone of our organization that has allowed us to not only grow but also succeed. Together we can continue to break the cycle through our efforts to prevent pregnancies for drug addicts and alcoholics.
As has been our practice there will be no additional mailings until the end of 2010. For the latest news and information please visit www.projectprevention.org. You can also receive up-to-the-minute news updates by visiting us at twitter.com/BlessedBarbara .
It is my sincere hope that you will keep Project Prevention in mind as you make your year-end or beginning of the year donations. Your financial support is needed now more than ever. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns at 704-454-9922. I look forward to updating you on our progress in 2010.
Project Prevention featured on news media in Philadelphia. Click the links below to read.
- Drug addicts paid not to have children- ABC News Philadelphia.
- Group pays drug addicts to obtain birth control- Philadelphia Inquirer. (registration required)
Articles of Interest
- Drug Use During Pregnancy
- Illicit Drug Use During Pregnancy
- Ilegal Drugs and Pregnancy
- Cocaine Use During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and Drug Use Trends
- National Foster Care Statistics, 2003
Staggering Statistics
Every day more than 3 children die as a result of abuse and neglect. Over 75% of the child abuse fatalities were children under the age of 5.
Children who have been abused experience anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, substance abuse, and even worse many contemplate or attempt suicide.
Each year in California, 5,000 youth "age out" of foster care when they turn 18. The California Department of Social Services found that 65% of these foster youth face imminent homelessness!
Roughly 50% of foster youth do not complete high school.
Over 50% of foster youth become juvenile delinquents and furthermore, commit violent crimes as adults.
