MrBallen Series

October 28 seven states coordinated a national blanket-making event. They each chose who would receive the blankets they made. They all had one thing in common - the recipients would be children and teens who were victims of or traumatized by violent crimes. Listen to this episode to hear the stories from four states: Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Oregon.
We can help any group coordinate one of these events, even if there isn't a chapter near you. We've done this for remote teams, international teams, churches, quilt groups, service organizations, corporations large and small. If you want to bring the like-hearts near you together, consider a Bink-A-Thon.
This national event was sponsored by the MrBallen. Foundation. 
Links from this episode:
MrBallen.foundationBinky Patrol Comforting CoversTheAngelsInTheOutfield.orgCenter for Family JusticeMassachusetts Society for the Protection of ChildrenMission of DeedsCape Cod Children's CenterComfort CasesSecond-Story.orgProject HorizonPhillips Academy (andover.edu)Holy Trinity Catholic ChurchLoudon County Public LibraryPlanet PizzaDutch Bros. Coffee
 
Other sponsors included Planet Pizza in Connecticut, Dutch Bros. in Beaverton, Hoffman Fabrics, Embassy Suites in Tigard, OR and our host locations. Many hands, as the saying goes. 

Shannon Kmetic, founder of Angels in the Outfield, joins Susan Finch to discuss her mission of supporting children impacted by crime and abuse. Kmetic shares how her experience as a prosecutor showed her the need to help children after going through trauma and the justice system. She details the year-round work Angels in the Outfield does to give kids opportunities to pursue their passions, from sports gear to college visits, and provide a sense of normalcy. Kmetic emphasizes the power of helping children heal through positive outlets and relationships. As Susan describes their upcoming collaboration providing blankets to Angels' holiday store, Kmetic thanks participants for giving children warmth, security, and care. Together, they model uplifting partnerships that allow grassroots groups to transform children's lives. Will you join them by volunteering time or donating to organizations like Angels in the Outfield?
About Shannon Kmetic
Shannon was a Deputy District Attorney for Clackamas County when she founded the Angels in the Outfield in 2009.  She had been a prosecutor since 1996, and her caseload for quite some time had involved domestic violence and child physical and sexual abuse cases.  Shannon had just prosecuted one of the worst sexual abuse in her career, and she realized that more had to be done for this young victim and others like her. She was worried that the "system" was not equipped to deal with long-term issues related to victimization and healing. Shannon was blessed with a wonderful family and supportive parents, but not all children, including vulnerable children who are abused and neglected, get to experience what she did.
Shannon's hope was, and is, that the Angels in the Outfield will provide hope to children who fall within our mission. Getting to experience or do things that they may not have otherwise, or participate in an activity or event, or have something that will assist them daily will be the impetus for healing. 
Links from this episode:
Angels in the Outfield
Binky Patrol
MrBallen Foundation

Part of our MrBallen series, Sarah Muzquiz from the Ride Foundation joins Susan and shares the touching journey of healing through their programs. Many previously wild horses bond with veterans, inner-city kids, and individuals battling trauma, teaching invaluable lessons on trust and emotional boundaries. With a barn close to the city, the program ensures accessibility for urban kids, fostering a bond beyond mere riding. Several kids have found solace and accomplishment through the course, proving that the healing touch of these animals is universal. Sarah tells the story of a veteran who, having personally benefited from the program, volunteers to assist inner-city children. The Ride Foundation’s unique approach to therapy has rippled through the community, intertwining lives and building lasting relationships. Their message? Healing is a shared journey. Learn more about this moving initiative and discover how to participate in this transformative experience.
Links from this episode:
The Ride Foundation
Binky Patrol
MrBallen Foundation

Continuing the MrBallen Foundation Series, join this conversation on a topic close to many hearts - child abuse and the journey toward healing. Dr. Gina Crean from the Nashville Children’s Alliance joins Susan Finch to discuss the challenges faced by children who have undergone traumatic experiences and the support provided by Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) across the United States. Dr. Crean highlights the importance of minimizing retraumatization by following similar protocols across all CACs while adapting to local needs and resources. They discuss the critical role of supportive adults, community awareness, and how even small contributions, like donating snacks or blankets, can significantly impact. Dr. Crean encourages listeners to reach out for support, whether for themselves or others, and underscores the importance of starting conversations about child abuse to eliminate its stigma. This conversation is not just an eye-opener but also a call to action for everyone to contribute in their own way to support the healing journey of affected children. Join them for this episode: Healing Young Hearts: Supporting Traumatized Children Together.
Links from this episode:
Binky Patrol
MrBallen Foundation
Nashville Children's Alliance

You'll hear a Mark Twain quote in this episode. "The two best days are the one we are born and the one where we figure out why." That quote captures this episode with Texas EquuSearch's team as they tell their stories, how they found this organization, and how honored they are to find their why. This is the first half of the interview with Tammy Phillips, Director – Business Operations; Angelina Farris,  Deputy Director; Ken Sandor, Field Operations Manager; Mary Allbright, Research Analyst and family Liaison; and Mark Edwards, Field Operations Manager.
This is part of the MrBallen Foundation series, introducing you to non-profits and volunteer opportunities nationwide. 
About TXEQ
Texas EquuSearch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer search and recovery organization.  Texas EquuSearch never charges a family or law enforcement entity for their services. Headquartered near Houston, Texas, resources have evolved far beyond the original horse-mounted searches. Today, searches include the use of ground searchers, side scan sonar, ground penetrating radar, boats, aircrafts, drones, and ATVs. Many law enforcement agencies across the United States call on the resources of the organization’s highly skilled searchers to assist in their lost, missing or murder victim cases.
Throughout the years, Tim Miller and the organization have received numerous awards from law enforcement agencies and grateful community groups, recognition from media partners, and countless thank you’s from families of missing loved ones.
Texas EquuSearch has assisted in thousands of cases throughout the US and abroad giving some form of resolution to distraught families as well as closure to many criminal cases. There is no doubt that Executive Director, Tim Miller and his team lend credence to the age-old saying… “Volunteers are not unpaid because they are worthless. They are unpaid because they are PRICELESS!”.
How TXEQ Started
“Don’t thank me, thank Laura.” – Tim Miller
Many great and meaningful things have been born from adversity. In some cases, the response and resiliency to that adversity has resulted in monumental benefits to humanity. Such can be said of Texas EquuSearch after the tragic and senseless kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Laura Miller in 1984.
Laura’s father, Tim Miller, knows all too well the heartbreak and trauma that other families feel when a loved one goes missing. In August of 2000, Tim Miller founded and became the Executive Director of Texas EquuSearch which began as a horse-mounted search and recovery team. Through the years, like-minded volunteers have given their own time, talents, resources, and dedication to help recover and return lost and missing loved ones to their families.

Step into a world where love triumphs over hate, where darkness is challenged by the unwavering light of compassion. Join Susan Finch as she sits down with Buck Blodgett, the founder of the Love is Greater Than Hate Project. In this poignant episode, their conversation delves deep into the heart of adversity, unveiling the power of human connection to heal even the most profound wounds.
Buck's journey starts with an unimaginable tragedy—the loss of his daughter, Jessie. As he recounts the harrowing details, emotions are palpable, underscoring the capacity of the human spirit to transform pain into purpose. In this exchange, the true essence of collaboration and partnership shines through. The Love is Greater Than Hate Project isn't just an initiative—it’s a testament to the profound impact that can be achieved when hearts unite for a common cause.
Their dialogue touches on growth through adversity, leading Buck to unexpected places like prisons. His encounters with inmates illuminate the potential for change, reminding us that transformation is possible even in the darkest corners. This conversation is a call to action—a reminder that each of us can spread light and drive positive change.
Buck Blodgett's journey is a reminder that love can indeed conquer hate, and that our shared humanity binds us together in a tapestry of empathy and resilience. Tune in, be inspired, and embrace your role in the collective effort to make the world a better place.
Links from this episode:
LIGTH.org
BinkyPatrol.org
MrBallen Foundation

As part of our MrBallen Foundation series, we have Bev Warnock, the executive director of Parents of Murdered Children, an organization dedicated to supporting families devastated by the unimaginable loss of a loved one to violence.
As I spoke with Bev, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her mission. The pain and grief that these families endure is unfathomable. But within that darkness, Parents of Murdered Children brings a glimmer of hope, a lifeline for those navigating the turbulent waters of grief.
The organization's origins trace back to a tragic incident in 1978 when a young woman's life was cut short by the hands of her ex-boyfriend. From this heart-wrenching loss emerged a gathering of parents who, like broken pieces, found strength in coming together. And thus, Parents of Murdered Children was born, offering solace, compassion, and a sense of belonging to those who've walked this unimaginable path.
In this episode, Bev shares the struggles these families face – the legal battles, the lingering questions of why, and the challenge of rebuilding lives while never letting go of precious memories. She tells us about the profound importance of remembering those lost, and how even the simplest acts of remembrance can comfort a grieving heart.
But it's not just the families that bear the weight of grief; the entire community also suffers. Bev talks about how parents struggle to cope with their grief while helping their surviving children navigate their pain. It's a heartbreaking balance that requires understanding and support from everyone around them.
So, as we delve into this episode of All-Volunteer, All Heart, let us remember the strength and courage of those facing unimaginable heartbreak. And may we all be inspired to reach out, listen, and remember the stories of those who may no longer be with us but whose memories will forever be cherished in the hearts of those they left behind.
Bev and Susan gave a few challenges and action items in this episode:
Reach out to someone who has lost a loved one and share a favorite memory or story about the person. Let them know that their loved one is not forgotten and that their memory lives on in the hearts of others.
Encourage friends and family members to be patient and understanding with grieving parents or loved ones. Offer a listening ear and let them express their emotions without judgment or pressure to move on.
Challenge yourself to attend a support group or grief workshop if you have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be a crucial step in the healing process.
Consider volunteering or supporting organizations like Parents of Murdered Children that provide vital resources and support to families affected by violence. Your contribution, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in someone's life.
Be mindful of the impact of domestic violence and strive to raise awareness about its devastating consequences. Support initiatives that address and prevent violence within communities, as fostering a safe and nurturing environment is essential for everyone's well-being.
 
Links from this episode:
POMC.org
MrBallen Foundation
Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids