Please contact us if you would like to take part in the training to become a mentor!
215-477-5892 / 215-473-2162

Who We Serve: It is estimated that over 5,000 survivors of torture reside in Delaware and Pennsylvania. They come from regions, such as: Peru, Colombia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Liberia, Bosnia, Congo and Sierra Leone.

Survivors of torture, as defined by United Nations, include people who have suffered at the hands of their governments - intentional, severe, physical and or mental abuse.

The effects of torture are manifested in disfigurement, physical disability, physiological disturbance, and a continuum of psychological challenges, which have a profound impact upon the individuals health, and ability to function in society. Additionally, social relationships, trust and a feeling of wellbeing is eroded to the extent that many survivors of torture, once leaders in their communities, often decide to live isolated, restricted lives even when they find themselves in a safe environment.

The long-term consequences of torture and forced exile are felt not only by the individual, but by their children, family and community. The children of survivors often have difficulty assimilating and being accepted into a new culture. Their families, having lost traditional support systems, need our assistance in reconstructing their lives.

Goal: to facilitate the healing and restoration of hope for children and adults who have been affected by torture through providing positive relationships with caring people.

The Mariposa Outreach Project provides one on one and group mentoring, including opportunities for academic and ESL tutoring, support, accompaniment, fun and friendship. They serve as an example of human kindness and compassion in contrast to the hatred and violence they have suffered.

Group Outreach Activities May Include: Outdoor activities, such as: ropes courses, hiking, biking, gardening & environmental education, skiing and ice skating; trips to the zoo and museums; working with ceramics, wood-working and making puppets.

New volunteers are accepted on a continuous basis. We are looking for people who:
> are caring and committed
> can travel to the Philly area and attend orientation and quarterly training sessions at the JDCPC
> are able to commit to a few hours one day a week, or one weekend day a month for group activities.

Specialized skills are very much welcomed but not necessary!

Financial contributions are greatly appreciated!
(Please see the form below) We also have a “wish list” that includes: international phone cards, gift certificates for grocery or discount stores, restaurants, movies, museums, etc.; sports equipment (soccer balls, cleats, baseball gloves, etc.); craft supplies, language dictionaries and electronic translators.

Please contact us at: (215) 473-2162 if you have items that you are able to donate.

Use Your Voice and Demand Justice!

Call or write President Bush and/or your members of Congress and urge them to declare public support for the following:

The UN Convention Against Torture: Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture declares that no one shall be expelled to a country where he/she is likely to be tortured. Urge your members of Congress to ensure protection for all people already in the US and those seeking asylum in the US, who are at risk of torture in their home countries.
 
The International Criminal Court: The ICC will investigate and prosecute those who have committed genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The US seeks to ensure that US nationals who are accused of human rights violations abroad are exempt from the court's jurisdiction. The US is also pressing governments around the world not to relinquish US nationals to the ICC. In addition, the US has threatened to withdraw military assistance to countries supporting the ICC. Such threats are unlawful under international law and undermine international efforts to stop human rights violators from committing crimes against humanity. Urge your member of Congress to insist that the US government support the ICC.
 
The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women:  CEDAW is helping to improve the lives of women and girls around the world by protecting them from violence, abuse, and discrimination. The US is one of the very few countries that has not ratified this treaty. Call or write President Bush and ask him to ratify the
CEDAW.
 
The Leahy Amendment: This legislation calls for the prohibition of military assistance and arms transfer to governments that do not adequately protect human rights or are engaged in acts of armed aggression.

For more information visit:
www.tassc.org/
www.lcfsinpa.org/main/volunteertortur.htm

"Torture will not silence me, nor the pain all over my body... But the silence that you maintain will silently destroy me forever!"

"There are times when you have to obey a call which is the highest of all, i.e., the voice of conscience even though such obedience may cost many a bitter tear, and even more, separation from friends, from family, from the state to which you may belong, from all that you have held as dear as life itself. For this obedience is the law of our being." --Mahatma Gandhi

"The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. Indifference creates evil. Hatred is evil itself. Indifference is what allows evil to be strong, what gives it power." -- Elie Wiesel

"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

*The JDCPC is committed to working in solidarity and for the empowerment of those individuals and groups whose voices and aspirations have been suppressed. The goals of the Jean Donovan Community Peace Center (JDCPC) include advocating for peace and justice and promoting awareness through educational presentations, delegations, utilization of the Center and collaboration with other justice and peace organizations. Through simplicity of lifestyle, accompaniment, and educational outreach we aspire to walk and work in solidarity with our regional and international community.

Please send checks to the Jean Donovan CPC ~ 6367 Overbrook Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19151
Donations over $50.00 are tax deductible if made out to the San Carlos Foundation. Thanks for your Support!

Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a mentor or a co-sponsor!

6367 Overbrook Avenue ~ Philadelphia, PA 19151
(215) 473-2162 / (215) 477-5892

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