This is an organization near and dear to my heart.

Zebra Centre is a Child Protection Centre--the first of its kind in Canada--that takes a community approach to helping acknowledge and help stop abuse against children.

It's an organization taking a more multi-disciplinary approach to the problem with inclusion of Edmonton Police, Alberta Children's Services, Crown Prosecutors and various volunteers at the medical and trauma expert levels and everyday persons who add their area of specialty into the mixing pot to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

It isn't the work of one person, but the work of many, holding hands--united--and that's why what they do works. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the Executive Director of Zebra who have a very heart-wrenching and eye-opening view of what goes on for these children. Zebra works with these children from admitting the problem to bringing charges and the entire court proceedings to ascertaining these children and their families are guided to the proper resources to help them rebuild their lives.

As you all know, helping children and families in need/crisis is where my heart is and I give a standing ovation to anyone who helps in this area. I will be posting my interview with Barbara as well as continuing to post updates on what's going on with Zebra and what we can do to help.

Start by visiting Zebra's website and getting a feel for what they do. Then donate: your time, money, toys, blankets...anything to help. (Remember, alot of these children are taken from their homes when abuse is suspected and must leave quickly with nothing but the clothes on their backs. So, any personal necessities would be most appreciated.)

God bless Zebra Centre and all they do for children and families. I am grateful to have lived long enough to see such a place come to be.