Help save the National Center for Missing Adults

[chillzero]

I was going to post this in Forum Community, but wanted it in a public section. There's not much I can say to add to what Kelly explains in her blog today. Please take a few minutes to send an email, or write a letter, to help this incredibly important organisation to survive.

http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com/2006/07/71006-matter-of-urgency.html (http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com/2006/07/71006-matter-of-urgency.html)

To Family Members and Friends of the Missing,

Monday, November 5th, 2007, might be remembered by those involved in the missing persons cause as a day in which a huge step backwards was taken.

Unless something major breaks in the way of funding, this will be the day in which the National Center for Missing Adults (NCMA) will close their doors. Thousands of families will be affected, now and in the future.

Why is this happening?

The answer is complex, but in summary:

· The NCMA stepped up and assisted over 13,000 victims of Hurricane Katrina and was to be reimbursed for those expenditures, which were close to $250,000. At this time, the NCMA has only received $50,000 to cover the work they did at the request of the Dept. of Justice.

· The 2007 re-authorization of Kristen’s Law, (HR 423) which would provide the NCMA with up to $4 million per year in funding for 10 years, continues to remain in the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Securitycommittee, with no action taken to help the center. This re-authorization effort has been in the works unsuccessfully since 2005.

· As experienced not only by the NCMA, but by other national organizations, including ours, the public does not generally consider missing adults’ assistance nonprofits as a part of their charitable giving plans. Corporations are also hesitant to provide funding, and grant makers don’t seem responsive, either. This lack of support has also contributed to the problem.

What will save the NCMA at this late hour?

If an “angel” company or person comes forward who can help keep the center operating until the Kristen’s Law Re-authorization funds are released.

AND/OR

The DOJ immediately releases the funds owed to the NCMA from their work related to Hurricane Katrina.

What Can I Do?

<Please see the link for information>

[cj.23]

Excellent cause. Hope the US govt sorts the funding/invoice issue, and that people write as requested.

cj x

[chillzero]

I hope we can help Kelly and the centre raise the profile of this organisation enough to help. The NCMA has been invaluable to many families.

[chillzero]

I really thought that posting this here - apart from raising the profile for the organisation, would also raise some interesting discussion.

For example:
The NCMA stepped up and assisted over 13,000 victims of Hurricane Katrina and was to be reimbursed for those expenditures, which were close to $250,000. At this time, the NCMA has only received $50,000 to cover the work they did at the request of the Dept. of Justice.
Is nobody appalled that the government can allow this organisation - that stepped in to assist where they failed - to be shut down because that same government has not honoured its promises?

[cj.23]

Ten months have passed, and I really wanted to know how things are going? Anyone?
cj x

[chillzero]

I believe they had to close. I'll confirm that though.