Advocates United for Humanity
Leading Positive Social Change
Leading Positive Social Change
AU4H Founders: Donna Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts.
Message from AU4H CEO/CFO Lee Cougardawn Roberts
Hello. My name is Lee Cougardawn Roberts and I am proud to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Advocates United for Humanity.
AU4H serves communities in Pennsylvania and Florida and provides resources to many others across the globe. AU4H has hosted multiple campaigns since opening our doors that have benefited children, families, and area animal shelters in need. We have and always will be a voice for the children and animals as we stand up against the abuses and violence that continue to bombard our world.
Many people have reached out to me about fundraising. AU4H has several yearly fundraisers. However, we will never call you, email you, or host GoFundMe pages asking for donations, and we do not partake in flea markets and/or yard sales, as part of our fundraising process.
If you have any questions about resources, campaigns or fundraising opportunities please reach out to me at: [email protected].
Thank you,
Lee Cougardawn Roberts
We are an all volunteer, small grassroots organization based in North Bend, PA providing vital resources and support to those in need. We are parents, grandparents, educators, and advocates who hail from diverse backgrounds.
Together we strive to help make the world a better and safer place for all humanity.
PA State Rep. Aaron Bernstine Proposes Child Abuse Registry Bill
PA State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, Donna Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts
There are 3.6 million cases of child abuse reported each year in the United States. However, it's estimated that for every case reported, two cases will go unreported. Pennsylvania currently does not offer a public website to find convicted offenders, but PA State Representative Aaron Bernstine (R) who represents Butler and Lawerence counties is ready to change that thanks to an idea by two grandmothers, Donna M. Kshir (Clinton County, PA) and Lee Cougardawn Roberts (who divides her times between Clinton County, PA and Crestview, FL).
In 2022, Kshir told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette that she and Roberts began seeking legislation to become law that would require the Pennsylvania State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse; modeling and making it public like Megan's Law.
After many rejection letters, Kshir's close friend Casey Green suggested she speak with Rep. Bernstine. On August 8, Kshir emailed Rep. Bernstine asking him to consider her and Roberts' proposal to protect children.
Rep. Bernstine immediately responded, "I LOVE THIS! I am going to put a bill together on it.
"Kshir said, "We have had so many people say they weren't interested or that I had to work within my own District. When Aaron responded back so quickly I thought it was just another rejection letter. I could not believe my eyes. I had to read his email twice." She added, After I danced around the living room shouting at the top of my lungs with excitement I called Lee to tell her the news."
Rep. Bernstine believes this new child abuse registry is something the public needs. It would require anyone convicted of certain child abuse offenses such as aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, or corruption of a minor to provide job, home, and vehicle information to Pennsylvania State Police.
“This piece of legislation is modeled after Megan’s Law which is designed specifically for sex offenders, it would basically be using the same premise and process the only difference is it’s for any crime committed against a child,” said Rep. Aaron Bernstine.
Rep. Bernstine said the registry will resemble the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Registration, better known as Megan’s Law. Individuals on Rep. Bernstine’s proposed child abuse registry would be required to provide a current telephone number, including a cell phone number, and any aliases, nicknames, or pseudonyms they use for identification.
Kshir is no stranger to working with legislators. Following a signature from Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear in March 2015 would seal the deal with Conner's Law-Kentucky. Making manslaughter in the first degree, which carries a 10-20 year sentence, now includes fatal child abuse. Abusers have to serve 85 percent of that sentence before being released.
The idea to open the child abuse registry came to Kshir in 2015 after two-year-old Conner Bachuss' killer Ronald Saunders II was released from prison. Saunders had a very violent past dating back to his time in the military. That violent past was hidden on a private registry. After serving 5.5 years in prison, on a plea deal, for brutally torturing and killing the Kentucky toddler, Saunders would re-offend abusing another child within a month of his release.
Kshir's thought process was if there was a public website, like Megan's Law, to look someone up to see if they had been convicted of a violent crime against a child before becoming involved with them or inviting them into your home, that information could be used to protect children. She took it to Roberts and the two began campaigning to open the PA Central Registry.
Rep. Bernstine stated he plans to formally introduce the bill in the next few weeks. He already has co-sponsors for the bill from both sides of the aisle.
Kshir said, "I never thought this day would come. Lee and I prayed that someone would come along and see our vision to protect children. I am so thankful God sent us Aaron."
Rep. Bernstine will sit down with Kshir and Roberts on Friday, September 6 at 10 AM on 'The Whole Issue' with Canadian-American Radio Personality Laurie Ann Smith. The interview will air LIVE on YouTube, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and other podcast formats.
Two women fight for law to make child abuse registry open
Donna Kshir and Lee 'Cougardawn' Roberts
Donna M. Kshir and Lee Roberts, both grandmothers, want people to be able to search offenders by name and location, according to Lexi Howard, an assistant and spokeswoman for Kshir and Roberts.
The grandmothers are seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse offenses in the state, including their name, date of birth, the tier of the crime and the location the crime took place which is often needed to find court records.
Past and latest efforts.
Since 2015, Kshir and Roberts have been trying to get the child abuse registry to be open.
READ MORE HERE
Donna M. Kshir and Lee Roberts, both grandmothers, want people to be able to search offenders by name and location, according to Lexi Howard, an assistant and spokeswoman for Kshir and Roberts.
The grandmothers are seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse offenses in the state, including their name, date of birth, the tier of the crime and the location the crime took place which is often needed to find court records.
Past and latest efforts.
Since 2015, Kshir and Roberts have been trying to get the child abuse registry to be open.
READ MORE HERE
Currently Donna Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts are awaiting for Senator Doug Mastriano's response as he wanted to review their proposal.
Borowicz offers support for opening The Central Registry
Donna M. Kshir, Lee Cougardawn Roberts and Rep. Stephania Borowicz
RENOVO, PA- Two grandmothers, Donna M. Kshir (above left) and Lee Cougardawn Roberts (above right), seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse in the state are one step closer to seeing their vision come to light.
On April 5, Ms. Kshir sat down with Republican State Representative Stephanie Borowicz to see if they could gain her support and sponsorship of legislation. This time around, Borowicz offered support and suggested the duo meet with Republican Senator Cris Dush. Borowicz offered to sit in on that meeting.
The biggest roadblock the pair has faced has been the misunderstanding of Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System and the central registry.
READ MORE HERE
Source: https://therecord-online.com/site/archives/94496
Clinton County Record: Borowicz offers support for opening The Central Registry
*IMPORTANT NOTE*
"Advocates United for Humanity has no involvement in the bid to open the Central Registry. Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts are independently seeking sponsorship to have the bill amended. Opening the Central Registry will give another tool for parents and guardians to help keep their children safe. As child activists, the AU4H Board of Directors and Ambassadors do support them and their independent mission to further protect children."
"Advocates United for Humanity has no involvement in the bid to open the Central Registry. Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts are independently seeking sponsorship to have the bill amended. Opening the Central Registry will give another tool for parents and guardians to help keep their children safe. As child activists, the AU4H Board of Directors and Ambassadors do support them and their independent mission to further protect children."
Join us on AU4H Radio
*AU4H 'Real Talk' Radio is owned and created by Donna M. Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts.
They aired their first show on December 23, 2020
They aired their first show on December 23, 2020
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Our shows are rated 'E' for everyone
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Sister advocates and best friends Donna Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts are back on the air hosting AU4H Radio's Real Talk. Grab a cuppa and join them at the round table, as they discuss social issues and relevant topics happening around the globe.
Our Founder is Featured in a New Book:
“Conner’s Law – Kentucky” goes on sale this Friday… and it has a connection to a local activist.
Fighting to change the law on any level is never an easy process. It can take years, and even then a majority of the time the proposed bill never makes it through the House of Representatives or sees its way to the Senate.
Read Full Story!
Fighting to change the law on any level is never an easy process. It can take years, and even then a majority of the time the proposed bill never makes it through the House of Representatives or sees its way to the Senate.
Read Full Story!
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Advocates United for Humanity
Email: [email protected] Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
Mailing Address:
Advocates United for Humanity General Delivery 164 Main Street North Bend, PA 17760 |
AU4H Main Office: Pennsylvania
AU4H Florida State Chapter: NW Florida
AU4H Florida Affiliate Chapter: Osceola County, FL
AU4H Florida State Chapter: NW Florida
AU4H Florida Affiliate Chapter: Osceola County, FL
Important Note from AU4H FOUNDERS
Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts:
It has been brought to our attention that there are individuals fraudulently claiming to be with Advocates United for Humanity (AU4H) who are in no way affiliated with our non-profit organization. Anyone who claims to be fundraising or doing any business on behalf of our organization will now have a letter of introduction with them on our official letterhead.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact AU4H at [email protected] or you may message us through our Facebook page.
Thank You,
Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts
AU4H Founders
Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts:
It has been brought to our attention that there are individuals fraudulently claiming to be with Advocates United for Humanity (AU4H) who are in no way affiliated with our non-profit organization. Anyone who claims to be fundraising or doing any business on behalf of our organization will now have a letter of introduction with them on our official letterhead.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact AU4H at [email protected] or you may message us through our Facebook page.
Thank You,
Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts
AU4H Founders
Advocates United for Humanity
IRS Approved Tax Exempt Non-Profit
Founded: JUNE 8, 2014
IRS Approved Tax Exempt Non-Profit
Founded: JUNE 8, 2014
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