August 17, 2007
Garden of Angels, Inc.
Safe Surrender for Newborns
“Eleven Year”
Remembrance Service
For the Children
August 26th, 2007
6:00 pm
Desert Lawn Cemetery
11251 Desert Lawn Drive
Calimesa
Every year on August 26th, we gather together at the “Garden” to remember the commitment that we have made to children who have been abandoned, and to walk forward in our passion to be a part of the prevention of this tragedy.
We are grateful that the (seventy-nine) children in the Garden of Angels did not die in vain. Because of the children, a California State Law was created (SB 1368). It allows a mother to legally and anonymously surrender her newborn baby – 72 hours old or younger – with an employee at any hospital emergency room or other designated safe haven. Since January 1, 2001, this new law has saved the lives of 200 children.
There are now 48 states that have passed “safe haven” laws. The states that do not currently have this law passed (as of July) are; Nebraska and Alaska.
We know that we still have a lot of work ahead of us. The Safe Surrender for Newborns law is a “life-saving law”, but only if women of childbearing age know of its existence. Please help us by being a voice for these children. You can help by bringing awareness into your community about the issue of Newborn abandonment, by reaching out to our young people before this tragedy happens. Please open the door of communication with them and let them know that they have a “safe place” with you, no matter what issue they may face in their lives. Help bring our educational program into your community’s public and private schools (junior high – college), clubs, and youth groups. We feel that this tragedy can only be changed today, and prevented in future generations, through the education of today’s students. It is our greatest HOPE that this tragedy never happens to another child or another mother again – ever.
We are grateful for every act of love that has been shown on behalf of the children.
Please come and be a part of this “special” remembrance.
Please call our office if you would like more information: Phone: 909-797-8599 or Email us at: garden@gardenofangels.org
-- Garden of Angels, Inc.
Posted by Melanie Ladonga at 3:32 PM