Animated Film Made for Less Than $1,000 Selected for International Film Festival

The Blood Pope

Traditionally, only large studios with big budgets have been able to afford to create 3-D animated films. Today, an amateur with a home computer can create 3-D animated films engaging enough to be included in major film festivals.

As evidence of this "democratization" of 3D animation, consider that The Blood Pope www.TheBloodPope.com — a 3D animated short film created for less than $1,000 - has been selected for an international debut at The World Animation Celebration, which will be held in Los Angeles from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.

The World Animation Celebration

The World Animation Celebration is the United States' first international animation festival and focuses on promoting the brightest, most innovative, emerging talent from all over the world, showcasing their films and achievements as original filmmakers. Hosted by Sony Pictures Animation, The World Animation Celebration is presented by Animation Libation Studios and Animation Magazine.

The Blood Pope is an original work of historical science-fiction based upon actual events in 1492, when an alchemist attempted to use transfusions to extend the life of Pope Innocent VIII. The Blood Pope was created on a home computer using iClone from Reallusion, a software package that does for 3D animated film-making what desktop publishing did for magazine and book production.

The writer and animator of The Blood Pope, Geoffrey James, is the author of numerous books, hundreds of feature articles, and an award-winning blog on Inc.com, where he is a Contributing Editor.

"Working in my spare time and with no formal training in animation, I was able to take my story idea from conception to completion without any studio involvement," says James. "I'm honored that the organizers of The World Animation Celebration believe that The Blood Pope is worthy of wider attention."

Previously, The Blood Pope won the Most Innovative Animated Film Award at The Something Wicked Film Festival and an Award of Recognition from The IndieFEST Film Awards. It was selected for Denver's Supernova Outdoor Festival of Digital Animation and Art.

The Trailer:

SOURCE: Geoffrey James

007 ELEMENTS: A new James Bond Cinematic Installation

007 ELEMENTS - Solden Exterior Render (PRNewsfoto/007 ELEMENTS)

007 ELEMENTS is a new James Bond cinematic installation opening this winter, built inside the summit of the Gaislachkogl Mountain in Sölden.

The name 007 ELEMENTS reflects the visitor's journey through a series of galleries, each distilling the craft of the signature elements that define a James Bond film. The installation will focus on Spectre , which was shot in Sölden and will feature other titles in the long-running 24 film Bond franchise.

The collaboration between the project's Creative Director, Neal Callow (Art Director on Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre) and Optimist Inc. Head of Design, Tino Schaedler and his team has resulted in an immersive, interactive and educational experience that places visitors inside the world of 007 while revealing how that world is made.

"Our aim with 007 ELEMENTS is to tell the story of the making of 007 films in an ultra-modern, emotive and engaging way," Callow explains. "We want to use this incredible location to place our guests into Bond's environment, and bring the stories to life in a unique and unforgettable way."

Located 3,050 meters above sea level, the 1,300 square meter building has been constructed within the mountain and is arranged over two levels. Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, the impressive structure reveals itself through a tunnel and unfolds into two main areas offering spectacular views of the Tyrolean valleys.

Combining state-of-the-art technology with stark contemporary architecture, 007 ELEMENTS creates a captivating experience with a dramatic cinematic soundscape set in nature's awe-inspiring surroundings.

The bespoke new building to house the installation was designed and is currently being constructed by Obermoser Architects. Tyrolean architect, Johann Obermoser and his team have been planning and realising award-winning commercial and residential buildings since 1983 including the spectacular ice Q restaurant on the summit of the Gaislachkogl and the Gaislachkogelbahn and Giggijochbahn cable car stations in Sölden.

007 ELEMENTS is a partnership between EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) who jointly own the rights to the James Bond films, and Cable Car Companies Sölden.

Architect Johann Obermoser’s concept drawing of the building located 3,050 meters above sea level in Sölden, Austria to house the new James Bond cinematic installation.

About EON Productions
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Wilson/Broccoli family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company that makes the James Bond films and together with Danjaq controls all worldwide merchandising. The 007 franchise has produced twenty-four films since 1962.

www.007.com

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world's deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network EPIX, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite, telco and digital distributors. In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels, digital platforms and interactive ventures and is producing premium short-form content for distribution.

www.mgm.com

About Cable Car Companies Sölden
Cable Car Companies Sölden stands for innovation, excellence and state-of-the-art technology. One of the leading ski lift companies in the Alps, the company is proud of its architectural masterpieces in the Sölden ski resort. These include the BIG 3 (viewing platforms on three different 3000-meter-high mountains), the two most powerful cable cars in Europe, the Gaislachkogelbahn and the new Giggijochbahn, and the spectacular ICE Q restaurant on the summit of the Gaislachkogl. Sölden enjoys the second highest number of guest nights in Austria - second only to the capital city of Vienna.

www.soelden.com

About Obermoser Architects
Leading Austrian architect, Obermoser arch-omo zt gmbh has been creating and constructing award winning commercial and residential buildings since 1983. Tyrolean architect Johann Obermoser and his team are responsible for the Gaislachkoglbahn, ice Q restaurant and the impressive Giggijochbahn in Sölden.

www.arch-omo.at

About Optimist Inc.
Optimist Inc. is a creative agency that thrives on innovation and true firsts. They're founded on the simple belief that authenticity and passion reign supreme. Driven by the desire to create something truly unique, they seamlessly blend creative, strategy, design, content, and production talent to deliver one-of-a-kind solutions that are both real and socially viable.

www.optimistinc.com

007 Elements Solden Plaza Render - Featuring James Bond’s Family Crest (PRNewsfoto/007 ELEMENTS)

SOURCE: 007 ELEMENTS

Dierks Bentley And Bon Iver's S. Carey Team Up For "Hold The Light" From Upcoming Film 'Only The Brave'

Dierks Bently and Bon Iver's S. Carey Team Up for "Hold The Light" from Upcoming Film 'Only The Brave'

The distinctive vocals of multiplatinum singer/songwriter and Arizona native Dierks Bentley resonate throughout "Hold The Light," his first-ever song written and recorded for a motion picture. Also featuring Bon Iver's S. Carey, "Hold The Light" is featured in Columbia Pictures and Black Label Media's Only The Brave, in theaters nationwide October 20. The song was written by Bentley, Carey, Joe Trapanese and Jon Randall.

Bentley first took action in 2013 when he organized and hosted the Country Cares Concert in Arizona, which raised more than half a million dollars for the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. The new song honors and embodies the spirit of the true heroism depicted in the film and is available now at all digital retailers and streaming partners, at strm.to/DB-HoldTheLight.

In composing the song, Bentley and Carey worked closely with Only The Brave composer Joe Trapanese. In the collaboration, the songwriters worked Trapanese's film theme into the music of the song, providing a seamless transition between song and score and resulting in a song that is integral to the film itself.

Bentley said, "This is at the top, if not the most meaningful experience I've ever been a part of. It hits me harder than any other song I've had a chance to be a part of. Over the last couple years I've met and gotten to know Brendan, the sole survivor, and my mom has met with some of the guys' families, and it's still unfathomable to put yourself in any of their shoes. But, our goal was to create a message of hope and love. I'm honored to have been a part of it."

Joseph Kosinski, the director of the film, added, "This story resonated deeply with Dierks from the beginning – he was one of the first to raise money to support the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and his commitment has been unwavering since then. The theme comes from the score and the lyrics come from the heart, so it was a natural fit for the film."

S. Carey said, "Working on this song with Joe, Dierks, and the whole crew was a true honor. My brother-in-law has been a wildlands fire fighter for the last several years so I had a somewhat personal starting point for the creative process. I'm extremely thankful to be able to honor these men, these true heroes, in the form of a song in a beautiful, powerful film."

To learn more about Only The Brave, see a testimonial video in which Bentley, Carey and survivor Brendan McDonough describe honoring the sacrifice of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, and find out how you can support the wildland firefighter communities through The Granite Mountain Fund, go to OnlyTheBrave-Movie.com.

Only The Brave - image via onlythebrave-movie.com

It's not what stands in front of you – it's who stands beside you. Only The Brave, based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, is the heroic story of one unit of local firefighters that through hope, determination, sacrifice, and the drive to protect families, communities, and our country become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country. As most of us run from danger, they run toward it – they watch over our lives, our homes, everything we hold dear, as they forge a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire. 

The film stars Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, James Badge Dale, with Taylor Kitsch and Jennifer Connelly. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ken Nolanand Eric Warren Singer, based upon the GQ Article "No Exit" by Sean Flynn, the film is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Menchel, Erik Howsam, Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill, Dawn Ostroff, and Jeremy Steckler.

Only The Brave - image via onlythebrave-movie.com

ABOUT DIERKS BENTLEY 
Current CMA "Male Vocalist of the Year" nominee Dierks Bentley has a "reputation as one of the hardest-working entertainers in country music" (Music Row) as "he sells out enormous tours, is a perennial favorite of format radio stations, and earns critical acclaim without compromising his artistic vision," (Entertainment Weekly). With 17 No. One hits and more than one billion digital streams he "continues to take risks that pay off," (USA Today) as his eighth studio album BLACK, has been hailed the "most fully-formed LP of his career," (TIME). 

After making its debut at the No. One position on Billboard's all-genre Top Albums Chart and Top Country Albums chart, BLACK has garnered nominations from the ACM, CMA, GRAMMY and Billboard Music Awards while earning three consecutive No. Ones; the gold-certified title track and the PLATINUM certified hits "Somewhere On A Beach" and "Different For Girls." "The bluegrass picker, the love  song singer and the stadium rocker all packaged together" (Associated Press) has been a Grand Ole Opry member for over a decade and has illustrated his depth and diversity as an artist with "ferocious live performances" (Fresno Bee) throughout his 2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR, which claimed the top spot on Billboard's Hot Tours selling over 750 million tickets. 

For more information visit www.dierks.com.

The Trailer:

SOURCE: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Banksy Strikes Again: Basquiat, Graffiti, And The Issue Of Copyright Law

PA, CC BY-SA

By Enrico Bonadio, City, University of London

Banksy is back, in his own iconic style.

Two murals by the British street artist have been spotted on the walls of the Barbican Centre in London, which is hosting Boom for Real, a major exhibition dedicated to the genius of American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The first mural represents a ferris wheel (with Basquiat-inspired crowns replacing the wheel’s passenger cars) with people queuing up at the ticket booth. It makes fun of the exhibition’s organisers, confirmed by Banksy’s Instagram post presenting the new artwork: “Major new Basquiat show opens at the Barbican – a place that is normally very keen to clean any graffiti from its walls.”

Basquiat himself started his career in the 1970s spraying artworks, messages and tags in the streets of New York City, often with his schoolmate and graffiti artist Al Diaz.

The second Barbican mural depicts a figure being frisked by two policemen, which bears more than just a likeness to Basquiat’s 1982 piece, Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump. Again, Banksy seems to mock the exhibition celebrating a former graffiti artist, highlighting how harshly street artists – who frequently face serious legal consequences including jail time – are treated by the police.

Saving valuable art?
Would it be possible to prevent the removal of Banksy’s new creations? It is difficult to foresee what the fate of these potentially very valuable murals will be. The walls belong to the City of London Corporation, which has not yet decided whether to keep them or even protect them. As has often happened in the past with Banksy’s street artworks, they may soon be cut from the wall, exhibited and then offered for sale for six-figure sums.

The elusive Bristol street artist has strongly disapproved of such removals. But he has never taken legal action to try to prevent removal by relying on copyright and moral rights laws.

This is probably due to the fact that Banksy often paints his murals illegally, namely without the authorisation of the owner of the wall, which exposes him to prosecution for defacement of property. Plus, he believes that copyright law is “for losers”.

But let’s imagine for a minute that Banksy changes his mind and wants to react in court against the removal and “indoor-isation” of his murals. Could he successfully invoke the so-called “integrity right”, which allows artists to oppose treatment of artworks that are prejudicial to their honour or reputation?

On the one hand, he could argue that his reputation is harmed by such treatment of his street artworks, as the public may think he has condoned it, which would tarnish his anti-establishment and anti-consumerist image.

On the other, the copyright statute does not expressly provide artists with the ability to oppose the exhibition, or in general publication, of their works in contexts different from those chosen by the artists themselves: which may represent an obstacle in any proceedings against someone who exhibits Banksy’s removed murals.

Could the Basquiat estate sue Banksy?
But could Banksy find himself embroiled in a legal fight for an alleged copyright infringement? We have seen how his own murals have incorporated an entire Basquiat work and the stylised crowns used and popularised by the American artist.

Jean Michel Basquiat was a street artist himself before he became the darling of a New York art scene dominated by Andy Warhol. epa, CC BY-SA

The first issue is related to Banksy’s anonymity. Should the Basquiat estate plan on going after the famous British artist, who should they sue? Despite various theories surrounding his identity, nobody outside his inner circle really knows who Banksy is. That may not be an insurmountable obstacle, though. A legal action could probably be started against the entity behind the banksy.co.uk website and the related Instagram account which are displaying pictures of the murals.

Also, far from just being an homage to Basquiat and a lawful use of a copyrighted work (for example, under the fair dealing exception for criticism or review), the two murals, especially the one depicting the figure frisked by two police officers, might be considered as unlawfully reproducing substantial parts of copyright-protected pieces of art. Canvases, prints, posters and even tea cups depicting Banksy’s murals can already be readily found on the internet, produced by people not linked to the street artist.

Most probably, such legal action will never get up much steam. The Basquiat estate will find it counter-productive to pick up a legal fight with the most appreciated urban artist in the world. They may be quite happy with the increased interest the murals have garnered for the current exhibition.

But street artists like Banksy who frequently incorporate in their murals copyrighted works of others may soon need to pay more attention if they want to avoid getting into legal troubles. The more graffiti artists enter the mainstream and increase their notoriety, the higher the chances they will receive complaints and be condemned if their works infringe others’ copyright.

Whatever happens to Banksy’s murals, I wonder what Basquiat, if he were around today, would make of all this. He might have been delighted about the clever murals, having started out himself as a graffiti artist. Or he might have thanked Banksy for creating a nice media-friendly buzz for his exhibition. But as an artist who later successfully entered the professional art market, and understood its driving forces, Basquiat might also think: “Hey Banksy, that’s my stuff. That’s not cool.”

About Today's Contributor:
Enrico Bonadio, Senior Lecturer in Law, City, University of London

This article was originally published on The Conversation. 

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Douglas Blackmon To Speak About His New Documentary "The Harvest"

Douglas Blackmon Author of “The Harvest”

September 28, 2017, at 5:30 p.m., Pulitzer Prize-winning author Douglas Blackmon and Rose Scott, WABE's host of "A Closer Look," will be at the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library to discuss Blackmon's new documentary, The Harvest.  

The film tells the story of the integration of public schools in one Mississippi Delta town, and how decades later, schools are once again segregating.  Through this local lens Blackmon explores a paradox of modern American life—how a society that so widely defeated legally mandated segregation, at the same time failed in building the diverse, interwoven, empathetic communities in which the vast majority of Americans say they want to live. 

Blackmon won the Pulitzer Prize, Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. He is the host and executive producer of American Forum, a weekly public affairs program broadcasted on PBS. 

"We are honored to have Douglas Blackmon and Rose Scott at our library to talk about, The Harvest, and to engage the audience in discussion about the struggle for school integration and its impact on the quest for diversity today," said Library CEO Loretta Parham.

This program is co-sponsored by Georgia Humanities and The AUC Woodruff Library and will take place at the Library, 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. The event is free.

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Woodruff Library is a member of the nation's oldest and largest consortium of historically black colleges and universities, which includes Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College. 

The Library provides high level information resources and services in support of student and faculty success. The Library is winner of the 2016 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award from the Association of Collegiate and Research Libraries.  

Learn more at www.auctr.edu.

Georgia Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities serving the people of Georgia. In a spirit of collaboration, Georgia Humanities gathers, preserves, and shares the state's distinctive stories through a range of cultural and educational programs and resources. 

Its work nurtures Georgians' understanding of themselves and of their state's place in history and in the world, and it fosters thoughtful and engaged citizenship. 

For more information, visit GeorgiaHumanities.org.

SOURCE: Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

$1 Million Donation Goes to Help 'The Grief Girl' Save Lives

R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide

Kristi Hugstad, author of "What I Wish I'd Known: Finding Your Way Through the Tunnel of Grief" and "R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide" recently received an incredible gift: an anonymous "angel" donated 100,000 copies of her book "R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide" for distribution to schools and youth organizations around the country.

The donation, which is the retail equivalent to $1 million, will help Hugstad in her mission to open an important conversation with teens – one that seeks to dispel the stigma associated with depression and mental illness, and offers hope to teens considering self-harm or suicide.

"This donation is an amazing display of generosity and faith in my cause," Hugstad said. "I visit schools and talk to teens on a regular basis and I know that many are struggling without the resources they need to cope in a healthy manner. This book can help open up the conversations that save lives." 

Those conversations are happening, thanks to Hugstad's mission as a health educator, grief counselor, public speaker, blogger and host of her own podcast and radio show. Previously a health and fitness guru, Hugstad's career – and life – took a new trajectory four years ago when her husband, Bill, completed suicide by throwing himself in front of a train.

"It was an experience that no one should ever go through," Hugstad recalls. "But in dealing with it, I found my true mission in life – helping others who are going through what my husband went through."

That mission now includes distributing the 100,000 copies of "R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide" where they are needed most. As part of this endeavor, Hugstad has asked for nominations for schools or organizations to receive copies of the book. 

To request books for a school or organization, please visit The Grief Girl. According to Hugstad, the lives of teens you love could depend on it.

"Teens today have so much to deal with, from depression to bullying to social media pressure to gender confusion to alcohol and drug abuse – and the list goes on," Hugstad said. "This book is my way of saying, 'hey, we understand what you're going through and we want you to know there's help out there.'"

Kristi Hugstad, The Grief Girl

About Kristi Hugstad

Kristi Hugstad is the author of "What I Wish I'd Known: Finding Your Way Through the Tunnel of Grief" and "R U OK? Teen Suicide and Depression." She is also a professional speaker, certified grief recovery specialist at South Coast Behavioral Health, grief and loss facilitator for Addicts in Recovery, and credentialed health educator. Hugstad hosts "The Grief Girl" Podcast and "The Grief Girl" OC Talk Radio Show, and is a longtime blogger for Huffington Post. 

For more information on Hugstad, visit www.thegriefgirl.com.

SOURCE: The Grief Girl

Rapper Offset Launches $500K Fundraising Campaign for the American Cancer Society

Offset Launches $500K Fundraising Campaign for the American Cancer Society

Rapper Offset, of the chart-topping hip-hop trio Migos, is teaming up with the American Cancer Society and mobilizing his fellow artists, corporate sponsors and passionate fans to raise $500,000 for the organization.

Offset's dedication to the fight against cancer is personal. His inspiration for working with the American Cancer Society is his late grandmother, Sallie Ann Smith, a significant role model in his life who died of bladder cancer in 2012. After Mrs. Smith's cancer diagnosis, her family learned firsthand about the positive impact the American Cancer Society programs and services make on families.

"It was really tough losing my grandma to cancer and one of the hardest things I have dealt with in my life. She motivated me to do my best and go for it; one of my biggest coaches," said Offset.

Fellow Migos members Quavo and Takeoff, along with their record label Quality Control Music are rallying their networks to help Offset reach his fundraising goal because cancer has impacted all members of Migos. 

"We're proud to support Offset's efforts to help raise money for the American Cancer Society, so they can address cancer in underserved communities," say Quavo and Takeoff. "We encourage all our fans to donate if they can."

Despite recent progress against cancer, not all Americans have benefited equally. African- Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the United States for most cancers. The causes of these inequalities are complex and reflect social and economic disparities. Much of the disparity is due to unequal access to health care.

Offset is honoring his grandmother through this campaign by helping raise funds to promote cancer prevention and access to care in underserved communities. In addition, money raised through this effort will also help fund an ACS Research Grant focused on bladder cancer research.

"I am thankful to be partnering with the American Cancer Society to help save lives against this horrible disease. It's especially important for me to give some love to my community and do what I can to help," Offset says.

Offset's mother, Latabia Woodward, an American Cancer Society supporter and volunteer for over a decade, is proud of her son. "Losing a loved one to cancer is devastating, and we need to continue to help educate our communities about early detection and screening guidelines. I am incredibly proud of Offset's desire to help save the lives of others, genuine heart and talent as an artist."

Offset hosted a launch party yesterday at Main Event Entertainment in Atlanta, Georgia, where he spent the day with teens and young adults whose lives have been impacted by cancer. In addition, Offset's fans can also donate to a special Prizeo campaign – prizeo.com/offset – which will enter them for chance to win a shopping spree with Offset.

"We are honored that Offset chose to work with us. His inspiration and support for the American Cancer Society is one that makes him a unique artist – one who wants our world to be better." said Sharon Byers, chief development and marketing officer, American Cancer Society. "Offset's fundraising campaign is a significant opportunity to leverage the music industry and his contacts to support our mission which is why we are very appreciative to be able to partner with him." 

To join Offset's fundraising campaign, visit prizeo.com/offset. For more information about Offset's work with ACS, please go to cancer.org/offset.

About Offset
Offset was born and raised in North Atlanta where he began his music career and still calls home today. He is one-third of the platinum selling group, the Migos. In 2017, Migos, won two BET Awards and were nominated for multiple Billboard and MTV Video Music Awards for the success of their album Culture and chart topping single Bad and Boujee. 

The Video:

SOURCE: American Cancer Society

Book "The Forgotten Ones" by Ellipsis International Founder Natalie Herrington Helps Children Find Freedom From Trauma in Hurricanes' Wake

The Forgotten Ones, by Natalie Stephens Herrington with Brindy Epal

In light of the recent natural disasters and calamity caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, trauma is on the radar.  America is unifying around these issues despite differences in politics, race, religion, and region.  

The survivors of such trauma need immediate assistance to meet basic needs.  But more than that – once the waters recede, homes are rebuilt, and lives slowly return to normal – one thing will remain… memories, fear, and, ultimately, trauma.  

Each time it rains, each time a storm forms nearby, these fears and memories of what once happened will surface just as quickly as the waters rose.

More than the basic necessities of life, the will to survive in the years to come will be much more difficult.  Many lost everything, including precious family members who can never be replaced. Rebuilding must include more than what meets the eye.  

The Forgotten Ones, released by Natalie Stephens Herrington, sheds light on this very topic.  Though not unearthed through the aftermath of an actual storm, the experiences she faced in meeting some of the most traumatized children in the world gave her insight into what children need beyond the basics – to survive and thrive.

Dancing after a monsoon at Freedom Camp

The Forgotten Ones tells of an orphan in the Philippines who lost both of her parents by the age of 10. She found comfort in the commonality shared with the others in her orphanage.  It wasn't until she left that she recognized her deep pain from losing her family and her need to begin healing. Herrington's unexpected friendship with Brindy caused her to discover a way to bring freedom to traumatized kids.

The same trauma found in the Philippines can be found in children affected by the recent hurricanes. They may seem to move forward in their lives in the coming months, but the deep effects of trauma will remain until someone guides them to understand that what has happened to them doesn't define them.  

"There are so many kids out there with similar stories, traumatized and growing up without having dealt with it. The situations these stories convey cause kids to stay in the mindset in which they were left—unless someone steps in to help," said Herrington.

The Forgotten Ones points out the important fact that the sooner trauma is vocalized and understood, the sooner breakthrough and freedom comes.  

Herrington is the founder and president of Ellipsis International, a non-profit focused on helping kids break free from the trauma of their past in order to realize their full potential. 

Their program called Freedom Camp is a five-day intensive experience teaching kids about identity, burdens, freedom, community, and hope.  Ellipsis plans to bring Freedom Camp to the hurricane-affected areas in the near future.  

To learn more, visit www.ellipsisinternational.org.  To bring a Freedom Camp to your community, contact ellipsis.us.info@gmail.com.

The Forgotten Ones is on www.nataliestephensherrington.com or Amazon.

SOURCE: Ellipsis International

Rock Band Daughtry Boosts Habitat For Humanity's Response To Hurricanes Harvey And Irma

Rock band Daughtry is making a major contribution to Habitat Hammers Back, the initiative effort helping to repair and rebuild in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The band is donating $50,000 and is encouraging their fans to contribute as well.

Click on the video below to hear their message...

"We've been struck by the images coming out of Texas and Florida after these two devastating storms," said Chris Daughtry, lead singer of the band. "The destruction is enormous, but so is the love and compassion we've seen with people helping each other out. Habitat for Humanity is already on the ground helping folks assess damage, dig out and repair their homes. We're making a donation to Habitat, and we'd like to ask you to join us by visiting habitat.org/hurricanes to make a contribution today."

Working through its local offices as well as by deploying trained Disaster Corps volunteers, Habitat conducts rapid assessments of storm damage and helps clean out homes damaged by winds and floodwaters. Habitat's long-term post-disaster recovery efforts include repair of damaged homes and construction of new affordable homes. Construction plans are determined after evaluations and are dependent on the level of support received from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

Habitat has been responding to disasters since 1997 and to date has helped more than 230,000 families in 52 countries through its disaster response work. Following Hurricane Katrina, Habitat organizations along the Gulf Coast built more than 6,000 homes and removed debris and cleaned more than 2,500 homes in preparation for rehabilitation. Habitat also mounted responses to Superstorm Sandy, tornadoes through the South and Midwest, and earthquakes and typhoons overseas.

More information on Habitat for Humanity's response to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma can be found at habitat.org/hurricanes.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. 

The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. 

Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. 

To learn more, visit habitat.org.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity International