AMBER HEARD SAYS, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PSA

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Amber Heard recently partnered with #GirlGaze Project to release a domestic violence PSA.  The PSA comes after Heard’s very public divorce from Johnny Depp earlier this year.  In May 2016, Heard brought domestic abuse allegations against Depp, but eventually dropped the suit in August when Depp settled for $7 million.

In the PSA, Heard gets emotional while revealing personal details about her own experience with domestic violence.  She shares the thoughts that went through her own head during the abuse, such as “How is this happening to me?”  Heard addresses the fact that abuse can happen “in your home behind closed doors.”  Heard fights back tears at one point when she says,  “telling someone safe is the beginning of choosing yourself.” Heard speaks directly to abuse survivors, saying, “You are not alone.”

In the video, Heard recognizes the “unique opportunity” she has to bring awareness to the issue from being in the public eye.  Heard encourages the media and people in general to change the way we talk about domestic violence.  She implores viewers to, “Speak up.  Raise your voice.”

Watch the full PSA below to hear the rest of Heard’s moving words.

Today we honor International Day for the Elimination of Violence Towards Women with this powerful message from Amber Heard.

If you or someone you know needs help to BE SAFE, visit The Retreat or call The Retreat hotline: 631-329-2200.

Ya Know You Wanna!

10 WAYS YOU CAN HONOR AND COMMEMORATE THE TRAGIC EVENTS AND VICTIMS OF 9/11

Associated Press via CNN.com

Unfortunately, this Sunday will mark 15 years since the horrific tragedy of the September 11th terrorist attacks.  Thousands of Americans lost their lives, leaving behind a grieving nation.  

If you lived in NYC anywhere below 14th street, chances are you saw the tragic events unfold with your own two eyes.  Yet, despite the fact that the NYC skyline has changed, you may feel more connected to downtown Manhattan more now, then ever before.  

Fact is, 9/11 did in so many ways forced NYC and the entire country to come together.  Yes, the horrible events on 9/11/01 certainly changed the way we all view  the world.  Now, as America faces a critical change of political power in this upcoming Presidential election, you may feel more compelled now more than ever to be a part of your local community and are looking for ways to volunteer or give back this weekend or month.

In cities all over the United States, people still come together on September 11th to commemorate and honor the victims of 9/11.

Below are ten different ways you can join your fellow Americans to honor, remember, and give back to the victims, their families, and America..."United we fall."

Joe Woolhead via 911memorial.org

1.  VISIT the National September 11 Memorial & Museum – On September 11, 2011, in New York City, the National Memorial for the 9/11 attacks was officially revealed to the public.  The site instantly reminds people to "never forget."  The 9/11 Memorial displays the names of the victims, including the passengers and crew of the two airliners that were used by terrorists to strike and subsequently bring down both the north and south WTC towers.  Victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks including:  first responders, employees and visitors were from all over the world and are forever memorialized at the site that was referred to as,  "ground zero."

In May 2014, the 9/11 Museum was officially opened to the public.  Both destinations are a harsh and emotional reminder to us all.  Those who want to remember their loved ones or just self reflect are able to gather and experience the museum’s historical yet, "gut-wrenching" exhibition of those unimaginable and tragic events.  

You can show your support by joining the thousands that visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 11th each year to honor the victims.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

2. DONATE to Charity – It’s 15 years later and people are still feeling the affects of 9/11, including the victims’ families, survivors, injured heroes and survivors.  Making a donation to one or more of the below charities will support the many victims still alive and left behind who were seriously effected by the attacks.  

Wounded Warrior Project: Provides the servicemen and women injured during the attacks with lifetime support.  Their mission is “to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women; to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.” 

Tuesday’s Children: Provides long-term support to the families of the victims of 9/11, as well as victims of other terrorist attacks globally. 

The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation: Founded by the family and friends of FDNY firefighter, Michael Lynch, after he was killed responding to the 9/11 attacks.  It is a scholarship fund that provides educational grants to the children of 9/11 firefighters and other victims.

serve.gov

3. SIGN-UP for the National Day of Service –  Don't have the funds to donate this year?  You can still give back.  Join your fellow Americans every September 11th to volunteer at a local event near you.  Your contribution goes a long way in honoring 9/11 victims and continuing service for other ongoing American hardships due to the attacks.  You can sign up on serve.gov and take part in various outreach, fundraising, and service projects.

Christian Rodas

4. GET PHYSICAL for a good cause - The 9/11 Stair Climb – In various locations throughout the country, people partake in “stair climbs” to pay tribute to the FDNY firefighters that responded on 9/11.  Climbers walk the equivalent of 110 stories of the World Trade Center, just like so many of the heroic first responders did.  To support their brave sacrifice, find out where your nearest climb is here.

Kara Lusk Dudley

5. GIVE BLOOD – Blood donations to the American Red Cross soared after the events of 9/11.  Naturally, people wanted to do everything in their power to help out.  Many years later, donating blood is still just as significant of a gesture.  The American Red Cross has partnered with 9/11 Day to encourage people to give blood in honor of 9/11’s emotional 15th anniversary.

Brandon Seidel/Dreamstime

6. GET PATRIOTIC! – Yes, we know July 4th has come and gone.  But, there are no rules, you can display and fly the American flag anytime you want.  This Sunday, in honor of September 11th, hang your American flag and display your pride, honoring the best country in the world!  The American flag is the ultimate symbol of solidarity and patriotism and reminds us to never forget any of the lives who were taken on this terrible day in our nations history.

trinitywallstreet.org

7. VISIT St. Paul’s Chapel – Otherwise known as the “Little Chapel That Stood,” St. Paul’s was instrumental in helping recovery workers during the 9/11 attack.  For months after the 9/11 attacks, volunteers from the church, served meals, made up beds, helped show support and counsel the 9/11 workers.  St. Paul’s is also the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan.  It is worth a trip for both the historical significance and the role it played in such a horrible tragedy.

Britt Crosby

8. The New York City Fire Museum – This museum is free to the public on September 11th.  Inside, there is a 9/11 memorial honoring the firefighters who lost their lives.  On September 11th there will be a choir performance, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

Kerstie Ladd

9. Wall Street Walks – This walking tour company gives 9/11 tours around lower Manhattan, including Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial.  Make sure to book your ticket now!

www.rememberingourfallen.org

10. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – This museum hosts a photo memorial honoring New Yorkers who suffered fatal wounds from their time fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  While not directly about 9/11, it serves as a strong reminder of the brave Americans that lay down their lives for our country every day.

"NEVER FORGET!" 

Ya Know You Wanna!

TONIGHT! JOIN ALEC, BILLY BALDWIN & HUNDREDS OF VIP'S IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!

ACTORS ALEC AND BILLY BALDWIN TO JOIN LOCAL BARS AND RESTAURANTS FROM THEIR NATIVE LONG ISLAND, NY TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER IN HONOR OF THEIR MOM! 

Former Massapequa Residents and actors Alec and Billy Baldwin will join over 1,000 local bars and restaurants in the community where they grew up to raise funds in honor of their mother, Carol Baldwin, to fight breast cancer, at the annual Long Island Hospitality Ball, Today, Monday June 27, 2015 at 7 pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club located at 8325 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, Long Island NY.

Carol M. Baldwin and her husband Alexander raised their family in Massapequa, Long Island. In 1983, after 29 years of marriage, her husband died of lung cancer and in 1990, Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer.  For much of her adult life, Carol M. Baldwin has been known as the mother of the world’s most famous acting family. What is less known about Carol is her struggle with breast cancer, which nearly took her life.  After undergoing a double mastectomy, Carol decided to help other women overcome the struggles associated with breast cancer.

In 1996, turning tragedy into courage, Carol with family, friends and health professionals, formed The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Inc. to fight and ultimately win the battle against breast cancer. The Fund’s primary purpose is to provide the money so desperately needed for researchers seeking the causes, prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

WHEN:    Today, Monday June 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm

WHERE:  Crest Hollow Country Club

8325 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY

You can purchase tickets click HERE!