Greater Reading~ Eastern Edition MERCHANDISER September 22, 2010
Reading Eagle article dated 9/18/2010
Mary Young: Are basic rights being ignored? 'Cullen said a state law, the Victims' Bill of Rights, is often ignored'.
Fair, other Berks events to mark National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Rights week in Berks to feature fair, candlelight vigil, walk, balloon release
Article Dated 4/14/2010
February 3, 2010 VOLUME XLI- NO. 10
YOT on a Mission to Stop Violent Crime by Lisette Mendez
Years of Tears is a tax exempt non profit organization, like many in Berks County, trying to make a difference in our community. YOT became official on August 11, 2006 with the combined efforts of several women who are survivors of homicide or suspicious death occurring in their families. Brenda Cullen, Tina Stief, Loretta Colbert, Irene Frymoyer and Cindy Schildt were all affected by the loss of a loved one and because of this vowed to make a difference. The mission of the organization is to provide educational, advocacy and support programs for individuals and or families of those who have been victims of violent crime.
YOT advocates against the 'no snitch' mentality. Hoping those who know, do not remain silent while violence continues within our streets. The organization works closely with the Berks Law Enforcement Agencies on unsolved murders. There are many avenues for people to give information concerning a case without giving their names. Years of Tears mission is to raise substantial reward money to offer for valid information that will lead to an arrest as well as to pursue laws for Victims' Rights. Throughout the year they have done community Stop the Violence outreach; and have spoken at places such as City council, and Berks Crime to get the word out. There are events planned for YOT throughout the calendar year to raise money, awareness and most importantly help bring justice to the streets of Berks County. It is so hard to understand the effects of a ciolent crime until one deals with it on a personal level. For more information or to become a volunteer or to attend the next general meeting on February 8th, please call Brenda at 484-818-1368 or visit www.yearsoftears.org . This web site has very complete informationon the initiatives and activities of YOT.
Reading Eagle Article Dated 9/26/2009
Ceremony held in Reading park to remember murder victims "Years of Tears, a victims rights group, has adopted Mineral Spring Park and plans to make renovations and transform the park into a place for quiet reflection and remembrance of murder victims."
Report Dated 9/25/2009
Park Dedicated To Memory Of Local Victims Of Violence
Berks families offer moving epitaphs “After a person has been murdered, how often to you hear of them?" “Never! People quickly forget them.”
Our Loved ones should not be forgotten.
Feeling helpless and alone, like no one understands what they’re going through, families of people who died tragically are reaching out to the community for support.
September 27, 2007 article by Lissette Mendez
Reading Eagle March 31, 2007
Reading Eagle September 16, 2006
First Article About Years Of Tears
September 3, 2006
Years of Tears: New group targets crime The name bespeaks something organizers know all too well: an unsolved murder’s toll on the victim’s family and friends.
Gary Miller
Alphonso Colbert
Jason Stief
September 3, 2006
September 3, 2006 Part II
September 3, 2006
Group: Publicity, rewards key to solving cold cases Years of Tears organizers say a Web site, billboards and possibly newspaper ads will be used to generate tips police might be able to use.
