Project Jason in the News

[Kelly]

Project Jason is pleased to announce the passage of the Jennifer Kesse and Tiffany Sessions Missing Persons Act in the state of Florida. It was passed yesterday, and now awaits the governor's signature. It is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2008.

Congratulations to Drew and Joyce Kesse, Jennifer's parents, and all who helped pass this bill, a part of Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing.

Other states passed by Campaign for the Missing volunteers include CT, IN, NJ, and OR.


http://www.findjenniferkesse.com/

Here are some highlights of the bill.

Basic Summary:

An act relating to missing persons; amending s. 937.021, F.S.; requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies and procedures to be used when investigating missing person reports; requiring law enforcement agencies to submit information to specified databases; providing immunity from civil liability for certain persons involving such reports; requiring that a law enforcement agency obtain a DNA sample after a person has been missing more than 90 days; requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to adopt rules; amending s. 937.022, F.S.;renaming the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse the "Missing Children and Persons Information Clearinghouse"; requiring the clearinghouse to collect and process information regarding missing children, missing persons younger than 26 years of age, and missing persons suspected by a law enforcement agency of being in danger or a victim of criminal activity; providing definitions; providing an effective date.

Highlights:

LE (Law Enforcement) must have written procedures regarding the proper investigation of cases, use of available resources, and monthy review of cases.

Missing persons must be entered into the NCIC and the FL CIC databases within 2 hours.

When a person has been missing for 90 days, DNA may be obtained from the person's belongings or the appropriate biological family members. LE can obtain DNA   before the 90 days if need be.

The state clearinghouse shall now also include information about missing persons through age 25, and any missing person LE considered to be engandered or a victim of criminal activity. LE is required to report information about these cases to the state clearinghouse.

FL LE shall establish a means  to communicate case information about the case types as noted above.

LE is encouraged to transmit information about the above missing person case types to media and other interested parties who may be on the same distribution list as those on the Amber Alert list. Any person on this list who complies with the request cannot be held liable for any damages in complying with the request to disseminate this information.

(The last point and second point above are the ones which seems to confuse some media into thinking the bill extends the age of Amber Alerts and/or causes an alert to be issued in all cases. As you can see, it does not.)

You can read the full text of the bill here: http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2008/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s0502.pdf

Thanks again to the families of the missing, such as Jennifer's family, who are willing to step outside of the circle of their own pain, and work to help increase the odds that even just one more family will be reunitied with their missing loved one. 

There is always hope.

Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Help us for free when you shop online or do a websearch:
http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=857029

[Kelly]

A Project Jason Brief:

Project Jason has been selected as the Omaha Royals baseball team Community Organization of the Night. The game against Portland begins at 7:05pm tonight at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha.

Board members will be present at the organization�s display table in the concourse to answer questions about their mission. Michael Jolkowski, son of Project Jason founders, Jim and Kelly, and brother of missing Jason Jolkowski, will throw out the first pitch. A pre-game and a third inning interview with Kelly will be broadcast.

Project Jason would like to thank the Omaha Royals for this opportunity to share information about the plight of the missing and how they are working for positive changes within the cause.

Tickets cost $6.00 and up for the game.

[Kelly]

A Project Jason Brief:

In 1995, a group of 7 men rode their bicycles from Utica, New York to Washington, D.C. in order to raise awareness about the plight of missing children and to bring a message of safety to the people they met along the way. They arrived on the steps of the Capitol on May 25th, the first National Missing Children�s Day. Two years later, inspired by that first Ride, a group of 43 riders rode their bicycles 100 miles from Albany to Utica NY with the same message of safety and awareness.

There are three purposes to �The Ride�, which takes place on May 16, 2008:

To honor the memory of all missing children,
To increase public awareness of the plight of all missing and exploited children and the need for child safety education, and
To raise funds to support the missing children poster distribution and mission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children � New York/Mohawk Valley (NCMEC-NY/Mohawk Valley).

This year marks twelve years for the Ride for Missing Children. The 43 riders have grown to an astonishing 400! The unified team of bicyclists, riding 2 x 2 for 100-miles, is escorted by the New York State Police and local law enforcement of the jurisdictions along the route. The Ride stops at schools along the way for educational Rest Stops, and �Ride-By� other schools throughout the day. At each school visited, riders and volunteers bring the message of child safety and abduction prevention.

The parents of missing Omaha, NE teen Jason Jolkowski, and founders of nonprofit organization Project Jason, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, will be participants for a 3rd year. Jim will be riding, and Kelly will speak at both the opening and closing ceremonies. The Jolkowskis will be among several family members of missing persons, including Doug and Mary Lyall, parents of missing Suzanne Lyall, and Shirlette Green, mother of missing Ivory Green.

For additional information about the Ride for Missing Children, please see http://www.rideformissingchildren.com/index.html

For more information about Project Jason, please visit http://www.projectjason.org/

[Kelly]

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/19009004.html

Parents of missing children inspire others taking part in Ride

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: May 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM EDT
Story Updated: May 16, 2008 at 12:12 PM EDT

ONEIDA - Parents of missing children from around the country attended the opening ceremonies for the Ride for Missing Children Friday morning at the State Police barracks in Oneida.

Kelly Jolkowski's teenaged son, Jason, disappeared without a trace in 2001. Friday, Jolkowski inspired the riders as they prepared to begin their journey.

She says that the work of these complete strangers on behalf of her son and other missing children has been a bright spot in the darkness of now knowing what happened to her son.

Also there Friday was Shirlette Green, of Utica. Police are still searching for her daughter, Ivory, who disappeared in March 2004.

[Kelly]

http://investigation.discovery.com/blogs/criminal-report/missing-person/jason_jolkowski.html

The Missing - A Weekly expos� of Lost Souls - A Special Message

In the second edition of "The Missing," I brought you the case of Jason "J.J." Jolkowski, a 19-year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, who vanished in 2001. This past Friday marked the seventh anniversary of Jason's sudden and mysterious disappearance.

In honor of Jason, his birthday and his generous spirit, Jason's parents, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, have launched a fundraising campaign for Projectjason.org, a nonprofit organization they founded in 2003, with the purpose of increasing public awareness of missing person cases.  Below are just a few highlights of what this wonderful organization has managed to accomplish since then.

� Project Jason has distributed more than 12,500 personal ID kits, including a Spanish translation.

� Project Jason has facilitated the distribution of more than 50,000 posters nationwide through their various poster campaigns.

� Project Jason has given out more nearly 5,000 missing person photo buttons through their Adopt a Missing Person program.

� Project Jason has mentored several volunteers to action and passed legislation in 6 states that positively affect missing person's cases.

� Project Jason has served over 400 families since their inception.

� Project Jason, in partnership with Target Media, places information about 4 missing persons each month in national trucking magazines, which have circulations of 150,000 each.

� Project Jason has had a direct impact in the location of numerous missing persons, including a teen missing for 2 years, a sister missing for 7, and a son missing for 14.

� Project Jason recently started placing photos of missing persons on bus benches.

� Project Jason is the first and only assistance organization to offer free professional online counseling with one of the nation's foremost counselors.

� Project Jason was the first nonprofit of its type to open an office in the popular virtual world, Second Life, bringing the cause of the missing to a new audience, telling the stories of the missing in an intimate and intriguing style.

Last week, Kelly sent me a letter, which she wrote to mark the anniversary of Jason's disappearance and his upcoming birthday.

Dear Jason,

We love you and miss you. It�s been seven years since we last saw your face and heard your gentle laugh. Wherever you are, you're now a grown man. You were just a young adult when you were last with us, working to find your place in this life.

The month of June is such a trying time of year. You disappeared without a trace on June 13, 2001. Sometimes it seems as if it was just yesterday. The great fear and pounding of our hearts when we discovered something was very wrong is a feeling we'll never forget. We waited and hoped that you'd walk in the door a moment later and that the whole awful event would be over, but that didn't happen. Seven years later, it feels as if it never may end, and that we may have to wait for our life after this world to see you again. Even so, we will always have hope to find you sooner, and that you will be with us again. Love always hopes, and we have hearts full of both.

Father�s Day and my birthday were also events of that fateful month, and without you, those dates seemed meaningless.

June 24 is your 27 birthday. It would be so wonderful to be able to buy you a gift and sing Happy Birthday to you, even in our funny, off-key way. There is so much that we've all missed. If you are still with us, you could be married and have children. You may have graduated from college and be pursuing a career. So many life events which normally happen with someone of your age may have passed by. We hope and pray that you haven't been cheated of the life you were meant to live.

We feel that somehow, you are aware of how life has changed for us in your absence. Your little brother has grown up now and works with your dad. He misses you so.

Because of you, we were called to reach out and help others who have fallen victim to this tragic circumstance. We passed a law in your name here in Nebraska, and then we created a nonprofit organization named after you, Project Jason. We've helped find other missing people, including a son who was missing for 14 years, and a sister missing for seven. We wish we could find you, but rest assured son, we won't stop trying.

We were blessed to have you with us for nineteen years. You taught us so much, especially about generosity and kindness. You never told us these things, but we found out from those who knew you. You took it upon yourself to help a handicapped boy at school to get from class to class. You sang a rap in front of the whole school to help your friend get elected to the student council, even though you are shy and quiet. We saw for ourselves how you would literally run to open the door for elderly people, or help someone across the street.

Because of these things and more, we know you would want us to do the work we do to help other families of missing persons. In honor of your 27 birthday, and we know you would approve, we are asking for donations to your name sake organization. It's been a struggle these past seven years without you, and also in founding the organization and accomplishing what we know we could. With the support of others who care, we will achieve more for these suffering families and help to reunite them with their missing loved ones.

We're going to ask, dear Jason, that each person reading this consider donating $27 in your name to Project Jason. Realizing there are many who truly can't afford to do this, perhaps some who can, will donate an additional $27. We have a goal to reach $2,700 by October 6th, which will be the 5th anniversary of the founding of Project Jason.

It will be wonderful to be able to affect even more families in your name, Jason. The greatest gift of all would be to have you back in our lives, but if that is not to be, we will continue on with our work with the help and support of the kind people of the world, people just like you.

Love Always,

Mom, Dad, and Michael

I urge everyone to please donate anything you can to this wonderful organization.

You can mail your donation to Project Jason, PO Box 3035, Omaha, NE 68103, or go to their website, Projectjason.org, and click on the PayPal button at the bottom of the page.

[Kelly]

A Project Jason Media Brief:

The family of Jason Jolkowski requests the media's assistance to ensure that the public is aware that Jason is still missing, and has been for seven years as of June 13, 2001. We need the public's help to be our eyes and ears when we cannot, and to perhaps provide the clue that will be the key to unlocking this sad mystery.
 
Jason was 19 years old when he disappeared from the driveway of our Benson area home. No leads or clues have ever surfaced. While the evidence appears strong that Jason did not runaway, there is no evidence he was harmed. We still wait and hope.
 
Assisting the Omaha police and the family on this difficult anniversary month are the Carole Sund Foundation, offering a $5000.00 reward. In addition, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have completed an update on Jason's age progression photo. This photo is an artist rendering of what Jason might look like today. A printable poster noting the reward and the new photo can be found on the Project Jason website. http://www.projectjason.org/downloads/JasonJolkowski0613.pdf
 
June 24th will mark his 27th birthday. Jason's parents, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski of Omaha, started nonprofit organization, Project Jason in the aftermath of Jason's disappearance. In honor of Jason's birthday, and to continue their mission to help families of the missing, Project Jason has launched a campaign to bring in donations which not only would pay general operating expenses, but would also allow them to enhance the services offered to families of the missing, including their bus bench program which was launched right here in Omaha, and a retreat to be held in 2009.
 
Detailed information about the Birthday Campaign, Project Jason's accomplishments and goals, as well as a moving personal letter to Jason, can be found at
http://www.projectjason.org/forums/index.php?topic=3021.0
 
For more information about Jason Jolkowski and Project Jason, please see www.projectjason.org
 
To contact Kelly Jolkowski, please email kelly.jolkowski@projectjason.org

[Kelly]

http://nwn.blogs.com/

Charlanna Beresford�s weekly round-up of upcoming SL events�

Across the globe, thousands of people go missing every day. There are a pair of open houses this week that demonstrate what Second Life can do to help those with missing loved ones in their first lives. 

On Friday, June 27 at 4:30 PM, Project Jason is holding an open house to mark the opening of their office in Second Life. Project Jason was founded by Kellyj Shepherd (Kelly Jolkowski in RL) following the mysterious disappearance of her 19 year old Jason Jolkowski from the family�s driveway on June 13, 2001. In the aftermath of this tragic event, she and her husband found that there are few resources for families of missing adults and they developed Project Jason so that no family would be left alone and without resources in a heartbreaking situation where time is so critical. Project Jason�s Second Life plans include educational presentations, law enforcement training, and family support meetings.  The open house is an opportunity to learn more about Project Jason�s efforts in both worlds and to meet Kellyj Shepherd. In Aloft Nonprofit Commons.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aloft%20Nonprofit%20Commons/241/24/26

[Kelly]

http://www.ketv.com/family/16699420/detail.html?rss=oma&psp=news

Mother Marks Missing Man's 27th Birthday

POSTED: 4:49 pm CDT June 24, 2008
UPDATED: 5:18 pm CDT June 24, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. -- The mother of a man who disappeared seven years ago celebrated her son's birthday on Tuesday.

Jason Jolkowski disappeared without a trace from his Omaha neighborhood at age 20. On Tuesday, he would turn 27.

Kelly Jolkowski said she continues to search for her son, but there are still no clues about his disappearance. 

"It's another milestone since that day," she said on Tuesday. "It's just incredible. You would think that can't keep going on. We would find him, but we don't."

Kelly Jolkowski and her husband stared Project Jason to help other families who have missing loved ones.

[Kelly]

http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=8550418

Remembering Jason: Helping Find Others

Posted: June 24, 2008 08:58 PM CDT
By Julie Hong

Omaha (KPTM) - He vanished without a trace seven years ago.

Jason Jolkowski would be 27 years old this June 24th.

So on his birthday, his family reflects on his life and want to share a very special gift.

"It would be so wonderful to be able to buy you a gift and sing Happy Birthday to you, even in our funny, off-key way," reads Kelly Jolkowski.

It's a birthday letter with words of love, hope and reflection Kelly wrote to her son.

"We reflect on him as a person. We miss his laughter and his kind generous spirit."

Tuesday, June 24th is the 7th birthday the Jolkowski's celebrate without him.

Jason Jolkowski disappeared without a trace from his Benson home seven years ago.

He would be 27 years old.

"It's still extremely difficult to not know anything to not know is he dead, is he alive, is he okay, did somebody hurt him. Why?" says Kelly.

And while the Jolkowski's don't have those answers, they do have Project Jason, a non-profit organization dedicated to help other families like theirs.

"We need the public's help to find Jason, to remember the missing, other families like ours and to help us accomplish our goals."

Kelly says since she can't give her son a gift this year, she hopes the public will give in his honor by donating at least $27 dollars to Project Jason.

It's a gift that Kelly says she hopes will help find Jason, and help other families.

But, more than anything it's a gift she says Jason would want.

"That's part of the birthday campaign we know that with his generous spirit, he would want us to do this," says Kelly.

The Carole Sund Foundation continues to offer a five-thousand dollar reward for any information that leads to Jason.

Money raised from Jason's Birthday Gift campaign will help with the operating costs of Project Jason pay for awareness programs, fund an upcoming retreat and help pay for ads of missing people on area bus benches.

You can donate by logging on to www.projectjason.org

You can donate through PayPal or mail a check.

Jason's mom also says there are updated posters with Jason's age progressed photo. The family would appreciate any help if people can print out the poster and put them up in their neighborhoods or where they work.

[Kelly]

http://www.wahoonewspaper.com/site/tab7.cfm?newsid=19823375&BRD=2712&PAG=461&dept_id=557009&rfi=6

Missing person cases in Nebraska go unsolved


By: Jon Burleson
07/02/2008


In Douglas County, law enforcement lists 1,850 people missing. About half the cases involve children.
 
On June13, 2001, Jason Jolkowski, then 19, became a statistic. Since that day, his mother, Kelly, has been striving to make him more than that to lawmakers.

"Nobody knows how big an issue this is," Jolkowski said. "Those who are missing are more than a height, weight, hair and eye color. They are people."

After laboring on behalf of missing persons for the last seven years, Jolkowski has mobilized a new effort to get law enforcement the tools they need to help families of the missing. Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing is a grassroots effort to pass legislation in each state that will serve to improve the law enforcement community's ability to locate and ensure a safe return of missing persons.

"This is so needed," she said. "Things fall through the cracks. Families aren't told to get vital pieces of information that could help them solve the case."

The campaign's central focus will address the national problems of missing persons and the identification of human remains and provide the framework for improving law enforcement's response. It will also improve the collection of critical information about missing persons, prioritize high-risk missing persons cases and ensure prompt dissemination of critical information to other law enforcement agencies and the public that can improve the likelihood of a safe return.

"Most law enforcement officers are not trained in missing persons cases," Jolkowski said. "Some police academies don't even teach about missing persons investigations."

The Department of Justice, working with federal, state and local law enforcement; coroners and medical examiners; victim advocates; forensic scientists; key policymakers; and family members who have lived through this tragic experience, developed the legislation to be presented in the Nebraska Unicameral.

The bill made it mandatory for law enforcement to follow certain procedures at the beginning of a missing persons case. Certain steps need to be taken in a specific order and resources must be allocated to assist, Jolkowski said.

"Nobody told me to get his toothbrush or his comb," she said, "and by the time I knew, it was too late."

On almost a daily basis, unidentified bodies are found across the country. Over the last year, law enforcement agencies have reported from 40-50,000 bodies with no means to identify them, Jolkowski said. These bodies are usually buried or even cremated with no DNA saved for the possibility of a future identification.

"The families of those missing live in a horrible limbo of not knowing," Jolkowski said. "These families need an answer and this legislation could help provide an answer."

Having run into a roadblock in the last Unicameral session, Jolkowski has been waiting patiently for the next session. Patience is something she has developed over the last seven years.

But, she has not been idle. Jolkowski has been working with Nebraska legislators, such as Steve Lathrop and Brad Ashford to move the bill forward this time around.

"Last time, I was told that the $50,000 needed to run the program each year wasn't available," she said. "I feel that if Nebraskans knew how many people go missing each year, they would be willing to help find them."

If you are interested in helping make a difference in the lives of thousands of missing persons and their families, send an email to campaignforthemissing@projectjason.org.

My Notes: I have not personally been working with the named senators. The comment about the $50K was in reference to Jason's Law, which we passed a few years back. The $50K kept that bill from passing during the first two years of our efforts. The Campaign for the Missing law is a different mandate. This law is meant to be passed in all 50 states, not just Nebraska. KJJ

[Kelly]

YouTube videos about Jason and Project Jason, courtesy of our volunteer, Linda:

Jason Jolkowski 6 Year Missing Event/Campaign for the Missing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5c2wYm8OT0

Project Jason Launches Bus Bench Program
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQBSbxJcyjI

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=41088153

Jason Jolkowski 7 Year Missing/Birthday Campaign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZAxtBn5U_0

[Kelly]

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/08/09/news/local/doc489d0ca89690c431918592.txt?sPos=3

Clinton teen has been missing for 6 months

By Thomas Geyer | Saturday, August 9, 2008 12:52 AM CDT

Today marks six months since 19-year-old Benjamin Roseland was last seen by family or friends.

The Clinton teen left a friend�s apartment Feb. 9 to walk a few blocks to a Hy-Vee store to get a snack before going to bed. But Roseland never made it to the store, nor back to his friend�s apartment nor to his own home.

He hasn�t been seen or heard from since. While his family is not giving up hope that he returns safe and sound, the pressure and need for closure is great.

�We�re hoping he comes back safe,� said Roseland�s aunt, Julie Connell. �If that�s not meant to be, we hope we find him so we can have closure.�

Connell said the family is using every means available to find Benjamin.

Roseland�s story is now on the Web site ProjectJason.org, a non-profit organization created to increase public awareness of missing people through various outreach and educational activities.

Connell said Project Jason has given her helpful ideas.

According to the organization�s Web site, Target Media Partners works with Project Jason to provide help for families of the missing by publishing the photos and information for each featured campaign in their monthly magazines, �Through the Gears� and �Independent Contractor.� These publications can be found at businesses and truck stops nationwide.

Connell said Roseland�s story is being published in a September issue of at least one of these publications.

�So much has happened since Ben disappeared,� she said. �Ben�s grandmother, Jeannette Hopkins, passed away June 10. His niece will have her first birthday Aug. 28.�

Mother�s Day and Father�s Day were each very hard, she added.

They family is working on building a reward for information about Roseland�s whereabouts, Connell said.

Roseland�s mother, Theresa, said Clinton police are still working the case.

�I guess he (the detective assigned the case) is going back in the case a bit and reinvestigating some things,� Theresa Roseland said Friday. �But nothing new has developed. I talked to them again today. Hopefully something happens there. But nothing�s moving on it.

At the time of his disappearance, Roseland wore camouflage coveralls.

Anyone with information about Roseland is asked to call the Clinton Police Department at (563) 243-1458.

[Kelly]

A Project Jason Press Release:

Public Invited to Celebrate Family Safety With Fun Family
Bicycling or Walking at Zorinsky Lake Park

Fifth annual Miles for the Missing gives free ID kits, raises awareness for local missing persons with fun, healthy walk/ride in nature setting

Omaha, Nebraska � (August 2008) -- Families and friends from Omaha and beyond are invited to Miles for the Missing V, a fun, casual walk and bike ride that gives attendees family safety information, and provides free ID Kits. The event is September 21 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Zorinsky Lake Park. This is a chance to do something fun and healthy outdoors in a nature setting, with family and friends and at the same time, benefitting Project Jason, a local nonprofit. 

This is not a pledge-per-mile event. Instead, it is a casual ride/walk on a seven-mile path. You can go any distance you wish, whether it is one mile or several times around. The trail is paved and SAG and free water will be provided.

Fun New Mascot and Photo Opportunity



Attendees will be welcomed by the new mascot, �I.D. Kitty,� a large, warm and fuzzy, 6-foot-tall live action figure designed to bring enjoyment to children and families.  Children will be delighted by him, and parents will appreciate how Project Jason is taking the �fear factor� out of obtaining and creating I.D. Kits. I.D. Kits should be part of every household, and for every family member.  Families are welcome to take photos of their children united with ID Kitty in advocating family safety!

Goals for the Event

The event has three goals: to help families understand various safety issues, to disseminate free ID Kits to all, and to honor families of local missing persons.

This year�s honored guests are families of the missing Jesse Ross, Erin Pospisil, Melvin Uphoff, Kiaran Norman, Benjamin Cannon, and Jason Jolkowski.

Event Details and Registration

The ride/walk starts at 9:30 a.m, on Sunday, September 21st. Check-in is at Shelter #5, located on the south side of Zorinsky Lake Park, at the 156th & F Street entrance. Trail coverage with first aid and water will be offered until 2:00 p.m. You can come any time convenient to you, with a recommended start time of no later than 1 p.m. The trail is seven miles and you can ride/walk as little or as much as you wish.

The cost per person is $17.00 per person. Riders/walkers who pre-register by September 15, 2008 will receive a free Miles for the Missing V T-shirt at check-in.

Riders/walkers of all ages must have a completed and signed registration form before entering the trail. Children under age 10 riding/walking with a parent or guardian may walk/ride free, but will still need a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.

T-shirts for children under age ten (optional) may be purchased for $7.50 each at the time of registration, prior to September 15.

All information, including registration forms, is available at http://www.projectjason.org/miles.html


About the I.D. Kit

Since its inception in 2003, Project Jason has given out more than 13,500 I.D. Kits to assist families with safety preparation.

These free I.D. Kits are provided by Project Jason at public events, and as free downloads in English and in Spanish from the organization�s website. The kit contains a list of the first steps to take in the event a loved one is missing, plus valuable information that law enforcement will need. The kit should be printed on heavier stock paper, kept in a safe place, and updated at least every 6-12 months.

The kit can be downloaded at http://www.projectjason.org/education.shtml#idkit

If people wanting to attend have any questions, they can write to (402) 932-0095 or email milesforthemissing@projectjason.org


About Project Jason

Project Jason, founded in 2003, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the families of missing persons, and creating and increasing public awareness of missing people through a variety of outreach and educational activities. Project Jason brings hope and assistance to families of the missing by providing resources and support. The organization is based in Omaha, Nebraska.

The organization has disseminated more than 13,500 personal ID kits in English and Spanish, has helped distribute more than 50,000 posters, and 4,750 photo buttons, of missing persons, and has assisted more than 400 families of the missing. Project Jason has also been directly involved in the recoveries of numerous missing persons.

Project Jason offers extensive online resources as the first and only assistance organization to offer free, professional counseling to families, and the first nonprofit of its type to open an office in the popular virtual world, Second Life.

Project Jason relies solely on corporate and private donors and currently requests the public�s help to sponsor a number of ongoing programs. (Nonprofit: IRS 501 (C) (3) Non Profit Charitable Organization - EIN# 20-0256753.)

For more information about Project Jason�s objectives, activities and services, go to http://www.projectjason.org

[Linda]

http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=9048132&nav=menu606_24_10_1

For Families of Missing People, Project Jason is Helpful

Sep 21, 2008

OMAHA (KPTM) - Dozens stepped out Sunday morning to honor the families of local missing people. The walk and bike ride benefited Project Jason, a non-profit organization that helps relatives of missing people and aims to raise public safety awareness.

Organizers handed out free ID kits to families. They're designed to help relatives and law enforcement in the event a loved one goes missing.

"Put yourself in our shoes for a minute. If someone that you loved disappeared would you know where to go, would you know where to turn, would you know the steps to take and time is so crucial and we're here for you," said Kelly Jolkowski, founder of Project Jason.

Family members of missing people say Project Jason has offered them support and critical resources. "Kelly's been a big help. She really pushes you, she wants to know too, she really helps you. She gives you hope," said Michelle Sells, who's father is missing.

"They realize that a lot of people are in the same situation and a lot of people don't know how to get the word out. So they are a great support system for families with things like this," said Roger Cannon. Cannon's son is also missing.

The organization's new mascot, "ID Kitty," also made its debut Sunday. Project Jason hopes the mascot will help people understand the importance of creating ID kits for every member of the family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJgIfCqBqH4

[Denise]

http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_10537158

Concert tour for Missing Persons Foundation

Article Launched: 09/23/2008 06:33:56 AM PDT

SANTA FE SPRINGS - A local Whittier family of musicians kick off the Squeaky Wheel Tour to aid GINA for Missing Persons Foundation at 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 at Maggie's Pub, 11900 Telegraph Road.

This acclaimed concert series raises awareness for those who go missing every year. The band Clementine will headline during this 3rd International Squeaky Wheel Tour from Oct. 17 to Nov. 4.

The 19-day event will draw attention to several hundred missing people, each profiled by artists participating in concerts throughout the U.S. and other countries. This global community effort is supported by the families of the missing and non-profits, including Tommy Foundation, In Hope, The Cue Center, The Maryland Taskforce for the Missing and Unidentified, Tennessee Alliance for the Missing, Project Jason, Team Hope, The Nevada Child Seekers and The Morgan Nick Foundation.

The cost is $25 and includes dinner. For four tickets the cost is $100 and includes dinner. There will be a silent auction. Clementine will head the concert and the Back Home Band and Brightlive will also perform.

For information, visit www.411gina.org or call

(714) 779-2754. Visit the band's Web site at www.Clementineband.com