This Virginia State Delegate is more than a political figure making a difference. He is a Talk Show Radio Host for Mark Levine Talk, a Journalist, Constitutional Attorney, TV Personality and my friend. There is no doubt in my mind that he over exceeds this list and I believe, I am only scratching the surface. I first met Mark at a convention in Long Beach, CA for Survivors of Institutional Abuse. He continuously volunteers his time for survivors. He is humble, down-to-earth and will stand up for human rights without giving it a second thought. When we had a convention in DC, Mark helped with Survivors of Institutional Abuse. Jodi Hobbs is a survivor of Victory Christian Academy and the founder of Survivors of Institutional Abuse (SIA-now.org). She started this non-profit organization as a means for other survivors to have a support system, become empowered and take action against child abuse in teen programs. The troubled teen industry is a billion dollar industry and many of these programs horrifyingly, operate TODAY.
When SIA had the convention in DC, Mark Levine helped setup the protesting, became the vehicle to help survivors feel empowered (especially, during speeches in front of Capital Hill), and served as the Master of Ceremonies to these events. He also invited survivors to his show, Mark Levine Talk to give their testimonies. This was my first interview on the radio and I was a bit nervous but I was honored to share my story with Mark and DC. He is the key reason why I feel confident today to tell my story.
Several weeks ago at the last minute, I wanted Mark on my TV interview to give his legal standpoint regarding the "troubled teen industry" and the Federal Bill that was reintroduced by Adam Schiff. He was willing to offer his time without much notice. I knew that this Constitutional Attorney would have more clout in making my TV interview most powerful. However, it is astounding that this Washington Pundit would speak on survivor's behalf at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately, I was unable to include him at the end of the TV interview due to final edits. I feel that Mark would make time to help survivors out in anyway he can. It is unbelievable that a man who has a full plate filled with politics, volunteer work, radio interviews, TV shows would have a slot to juggle my request into his itinerary.
I am so grateful to have Mark Levine as part of the survivor community family. He uses his knowledge and political influences for the greater good. It's refreshing to hear that someone like this is continuously making a difference in DC. He is all heart and that is... powerful for changes.
How can we help regulate the "troubled teen" industry? Click to read the article regarding Adam Schiff reintroducing the bill to stop child abuse in residential programs by providing oversight. ADAM SCHIFF
Mark Levine Interviews Survivors!
Mark Levine interviewed many survivors of bootcamps for kids, reform schools, boarding schools, straight programs, wilderness programs etc. This interview took place in DC.
I was nervous; this was my first interview. I must have said "basically" 100 times —Basically!
Note: My parents took me out of Victory Christian Academy due to other survivors telling their stories to faculty and staff at Cornerstone Christian School (the school I excelled in and was respected by instructors prior to being forced to a reform school). Many girls from Victory Christian Academy were sent to my former private school, Cornerstone Christian School. Word got out of the torture we endured and my parents were pressured by faculty and staff to take me out. I was locked in a hellhole and held captive for 8 months.
