I'll never forget the day my teenage son's best friend came to me and asked for help. I'd known him for years, he had spent countless hours at our house, and I thought I knew him. But I had no idea that he was being severely abused at home...nobody did. He never told anyone, and no one--including me--saw the signs. It wasn't until he discovered the Removing Chains website online that he told anyone what was going on. On Removing Chains, a program of Ark of Hope for Children, this boy was made to feel comfortable enough to share a little bit of his story with a mentor. He was then introduced to Ark of Hope's Executive Director, Blair Corbett, and for the first time ever told someone what was happening to him every day of his life. The very next day the boy came to me, terrified but determined, and told me about Blair and asked if I could help him report his abuse. Blair was there on the phone with him when he talked to the authorities. He helped him understand what was being asked, why it was important for him to answer, and to feel safe doing it. He did the same thing for him when he saw a doctor for some of his injuries. The boy was placed in foster care and for the first time in his life, he was free of his abusers. That was almost 4 months ago. I now have the honor of being this boy's foster mom. While he has escaped his abusers, he has continued to face unimaginable challenges. His abuse caused severe medical issues that went unnoticed and have threatened his life multiple times in the past few months. Through it all, he has talked to Blair every single day. While this boy is now surrounded by love and support, it is Blair he truly connects with. He is learning to trust more and more every day. But the trauma he has lived through has made that very difficult. Blair saved him. He knows he knows he is there for him, he trusts him. When no one else can console him, Blair can. When we get bad news about his health, Blair is there to make sure he understands it and doesn't lose hope. When he has night terrors, Blair is there to walk him through it and get calmed down. All of this is done over the phone or internet from thousands of miles away. If it weren't for Ark of Hope for Children, this boy would still be in a horribly abusive home and, quite literally, would no longer be alive. Because of Ark of Hope he is free and he continues to grow leaps and bounds. He has a very long road ahead of him, both physically and emotionally. But Blair and Ark of Hope will be there through all of it. I thank God for them every single day.
Children are victimized every minute of every day by child abuse, bullying, and human trafficking.
Child abuse causes deep invisible scars within from physical abuse, mental abuse, and/or sexual abuse that can, and I think almost always does last a lifetime.
I personally have heard so many times from so many people that they can't read about, or hear about the abuse inflicted on children on a day to day basis. Indifference will never stop child abuse, and ignoring child abuse, or sticking your head in a hole will never stop child abuse.
This world has far too many people that abuse children, and even the 9 to 5 child advocates help to some degree, considering the number of children victimized daily, but they all deserve a 24/7 person that truly cares and in fact, loves them all.
Ark of Hope for Children is the dream, built by the sweat, hard work, and love for all children by Founder Blair Corbett, into a 24/7 place where children who have been victimized can find love, caring, support, counseling, and mentoring.
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I see very few places available for the ever increasing number of the unfortunate ones victimized by Abuse, Bullying, and Trafficking, and an even smaller number available on a 24/7 basis.
Ark of Hope for Children maintains an on-line presence on several social media platforms to educate the general public to all the evil visited upon unsuspecting Children and down on their luck young people every minute of every day.
The Corbetts have dedicated their lives to making this world a much better place for all Children. Through their love, strong family values, and complete faith in GOD, they address these traumatized individuals fears and memories with patience, understanding, and love; all the while providing support and mentoring, to promote healing and a bright future.
I have not had any direct involvement with Ark Of Hope, but I have seen (from others' experiences and from the website) how the organization provides invaluable information on preventing child abuse and endless support for child and teen victims of sexual assault. Most importantly, I have come to see that Ark Of Hope works ceaselessly to help victims of childhood sexual abuse heal.
My whole life got changed by Blair and Verna Corbett and Ark of Hope. Blair was the first person I ever talked to about stuff that happened to me and he helped me get help right away. I've talked to him every day since then for 9 months. He's helped me through so much stuff and is always there for me when I need him, even in the middle of the night. I've never heard of anyone like Blair who does what he does for people. He's amazing and even though he always says God deserves the credit I know I wouldn't have this awesome new life if it wasn't for Blair. I wish every kid that was hurting could get the kind of help I did.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Micahlou you are a rock star! Keep going and growing, nothing has to stand in your way. Thanks so much for sharing a piece of your story.
As an advocate against child abuse I highly recommend this organization as a great source for abused children. They provide children with a sense of hope and that is what every abused child needs. I admire what they are doing and also how outspoken they are on social media. This group definitely has my support!
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Thank you so much for your encouragement Nicolina! It is so nice to have your passion recognized by others.
This organization is doing great work for children that have been victims of abuse and child trafficking. They are a great source for children in need. They are always there to help in whatever way they can. They are also very vocal on social media, creating awareness for child abuse. It is important for children to know they are never alone and that is Ark of Hope for Children's primary goal and message. ~ARC
Blair C. 11/02/2015
We truly hope every traumatized child knows they are not alone. Thank you ARCofTwitter.
Blair Corbett (Ark of hope for children) has been my best support through many really hard times, I don't think I could have made it through without him.
He still to this day helps me any time I need him day or night, I couldn't thank him enough for everything he's done for me and continues to do for me every day.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Luke101 it is an honor to be able to walk with you and support you in your journey to healing. Your stamina to hang on is beyond inspirational. Thank you for continuing to let us virtually be there even almost two years later.
I was raised in a family that kept emotional distance between its members. Though I believe this wasn't intentional, it still has left scars. I can only imagine the horror of the scars left on each child who unwillingly suffers from the blow of physical abuse. Thank God there is a wonderful organization--Ark Of Hope For Children, Inc.--whose never closed-door is open to receive and help victims of physical abuse (and with that is always attached emotional damage!) have a second chance in life and grow into a productive, caring adult.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
We truly endeavor to have enough volunteers to virtually meet the emotional needs of any abused child. Thank you for recognizing our work and making it public Elaine!
As an abuse survivor, I really appreciate and am gratified that there is a charity that actually tries to help as opposed to profit off victims of abuse and trafficking. The last thing this vulnerable population needs is to be taken advantage of, which is further abuse. Ark of Hope does not revictimize - it does the reverse. I have interacted with this organization through social media, and have found the transparency and willingness to answer questions and address concerns refreshing.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Retraumatization of child victims definitely happens way to often in school, in foster care, and even in their core families. Our goal is bring hope and a light on which they can build a positive foundation. Thank you for recognizing our efforts and sharing myopiabillson
Ark of Hope is one of the best charities I have ever come across. I have been working with teens andyoung children for fifteen years now. I was molested and raped when I was a kid growing up in the 1970's. there was never any mention of stuff like that happening back then. I never knew there was help available to me. Non-profits like Ark of Hope are helping to stop child abuse, bullying, and molestation. This agency deserves our support for all the help the they provie.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Douglas, you are not alone. Ark of Hope for Children was born out of the painful childhoods of it's founders who also had no helpful support. We are thankful to be able to provide virtual support to victimized boys (and girls) like yourself. Thank you SO much Douglas_L
A great service providing advocacy and treatment to a highly vulnerable population.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Thank you so much for your encouragement MyBipolarLife. It means the world to us to know people are paying attention.
Ark of Hope offers various ways for survivors of various abuses to connect. A daily educational and advocacy presence on Twitter, they are inclined to share survivor policy and news, successes, points of concern that need community attentions or review of their own services as client experiences permit.
They have a broad range of interests, They easily network questions for broader coverage and experience to benefit the client. This is all capped off by the fact that this is a grassroots organization, working a topic that is still untended by many. Those persons with unique needs gravitate to their social media feed, and then are connected to more options.
Blair C. 11/02/2015
Thank you for recognizing the variety of ways we work to bring awareness, while also reaching out in support of young and old survivors of the various child abuses. It is our honor to work hard to break new ground as people are globally in need. Your open encouragement means so much, thank you cultiv8hope!
Bunch of con artists. That is all that needs to be said.
Blair C. 06/02/2014
We do not know this person. Not only has he never volunteered for us but he is harassing us on multiple social network sites. He says his last experience with us was 1997 but we came into existence in 1999. Why do people like this enjoy doing harm to good people? :( His true name is Travis Nickels. What can be done about this GreatNonprofits.org?
All through my working life I've worked and campaigned to raise awareness of child abuse and sex tourism. I completely support the aims of Ark of Hope for Children and will promote their work where I can.
As a reseach journalist i have spendt so many hours on the net wondering how the future is going to look like. We have a short glimps of it if we see the work Ark of Hope for Children and put innto their great effort to battle every negative aspect of a childs life!
The sad part is that the corruption and moneyflow within trafficking, sexual abuse and other harm done to children still have to be batteled inn court,
Not as a easy case, But a tiering battle to make the laws valid and usable as presedence for upcoming cases. Personally I am also stunned by how little or no focuse the political community seems to care. If they really did care, task force would have been 100 times bigger, and the regulations worldwide to take down child abuse would have followed the 1. Human right charter of UN! Keep up the fight! Stay focused, because saving a child is saving the world! So why do I care? Becaus
when I was blessed with a daughter, I promissed to myself that the day she ask, "what did you do to help other children pap, I can say, I tried, even though I may fail"
Having known Blair for sometime now and seeing how dedicated he is to the cause of protecting children I am honored to give them the highest recommendation I can. Ark of Hope is an amazing organization and Blair is a generous man who always gives of his time and talents to help those in need. Keep up the great work Blair!
the ark of hope gives exactly what
there for others is what they is exactly that
listening without ever judging
but thier support is never budging
we can be all abused in different ways
but trust me they help to better days
ark of hope is always there
and will answer always your prayer
I do very little reviews and I tend them to be a true reflection of my experience. This one is a different-one; it does not only describes my experience but also reflects a fraction of my emotions.
I first come across Ark of Hope a few months back on twitter by chance; when I read the tweet it was something more of listening to someone so real. I imidiatly followed it and I come to discover myself...
I am an adulth over the age of 30 so someone who has seen a bit of life's ups and downs and believes that he is embark with what it takes to face life and explore the unknown with curiosity. Here is when I come to appreciate of what I thought of the first tweet that I talked about earlier.
Ark of Hope has been what it says from its discription; a hope, strighants and faith; when you loos all that is there... It's amaizing tweets kept me going night and day to the extent that I become and habitand of its huge hug of hope and inspiration.
In my journey it has been the voice that has been saying to me "get up you are better then you problems", "you will do what you you were meant" that "you have a purpose in life".... This might sound a little exaggeration but at times the tweets were the only source of what kept me alive to try one more time; to try not to give up on my own life when everything started to lose its sence of making and values. It would be very honest to say that at times I just wanted to hug my phone just to show how much it means to me to feel that I am not alone.
I have never actually spoken or taken part in one of its chat-room, though tried to explore it a few times but didn't need to. It was enough to see a tweet that someone out there actually cares for one every morning that I woke up and every night that I went to sleep.
Overtime, I formed a relationship with the tweets; sometime I even got angry and tried to ignore them in a hope to give up on life; because the tweets made it hard to give up on own life; when, you see someone is trying so hard to keep your hopes alive and to give you all they can to make you feel protected against all the odds against you. I have even argued with the tweets when it get on my way in the verge of giving up. So to stop them singing the most beautiful song that is known to man of hope and all that is good out there in my head. I have even tried to shout it out of my sights in an excuse to give up but I grow to realise that I am shutting life out of my soul, stoping bits from my heart and streaming blood out of my cells. So, in the very first instance I have come running back to my phone to see a tweet like one needs a breath of life when his wholl world is filed with carbon-monoxide. I have Ark of hope on direct notification just now, I receive a tweet and I can only describe my feeling in being in a very old relationship with someone so real that you know so well; and that you want to argue with and offer to open all your problems to and say keep me out; I am not wanting to succeeded because that you feel the world can be so cruel and it is not worth living. But then you see the kindness and care in the split second and you wanting to try one more time.
This review is probably become of ones own-story but it is only right to admit what this has been in ones personal life and experience. At times I have scrolled through tweets when I knew in whole my heart that I am looking for that one tweet from Ark of Hope and coming to it quickly moving on to the next tweet without fully reading it. Because it is enough to know that someone cares for you enough to make sure you don't give up and fill your life with hope and love; which, I wouldn't probably be able to describe as I don't believe I have heard of such a relationship in the past. One other-thing I am a heterosexual and it has been very odd for me to feel so much loved, wanted and inspired by Ark of Hope of which the same sex. But it goes way beyond a relationship of which human may attain to; it has been a relationship of pure affection; something that is out of this world. Ones relationship with their parents can be of an unconditional love, this I would describe something so pure and so wholly that you never thought could be in existence. I could go on and on but I don't believe I would be able to paint a full picture of what it has been to me and how much it meant to me. In another words a saviour which, I believe further then that would be in close relations with god. It has been a journey a relationship that made me review the philosophy of state of being alive and loved.
I have the habit of remembering quotes or be inspired by national figures or human heroes; but Ark of Hope has made me redefine all the quotes I ever knew and all that I was inspired by; because I found inspiration, hope, love and faith in every single tweet that I read and every time I was encouraged to do better then good enough. To be a better person to be what it takes to do good.
At times I just wanted to strangle my phone but luckily my phone did not have a nick to do so :); because I want to say don't encarige me because I might even become what you are inspiring me to be.
So; thank you Ark of Hope for every single tweet for every single moment of your precious time that you are devoting to something so worthwhile and something so extraordinarily rewarding. You probably don't realise the rewards of the many life's you change by bringing hope to them and reminding them to have faith and making them feel loved. So, here is a real-life story of not just a change but saving a life. Only if a thank you would be enough; but that is all that I have. There is no wealth that could fulfil a return or a price tag to value. Becouse, you work is priceless. Keep the good work up.
With love
Hamid Parwani
As a daily causes advocate myself, I can attest to the dedication of those involved with the Ark of Hope For Children Charity. I use many media sources such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Twitter, etc and I am constantly noticing the committed efforts of Arc's advocates. Not only are they more involved with educating the public and communities within our Society to erase the "Stigmas" associated with Child Abuse, but they also are never too busy to notice the efforts that I myself put out on a daily basis and they take the added initiative to actually spark up a topic of discussion with me, as a show of real team-work, reaching throughout the public circuitry.
I have been in youth ministry for fifteen years working mainly with abused and neglected children. I have a part of Ark of Hope for several years now. They do an excellent job reaching out and helping children around the world. I am very pleased to donate to such a worthy charity. We definitely need more people like this helping the children around the world.
I met Blair on Twitter and then through email. He was inpressed with my book, Flashbacks in Post-Traumatic stress Disorder: Surviving the Flood, my experience with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder andthe insight I shared with people. He asked me to help be a Facilitator on the Justice for All Website to help others like me who were suffering with abuse.
I was so happy because this was one of my missions to help give hope to those with mental illness that you can survive the healing process, learn copying skills and can reach your future goals. We are not defined by our mental illness. Break your silence today there is hope to heal.
Leslie Raddatz
Author and SURVIVOR
Hello, I know when reading this you'll think I'm bias, but believe me when I say both Blair and I have sacrificed quite a bit to be there for others. But this is what we want to do and there are no regrets. He spends hours a day helping trafficking victims, getting very little sleep.. The love he feels for these victims is unconditional and real. Some of his own family can't understand the devoyion he has for helping others. I have learned from the beginning this is his calling and I wouldn't change it for the world. The blessings he gets from helping is so unique. Most people don't have time or the heart to stick with it he never gives up hope. I am so proud to be married to a man who has such devoition in what he does. This non-profit is there for anyone that needs help. Money is of no importance, as far as getting help. That's not to say we don't need help but we will give help with out a price tag!!! I know he has done this from the heart, has never taken a paycheck ( it would be nice ) but that is not what controls his passion. Our biggest goal is to build a complex that would give trafficked victims a place to call home and a place to try to have protection and just a place they could just try to be normal. I'm proud of you Blair and am honored to be your wife. If someone out there needs help please contact us. Also if someone out there wants to help us in anyway please contact us. Thank You so very much, Verna Corbett
Ark of Hope for Children are active partners with the Stop Abuse Campaign's mission of stopping abuse within this generation. Blair Corbett is a passionate and professional leader who delivers results.
I have known Blair Corbett through our work together on Justice for All Revolution and Ark of Hope For Children. This is a wonderful nonprofit organization, dedicated to helping others. Blair Corbett and Ark of Hope for Children are devoted and dedicated in their outreach to others in need. Blair has given others hope, help, and inspiration at times when there was no one else. I am privileged to know him and Ark of Hope For Children. God bless you Blair, your conviction, and Ark of Hope For Children. This organization is important in connecting others together like non other out there. Ark of Hope cares. It can change your life!
I first found out about Ark of hope for children on Facebook where I followed the page and added Blair Corbett. Although I have never personally spoke with Blair corbett myself I believe that Ark of hope for children is a great organisation, as a teenager that suffered through child abuse myself I find Blairs posts very inspirational and I have checked out many of his pages including twitter, myspace, facebook and the sites JFAR and Removing chains. Although I don't think I could ever actually speak Ark of hopes online presence alone is helpful and helps me to feel a little less alone in all that I am feeling. Ark of hope is helping more children / teenagers than even they know.
I'm the founder of an organization called Holding of Wrist which was started in 2008. Around 2010, Blair (Founder of Ark of Hope for Children) e-mailed me about something or another and I ignored it at first because I thought it was spam.
Long story short, since 2010 Blair & I have grown to be great friends and co-workers. He's helped me with Holding of Wrist and I've helped him with Ark of Hope for Children. It never ceases to amaze me how passionate everyone there is about the issues they focus on. Blair will sometimes message me in the middle of the night with a crazy idea, but it's those type of people that actually make a change in the world.
Ark of Hope for Children is a great group of people and a great organization that I've witnessed help several hundred if not thousands of people.
I first learned about Ark of Hope for Children about 3 or 4 years ago. I was looking for a charity to promote for the Project for Awesome. An event on YouTube that happens every year that was started by the John and Hank Green. They donate money to some of the charities promoted threw the event but even if they don't get a donation they do get support threw videos. I seeked out Ark of Hope for Children because I was looking for a charity that helped child abuse victims. I found quite a few different ones but Ark of Hope is one I felt actually cared about their cause. I donated some toys to them a year or 2 after that and participated again with Project for Awesome last year to promote them. There aren't enough groups available to help children and many of the ones that do exist don't do enough, that's why I support Ark of Hope.
I want to make it clear that this organization changes lives, for the better. For the much better, and I am so grateful that it's here, and I hope that more and more people will be served by it as time goes on.
Author E.L. Farris
I need to tell u when I was 19 I got sold and they were going to kill me some how I got out of there a few days later I wanted to die very bad but when I was just about to I prayed and a Angel from the sky told me to LIVE LEARN LOVE i couldn't say or move but I felt all good no bad at all and something stayed in side me for a very long time sad when it left but I no now nomatter what happens u can always LIVE LEARN LOVE and I promise u nothing bad will happen again I will be fifty next year and I have three healthy adult kids and seven Grandchildren all healthy please I really have no reason to lie to u after all we are all family in Jesus I hope u understand I think u will sincerely Rona
Blair C. 04/11/2013
Rona I have tried to write you but cannot find a way. If we can be of any help, just to listen or anything else, please let me know. We are here and do not turn away. You are believed and cared about.- lair Corbett, Ark of Hope for Children hope@arkforkids.org
My name is Samantha, i live in Brazil and have 17 years old, until a month and a half ago I was constantly suffering child abuse. At the moment I'm still hospitalized, and since the second day in hospital, Ark Of Hope For Children is a part of my life. In this month and a half I've been talking with Blair Corbett, every day, that includes weekends, talks till daybreak, and so on. Through sites like twitter and Justice for all revolution, together with thousands of emails, was through these talks that I realized that the world isn’t so cruel as it seemed, is where I found hope and wise advice, where I can be angry without being hurt, where I can laugh, where I can trust in people. Ark of Hope For Children become my shelter, my escape, my sanctuary! I couldn’t be more grateful for Ark of Hope For Children and Blair!
Hello my name is Dillen Meyer and i am currently serving a term as Social Media Manager. I took on this role a few months ago and i love it! I am the only teen in Ark of Hope for Children staff. Blair is the wonderful guy of this amazing company. He serve's some important roles like talking to abused children and more. This is a great non-profit organization!! - Dillen Meyer
Comments ( 1 )
Blair C. 11/02/2015 Thank you so much KTKM! We applaud you for being willing to share about your foster sons difficult yet inspiring journey from hopelessness to true hope. It is a testimony to what true trauma informed mentoring and coaching can do. We thank you for opening doors with his doctors, hospitals, rehabs, schools and therapists to allow us to help him express his fears and needs in what was a safe way for him. We commend you as well for being possibly the most dedicated foster mother we have ever known. Through 11 surgeries you never left his side, always helping him feel well cared for and not alone anymore. Bless you! Blair Corbett,