Friday Blessing in Disguise, The story of Charles Stecker and Lil Eddie

Charles J. Stecker Jr. and his little brother, Edward J. Stecker, were removed from their birth parent's home because of founded reports of abuse. What should have been safety for the two of them however, sadly didn't turn out that way. On February 28, 1967 just 13 days after arriving to their second foster home, in the care of Lillian Bedford, 2 year old, Eddie was murdered. He died in his brother Charles's arms. Charles was only 4 years old at the time. Charles also was injured, his left elbow was shattered and to this day he is unable to fully extend it. What is real concerning is the fact that there were red flags that should have been seen in the home of Lillian Bedford. Just ten months prior to the placement of Charles and Eddie, another child died in her care.

Charles states that after recuperating at the hospital and leaving the rehab for his shattered left elbow he was placed in an orphanage where he was reunited with his birth sister. A short time later they were placed together in a home where they remained from August 1967 to July 1973. Charles credits that foster home for giving him the only truly stable years of his childhood. As happens in many foster home situations, unfortunately he was not allowed to remain there. After the death of his brother Charles would remain in the Philadelphia Child Welfare System's care for another 9 years. During Charles' 10 year stay in the child welfare system he had been placed in five different foster homes, two orphanages along with a rehab center. He was returned to his birth mother in 1976, she was who caused the original abuse that caused him to go into foster care. He would go on to live with her throughout his teenage years, dealing with even more abuse then he ever had before.

In 1981 Charles was finally able to escape his birth mother's abusive home. Charles stated, “My life began a slow gradual positive turnaround and is still in that process to this very day.” Charles has devoted his life to not only finding his own life answers, but helping others find theirs as well. “My past experiences have equipped me to assist others who have experienced negativity of any form in their life, especially in the areas of abuse” Charles stated.

He has formed two organizations, The International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force Inc. and Chahlie's Angels Empowerment Programs Llc.

• International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force

About

The International Child Abuse Task Force Inc. is comprised of a diverse group of child advocates who take a pro-active role in protecting children within their families, community and beyond.

Mission

The International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force Inc. works to enable as well as empower individuals and groups devoted to eliminating crimes committed against children. Through our diverse membership we implement and promote programs which protect children, helping to create a safer world where they may grow and thrive.

Description

Our members come together to share ideas, resources and tools allowing one another to contribute effectively to cultivating a safer world for our youth. We work together to generate solution based preventive programs, promote positive public policy and integrate the children's family members into the plan for the child or children coming from these abusive situations. This aids in reducing risk to our young. Helping to achieve our goal of eliminating crimes against children, while offering the education they require to internalize ways they may also protect themselves.

General Information

We believe that protecting children is about reducing risk. When we disrupt the cycle of violence we help prevent predatory crimes against children. Therefore ICAP Task Force Inc. focuses on integrating and implementing programs which safe guard children by offering the resources and support necessary to avoid exposing them to circumstances which consistently contribute to abuse.

• Chahlie's Angels Empowerment Programs

About

 Charles offers "FREE" Seminars via Webinair or in Person.

Description

Are you seeking a deeper sense of purpose in your life while being authentic and real? Do you want to be able to accept your imperfections and continue to grow? Would you like to make choices and choose options in your life that would bring action to your passions? Does bringing success to others bring enthusiasm to you? Are you ready to take responsibility for your life while breaking the grip of fear on your ability to reach out for support? If you answered, "YES" to any, all or just a few of these questions then you, your organization, group, church, company or event need, him to teach, mentor and support "YOU" in becoming All that "YOU" Can Be. Look for an Upcoming "FREE" Webinair that he will be offering. For Personal Appearances he will need transportation, lodging and meals provided, Along with a managable appearance fee. Charles is not looking for money to be overspent on him. He will travel in Coach Seating on a Plane, he has even sat on a Bus for 2 to 3 days to get where he was needed. He enjoys Home Cooked Meals, he will eat Boxed Lunches. Sleeping on the Floor, Couch, Guest Room or Tent is what he'd prefer instead of a hotel room. Charles says, "I'd rather NOT have big money spent on my needs. I'd rather have that additional money be invested into the needs of the child or children and their families that we are empowering. Expect a Life Changing Breakthrough... After attending one of Charles's Seminars you will be afforded a One on One Opportunity with him being being the facilitator in your process to change your life. Think of him as your Mentor

Charles has short term goals of getting both of his companies fully up and operational within the next 12 months. However, his goals don't stop there. His mid-term goal is to get his records from his childhood and write his book.Perhaps even writing a movie script. That goal he hopes to complete by 2017. His long term goal is, “To leave this world with a legacy of children being free from the crimes that have permeated the lives of children for centuries while also empowering themselves and others for generations to come” He needs all of our assistance in order to achieve these goals.

I had the pleasure of meeting Charles when I hosted a Child Abuse Prevention Rally and Vigil in Chicago. He was a huge inspiration, and became a wonderful friend to our whole family, especially my son and S.B.S. Survivor, James.

If you ever need a speaker or know anyone who does I highly recommend you contact Charles. You may reach out to him on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Servant.of.Truth

He has also set up a petition asking that the City of Philadelphia release all records pertaining his brother's murder. If you would please read, sign and share this petition it would be greatly appreciated. http://www.change.org/petitions/r-seth-williams-release-all-records-relating-to-my-brothers-murder

When I asked Charles for a closing thought to share with fellow survivors this is what he had to say “During our childhoods or while in the midst of an abusive situation in our adult lives, choices were made for us that weren't always conducive to a positive outcome, some of those choices were our very own, while most weren't. In and or during our adult lives when we become free from those negative experiences of our past we should do all we can to make choices that will lead to a better outcome than what we were freed from. “