Friday, March 14, 2014

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. “




26 comments:

  1. awww.. This is one great story to tell and share the whole world. Good thing Charles wasn't discouraged to continue on living life despite all the hardships.

    Kudos to you Charles and to your advocates..

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    1. Thank You Grace. Charles is a remarkable, inspirational man that is for sure.

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  2. I admire this man and have never met him. I can't even say great story. The abuse and pain. I can only imagine. It angers me of his abuse and brothers death.... And,still had to go back where the abuse started. When is some one really going to look out for the abused... Charles you are one awesome individual. God Bless you and your story. Thank you for all you do.

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    1. He really is a remarkable man. I am not sure I could do as much as him without breaking down. Especially searching for answers. I look at my past and his. I know how sometimes I just can't do anymore. I really don't know how he does it. He has been huge inspiration for me. You so should meet him in person Glenda you would really be in aww.

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  3. What a story.. unbelievable what has happened to him in his life, and he is going towards a positive process. Good for him.

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    1. So very true Kung Phoo. More need to look at him and be inspired to just keep moving forward.

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  4. This is a sad but amazing story! So glad that he was able to take a horrible past and turn it into an inspiring life journey

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  5. I too have a feeling for anyone who has gone though a bunch of abusive situations in childhood and then in adulthood. It's like you grow up thinking that this is how life is, and this is what you deserve, and you marry abusers and it never ends. I am now on the side of changing laws, etc., to make things better and to serve justice where it is due.

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    1. A friend and me was talking about this exact same thing yesterday. How after growing up as an abused child you really know life any different unless someone shows you. In return you marry someone who too abuses you.

      I am so glad I finally learned it was wrong. I am also glad you got out of it Claudia and now helping those who need help.

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  6. What a great story. I love hearing about people that have overcome some type of obstacle and then proceed to succeed.

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    1. Thank You Scott, those obstacles sometimes makes people stronger.

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  7. Go Charles! We may not have been old enough to control what happened to us as children, but moving on from abuse and doing something to prevent violence is really important. My heart is full of love for defensless animals and children!

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    1. You are so correct Jackie. Thank You for stopping

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  8. The thought of a child enduring abuse is gut wrenching. What an incredible spirit he has to have endured so much, and devote himself to making so much good come of it.

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    1. It is very sad what ones who are to protect does to children. He is a wonderful inspiration. Thank You Katie.

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  9. I met someone like that, an inspirational victim of abuse who was able to help me come to terms with my own. Today she works advocating for victims of rape, continuing to inspire people to rebuild their lives.

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    1. I think most of us advocates are survivors of these abuses. I can't speak for others but I know it is a form of counseling for me. As I never want another child to go through what I did. I am so glad you met someone to help you.Thank You for the comment.

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  10. Oh, this is such an inspirational story. So glad he has dedicated his life to this just cause. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank You Sarah for reading and commenting.

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  11. What a powerful & inspiring story...hard to believe that he went through what he did...I think it is wonderful that he is using his pain to try & help others. Thanks for sharing, Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough

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    1. Thank You for reading Rachael. It is so hard for anyone to believe that never went through it. But us that has thanks everyone who is willing to look at the facts and stand along with us.

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  12. It is so sad to hear about any child suffering abuse or any adults who have been inflicted by abuse in their past. Children are so defenseless against adults. This man is truly an inspiration and has an abundance of courage!
    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I so agree with you there Bismah. Thank You

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