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Raising Awareness About Fatherlessness: Choose to Change is Featured on NBC's Channel 23

Updated: Jul 6, 2021

[WATCH:] Choose to Change Featured on Channel 23's "Valley Por Vida" with host Danielle Banda




In this article:

Generation Inspiration: Choose to Change Foundation


On June 10th, 2021, Choose to Change was featured on NBC's Channel 23 Local news show called "Valley Por Vida" thanks to a meeting with Jeffery Murphys with Nexstar Media. The show showcases all the positive things taking place in the Rio Grande Valley community. So naturally, our non-profit was an excellent fit for the type of organizations they look for.


"Choose to Change Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of families. This non-profit group helps people recover their lives, restore their families and cope through life's challenges." TV host Danielle Banda said before introducing CEO & Founder Orlando Salinas onto the show.

As Orlando shared about our organization, the staff was excited to see everything Choose to Change is doing to change the lives of families all over the world. And learn more about what we do and how we’re able to impact our community.

"Immediately, we saw the chance to air on tv as an opportunity to bring awareness to the community."

Although it's true that Choose to Change has impacted thousands, there is still much work to be done if we are to eradicate the epidemic of fatherlessness in our society. But this also poses a significant problem for our non-profit: not many people realize how severe fatherlessness is in our community. In fact, not even the victims of fatherlessness (women & children) know it.


Why Raising Awareness in Our Community About Fatherlessness is So Crucial


For example, take what Jamil Webster from GRIP Outreach said, “I remember my earliest conversation with my dad, talking to him from jail. He was around for a short period and came to my 11th birthday party. And the next time I saw him again, I was 20 years old.” Recalled Jamil.


He continued to say, “my dad, I didn’t know what I was missing… I didn’t know what I needed.

I was aimless. You know… I was just aimless.”

Channel 23 host, Danielle Banda & Orlando Salinas

For the first time in America’s history, the average expected childhood involves living without a natural father.

The sad reality is, the real victims of drug addiction and incarceration are women and children. They are left alone and forced to live life without a financial provider, guide, or protector.


An estimated 5 million children in the U.S. have had a parent incarcerated at some point in their lives. In addition, more than 20 million children are growing up without a father in the United States.

But the problem is that many are not aware of how many social issues fatherless cause, such as increased poverty, drug abuse, mental health, rape, and murder.


That's why Choose to Change is passionate about working with men to become the fathers, husbands, and leaders our community desperately needs.


So when we met Jeffery Murphy of Channel 23 came to us, immediately, we saw the chance to air on tv as an opportunity to bring awareness to the community.


The truth is, the war against fatherlessness is far from over. That’s why it is also our job to keep this major societal issue from being neglected.



Taking Action Against the evils of fatherlessness.


In the words of the great philosopher, Jim Rohn, fatherlessness comes down to the "Great War" against good and evil. Darkness and light. Evil and good. The war is on and it’s a mental war, physical war, and financial war.


But here’s the good news: Evil is no match for good. But good must be active. Take weeds, for example. They are no match for human activity. But if you stand still, how far in will they come? They’ll grow right over your shoes! But if you get busy, how far can you take them? As far as you wish. They’re no match, but you must be active!


It's the same with fighting fatherlessness. We care about people who are troubled about these issues and want to do something about them. And anybody can be a part of the change we are making in our community. All it takes is 3 simple steps:

  1. Become aware of the problems fatherlessness creates in our society.

  2. Get involved in what Choose to Change is doing to change the stories of families around the world.

  3. Be a partner by donating to keep the fight against fatherlessness strong.

As we continue to fight against fatherlessness, we look forward to sharing with Danielle Banda and her team again about everything we will accomplish this year.


Valley Por Vida Airs on NBC's Channel 23 on weekdays at @11:30 a.m.



Let's Make Change Together!

Take action! Donate to partner with us and help fight against fatherlessness due to incarceration!


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