Press Conference - 9 July 2010

Gold Star Mothers Journey To Iraq


Media Release: September 18, 2009
SCTAC SETS STAGE FOR WOMEN FOR FUTURE HEROS SALUTE

Greenville, SC – Several hundred waving American flags will set the scene on mid-October, 2009 when Families United Toward Universal Respect/ FUTURE Presents A Hero's Salute at SCTAC in Greenville, SC. Iraqi delegates will speak to a crowd of Military families and widows, officials, volunteers and others from the community. Guests include Gold Star/ Blue Star Moms, USO representatives, political figures, embassy representatives, and Women for FUTURE friends and VIP’s, including all SCTAC employees who wish to attend.

Women For FUTURE – Iraq delegates will express thanks to those who have sacrificed and served, and to the families that have made the ultimate sacrifice. In turn, there will be a special thanks to the delegates for their sacrifice and service in Iraq.

"This is a good will gesture moving towards unity and cohesiveness for the community," said Joan Betros, Co-founder and Chairman of Women for FUTURE, "and a statement to all that hear these heartfelt messages."

Founded by Joan and Fareed Betros in 2003, FUTURE combines volunteerism, service and self reliance with problem-solving, educational networking and a focus on reconciliation. Joan has over 35 years experience in broadcasting and worked as Director of Women and Children’s Family Television Programming for the Iraq Media Network. Fareed is a retired colonel in the US Army Reserves and served in military and civilian positions as a senior Middle East advisor to support reconstruction efforts in Iraq. FUTURE is made up of volunteers from across the US who contribute their time and talents to bring the chance for a brighter future to others.

 

2009 EVENTS

Fall of 2009 -- FUTURE Leadership Conference - Sharing the World of Sisterhood III

During the Fall of 2009, FUTURE (Families United Toward Universal Respect) and “Women for Future - Iraq†delegates will be visiting the United States for an educational, cultural, and goodwill tour. The purpose of this trip is to highlight the progress the women have made in strengthening their homes and communities in Iraq and to promote their in-country service projects and leadership training seminars. This event will help create unity, goodwill, and cohesiveness within the communities they visit in the United States. This conference series is funded through gifts, offerings, and contributions that accommodate transportation, food, and lodging each year - yes, we are in need of your assistance.

May 2009

“Women for Future – Iraq†received its first 40-foot container of humanitarian aid through the FUTURE Care Program and distributed these items to needy women and their families located in different districts within Baghdad and to other members in several cities outside Baghdad. Three additional 40-foot containers of humanitarian aid are now en-route to Baghdad and will soon be distributed through the “Women for Future – Iraq†network.

 

* In May 2009, this young man was a recipient of the humanitarian aid through the FUTURE Care Program. Items were distributed to needy women and their families located in different districts within Baghdad and to other members in several cities outside Baghdad. Visit our PHOTO GALLERY

 

2008 EVENTS

June 1-4 2008 -- FUTURE Leadership Training Seminar - Sulaimaniya, Iraq

FUTURE staff members from the United States and “Women for Future - Iraq†members from Baghdad conducted a 3-day leadership training seminar for 50 Kurdish women in Sulaimaniya, Iraq. This is a wonderful example of how our donated funds are being used to aid women throughout the entire country of Iraq. Two Kurdish women trained during this seminar will also accompany the Iraqi delegation to the United States for the FUTURE Leadership Conference in the fall, 2009. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and support of the Kurdish Regional Government, the Benjamin Foundation, and Leonie Industries who made the training seminar in Sulaimaniyah possible.

Photos

June 19th 2008 -- FUTURE Fundraiser Gala

FUTURE held a special gala fundraiser in Washington D.C. to support “Women for FUTURE – Iraqâ€. Many dignitaries, VIPs, and special guests attended, along with the Honorable Senator Robert Bennett and special guest star Connie Stevens. A VIP delegation of Iraqi physicians representing five different Iraqi provinces also attended the gala. That evening, a preview was shown of the upcoming documentary film "Women of a Different Grace" produced by award winning actress and humanitarian Connie Stevens, highlighting the women of FUTURE. Also presented was a video of FUTURE and “Women for FUTURE – Iraq†training workshop that took place in Sulaimaniya from 1-4 June 2009. For more details view the invitation.

2007

In January 2007, FUTURE hosted an Iraqi delegation of “Women for Future – Iraq†members for the Sharing the World of Sisterhood II - Leadership Seminar in Washington, D.C. The delegation of Iraqi women was headed by the former Minister of State for Women's Affairs, Dr. Azhar Al-Shakly. The delegates were introduced to Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, participated in a refresher training course, and completed their handbook for “Women for Future – Iraqâ€. The Iraqi ambassador to the US co-hosted a reception in honor of the delegates in the historic Caucus room in the Senate Russell Office Building.

2006

FUTURE sponsored the Sharing the World of Sisterhood Conference - I in May 2006 in the United States for a distinguished group of Iraqi women headed by the Iraqi Minister of State for Women's Affairs, Dr. Azhar Al-Shakly. The delegation included lawyers, university professors, and heads of NGOs. Proceedings included presentations on the organizational model and sample lessons on home and family education, basic first aid, emergency preparedness and mental health awareness. All material presented was non-political and emphasized shared values.

MEDIA

• Photos
• Video