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By Charlotte Hopkins 

Children around the world have been gaining new support by the fast-growing group known as UBAKA (Urban Bulldogs Against Kid Abuse). Now, Allegheny County has become home to their national chapter.

UBAKA members meet at the Glassport Diner: Vice President Jeff Van Dyke, Secretary Marie Nowak, and President Bob Smith.

The officers are President Bob Smith, Vice President Jeff Van Dyke, Secretary Marie Nowak, Treasurer George Weir, and Treasurer Eric Raynes.

UBAKA works with children who suffer from all types of abuse, such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and even bullying at school.

UBAKA is actively seeking new members. Those who wish to join the group can contact Smith at KingFa6977@yahoo.com or Van Dyke at 412-589-6788 or Nowak at 412-872-7472. Each member signs a confidentiality agreement and there is a nine-page interview and a six-month trial period. Smith explains that “it has got to be in your heart to want to help the children.” 

Whether you want to assist in mentoring, answering abuse calls, or working at their fundraisers, each member's contributions are appreciated. Members can be men or women, and there is no cost to become a UBKA member. Van Dyke expressed that “integrity and reliability” are their core values. 

Services provided by UBAKA:

• If you are the parent of a child who is being bullied or recovering from abuse, they will step up to mentor. 
• They work with local authorities in Amber alerts and in tracking suspects, as well as in accompanying them on calls that could be deemed life-risking.
• They will host open discussions for children at public schools and community events, on subjects of child abuse, bullying, and domestic violence as well. They will also educate staff members at daycare centers and preschools on how to handle abuse situations and establish a line of contact with them for emergencies. 
• If you feel that your child is being abused and you are unable to get help from local authorities or CYF, contact UBAKA. They will speak on your behalf to the necessary people and see to it that action is taken. Keep in mind, they do screen complaints carefully and will know if they are being lied to and/or used to manipulate the courts. If your child is in need of help, they will contact CYS to keep their investigation alive. 
• They accompany children into the courtroom when they are nervous or afraid. If the child gets scared or intimidated on the stand they simply need to look over at their UBAKA friends and know that they are well protected.

As a nonprofit organization, UBAKA is solely funded through donations and fundraisers. They will host a series of fundraising events this year, including a poker run for adults and an ice cream run for children. There will be no alcohol served, nor is it allowed to even be present, at any event focused on the children, such as the ice cream run. Anyone wishing to participate in or hosting a fundraiser for UBAKA can contact them through the numbers above or on their of their Facebook pages: UBAKAUSA or Urban Bulldogs Against Kid Abuse – USA.

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