November 10, 2009: The movie "Precious," which premiered in Los Angeles last weekend, is getting unusual buzz. Based on a 1997 novel called Push, by Sapphire and Romona Lofton, the film traces the story of Precious, an abused, illiterate, pregnant teenager living in Harlem.
Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry are the movie's executive producers. It is directed by Lee Daniels.
Writes Winfrey about the film,"When I finished this movie, I said, 'It split me open.' You are in for an experience...I don't know if the word is enjoy, but you will appreciate this experience."
SOS Children's Villages Provides Safe Homes for Abused Children
As audiences who watch "Precious" will learn, too many children suffer terrible abuse that can demolish their self-respect and hope for a normal life. But the timely intervention of a caring, sensitive adult can provide the chance of reversing such a life.
SOS Children's Villages is a charity that offers loving homes to vulnerable children in 132 countries, including the United States. For 60 years, SOS staff has been giving hope to children like Precious suffering from physical and emotional abuse or neglect.
Take Wayne, a child who as a frightened four-year-old arrived at SOS Children's Villages - Florida, located in Coconut Creek near Fort Lauderdale. Like most of the children SOS cares for in the United States, Wayne is a foster child who suffered abuse in his young life. When he first came to SOS-Florida, out of sheer terror he was not able to sit in proximity to an adult. Today, more than a decade later, Wayne is a changed child.
Helping Children Like Precious and "Wayne"
Although it took time for him to trust adults, Wayne eventually basked in the warm, safe environment of the SOS Children's Village. Years of love and therapy gave Wayne the security he needed to respond normally to those around him. Most important, he has become comfortable with himself. Now a teenager, Wayne knows that he is worthy of respect and he treats others with that same respect. And, he knows he will never treat his children the way he was treated.
Having been taught life skills, Wayne is on his way to independence. He is now a very responsible part-time worker at an electronics store. He has become savvy with computers and has ambitions for a career in the computer field. Finding a loving community of adults who believe in him revolutionized his life.
You can help kids like Wayne and Precious feel safe, loved, and respected. Sponsor an SOS child today.
