MOMs needs your support in fighting child molesters

It was the year 1996 when Cyrilla Bender and her husband George received the shocking news that a man who had served only six years of a 10-year sentence was released from prison after having been convicted of sexually abusing a little boy for more than 12 years.

The little boy and his nine siblings, some of whom it was discovered had also been molested, had been trapped in a relationship with this man and never had a chance, because the man was their biological father. It was also discovered that one of the little boys in the family had been burned on his feet and buttocks by the father because he didn’t believe the boy was his son. 

The release of this man so incensed Cyrilla and George Bender that they decided to speak out on behalf of children who are sexually abused and also become active in supporting the victims of sexual abuse and also the innocent parents of children who’ve become victims. The Benders knew they could be most effective in their endeavors by forming an organization, so that same year 1996, they founded the not-for-profit group, Mothers Outraged at Molesters, a 501c3 organization. 

Much of the work MOMS does is educational. They speak at local schools to parents about how to help prevent sexual abuse. The organization distributes a 48-page book free of charge called “Sex Offenders Among Us: Help Everyone Learn Prevention.” 

Because they have so much contact with victims of sexual abuse, MOMS networks with many other victim advocate groups to help make referrals for victims to help restore their lives. Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan presented MOMS an award for speaking with convicted felons in Cameron Crossroads maximum security prison about the after effects of sexual abuse on child victims.

MOMS worked with State Sen. Matt Bartle for legislation to get the now well known Sex Offenders List posted on the Internet, and they testified in state committee to help get that law passed. MOMS worked with retired State Sen. Ralph Monaco to help pass legislation lifting the statute of limitations on rape. Now, thanks to their efforts, there is no statute of limitations on the prosecution of rape in Missouri. 

Sadly, this organization is at-risk financially because its grant money has expired, and MOMS is totally dependant upon grants, private donations, and volunteers to continue their work. This organization needs not only to survive, but also expand its level of service to the community and it needs your help.

If you would like more information on ways to help MOMS, please contact Cyrilla Bender at 816-478-2355. You may also e-mail at momskc@momskc.org. Check out their Web site at www.momskc.org. 

MOMS is based in Independence but wants to help victims wherever they may be found.