NE-Jason Jolkowski

[WasBlind]

http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/

http://www.projectjason.org/

Jason's family is helping others in the midst of their own search. Please visit both sites, and sign the guest book and thanks!
Blessings to all, Lanie

[WasBlind]

Bumping for Jason, and Kelly!

:blowkiss: Lanie

[Love_Mama]

I can't imagine how it would feel to have a child missing this long.....
Pray's for this family and Jason.

xxxxxxxooo
mama

[Love_Mama]

http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/

http://www.projectjason.org/

Jason's family is helping others in the midst of their own search. Please visit both sites, and sign the guest book and thanks!
Blessings to all, Lanie

Lanie......just signed the guestbook......saw some name's I recognized from WS. How neat of these people!
xxxxxxo
mama

[WasBlind]

Thanks, Mama! Yes, the response from WS'ers has been phenominal. So many have contacted me for information about everything, and are now on my mailing list for updates, just like YOU!! Many have volunteered to help with mailings, Search and Rescue, and now posting flyers.

This is really a great place to post, as the people are like a family, here.

Love to you and yours, Mama. Thanks for caring for Jason and all the missing, and those left to search for them. You inspire me, hon'.
xoxoxox, Lanie

[Kelly]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words & prayers for Jason & our family. I know this is part of what keeps us going coupled with the strength God gives us. We are very blessed.

This really comes to the forefront as I recently had some corresponsdence with the mother of a longer term missing person. She has swallowed the bitter pill of life and can no longer see her blessings.

I pray that no matter how long this is to go on for us that I always feel as strongly as I do now that God only gives us what we can handle. It's what we make of what we perceive to be the bad things in life that is what helps us to grow in the love of God.

I find a partial self-healing in reaching out to others. But hopefully, I always give more than I receive. That's the key...love others more than yourself.

Many blessings,
Kelly

[WasBlind]

Kelly, thanks for posting about 18 Wheel Angels on the information thread.

This really reminds me of the "driving for" programs done for individual missing persons, but on a much larger scale. Very impressive. I wish you much success, and of course that is measured in many ways. So many people do care, and download and print flyers all the time. This is really a neat idea, as everyone can participate, even those of us who are not truck drivers!! The truckers have been great though, and the truck stops, too!

Thanks, ahead of time, to everyone who does this. We really need your help in getting the word out. The flyer you place might bring someone home.

Praying for answers and soon, Lanie

[Sarahsue]

Jason is from my town. My husband actually worked with him at a local radio station, and this story is heartbreaking.
I had posted his links a few months back, as he is always on my mind.
My husband also runs an independent record label, and they are having a benefit concert soon in Jason's honor.
Please keep praying for this amazing family, and Jason's safe return.

[WasBlind]

Sarahsue, can you e-mail me, please ma'am? My name is Lanie and I work with Kelly, Jason's mom, networking for the missing. I tried to private message you, and it would not go through :(

Love in Christ, Lanie
MissingProfiles@yahoo.com

[Kelly]

Is it a small world or what?????? Sarah Sue, are you Mike P's wife? Feel free to email me.

Here's what I came to post:

Today we had an article in the newspaper about my efforts to pass a law to establish a missing persons clearinghouse In Nebraska. It is not going well because people just do not understand the scope & magnitude of it all. Here is the article:

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=1638&u_sid=994645

If you live in Nebraska, or know anyone who does, please contact me. You can help by emailing the senators to educate them about this very important issue.

Thank you.

Kelly
kelly.jolkowski@projectjason.org

[Sarahsue]

Very small world indeed Kelly! I am Mike Perry's wife.
I emailed you today. I work overnights currently, and haven't been able to check this thing for a few days.
I also posted a link to the OWH story on Slam Omaha. (another website I freq b/c of music)
Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help.
SSP :D

[Kelly]

I sent you an email, Sarah Sue!

Thanks!

Kelly

[Eagle1]

Your son always waited at the curb instead of closer to the house, for his car pool? Would he have gotten into a car with people he didn't know? They may have seen him standing there on other days? He liked fishing, doing isolated things instead of with groups?

It was garbage day. When the car pool stopped for him, probably knocked on the door or rang the bell, and couldn't find him, your other son called you, probably? He hadn't left the house yet? I think you should go ahead and identify him on the home page of your site, and nobody will think you're too self-centered or anything. It took me a while to find him. Some people might not want to take that long.

You do have his info and picture registered with all the Nat'l Center for Missing and Exploited Children, with John Walsh's America's Most Wanted, etc., right? They'd all help you get the law passed, I would think. Unsolved Mysteries? The Amber Alert was started since Jason's disappearance. I obviously don't know anything about it, or if it might help. You polled the neighbors that day, I'm sure.

May I make a small suggestion? Could you poll those truck drivers and decide something Carly Brucia and other young girls could say and/or do when they are being ogled and don't feel safe? Carly's friend's mother's boyfriend had taken her and her little friend to a MacDonalds. I'm sure her killer must have been there.

In fact, her friend had probably told her own family about Carly's home problem with her stepfather, probably why she didn't want to ride with him and was walking home. What could these young girls say or do, preventively? She hadn't been warned about stalkers, evidently, must have forgotten all about the MacDonald's. "Ron" knew Smith, probably had talked about Carly's problem.

Greta Von Susterin asked Carley's mom WHY WAS SMITH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. We were all wondering. Carly was too beautiful for her own good. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,110544,00.htm Hope the link still works. Thanks and good luck.

[Eagle1]

Could you poll those truckdrivers to decide a best answer for young girls to give when they're being ogled or accosted like Carly Brucia? As you probably know, Carly didn't have a nearby father or big brother and said words to the effect that she frequently felt helpless about guys staring.

So sorry about your son.

[Kelly]

Thank you for your concern about my son. Just to let you know:

Unsolved Mysteries, the TV show, has been cancelled for a long time now.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children does not post information on 19 year olds.
Jason is already on the AMW website.

The truckers will be given information about safety and related items as our program grows. I do not have plans to poll truckers about Carlie's actions. Of course, you should feel free to pursue such a poll on your own.

Thank you.

Kelly

[Up2theminute]

Thank you for your concern about my son. Just to let you know:

Unsolved Mysteries, the TV show, has been cancelled for a long time now.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children does not post information on 19 year olds.
Jason is already on the AMW website.

The truckers will be given information about safety and related items as our program grows. I do not have plans to poll truckers about Carlie's actions. Of course, you should feel free to pursue such a poll on your own.

Thank you.

Kelly

Kelly, Have you checked into getting your son's case information posted on http://www.nmco.org/ ? That is where the Center for Missing Adults is hosted. It is funded/sponsored by Kristen's Law in honor of Kristen Modaferri who went missing only a week after her 18th birthday and her family pushed this through because of the barriers they were facing with her just falling within that 'young adult' category, as you seem to be describing you've experienced in your son's case.

[babylove]

Hi Kelly. I am very sorry to hear your son has been missing for so long. As a mother, I can't even begin to understand the kind of pain you have been going through. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you find Jason.

I cannot believe that they classify anyone over the age of 10 as a runaway unless there is a witness to call it a kidnapping. Its hard to imagine that if god forbid, someone were to abduct me, because I am 21, I would be considered a runaway, and no one but my family would be looking for me. How horrible. :(

[dannyodie]

I likewise am sorry to hear that your child is missing. I would like to support the fact that too many times the police lots of the time consider children over the age 10 as runaways. I'am sure that more than 1/3 rd are runaways, and many times are located or decide to come home within 3 weeks to 2 months. what bothers me is that there are lots of children that turn up missing and are considered runaways, and not much is done by law enforcement early on, its those other 2/3rds of children that are still missing across this nation that bothers me, too think that so many familys are going thru agoney, not knowing if there child is alive or dead. I wish that law enforcement would look for a runaway just the same as one that is considered missing later on, after all, lots of these supposed runaways turn up missing in the first place. maybe one day the law will change?

[Kelly]

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers. As noted on Jason's links page, he is listed on numerous sites including the Center for Missing Adults. We found as many as we could that help missing adults. It's too bad there are not more, but I think that people are more responsive than in previous years to this issue. We just need the government to be responsive.

The moderators may want to consider moving these posts to Jason's thread if that is possible, as this thread is for a different purpose. Thanks!

Kelly

[WasBlind]

For Jason, and for Kelly
:blowkiss:

[WasBlind]

I'm working on a very important mailer for Kelly Jolkowski, mother of missing Jason from Nebraska. She posts regularly on missing persons boards. If anyone wants this mailing, or wishes to pray for the success of it, any and all help is appreciated.

Please contact me via e-mail at MissingProfiles@yahoo.com and in the subject put "Kelly" and thanks.

Prayers and hugs for all at WS
God bless you all for caring for the missing!
With love and hope, Lanie
Help For The Missing

[findlorne]

My heart goes out to all that are missing as well as to the families.

Kelly (Jason's Mom) has been such a WONDERFUL help to so many, may her precious son find his way back home soon. :angel:

With loving prayers to the Jolkowski's,
FindLorne

[Kelly]

Thank you both!

Jason is now featured on the CUE Center's Road to Remember Tour, which is happening right now. You can see more info here:

http://www.ncmissingpersons.org/

Kelly

[WasBlind]

Can someone please merge Jason's posts from these two threads?
thanks

Blessings to all, Lanie

[mindys]

http://www.projectjason.org/18wheel.html

Kelly, if you can get the Union's behind this, even more people will be reached, they have access to thousands. Most are interested in community service too. The Teamsters? They are even in Canada.

http://www.teamster.net/index.php

http://www.teamsters-canada.org/


Edited to add, this page lists a lot of other areas for outreach perhaps you haven't thought of:

http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/inside-freightliner-trucks/truckers-lounge/links.asp?pg=3

http://alkem.org/ftuarchive/fattruckersunion/main.html

If you want to tackle sending the info to some of the links listed, I'll help you.

[Kelly]

Thanks for the info.

It's really too bad that the Cue Center didn't get major national attention for their tour. May God bless them for their efforts.

Kelly

[smile22]

one of the posters said something about a car pool but i didnt read anything on the website for jason about a car pool i read that his car was in the shop and he was geting a ride from his manager or someone at work and becuse he didnt give good directions they were going to meet at the hs is there anyother news articals on him were there any witnesses besides the neighbor, someone near the hs at the time, im 22 and when i was in hs we had cameras outside the hs and they still do to see if anyone was cutting class or doing any damage to the outside. another thought if they had cameras on the bulding, but yet it says in the website when the person got to the school he wasnt their so we dont know if he made it to the school or not, its sad when someone is missing like jason, jacob from min, janice from connecticut, who have been missing 2 years or even janice whos been missing over 30 years and still have not been found


i wish their were more we could teach our children about preditors, i remeber in hs people would stop me for directions and id get scared we should teach our children if someone stops u looking for directions say loud i cant help u i dont know run or just run and scream becuse u never know when someone is gona come and snatch u


im praying for u and your family that jason is found safe

[Kelly]

Thank you.

All cameras were checked & videos watched and jason was not seen on any of them. The driver who was to pick him up was questioned numerous times. It appears he never made it to the school.

In other news:

The Legislative session has ended in Nebraska for this year and we were unsuccessful in getting Jason's Law passed. (Jason's Law, named after my missing son, would provide for a true Missing Person's Clearinghouse with services for families of the missing plus law enforcement training and a website with photos, etc.) Due to budget constraints, and I believe lack of understanding of the issue, we did not even get the bill to debate on the Senate floor.

Next year we will represent the bill and, with what we learned this past session, be better able to fight to get this passed. It's still going to be an uphill battle, but I will not give up until it is in place to help our families.

Each of you may want to check the laws in your own state, and see if you have a true clearinghouse, or just one in name only, such as ours.

Kelly

[Kelly]

Relatives of missing persons host fund-raising bicycle ride

BY KRISTIN ZAGURSKI



WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Relatives of three local missing persons will line an Iowa trail Sunday during an event to raise money for a group that supports such families.

Project Jason, founded by the mother of missing Omahan Jason Jolkowski, will hold its Miles for the Missing Family Bike Ride from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.

Rebecca Gonzalez, mother of 4-year-old Brendan Gonzalez, who disappeared in January 2003, and the family of Erin Pospisil, who disappeared from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in June 2001 at age 15, will join Jolkowski's family at the event.

The families want to raise awareness of missing persons and share stories about their missing family members, said Kelly Jolkowski, Jason's mother and president of Project Jason.

Gonzalez will be at a rest stop near Mineola, and the Pospisils will be at a rest stop at Silver City, Jolkowski said. She and her husband, Jim Jolkowski, will ride on the trail, she said.

Registration costs $15 per rider. Participants can ride up to 27.8 miles from Council Bluffs to Silver City.

The ride will take place rain or shine. Water will be provided.

Jason Jolkowski was 19 when he was last seen in June 2001 near 48th and Pinkney Streets.

Pospisil was last seen getting into a two-door, early-1990s model, black Chevrolet Cavalier with dark-tinted rear windows. Her family has since moved to Council Bluffs, Kelly Jolkowski said.

Brendan is believed to be dead, but his body has not been found. His father, Ivan Henk, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with his disappearance.

For more information about the bike ride or to register, call Project Jason at 932-0095 or e-mail milesforthemissing@projectjason.org .

[Sarahsue]

My little sister wrote that story for the OWH. My maiden name is Zagurski.
:)

[Kelly]

It is a small world indeed!

Nice to "see" you, Sarah Sue. I hope we get to meet soon.

Kelly

[Ghostwheel]

I would like to see more information on this case, if it is available. It strikes me as odd that Jason happened to disappear the week before starting a new job, and his employer from the job he was going to leave happened to call him in early, then happened to arrange a pick up for him (at a school rather than a cross street), and he disappeared at that time. Almost like someone knew he would not be missed for 1/2 to 1 hour, and that Jason's schedule was out of the ordinary. He obviously looked like he was headed for work (black dress shoes and pants).

The best of luck to you, in all you do, Kelly.

[Kelly]

I understand that it was Jason's idea to be picked up at the school as the driver knew right where that was rather than to find our house. Also, the employer had been calling people in on short notice, so that was not unusual either. All of the employees were questioned multiple times by the police and by a private detective.

Thank you for the kind thoughts.

Kelly

[Kelly]

Missing man's family starts program to help others with missing loved ones

Project Jason created to raise public awareness of missing persons


By Sarah Schulz
sarah.schulz@theindependent.com


A woman whose adult son has been missing for nearly three years has founded a nonprofit organization to help other families with missing loved ones.
Jason Jolkowski was 19 when he disappeared June 13, 2001, while waiting for a ride to work near his parents' home in Omaha. Since then his mother, Kelly, has turned her grief into a source of inspiration for other families whose loved ones have gone missing.

With help from her family, including her mother and her husband's parents who live in Grand Island, Kelly Jolkowski has organized Project Jason. The program aims to create and increase public awareness of missing people through a variety of outreach activities. The organization also provides the families of missing people with resources and support, she said.

The organization, which began Oct. 6, recently had its first big fund-raiser, a bike ride in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The $600 raised at the event will help fund identification kits and the printing of posters and other materials that can be distributed in an attempt to locate missing people, she said.

Project Jason has already assisted nearly 25 families in several states, she said. When the group is first contacted, Jolkowski said, she and her board members make sure the family has already taken steps to officially list the person as missing, such as calling local law enforcement. The organization also helps families make posters of the missing person, set up a Web site about the person, contact the media and raise awareness about the situation, she said.

Jolkowski has a lot of resources and is able to quickly spread the word that a person is missing. In addition to giving families guidance on where to turn for help, she also "holds their hand" and provides emotional support, she said. She also works to make sure the family members are taking care of themselves during a stressful time and plans to stay in contact with families if a loved one is located.

"Things are never back to normal," she said.

To help get information out there about missing children and adults, Jolkowski founded 18 Wheel Angels in January. Through the volunteer-based program, truckers and other frequent travelers hand out flyers and photos of missing people across the country.

"We targeted truckers because they are good networkers," she said.

Information on missing people has been published in about 10 trucking magazines as well, she said. The articles include instructions on what to do if someone goes missing, such as calling law enforcement, keeping a log of all incoming calls and checking for clues in the person's belongings.

Project Jason has also made identification kit instructions available online at www.projectjason.org. A Spanish language version is also available through the organization. Jolkowski said it is important to keep updated information about and photos of family members, especially children, to provide to law enforcement in case of an emergency. The instructions walk a user through many of the questions law enforcement officers may ask, she said.

Grand Island police Capts. Kerry Mehlin and Robert Falldorf said an organization such as Project Jason can be very helpful to law enforcement when someone is reported missing.

"Any help from the outside is beneficial," Falldorf said.

The majority of the people who go missing in Grand Island return within six to 48 hours and are often classified as runaways who have "issues" at home, Mehlin said. A case like Jason Jolkowski's is rare, he said.

"You never know when it's going to happen to you," Jolkowski said.

http://www.theindependent.com/stori...missing09.shtml

[Kelly]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np...8&u_sid=1101494

Published Friday
May 21, 2004

Missing Persons Week starts on June 13

BY LESLIE REED

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN - At the request of an advocacy group for missing people, Gov. Mike Johanns has declared June 13 through 19 Nebraska Missing Persons Week.


June 13 is the third anniversary of the disappearance of Jason Jolkowski of Omaha. He was 19 at the time.

Jolkowski's parents, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, founded Project Jason to improve public awareness about missing people, to educate families about what to do if a family member disappears and to support the families of missing people.

The nonprofit group last week helped an Indianapolis family locate a man believed lost in the Omaha area, although it turned out he had gone to visit a casino without telling his family.

Kelly Jolkowski also is seeking legislation to create a missing persons clearinghouse with the Nebraska State Patrol. She argues that the sooner information is disseminated about a person who's missing, the more likely that person will be found.

More than 850,000 people are reported missing over the course of a year in the United States, according to Jolkowski. Although most are found, as of March 21, 2003, more than 97,000 people were unaccounted for, more than half of them children.

"Every missing person is someone's son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife," said the proclamation signed Wednesday by Johanns. "It is important to recognize the families and communities of missing persons and heighten public interest in the continued search for those missing persons."

Kelly Jolkowski said she hopes to arrange a series of appearances across the state for Project Jason during Missing Persons Week. Details are being arranged.

Photos can be seen here:
http://gov.nol.org/proclamations/may04/missingpersons.html


The proclamation reads as follows:

Nebraska State Missing Person's Week June 13-19, 2004

WHEREAS, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime
Information Center there were 876,213 missing person entries (juveniles and
adults) in the year 2000. An average of 2,001 children disappeared daily,
including children from the state of Nebraska, and

WHEREAS, as of March 31, 2003 there were 97,297 active missing person cases
in the United States. Of those missing, approximately 54,184 are juveniles
and nearly 43,113 were reports of individuals eighteen and older. These
statistics include citizens of the state of Nebraska, and

WHEREAS, in response to these alarming trends, nonprofit organizations such
as Project Jason, were founded for the purpose of educating the public in an
effort to prevent future abductions and disappearances, and to provide
assistance to families of the missing, and

WHEREAS, all missing persons deserve to be searched for regardless of their
age; and

WHEREAS, citizens, media, and law enforcement must be made aware of the
plight of missing persons regardless of their age; and

WHEREAS, families and communities of missing persons should have this week
to offer much needed support and to keep public interest alive active in the
continued search for those missing persons; and

WHEREAS, our awareness, support, efforts, and search for missing persons
must continue, and

WHEREAS, every missing person is someone's son or daughter, father or
mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, and

WHEREAS, the state of Nebraska is committed to the safety and well-being of
all its citizens, both children and adults, and

NOW, THEREFORE I, Mike Johanns, Governor of the state of Nebraska, do hereby proclaim the week of June 13-19, 2004 as

MISSING PERSON'S WEEK

in Nebraska, and I do hereby urge all citizens to take due note of the
observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and cause the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Four.

Mike Johanns, Governor

[WasBlind]

Kelly Jolkowski announces "Adopt A Missing Person" project

Project Jason is going to embark on a tour of the state of Nebraska on June 13th. Through-out most of that week, declared as Missing Person's Week by our Governor, we will visit as many cities as we can, bringing awareness for our missing loved ones, plus distributing our free child id kits and other materials.

We are going to write to youth organizations such as the Girl and Boy Scouts, asking them to get involved in whatever manner they choose. We will ask them to come to our table when we visit their city on the Miles for the Missing Tour. We will give them a child id kit and a safety brochure for children.

This is the part where you become involved. I want to launch a program on this tour called "Adopt a Missing Person". When the young person (or any other person who wants to participate) comes to our table, they can read about and choose to "adopt" a missing person. If you are interested, this is what you would provide and mail to me by June 11th:

· At least 2-4 dozen buttons of your missing loved one.

· A laminated 8x11 information card.

This would include a photo of your loved one that matches the button photo if possible, plus the story of the person's disappearance and some personal information about them. This would be written to the child, so they could feel that they know their "Adopted Missing Person". You are also more than welcome to attach something to the button, such as a mini thank you note or website address if it is not already on your button.

When the children come, they can read the information on the cards and then decide who they want to adopt and take the corresponding button. I will have them sign a simple guest-book with their name and the name of the missing loved one they are adopting. They will be encouraged to wear the button or affix it to their backpack or purse. It will be optional for them to add their email or physical address to the guestbook to forward to you so that you could write them and thank them if you can.

This is another way to promote awareness of your missing loved one, plus start to educate our young people about our mutual cause.

I am also looking for sponsors to make buttons for our missing persons in Nebraska. There are about 8-9 that we know of who we want to take on the tour. If you know of anyone, or can take at least one of the missing and make buttons for us, that would be most appre-ciated. Sponsors who help with this will be listed on our website with corresponding website links if applicable. I do not have much time with my needing to plan for the trip and securing our locations, so any help with this is most appreciated. I will also be checking with a few local businesses to see if they would do this.

If you are interested, or have any questions about the Miles for the Missing Tour or the Adopt a Missing Loved One program, please email me at milesforthemissing@projectjason.org

Many blessings on this day that the Lord has made,
Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder, Project Jason
www.projectjason.org

If any family member of a missing loved one wants buttons and does not have them, pls e-mail me for information on how to get them. We have a guy who is making them for a discounted price as part of the effort to raise awareness on this incredible project.
Lanie, Help For The Missing
HelpForTheMissing@yahoo.com

[Kelly]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1464&u_sid=1112340

Published Thursday
June 3, 2004

Bands take action for the missing

BY NIZ PROSKOCIL



WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Missing for three years now, Jason Jolkowski hasn't been forgotten.

Project Jason benefit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What: Concert featuring Criteria, Race for Titles, Little Brazil and Kyle Harvey

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Sokol Underground, 13th and Martha Streets

How much: $7

Information: www.somedaynever.com


On Saturday, four local musical acts will join forces to raise money for the nonprofit Project Jason, which raises awareness of missing persons.

The concert features performances from Criteria, Race for Titles, Little Brazil and Kyle Harvey.

Jolkowski was 19 when he was last seen in June 2001 near 48th and Pinkney Streets.

His parents, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, founded Project Jason to improve public awareness about missing people, to educate families about what to do if a family member disappears and to support the families of missing people.

Mike Perry, Jolkowski's friend and former colleague at radio station 89.7 the River, is coordinating the concert along with Joe Vavak. Both are owners of Omaha-based Someday Never Records, which is hosting the concert.

Perry, 25, who helped train Jolkowski to be on the air, remembers him as a quiet guy who was friendly to everyone. He was known as J.J. when he worked as a disc jockey at the River.

Perry said all four bands were happy to donate their time and talent.

"It's a worthy cause with realistic strategies for reuniting homeless children with their loved ones," Steve Pedersen, singer-guitarist of rock group Criteria, said of Project Jason.

The fund-raising efforts won't end with Saturday's concert.

Someday Never Records plans to release a compilation CD later this summer with all proceeds from the disc going to Project Jason.

For more information, visit www.projectjason.org.

[Kelly]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=1636&u_sid=1119340



Published Friday
June 11, 2004

Missing man's mother has hope


We all know what it's like to miss someone - to long for him or her, to yearn for a touch or the sound of a voice.

But what if the person we miss might never come back?

Sunday will mark three years since Jason Jolkowski left home and headed for work, never to be heard from since. He hasn't called, used his cell phone or drawn money out of his account at an ATM.

He just - disappeared. No clue. No trace.

His mother, Kelly Jolkowski, won't give up. Jason's car still sits in the driveway of the family home near 48th and Pinkney Streets. The family has kept all his possessions.

"I have hope that he is alive," she said. "If you lose hope, you stop looking. That's not fair to the person who is missing or to other family members who love him and miss him."

But at this point, where do you look? Jason, a Benson High grad who worked part time as JJ the deejay at KIWR, wasn't the type to run away.

Kelly is realistic. Though not abandoning hope, she knows she may never see him again.

But she wants to help other families who find themselves in a similar situation. She has started the nonprofit Project Jason (www.projectjason.org), with a seven-member board. She has asked that the Legislature enact Jason's Law, a statewide missing person's clearinghouse.

And Sunday, the start of Missing Persons Week in Nebraska, she and cohorts embark on tour across the state to encourage people to prepare for the unlikely - the disappearance of a family member.

For example, child ID kits to give to authorities, providing vital information.

"Do people stop and think about preparation and being ready in the unfortunate event a child is missing?" she asks. "No, they really don't.

"When it happens to you, you are put in such a high state of anxiety, can you think straight? It's hard to think of things you need to do."

The week starts with a 9 a.m. Mass at Holy Name Church, where Jason was a lector. The Sunday before his disappearance, he read Scripture from Romans, including: "We gladly suffer because we know that suffering helps us endure."

Kelly has suffered, but she hasn't stopped living. To the contrary, she got her life under control.

She weighed 375 pounds, but began exercising, biking and dieting and lost an incredible 200 pounds. Hence, her self-given nickname, "the incredible shrinking woman."

Kelly, who works in technical support for weather data software, and husband Jim, a warehouse supervisor for Nebraska Furniture Mart, moved from Grand Island to Omaha 13 years ago.

Jason, she said, was close to his family. It would be totally unlike him to run away and not call.

His younger brother, Michael, saw him lugging trash cans to the curb. Jason planned to catch a ride to work at his other job at Fazoli's Restaurant, 80th and Cass Streets.

Police tell her they are baffled.

The best thing, Kelly says, would be for the phone to ring and to hear Jason's voice. Meanwhile, an inner voice tells her to keep working and help families, because lots of others suffer the pain of a disappearance.

[WasBlind]

Jason has been missing almost 3 years, please read

On June 13, 2001, 19 year old Jason Anthony Jolkowski left his parents Omaha, Nebraska home on foot to meet a ride for work. He has not been seen since. The family and friends of this beautiful young man have been searching for almost 3 years. There will be a Miles For The Missing tour to mark this solemn occasion, and also to honor Jason and all those who have gone missing. To read more about the tour, please see this link http://www.projectjason.org/milestour.html
and also this one http://www.casewatchers.com/missing/AdoptMissing.html

What you can do to help
Go to Jason's site at http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/
Look at Jason's pictures, familiarize yourself with his case. You might be the person who recognizes him and can bring him home again. Download flyers and post them at local businesses in your area.

Sign your thoughts and prayers to Jason's family on his guest book. A kind word goes a long way in such a situation. You do not need to leave your e-mail address, but please do sign the book. Wouldn't you want someone to offer a kind word if you were in this situation?

If you have a web site, please link Jason to it asap, and notify his family you have done so. Your link might be the one that strikes a memory in someone’s mind, and can bring him home.

Copy and paste this e-mail to a blank word document, and forward to everyone on your list BCC. In the TO field, put your own address to protect your list from SPAM. The more people who see Jason's face, the better chance of getting him home.

Bookmark Jason's site, since Kelly makes changes often, and that is the best place to go for updates in Jason's case.

Last, but not least, please pray for Jason. Pray for his family and those that search for him to find answers and soon. Light a candle for Jason on June 13th, and say a prayer that he comes home. Pray for those left behind to search for him, that they have strength to keep searching.

For those of you who have offered to do more, like search and rescue, thank you for this most generous offer. If you are in Nebraska, please contact Omaha Crime stoppers at (402) 444-STOP or Omaha PD at (402) 444-5657. If you are not in Nebraska, please e-mail me at HelpForTheMissing@yahoo.com for the SAR agency nearest you, and thanks! Special thanks to everyone who has helped the Jolkowski family the past three years.

Thank you for reading this. Thanks ahead of time for forwarding this e-mail, and thank you for your prayers for Jason, and all who love him. God bless each of you for caring for the missing. Please let me know how I can pray for you.

Blessings in Christ Jesus, Lanie
Help For The Missing
Proud partners of Project Jason & 18 Wheel Angels

Links
http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/
http://www.projectjason.org/
http://www.projectjason.org/milestour.html
http://www.casewatchers.com/missing/AdoptMissing.html

[WasBlind]

For Jason

and for Kelly

For all who miss him and search for him, many prayers

With love and HOPE, Lanie

[Kelly]

These projects for Jason have recently been completed:

Jason is the featured case on the National Center for Missing Adults. This is the nation’s second largest missing person’s organization and they get a million hits on their site per week.

As the featured case, Jason is on the homepage of this site, bringing much needed attention to his case and providing us with a boost of hope. You can read his profile at http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/index.php?webid=home

The second project is a photo montage of Jason growing up, which includes music and text. It is a large file, so it does take a few minutes to load, so please be patient.

I hope that you find it to be as moving as we do: http://www.twinzee.com/jason.swf

A woman named Angel put this together for us. It provides us with a way to share Jason’s life with you. If you wish to write her and thank her, her email is Twinz4Mee@aol.com

Robert Cooke, father of missing Rachel Cooke, runs a nonprofit organization from his home in Texas. One of his focuses is self defense training. He is now selling a cookbook to help support the self defense courses as well as other services he provides. He was gracious enough to include Jason as one of the featured missing persons in the cookbook. You can order it online at http://www.rachelalert.org/RANorder.html

We recently were featured in the local news introducing our new Adopt a Missing Person program. You can see the news article and a video of the newscast at http://www.theomahachannel.com/fami...56/detail.html.

Please do consider helping us spread the word of this program. We’re also looking for corporate sponsors. If you can assist with that, please let us know.

Thursday, Project Jason was included in a list of Missing Person’s Organization links on a national news story. This was wonderful news for us as we work towards getting recognition for all of our families and for our cause. We’ve received over a thousand hits to the website that day alone. You can read this story here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5325808/.

I want to thank our family and friends for their constant support. We are blessed because of you and because we are surrounded by love. We thank God for all of you and for the gifts He has given us.

Jim, Kelly, & Michael Jolkowski

Jason’s website: http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/
Project Jason: http://www.projectjason.org/

[WasBlind]

We recently were featured in the local news introducing our new Adopt a Missing Person program. You can see the news article and a video of the newscast at http://www.theomahachannel.com/fami...56/detail.html.

The url didn't work

For anyone who wishes to view this story, here it is
http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/3537156/detail.html

Congratulations, Jolkowski's and much love to all.
Thanks for all you do for the missing!!

With HOPE, Lanie
HelpForTheMissing@yahoo.com

[WasBlind]

For Jason

Prayers of HOPE, Lanie

[Kelly]

Jason had been added to the Original Laci Peterson Tribute Ribbon program. The ribbonmakers have made a special remembrance ribbon for Jason that they will mail free of charge.

For more information and a link to the Ribbon tribute page, please see Jason's website, on the homepage:

http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/

The ribbon is a slate blue. I will post a photo this weekend.

Thank you.

Kelly

[Kelly]

After more than 6 months of fighting to get Jason listed on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, (NCMEC) he is finally there and we will be able to take advantage of their services.

It is not widely known, but a clause in Suzanne's Law allows for missing young adults up to, but not including age 21 to be obtain NCMEC services. As long as the person was within that age range at the time of their disappearance, law enforcement can call in the case.

Some of the services they provide that we will take advantage of include nationwide poster spread and the creation of an age progression photo.

Suzanne's Law is the result of the hard work of missing Suzanne Lyall's parents, Doug & Mary who run The Center for Hope, based in Albany, NY.

If you know any of any missing persons who disappeared between the ages of 18-20, make sure their family knows to have their law enforcement call in to have them added to NCMEC's case roster.

You can see Jason's NCMEC info here:
NCMEC Info (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewChildDetail&caseNum=992083&orgPrefix=NCMA&seqNum=1&caseLang=en_US&searchLang=en_US)

To print a poster of Jason, please click here:
Poster Link (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=992083&orgPrefix=NCMA&searchLang=en_US)

Thank you.

Kelly, Mother of Missing Jason

[inquiringmindz]

Kelly,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jason. I'll pray for his safe return.

[Kelly]

Thank you so much!

I just thought I should clarify what I meant by "fighting". Often LE does not know about Suzanne's Law, so you have to work to get them to understand this so they will even make the call. Then they call and the reps at NCMEC turn them away because they either were not made aware of it, or forgot. I had to end up instructing LE to insist on speaking to a supervisor. I beleive it ended up taking 3 calls to get the job done.

I have written to NCMEC, asking them to please do a better job in maing sure all employees know and understand this.

Kelly

[Mom who cares]

Jason had been added to the Original Laci Peterson Tribute Ribbon program. The ribbonmakers have made a special remembrance ribbon for Jason that they will mail free of charge.

For more information and a link to the Ribbon tribute page, please see Jason's website, on the homepage:

http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/

The ribbon is a slate blue. I will post a photo this weekend.

Thank you.

Kelly

I received my Jason tribute ribbon last week and they are lovely. Slate blue and white with gold lettering. Everyone, please consider getting one. all it costs is a little bit of your time and a stamp.

[Kelly]

Thank you "Mom"!

It feels wonderful to know trhat so many people care.

God bless you!

Kelly

[Kelly]

A kind person designed this new website banner for me. If you have a website, please consider posting it there. Thank you!

Kelly


Banner Link (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/KellyJolkowski/missing_jason.jpg)

[WasBlind]

Prayers for Jason, and all who love and miss him.

With love and HOPE, Lanie

[Love_Mama]

Kelly, I feel like I know your son. I know him through you. I pray so hard that he will be found some day soon. In my dream's, and I drempt (sp)?this last nite, He came home. After that it was very confusing. I wish it wern't so.................I would be on pin's and needles.........if I were you. I don't know how you exist every day. Aren't our children the best of everything?
My prayers.............are with you and your family every day. I mean that Kelly. My heart aches for you and you family. How, why, does this happen!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooo
mama

[Jenn]

Hi Kelly! I just want you to know that my prayers are with you. I have added Jason's banner to my website. I know that it is not much. I wish there was more that I could do. If there is anything, please let me know. May God bless you and your family.

[Kelly]

Thanks to all of you.

In a retreat I attended this last weekend, we talked about how sometimes God allows things to happen. I believe there is a reason He did allow whatever has happen to occur. I believe I see those reasons unfolding before my eyes everyday in the work that I do.

Perhaps Jason is safe and warm somewhere. Perhaps he is not alive and is in Paradise. This I do not know.

I do know that I will see him again someday, I just do not know when & where. In the meantime, I learn lessons of patience and love and just keep trying to do what I believe God has planned for me.

Kelly

[partyuv5]

I sent an e-mail about adopting a person. I did see your son's picture. I am impressed that you didn't make your site all about finding your son (of course that is your goal) but about missing people. Kudos to you. Keep working it and I will work with you.

God help you in your search for your Jason!!!!!

[Kelly]

Thank you so much! I replied to your email. (At least I assume it is you.) :-)

Kelly

[fourboys]

With Love,

fourboys

[Kelly]

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/10/20/4175d55356469

Concert series benefits search for missing people


By Jenna Johnson / Daily Nebraskan
October 20, 2004


The Silver Spoke Saloon in Roca is 15 miles away from the pub in Lincoln where Gina Bos was last seen four years ago this weekend.

It’s 75 miles away from the home in Omaha where Jason Jolkowski was last seen three years ago last June.

Both of these missing people were adults. Both left behind families who still are searching for any sort of an answer.

Both families met at the Silver Spoke on Friday night for a concert to raise money and awareness for the finding of missing people.

“When Gina disappeared, we had no idea the number of people who have disappeared is in the neighborhood of 85,000,” said Von Rap, Bos’ oldest brother. “Even if we had known, we would have never thought it would happen to us.”

Bos’ sister, Jannel Rap, a singer-songwriter who now lives in Los Angeles, started a non-profit concert series called Greater Information Now Available for Missing Persons, Inc. or GINA.

In the last few years, Rap has organized a TV program in Southern California and more than 70 GINA concerts across the country. Friday’s concert raised about $275.

Jannel Rapwas unable to attend the concert, but her two brothers were present, along with more than 150 people, many of whom knew Bos from her days as a musician.

Friday’s open stage concert was similar to the one Bos attended at Duggan’s Pub the night she disappeared and it brought back memories, Von Rap said.

“You never forget about it,” he said. “It’s always right there in your mind.”

Kelly Jolkowski came to the concert to distribute information and sign people up to “adopt” missing persons – to learn about their lives and wear buttons displaying their photos.

Jolkowski still is trying to cope with the disappearance of her then 19-year-old son, Jason, who was last seen in the family’s driveway as he was on his way to Benson High School to wait for a ride to his part-time job in 2001.

She founded Project Jason, a non-profit organization that directs families with missing members to the right resources, helps people create an identification file in case they disappear and lobbies the Nebraska Legislature to create a law allowing the compilation of information about those missing.

“There are always more people you can reach,” she said. “The average person has really no idea of the vast scope of things.”

Although both families are actively trying to inform the public about missing people issues, they are still hoping to find their own also loved ones.

“Our family is scattered across the country,” Von Rap said. “But no matter where we are at, we are still looking for Gina.”

[englishleigh]

Thanks to all of you.

In a retreat I attended this last weekend, we talked about how sometimes God allows things to happen. I believe there is a reason He did allow whatever has happen to occur. I believe I see those reasons unfolding before my eyes everyday in the work that I do.

Perhaps Jason is safe and warm somewhere. Perhaps he is not alive and is in Paradise. This I do not know.

I do know that I will see him again someday, I just do not know when & where. In the meantime, I learn lessons of patience and love and just keep trying to do what I believe God has planned for me.

Kelly


:blowkiss: Kelly!!! Much love to you and many, many prayers for your son. You do great work in Jason's name, and that is a wonderful legacy for him.

[WasBlind]

:blowkiss: Kelly!!! Much love to you and many, many prayers for your son. You do great work in Jason's name, and that is a wonderful legacy for him.

Intersting word you chose, Leigh....legacy.

You are right on the money. God bless you for caring for the missing.
With love and HOPE, Lanie

[Kelly]

Ohio College Students Arrange 432 Adoptions in 20 Hours

Sometimes, you never know what will happen unless you try. When 19 year-old Danae Leali, a creative writing major at Ashland University in Ohio, first heard about a unique awareness program for missing people called Adopt a Missing Person, she was moved to take action herself. However, that wasn't enough for Danae.

The Adopt a Missing Person program was created by nonprofit organization, Project Jason, which assists families of missing persons and provides education for the public. Families of the missing provide photo buttons of their missing loved one and a personal biography, so that people all over the country can help by "adopting" their missing loved one. Adopters pledge to wear the button and share the story with others to increase the odds of location, and give hope to the families.

When Danae went to the Project Jason website, she decided to adopt 20 year-old Rachel Cooke, missing from Georgetown, TX, since January 10, 2002. She received the button in the mail, and began to share Rachel's story with other students in her dorm, including her friend, Vanessa Wagner. Both Vanessa and Danae felt that missing persons get little exposure, and wanted to do more. Vanessa stated: "These are real people, with hopes and dreams, family and friends, futures and pasts. Deep down I feel that most people want to change the world for the better and if they can start off with a simple project like this, it is one step in the right direction."

They began by soliciting other students in their dorm to adopt other missing people, and the response was so heartening and tremendous, that they decided to expand it to the entire college campus. Danae and Vanessa chose 8 missing persons from the program and went to numerous campus organizations, fraternities, sororities, students, and staff, even going door-to-door for their cause. Within a day, they had close to 200 adoptions secured. By day three of their campaign to help the missing, the two had arranged 432 adoptions!

On Monday, November 22nd, Danae and Vanessa will proudly don their buttons, along with the other 430 persons who opened their hearts to help a family they've never met, many of whom are thousands of miles away. They will hold an all day vigil at the campus chapel, starting at 7am and culminating with a brief ceremony at 9pm. 8 giant cards will be posted, one for each family of the missing, so that attendees can express their thoughts of hope. These will be sent to the families after the vigil. The press and public are invited and encouraged to attend.

Kelly Jolkowski, mother of missing Jason Jolkowski, and founder of Project Jason, explains the impact of the program: "After the police have sifted through the clues in a missing person's case, and have no more leads, what the family has left is hope and awareness. The Adopt a Missing Person program enables people to be able to give these priceless gifts to the families. It helps them get through another day without their loved ones, knowing that a stranger cares. You just never know. The next person to see that face, may hold the key to unlock the mystery of their disappearance and be the catalyst that reunites a family."

To find out additional information about the Adopt a Missing Person program, please see www.projectjason.org, and click on the "Adopt a Missing Person" link.

The eight missing persons who were adopted during the campaign at Ashland
University are:

Amanda Berry, Cleveland, OH www.amandaberry.net

Georgina DeJesus, Cleveland, OH www.findgeorgina.com

Tamika Huston, Spartanburg, SC www.tamikahuston.com

Maura Murray, Amherst, MA www.mauramurray.com

Brianna Maitland, Montgomery, VT www.bringbrihome.com

Ryan Katcher, Oakwood, IL www.findryan.com

Joshua Guimond, Collegeville, MN www.findjoshua.com

Jason Jolkowski, Omaha, NE www.missingjason.com

[Limon10]

Congratulations on your success Deana! I think that is truly amazing :)

[Kelly]

Danae doesn't post here, but I will be sure to pass along your congrats to her. Thank you.

Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org

[Kelly]

http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=26714

‘Project Jason’ keeps memory alive for missing kids
Reported by: Lydia Esparra
POSTED: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 7:19:43 AM
UPDATED: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 7:20:45 AM

ASHLAND -- We’ve seen their pictures and have heard their names, the names of our area’s missing kids. Just south of Cleveland, in Ashland, other kids are keeping their memory alive.

At Ashland University Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus are making new friends. It started with an idea from sophomore Danae Leali

“I checked out the missing person’s files and thought it was interesting,” Danae said.

And during that time she came across ‘Project Jason’ dot org. At the website people can ‘sponsor’ a missing person by helping keep their name in the public eye.

The students proudly wear buttons with the pictures of the missing Amanda, Gina, Brianna, Tamika, Maura, Jason, Joshua and Ryan.

“You read things about them and you hear about them and then people start to talk about them on campus,” sophomore, Vanessa Wagener said.

And the campus is talking and worrying, what if it happens to them.

Parent, Maria Myers, says she worries about her daughter in college.

“She calls me to let me know she is OK,” Maria said.

“Because if this happened in my family and I went missing, I can’t imagine how upset my family would be,” freshman, Dlon Benton said.

About a quarter of the students participated in adopt a missing person. That figure is pretty good considering the campus only has about 2,000 students. Even more remarkable is this is the first time its ever been done anywhere across the United States.

For one day Danae and her friends celebrate the lives of the missing. They’ll send cards to all the hurting families and light candles that burn for hope. So one day the light will help guide the missing home.

Danae said she wants to let the families know that there is hope and people are thinking of them.

[Kelly]

You can also see a video:

http://www.wkyc.com/video/player.aspx?aid=8343&sid=26718&bw=

[Kelly]

Will Three Minutes on National TV Unravel a Three Year Old Mystery?


For more than three years, the family of Jason Jolkowski fought to get national media attention for this baffling and seemingly unsolvable missing person’s case. Will their appearance on the Montel Williams Show on Monday, November 29th, shed any light on the case, or will they remain in the limbo state of “not knowing”?

Nearly 3 ½ years ago, on a warm summer day, then 19 year-old Jason Jolkowski stepped out onto the driveway of his Omaha, NE home, and was never seen or heard from again. Veteran detectives have not been able to make a dent in what is called one of the most baffling cases in 30 years. His case remains open on the Major Crimes Unit.

In Jason’s case, there are no suspects. He had no known enemies. There is no evidence he was taken, but yet the evidence that he left willingly is lacking. He did his household chores right before he left. As his parents were both at work, there would have been no reason to do his chores if he was unhappy with them and planned to leave. He left for work wearing dress pants and shoes. He didn’t take other clothes or possessions. He had about $650 in the bank, and was due to get another check from his job two days later. His car was in the shop and repairs would be completed within two days. His bank account and cell phone were never touched and Jason failed to pick up his check at work.

What could have happened to this young man, who was loved and respected by family and friends, and well known for his stint as a D.J. on The River, a local college radio station?

As national media coverage for missing young men is difficult, if not nearly impossible to come by, the Jolkowskis feel fortunate that they were selected to be on the show. Jim and Kelly, Jason’s parents, hope that the for the few minutes they appear on the Montel Williams Show, someone, somewhere, will see the story and come forward with information that will help solve their son’s case, and provide the answers they have longed for.

Related Websites:

www.missingjason.com
www.projectjason.org

Contact:

Kelly Jolkowski
Kelly.jolkowski@projectjason.org

[Casshew]

Hi Kelly. good luck with the show... has your segment already been taped? or are they using older footage? I am not sure how it works... maybe you will actually be there in person?

[Fran Bancroft]

I don't know what it matters old or new, in person or not, but GOD be with you Kelly. God be with Jason.Hi Kelly. good luck with the show... has your segment already been taped? or are they using older footage? I am not sure how it works... maybe you will actually be there in person?

[Kelly]

Thank you

We went to NYC a couple of weeks ago and taped. They had also sent a cameraman to our home to tape some footage a few weeks before that. They will use a combination of the two in the show.

Many blessings,
Kelly

[Casshew]

Thank you

We went to NYC a couple of weeks ago and taped.

You're welcome, I will be watching for the show... I am glad you had this opportunity to get Jason's story out there. The right person watching can make all the difference... good luck!

[Kelly]

We'll be praying for more viewers than ever. We're trying to do a big push on the Internet to spread the word about this.

Why not email all your friends with the posted press release and links?

You never know what may come of it all.

God bless,
Kelly

[Kelly]

Web-Posted Nov 28, 2004
Missing man's family to be on Montel Williams' show Monday


By Sarah Schulz
sarah.schulz@theindependent.com



The parents of a Nebraska man who has been missing for more than three years will appear on television on a segment of "Montel Williams" Monday.
On the show Kelly and Jim Jolkowski will talk about their son, Jason, who went missing June 13, 2001, at the age of 19.

The family is from Omaha and has relatives in Grand Island. The program airs locally at 2 p.m. on KHAS-TV, cable channel 5.

Jason's case remains open with the Omaha Police Department's major crimes unit, but there are few clues to his disappearance. According to his mother, the young man was waiting for a ride to work because his car was in the shop. His bank account hasn't been touched since he vanished and his cell phone hasn't been used.

The Jolkowskis taped their segment with host Montel Williams a few weeks ago in New York City.

Kelly Jolkowski wrote in a recent e-mail to family and friends that some of the activities surrounding the taping are a blur. She said Williams was very compassionate with all of the missing people's families being featured on the program.

The family hopes their appearance on the show may bring about new leads and shed light on their son's case. Kelly Jolkowski's e-mail states that the family, which also includes Jason's younger brother, Michael, hopes "someone, somewhere will see the story and come forward with information that will help solve our son's case and provide the answers we've longed for."

In addition to media coverage, Kelly Jolkowski has established Project Jason, through which she distributes personal identification kits. More information about the kits and other projects related to Jason Jolkowski can be found at www.projectjason.org and www.missingjason.com.



http://www.theindependent.com/stori...missing28.shtml

[Kelly]

Jason's website has just been updated with the story of our trip to NYC for the show.

Go to the website, scroll down to updates, and then click on the link about the Montel Williams Show appearance.

http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/index.html

Kelly

[VespaElf]

I just watched Montel! :clap: :clap:

You looked great Kelly!Im so thankful you had the oppertunity to appear on the show but Im sorry you didn't get to plug projectjason!!!!!!! I also wished Montel pointed out,when he was talking with Kim from The Center for Missing Adults,that not only do more adults go missing(Montel seemed really shocked by that! ) more MALES are the ones to go missing ! They did a great job on your segment! :woohoo:

[Kelly]

Thanks Messie!

I don't get to see it here until 3pm. I'm already hearing lots of good things from people all over who have already seen it.

http://www.theomahachannel.com/family/3954927/detail.html

'Montel' To Feature Missing Benson Teen
Jason Jolkowski Disappeared 3 Years Ago

POSTED: 11:26 am CST November 29, 2004
UPDATED: 11:30 am CST November 29, 2004

OMAHA, Neb. -- The story of a missing teenager from Benson will get national attention Monday.


Jason Jolkowski


Jason Jolkowski disappeared more than three years ago. He was 19 years old.

At 3 p.m. on KETV channel 7, Montel Williams will host a show on missing people.

Jason's mother, Kelly Jolkowski, hopes the attention will bring his family some clues.

"There's somebody who knows what happened and perhaps where he is, and we'd just like to reach that person and ask them to please come forward and find the answers we so desire," Jolkowski said.

Jason's story and three others will be featured on "Montel."

Anyone with information on the disappearance of Jason Jolkowski can contact the Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP.

[RCOOKE]

As I told you on the phone Kelly, you all did a great job. It was especially good to family have Jason featured on a national program. Maybe the right person saw it and he/she will come forward.

I think everyone should write Montel and saw how good the show was. He needs to do more of these missing person programs without Sylvia Browne.

[Kelly]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to thank you all once again for all of the love and support our family has been shown, not just over the last few days, but for these past 3 ½ years. This support has had a great impact on our ability to deal with our situation, and face each day without Jason, living with the “not knowing”.

One of my dreams was to get national coverage for Jason. With a clueless case like ours, we needed it. We also knew what great odds we were going against to get attention, as young males and clueless cases never make it on national TV. We are very blessed indeed.

Now that Jason’s (and the others) story has hit the airwaves, we have some forward momentum that we MUST take advantage of. Often, competing networks and studios will watch their competitor’s shows. While this story is fresh in their minds, we need to go out and request this story from another national media outlet.

There are two things I am going to ask of you. The first one is to contact the Montel Show and let them know how pleased you are that they had a show about missing adults. It’s a win-win situation for all of us everytime we can get more faces out there and make people aware of this tragic situation.

There is an online form to fill out here:

http://www.montelshow.com/whats_your_POV/pov.htm

The second thing I ask if you is in relation to the forward momentum. I want to see Oprah Winfrey do a story on missing people. As you know, Oprah has a huge audience, and people listen to what she has to say. An appearance on her show could have a huge impact, which would send ripples in so many directions, you cannot even imagine it.

I would like you to submit a show request on her website. Write whatever is in your heart. It does not have to be about Jason, Project Jason, or me. I’ll leave that up to you. The main thing is to get our cause and those faces on national TV!

Here is the link:

http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_showideas.jhtml

Thank you for taking action to help those who are not present with us, but who remain in our hearts forever.

Many blessings,
Kelly

[amandab]

There is an online form to fill out here:

http://www.montelshow.com/whats_your_POV/pov.htm



Here is the link:

http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_showideas.jhtml



Did 'em both, Kelly. :-D Thank you so much, and may God watch over you all.

Hugs,
Amanda

[Kelly]

Thank you, Amanda. It's funny, but I was talking to one of Georgina DeJesus' Aunts the other night, and she thought I was you. They must not have understood our Amanda Berry story and the relationships there. :-)

Kelly

[inquiringmindz]

I just emailed them both! Good Luck! I asked Oprah to do a week long segment dedicated to the missing. Sadly enough, a week wouldn't even begin to scratch the surface. I also asked them to check out Project Jason - you have done amazing, wonderful, and positive things throughout this horrific situation! God's blessings to you Kelly!

[Kelly]

Thank you. You are right...a week would not even begin to cover it, but I love that idea!

A co-worker who sells Pampered Chef kitchen products just offered up that he will donate 5% of all orders placed to Project Jason. You can order online and have the items shipped right to your home. These make great Christmas gifts, or keep them for yourself.

Here is the link to order through:

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/champskitchen

You may notice that it says to place orders by December 2nd.......just ignore that.

Thank you, and God bless!

Kelly

[Kelly]

Here is another place where one can submit a request to air a show on missing persons:

http://www.thejanepauleyshow.com/ta...st.php?topic=73

Thank you, and God bless,
Kelly

[Gabby]

I sent an email to OPRAH this morning. Her show is so widely watched, it might just be the key that opens this door for Jason ....

[Kelly]

Thank you, Gabby.

There are some people who have placed this request on email to all their contacts too. This is for all of the missing. We can be heard, but we need all of your voices.

God bless,
Kelly

[AuntieKaren]

I was in surgery when the MW show aired but I filled out the form anyway. I think Oprah is a great idea. I am, personally, not crazy about her but with her huge audience, I think it's an area that has to be tapped.
Karen

[Kelly]

Thank you, Karen.

I hope you are doing ok. I saw you were having surgery, but don't have much time to peruse the other threads, so I didn't know how you are doing. I said a prayer of healing for you. :-)

Kelly

[VespaElf]

I know back in '88 or '89 Oprah did a show about missing women belived to be victims of the "Green River Killer"(Gary Ridgeway).So she has covered missing cases before.I hope the emails work!

[Kelly]

Tomorrow marks 3 ½ years since Jason disappeared. (06/13/01) We actually last saw him at about 10:30pm (06/12/01) when he went to bed. Before that, he was playing video games with his little brother. I’m sure his last words to me were: “Goodnight, Mom.” Little did I know that it was his last goodnight to me for such a very long time. There have now been 1,278 nights when I didn’t get to hear his “goodnight”, see his smiling face, or hear his laughter.

“When have I ever lived in absolute belief, with no twinge of doubt? Yet, that is not what you require, Lord. Only keep me growing, every crisis a more effective teacher than the last.”
From my inspiration calendar for 12/13/04

May God give me continued strength for the journey ahead, no matter how long it takes.

Kelly Jolkowski

[fourboys]

Prayers for Jason and family.

fourboys

[Kelly]

Thank you for remembering our family, fourboys.

God bless!

Kelly

[inquiringmindz]

I'm sending big (((((((((HUGS))))))))) and lots of prayers to your family Kelly. God hears your prayers for strength and will continue to give it to you....Look at everything you have accomplished so far! You are a woman to be admired!

[Kelly]

Thank you.

Yes, God already answered my prayers, as today I feel strengthened once again. I'm ready to continue on.

Many blessings to you & yours,
Kelly

[Gabby]

Kelley


(((hugs))) to you and your family, prayers all the time. You will see Jason again, and I feel like it will be in this life ...

[Kelly]

Thank you, Gabby. There are many who feel as you do. I wish I had some motherly intuition about it all, but I do not. I can only assume that there is a reason why that is so and trust in God to continue to guide me down this path.

Peace, joy, and love to you,
Kelly

[WasBlind]

Dear Kelly,
There is much I wish to say to you, today.
Thank you for sharing Jason with me, with the world.
Thank you for being the best partner a gal could ask for. Working with you and Cindy makes this ministry so much easier to bear. It is easy to forget in everything that your son is also missing, because of all you do for others.

I have not forgotten. The world has not forgotten. Many just do not know what to say. They have no idea how strong you truly are. They have no idea that when there is only one set of footprints, that Jesus is carrying you.

The candles burn in Germany tonight, and we will pray until he is delivered to you and yours.

May the love of Christ comfort you, in this and all things.

I love you, sister.
In His obedience, Lanie

[AuntieKaren]

Tomorrow marks 3 ½ years since Jason disappeared. (06/13/01)
Kelly Jolkowski

I just don't know how you make it through each day. Have there ever been any leads whatsoever?
Karen

[Kelly]

Any leads have been VERY few and far between and never amounted to anything. Mostly crackpot types, to be honest.

Thank you, Karen.

Kelly

[CeeJay]

Kelly, Montel is replaying his missing person episode this morning. I just wanted to let you know that I include Jason in my prayers and always say a special "God please help the missing find their way home" each night. Whether home is on earth, or with God I hope that families of the missing find some peace this holiday season.

Kelly, have you ever spoken to Noreen Gosch? I've read a bit about the Franklin Cover-up and was curious as to your thoughts on the subject. I know it's probably difficult to think about and I'm so sorry if I'm upsetting you by asking about it.

[WasBlind]

She's in the middle of some projects and cannot get in here to post at the moment.

I'm always confused as to why the name Johnny Gosch comes up on Jason's thread, not just here, but pretty much every board he is posted on, it has been mentioned at least once, sometimes more.

I cannot speak for Kelly, nor would I try to, but I was on the phone with her once when someone on another board asked about the JG deal, and heard her reaction. I bet it gets old having folks compare them with no true similarities. Both are missing and male, that's it.

Speaking for me, only. I believe JG is deceased, and I believe Jason is alive. Please don't ask me why, it's just a feeling I have.

I hope this helps, Lanie

[AuntieKaren]

Kelly, Montel is replaying his missing person episode this morning. I just wanted to let you know that I include Jason in my prayers and always say a special "God please help the missing find their way home" each night. Whether home is on earth, or with God I hope that families of the missing find some peace this holiday season.


Ceejay--
I say a similar prayer each night for the missing. Bless you for caring so much.
Karen

[AuntieKaren]

Any leads have been VERY few and far between and never amounted to anything. Mostly crackpot types, to be honest.

Thank you, Karen.

Kelly

You're welcome. I feel so endeared to your son for some reason. It's something about his face. I can tell what a nice person he is.
Karen

[Kelly]

I wanted to thank Lanie for her very kind post and burning a candle for Jason. Even when the candle is extinguished, I know it burns deep within your heart.

Thanks CeeJay for caring. I hope that Lanie's answer helped you in regards to the JG situation.

Karen, you are so right about Jason. He's just the nicest person. No one could ever dislike him or hate him.

God bless,
Kelly

[ShowerSinger]

I just can't imagine the endurance test that this family goes through daily. I can't help but still question the woman who was supposed to pick him up. Maybe unwittingly, she didn't realize she had some stalker, or controlling boyfriend after her. I still don't understand why he was called in early. Manager's decision? Assistant's decision? Jealously of something/anything? Something is so wrong here... I now know, that the restaurant where he worked is sort of a fast-food Italian place.. was it a sort of high school hangout?
I would also like to know who on that walk to the school had any sort of criminal background... including some domestic dispute problems along the route... maybe he heard someone cry for help, went to assist at the wrong place/wrong time...
I know time keeps on ticking, but still, I hope a good PI could find out the backgrounds on these locals...

I will continue to pray for this family and friends. And, hold my loved ones a little closer.

[Gabby]

Thank you, Gabby. There are many who feel as you do. I wish I had some motherly intuition about it all, but I do not. I can only assume that there is a reason why that is so and trust in God to continue to guide me down this path.

Peace, joy, and love to you,
Kelly



Kelly, I think my intuition is through believing in God and his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.. You are too close to the situation, and you are afraid to hope, but afraid not to also.... I just feel in my "gut" Jason is alive, and there is a very very good reason he isn't in touch.... My prayers are with you and your family, as well as all of the families of the missing and the lost in this holiday season, where we celebrate CHRIST'S birth...


Gabs~

[Kelly]

Thanks to all.

I have the gift of hope and no one can take that away from me. The only thing that can is the truth, and that is not for us at this time. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next year, who knows?

The restaraunt was not a teen hang out, not at all. All of the employees were thoroughly questioned. The girl who went to pick him up was questioned several times. They were short help that day, as is typical with fast food and lower end jobs...nothing unusual in that. The manager called Jason to see if he could help out. That was it.

We also had a PI who was very agressive who questioned them, too. Let's just say that I wouldn't want to be on the other side of the table from him.

Neither LE nor the PI found anything to suspect or follow-up with them. LE also canvassed the neighborhood and a extensive on foot search was performed.

Kelly

[Kelly]

How did it come to pass that I was to receive the most beautiful Message of Hope? There were so many lovely ones that touched my heart, but this one brought a tear to my eye.

Written by Joanna from NY, and posted on Jason's guestbook:

"Well Kelly, after sending 3 messages of hope to other families at your request, I couldn't pass you by. What a fine young man you have in Jason. You say he would ask us to think of others at this time rather than himself. Now I know where he got that from! It took me a while to find this site, you were so busy pointing us to others! Your "project Jason" and this website are a beautiful tribute to a wonderful young man who has so much to give to everyone he touches. No words can express my admiration for you and your whole family, for your strength and your courage, and for creating Project Jason, and for the hope you give to others whilst suffering so much yourselves. And more than anything, I thank you for touching my soul, introducing me to J.J. and making me aware of how difficult it is for you and other families at this time of year. I will give a special thought to "St. Anthony" from now on and pray to him that you will receive the very best news over this holiday season. Save some of that hope for yourselves and be kind to yourselves this Christmas. I'll still be thinking of Jason in the New Year."

It is a privelege for me to be able to be in this position and to serve other families who suffer this same tragedy. It is a privelege I do not take lightly, and I am blessed to have been given the gifts from Above to do what I must. All we are and have comes from Above.

I continue to learn lessons from Jason, even though he is not here. I find it miraculous that a person who is not with us could have such cause and effect on so many. It is surely what he would want us to do. The reasons behind his disappearance might always remain a mystery, but the result of it is crystal clear.

Thank you, Joanna, and to all of you who touch my heart on a daily basis.

The world is not such a bad place, as the media would have us think. I see the good in mankind every day. I am blessed indeed.

Merry Christmas to one and all!

Kelly

[WasBlind]

Dear Kelly,
Thank you for all you do for others. This message you have shared is a wonderful reminder that, even though we often times forget, your own son is still missing. Without dedicated folks like you, many families would not have the tools to conduct a thorough search, nor know where to turn for emotional and spiritual support.

You inspire so many. Jason is blessed that you are his mother.
All glory to God for all fruits coming to bear.

With love and HOPE this blessed Christmas season.
Your friend and sister, Lanie

[Kelly]

I am blessed to know you and learn from you, Lanie.

With Love and gratitude,
Kelly

[inquiringmindz]

May the new year bring your family peace of mind, heart, and soul and everything you wish for. Keeping Jason and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Kelly]

Omaha,NE: January 13, 2005 will mark 3 years and 7 months since then 19 year-old Jason Jolkowski disappeared without a trace from the driveway of his Omaha, NE home.

While no viable clues have ever revealed the fate of their son, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski have not remained idle in their quest to make sure that other family members of a missing person will be able to get the proper assistance in their time of need.

In January 2003, the Jolkowskis introduced Jason's Law into the open session of the Nebraska State legislature. Jason's Law will establish a true Missing Person's Clearinghouse in Nebraska. The future law is named to honor their missing son, Jason.

Some of the benefits of the proposed law include a website with photos and information of missing persons of all ages, an 800 number to report sightings and get information, additional training for Law Enforcement, a uniform and required reporting system, and a library of related materials.

As Nebraska's budget was at a deficit the past two years, Jason's Law was not passed. Now a new legislative session has begun, and Jason's Law has been introduced again as LB111. The Jolkowski's are not going to give up on getting the bill signed into law, regardless of budgetary issues.

You may read the full text of the bill by going to the Nebraska Legislature website, located at http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/ Enter 111, the bill number, into the search box, and click on search.

Kelly Jolkowski has sought funding from dozens of charities and foundations without success. She commented: "The people must be educated about this cause. Unless it happens to them, or someone they love, it will remain on the back burner in their minds. They do not realize that it is a fact that every 37 seconds in America a child disappears. Every state bears the burden of helping and protecting their citizens, and Nebraska is no exception. We will continue our fight to educate the public and get Jason's Law passed. I will not give up until they have signed on the dotted line."

The next step in the legislative process will be a hearing, in which the Jolkowskis, along with other interested parties, will be allowed to testify for the bill in front of a senate committee. The hearing has not yet been scheduled.

For additional information, contact:

Kelly Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
kelly.jolkowski@projectjason.org

[gardenmom]

Good luck, Kelly. I hope this is your year, in more ways than one.

[Gabby]

Good luck, Kelly. I hope this is your year, in more ways than one.



Let me second that!!!!!!

[Love_Mama]

Boy, I'm glad I figured out how to copy and paste this,.'
Kelly......will you keep us informed on this bill?And, also isn't this the best time for us to send a message to the legislature in Nebraska? Do you Kelly have an email address for us to do this?
Let us know. EDITED to ADD: IF we are able to get an email through to the legislature............I think it is very important that when you mention "Nebraska" to write, The "Great State of Nebraska". Everyone agree?
Thanks so much,
With much love and prayers for your and your family.
xxxxxxxxoooooooo
mama

LB111 LB 111
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA
NINETY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
FIRSTSESSION
LEGISLATIVE BILL 111
Introduced by Bourne, 8
Read first time January 6, 2005
Committee: Judiciary
ABILL
1 FOR AN ACT relating to the Nebraska State Patrol; to amend sections
2 29-212 to 29-214, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska;
3 to establish the Missing Persons Information
4 Clearinghouse; to provide powers and duties for the
5 patrol and local law enforcement agencies; to harmonize
6 provisions; and to repeal the original sections.
7 Be it enacted by the people of the State of Nebraska,
-1-
LB111 LB 111
1 Section 1. Section 29-212, Reissue Revised Statutes of
2 Nebraska, is amended to read:
3 29-212. For purposes of sections 29-212 to 29-214 and ___
4 section 4 of this act, unless the context otherwise requires: _____________________ _
5 (1) Missing , missing person shall mean means a person ____________ — ——————— ————— ———— _____
6 who has been reported as missing to a law enforcement agency; and _____
7 (2) Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse means the __________________________________________________ _______
8 repository established within the Nebraska State Patrol pursuant to __________________________________________________ _________________
9 section 4 of this act. _____________________
10 Sec. 2. Section 29-213, Reissue Revised Statutes of
11 Nebraska, is amended to read:
12 29-213. When a report of a missing person has been
13 received by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, the
14 agency shall notify:
15 (1) On-duty personnel of the agency, as soon as
16 practicable, through internal means and over the appropriate police
17 radio network;
18 (2) All law enforcement agencies considered to be
19 involved by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction;
20 (3) All law enforcement agencies to which the person
21 filing the report requests that the information be sent, if the
22 request is reasonable in light of the information contained in the
23 report; and ———
24 (4) All law enforcement agencies requesting the
25 information; and _____
26 (5) The Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse. _________________________________________________
27 Sec. 3. Section 29-214, Reissue Revised Statutes of
28 Nebraska, is amended to read:
-2-
LB111 LB 111
1 29-214. (1) If a report of a missing person involves an
2 unemancipated minor, the law enforcement agency shall immediately
3 transmit the proper information for inclusion in the National Crime
4 Information Center computer and the Missing Persons Information _______________________________________
5 Clearinghouse. _____________
6 (2) If a report of a missing person involves an
7 unemancipated minor, a law enforcement agency shall not prevent an
8 immediate active investigation on the basis of an agency rule which
9 specifies an automatic time limitation for a missing person
10 investigation.
11 Sec. 4. (1) The Missing Persons Information ___________________________________________
12 Clearinghouse is established within the Nebraska State Patrol. The __________________________________________________ _________________
13 Nebraska State Patrol shall provide for the administration of the __________________________________________________ _________________
14 clearinghouse and may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to __________________________________________________ _________________
15 carry out the provisions of this section. _________________________________________
16 (2) The Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse shall __________________________________________________ _______
17 be used by all law enforcement agencies in the state as a central __________________________________________________ _________________
18 repository for information on missing persons. Such information __________________________________________________ _________________
19 shall be provided on a uniform form prescribed by the Nebraska __________________________________________________ _________________
20 State Patrol. _____________
21 (3) In connection with the Missing Persons Information __________________________________________________ _______
22 Clearinghouse, the Nebraska State Patrol shall: _______________________________________________
23 (a) Collect, process, maintain, and disseminate __________________________________________________ _______
24 information about missing persons in Nebraska through hard copy or __________________________________________________ _________________
25 electronic means; _________________
26 (b) Develop training programs for law enforcement __________________________________________________ _______
27 agencies concerning the appropriate procedures to report missing __________________________________________________ _________________
28 persons to the clearinghouse; _____________________________
-3-
LB111 LB 111
1 (c) Cooperate with other states and the National Crime __________________________________________________ _______
2 Information Center in the exchange of information on missing __________________________________________________ _________________
3 persons; ________
4 (d) Maintain a statewide, toll-free telephone line, __________________________________________________ _______
5 twenty-four hours a day, to receive and disseminate information __________________________________________________ _________________
6 related to missing persons; ___________________________
7 (e) Maintain an Internet website accessible to law __________________________________________________ _______
8 enforcement agencies and to the public with information on missing __________________________________________________ _________________
9 persons and with information about the resources available through __________________________________________________ _________________
10 the clearinghouse. Nothing in this section shall prevent the __________________________________________________ _________________
11 Nebraska State Patrol from establishing a separate link accessible __________________________________________________ _________________
12 only to law enforcement agencies for the dissemination and __________________________________________________ _________________
13 collection of sensitive information as determined by the Nebraska __________________________________________________ _________________
14 State Patrol; _____________
15 (f) Develop training programs to assist in the prevention __________________________________________________ _______
16 of kidnapping; ______________
17 (g) Maintain a registry of prevention and education __________________________________________________ _______
18 materials and programs regarding missing and runaway minors through __________________________________________________ _________________
19 hard copy or electronic means; ______________________________
20 (h) Distribute through hard copy or electronic means __________________________________________________ _______
21 monthly missing persons bulletins to local law enforcement agencies __________________________________________________ _________________
22 and to other interested individuals, agencies, and media outlets __________________________________________________ _________________
23 which request such information. The bulletins shall contain __________________________________________________ _________________
24 information on missing persons in Nebraska, including names, __________________________________________________ _________________
25 photographs or other images, if available, descriptions of missing __________________________________________________ _________________
26 persons, the law enforcement agencies or persons to contact with __________________________________________________ _________________
27 information regarding missing persons, and the names of persons __________________________________________________ _________________
28 reported missing whose locations have been determined and __________________________________________________ _________________
-4-
LB111 LB 111
1 confirmed; __________
2 (i) Produce, update at least weekly, and distribute, __________________________________________________ _______
3 through hard copy or electronic means, press releases about missing __________________________________________________ _________________
4 persons to media outlets which request missing person information, __________________________________________________ _________________
5 containing the same or similar information contained in the monthly __________________________________________________ _________________
6 missing persons bulletin; _________________________
7 (j) Compile statistics relating to the incidence of __________________________________________________ _______
8 missing persons within Nebraska; and ____________________________________
9 (k) Encourage and seek both financial and in-kind support __________________________________________________ _______
10 from private individuals and organizations to assist in carrying __________________________________________________ _________________
11 out the provisions of this section. ___________________________________
12 (4) The purpose of the Missing Persons Information __________________________________________________ _______
13 Clearinghouse is to serve as a repository. The clearinghouse does __________________________________________________ _________________
14 not relieve the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over a __________________________________________________ _________________
15 missing persons case of its investigatory duties and does not __________________________________________________ _________________
16 automatically involve the Nebraska State Patrol as the primary __________________________________________________ _________________
17 investigatory agency in such case. __________________________________
18 (5) The Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse shall __________________________________________________ _______
19 be notified after the location of a missing person has been __________________________________________________ _________________
20 determined and confirmed. After the location of a missing person __________________________________________________ _________________
21 has been determined and confirmed, the clearinghouse shall only __________________________________________________ _________________
22 release information described in subdivision (3)(h) of this section __________________________________________________ _________________
23 concerning the located person. Other information concerning the __________________________________________________ _________________
24 history of the missing person case shall be disclosed only to law __________________________________________________ _________________
25 enforcement agencies of this state and other jurisdictions when __________________________________________________ _________________
26 necessary for the discharge of official duties, and to the juvenile __________________________________________________ _________________
27 court in the county of residence of a formerly missing person who __________________________________________________ _________________
28 is a minor. All information in the clearinghouse relating to a __________________________________________________ _________________
-5-
LB111 LB 111
1 missing person who is an adult shall be purged when the person's __________________________________________________ _________________
2 location has been determined and confirmed. All information in the __________________________________________________ _________________
3 clearinghouse relating to a missing person who is a minor shall be __________________________________________________ _________________
4 purged when the person reaches eighteen years of age and the __________________________________________________ _________________
5 person's location has been determined and confirmed. __________________________________________________ __
6 Sec. 5. Original sections 29-212 to 29-214, Reissue
7 Revised Statutes of Nebraska, are repealed.
-6-

[Kelly]

Thanks to all. I have high hopes for this to be the year, too.

Thanks for posting this, Mama. I will keep you all informed, gladly.

There will be a time for letter writing, but it would be done for two reasons:

The Bill stays stuck in the committee and we email the members of that committee to send it to the floor for debate.

The Bill goes to the floor, and we want to let all of the senators understand its importance.

The problem is that letters from people who are not Nebraska citizens will not hold much clout, if any. If you know people who live here, when the time comes, I would ask them to write. I will let you when and to whom they would write.

God bless you!

Kelly

[Love_Mama]

Thanks to all. I have high hopes for this to be the year, too.

Thanks for posting this, Mama. I will keep you all informed, gladly.

There will be a time for letter writing, but it would be done for two reasons:

The Bill stays stuck in the committee and we email the members of that committee to send it to the floor for debate.

The Bill goes to the floor, and we want to let all of the senators understand its importance.

The problem is that letters from people who are not Nebraska citizens will not hold much clout, if any. If you know people who live here, when the time comes, I would ask them to write. I will let you when and to whom they would write.

God bless you!

Kelly

Kelly.......thanks so much. Now I get it. We want this bill sent to the Floor for debate. Okay, I don't live in Neb. but 3 of my best girlfriends were born there and one of them just went back there and bought a house for her brother who is not able to work. Now darn it...........I think that mail from a native would mean a lot and I'm sure you agree. ANd the best thing is that all three of my friend's would get a email off in a minute if I asked them! They're all very proud of their home state!

xxxxxxxxoooooooo
mama

[Usher737]

Wow Kelly, you truely have done some amazing work and I hope you continue to get positive results! I have learned so much from your website! I think of you and Jason often and keep you in my prayers.


I have a couple questions about his case. Maybe fresh eyes will help; I hope you dont mind me asking. Was the coworker's car ever searched for clues or Jason's DNA? I know you said she was interviewed by a PI and LE and was cleared. And did anyone witness Jason walking in the direction of the school/meeting place?

For some reason I can not shake the feeling that Jason's disappearance is connected to something or someone at the restaurant and not some random act.

Also thanks again for the tip about the ID kits, Usher

[Kelly]

Mama, I will let everyone know when the time comes for the letter writing campaign, you bet!

Thank you, Usher. I hope you have kits filled out for all family members, including yourself.

No one saw Jason beyond the driveway. The school has cameras and those were all viewed. Jason was not seen on those videos. The girl that came to pick him up was questioned many times. As Jason was not seen on the video, and they did not feel she seemed guilty of anything, that would be why it stopped at that.

I doubt that they searched her car for those reasons. If they had, they would be checking for fingerprints or other evidence rather than DNA. I would also suppose that without just reason, to search her car would be a violation of her rights.

Thank you.

Kelly

[2XL]

Kelly, I just found this site and have read it through.

I want to tell you that you are an inspiration to us all. Your strength and courage under such conditions is more than incredable. By the Grace of God, I have no idea what you must be faced with every morning when you awaken and the reality comes rushing in.

May God bless you and your family and continue to give you strenght you didn't know you had. I will pray that you find Jason and your heart is mended. Kelly, I am a Christian and I know I am not to ask Him why, but sometimes I tell God that I just need some understanding on these things.

You have touched my heart and I will keep you in mine.

Tammy

[Kelly]

Thank you, Tammy, and may God bless you and your family.

It is by His Grace that I am able to do what I have. He enables me to still be able to laugh and feel joy.

Life is like a rose among the thorns. Some people only see the thorns, but if your eyes are open, you see the rose, too.

Many blessings,
Kelly

[Kelly]

I received an age progressed "photo" of Jason, done by NCMEC. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) They are experts at doing this sort of thing. I have seen hundreds of such photos, and it looks like they do a good job. What they do is take photos of the parents at an age close to the time of the disappearance of the child, and do a blending of features and give consideration to the current age.

You can see his old photo and the age progression side by side on the NCMEC poster. While you are there, please consider printing out a few and posting them where you live.

Thank you.

Kelly

Poster Link with Age Progression Included (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=992083&orgPrefix=NCMA&searchLang=en_US)

[Kelly]

I was recently contacted by radio personality Linda Greenberg, who has a weekly show on radio station WNAV, out of Annapolis, MD. http://www.lindagreenbergshow.com/


WNAV http://www.wnav.com/ is a CBS Radio affiliate for the area and is owned by Pat Sajak. The Linda Greenberg Show is broadcast live on Mondays from 2:30pm-3:00pm. You can listen live via the Internet, and the show is re-broadcast at 5am, 11am, 5pm, and 11pm weekdays. You will need the most current version of Real Player to listen live. All times listed are EST.

Linda asked me to be a guest on today's show about missing persons. Other guests included nationally known missing children's advocate Marc Klaas of the Polly Klaas Foundation, and Ted Williams, well known criminal lawyer and profiler and frequent guest on the Greta Van Susteren Show.

Linda asked me to tell my story, talk about the importance of having a Personal ID Kit, such as the ones we have available to download from our website, and one of our programs, Adopt a Missing Person.

Linda is very interested in the Adopt a Missing Person program. She had asked me to mail her 6 buttons, to include Jason and 5 others. She said she has already been able to get others at the radio station involved. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness for our cause and for those we love who are not among us. Please be sure to tune in and listen.

The show will be rebroadcast daily on the Internet and also for local listerners until next Monday afternoon. Again, times are 5am,11am,5pm, and 11pm EST.

With Hope,
Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org

[AuntieKaren]

That's wonderful, Kelly! You are a beacon of hope to families of other missing people!
God bless you!!
Karen

[RCOOKE]

Linda is very interested in the Adopt a Missing Person program. She had asked me to mail her 6 buttons, to include Jason and 5 others. She said she has already been able to get others at the radio station involved. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness for our cause and for those we love who are not among us. Please be sure to tune in and listen.

I'm glad to see someone in radio get involved. It's easy to forget about them as a media channel, but they reach so many people. This one is really important because it's so close to Washington D.C. Good work Kelly on spreading the news.

[Kelly]

Thank you everyone!

It truly is a privlege and honor to be able to help in some small way. We keep striving to educate the public, create awareness, and work on legislative issues.

I did receive notification that our senate hearing for Jason's Law is scheduled for Friday, February 11th. Please pray that they will be receptive.

Kelly

[AuntieKaren]

I did receive notification that our senate hearing for Jason's Law is scheduled for Friday, February 11th. Please pray that they will be receptive.
Kelly

Kelly,
Sorry if I missed it elsewhere, but, could you tell me what Jason's Law would be?
Thanks--
Karen

[Kelly]

Karen,

Posts #110 & 113 in this same thread explain the law and what is included. Post #113 contains the entire text of the bill. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.

Kelly

[AuntieKaren]

Karen,

Posts #110 & 113 in this same thread explain the law and what is included. Post #113 contains the entire text of the bill. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.

Kelly

Kelly--
Thank you!
Karen

[WasBlind]

Sometime in the next few hours, Kelly and her family will present "Jason's Law" to the Nebraska Senate Committee.

Please cover this family in prayers as they present the bill, and pray for those in attendance to be receptive to their words.

This is SO very important for the state of Nebraska.

Thanks to all, and God bless, Lanie

[Kelly]

Thank you, Lanie, and all of the other prayer warriors!

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/1254912.html

"Jason's Law" Reviewed

Proposal would assist search for missing


An Omaha family is pushing for changes in the law to help locate missing persons and they have firsthand knowledge of what's at stake.

Nineteen-year-old Jason Jolkowsi was walking from the family home to Benson High three-and-a-half years ago. That was the last anyone knew of his whereabouts. Investigators have never determined what happened to Jason.

Jim and Kelly Jolkowski are now urging lawmakers to pass Jason's Law, a measure that would create a state repository of information on missing persons.

Kelly Jolkowski says, "We know. We've been there. And we're trying to put this into place so that there's faster assistance; so the state understands the need."

The Nebraska legislature's Judiciary Committee heard the proposal Friday afternoon.

It calls for uniform reporting by law enforcement and a statewide website so the public and police can be aware and watch out for missing persons.

(There is a video on this news link with the complete story.)

[AuntieKaren]

God bless you in this venture, Kelly! I hope and pray that the law is passed! I'm sure Jason would be so proud of you!
Karen

[Kelly]

Thanks, Karen.

This is attempt #2. They might as well sign on the dotted line, because I will keep going back until they do! At least we are quite sure the bill will get to the floor to debate this time. Last year, they left it stuck in committee for so long that by the time it was out, time ran out for that legislation session, and the bill died. No one wants to kill a bill like this, but the budget is still a major issue in our state.

Kelly

[ravenmad]

Thanks, Karen.

This is attempt #2. They might as well sign on the dotted line, because I will keep going back until they do! At least we are quite sure the bill will get to the floor to debate this time. Last year, they left it stuck in committee for so long that by the time it was out, time ran out for that legislation session, and the bill died. No one wants to kill a bill like this, but the budget is still a major issue in our state.

Kelly

Kelly,
I am live in Nebraska also, is there anything that we can do to help get this bill passed?? Thanks
Raven

[Kelly]

Yes!

When the time comes that the bill is close to being debated by the entire senate, we will need to launch a letter writing campaign. Anyone who lives in Nebraska will be asked to write a letter to their state senator, urging them to vote for LB111. I will write a form letter that can be used, and provide a link to the site where email and snail mail addresses can be found for the senators. Our sponsoring senator's office will let us know when it is time to send these letters, and I will then announce that here. Unfortunately, they will not take into consideration letters they recieve from citizens of other states.

Thank you for asking.

Kelly

[ravenmad]

Yes!

When the time comes that the bill is close to being debated by the entire senate, we will need to launch a letter writing campaign. Anyone who lives in Nebraska will be asked to write a letter to their state senator, urging them to vote for LB111. I will write a form letter that can be used, and provide a link to the site where email and snail mail addresses can be found for the senators. Our sponsoring senator's office will let us know when it is time to send these letters, and I will then announce that here. Unfortunately, they will not take into consideration letters they recieve from citizens of other states.

Thank you for asking.

Kelly

Please count on me and my family to write letters. We all live in Millard.
Raven

[frisco~owls]

Hugs and many prayers... Thinking of you!

Melinda : )

[Kelly]

Thank you.

Yes, I will let you know. We'll also ask you to email anyone else you know in Nebraska at that time. We'll make it as easy as we can to send these letters. Even though these Senators do not know the pain of having a missing loved one, we must let them know that they need to try to put themselves in the places of those who do know. We don't want them to only think of the "almighty" dollar.

Many blessings,
Kelly

[WasBlind]

Three years and eight months ago, Jason walked down his driveway and waved to his brother. He hasn't been seen since.

Please whisper a prayer for Jason, today, and for those who search for him.

Time doesn't alter the love in their hearts, or the longing to hold him once again.

As always, today, Kelly will be busy doing something for another family ( Patricia Viola (http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2572) ) she represents. She has little time, even for herself.

I'm very proud of you, Kelly, for putting others first. In the words of someone wise, "remember to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and some exercise. You cannot do the search, if you are not well." Remember that? She loves you, and so do I.

The candles are burning in Germany, tonight, as we whispers prayers for all the Jolkowski's.

With love and HOPE for Jason, Lanie

[Gabby]

Three years and eight months ago, Jason walked down his driveway and waved to his brother. He hasn't been seen since.

Please whisper a prayer for Jason, today, and for those who search for him.

Time doesn't alter the love in their hearts, or the longing to hold him once again.

As always, today, Kelly will be busy doing something for another family ( Patricia Viola (http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2572) ) she represents. She has little time, even for herself.

I'm very proud of you, Kelly, for putting others first. In the words of someone wise, "remember to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and some exercise. You cannot do the search, if you are not well." Remember that? She loves you, and so do I.

The candles are burning in Germany, tonight, as we whispers prayers for all the Jolkowski's.With love and HOPE for Jason, Lanie





Ditto here in a small Texas town....

[inquiringmindz]

Prayers for Jason and your family, Kelly.

[Kelly]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. The candle of hope burns brightly for Jason, always.

Kelly

[Love_Mama]

Kelly, Jason and your family are in my prayers every day. I pray that this bill once it get's to the State Senate will be passed!

My love and prayers to the Jolkowski family.

xxxxxxxooo
mama

[Kelly]

Omaha, NE: February 18, 2005-- When one woman’s son became missing, she looked for him in the faces of the homeless. Even though it seemed inconceivable that she would find him among the thousands upon thousands of faces, it was not impossible that other missing persons might be found.

It was because of this search that the new and unique national missing person's locator program, Come Home, was developed by nonprofit organization Project Jason.

Project Jason, which assists families of the missing, was founded by Kelly Jolkowski, the mother of missing young adult Jason Jolkowski, of Omaha.

There are an estimated 3.5 million people in the United States who experience homelessness each year. People may become homeless for varied reasons, which include mental illness, addictions, domestic abuse, poverty, trauma, and lack of affordable housing.

Project Jason's mission statement includes creating and increasing public awareness of missing persons. With an estimated 850,000 new cases per year, it remains a challenge to find avenues to reach all facets of society in an effort to locate missing persons. It is not known how many of the homeless may be reported missing persons, but it is a certainty that many are.

In order to reach this segment of the population, the Come Home program was created. The bi-monthly Come Home poster will feature all of the necessary data and contact information about a selected missing person. It will also include a personal message to the missing person from their family. They simply want their loved one to Come Home.

Come Home posters are placed at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other locations where homeless persons gather. Project Jason has a growing database of participating shelters and related organizations nationwide. Twice per month, a new poster is produced and this information relayed via email to Come Home participants nationwide. A link to download and print the poster is available on the Project Jason website, and can also be accessed by the public.

Project Jason believes that working together with the nationwide participants, the Come Home program will help decrease the numbers of missing persons and of the homeless. Somewhere, someone loves them and wants them to Come Home.

A press conference is being held at 1:15pm on Friday, February 18th at the Siena/Francis House homeless shelter in Omaha, NE to announce the roll-out of the Come Home program. Local media may be contacted for assistance with footage of the conference.

For additional information about the program, please email ComeHome@projectjason.org, or call Kelly Jolkowski at 402-932-0095.

The Come Home website is located at http://www.projectjason.org/comehome.html

[JJJJaded]

God Bless You Kelly...you are doing such tremendous work.

M

[smile22]

has anyone yet come foward after seeing the pictures of them ?

[WasBlind]

has anyone yet come foward after seeing the pictures of them ?

Pictures of who, smile22? Persons on the Come Home Program?

Blessings, Lanie

[englishleigh]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. The candle of hope burns brightly for Jason, always.

Kelly


Kelly, you are wonderful. I pray every day that Jason comes home to you, safe. You do wonderful work in Jason's name. God bless you, Honey. I pray that this legislation passes quickly!!

[audrey77]

Kelly- I like the layout of the posters- makes them less of like a "wanted" poster... and more like a loving plea or outreach. Great job.

[Kelly]

Thank you to all. That was the exact idea behind the poster. My homeless consultant said that a typical Missing poster would make them nervous, so we developed one that was calming.


Published Friday
February 18, 2005

Group starts missing-person campaign

BY KRISTIN ZAGURSKI

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1636&u_sid=1339508

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

The parents' desperate words call out from the poster:

"Michael, we miss you so much. We miss our walks on the beach. . . . We miss seeing your smiling face. Not knowing where you are or seeing you is so hard. Please come home."

Michael Allen Jarvi, 31, was last seen in March 2002 in Portland, Ore.

He's just one missing person that the Omaha nonprofit group Project Jason hopes to reunite with his family by distributing posters nationwide to places where homeless people gather.

The group will e-mail Internet links to participating agencies twice per month under its new "Come Home" program.

The organizations will then print the posters and hang them where staff members and homeless people can see them.

The posters will initially be put up at more than 1,100 locations in 34 states, including Omaha-area shelters, said Kelly Jolkowski, president and founder of Project Jason.

They will include a photo and physical description of a missing person who's possibly homeless, contact information for investigators and a message from the missing person's family.

Jolkowski said the personal plea is key to the posters.

"We had to reach out," she said. "We had to let them know that no matter what had occurred or how long they've been gone that they are loved and missed."

Jolkowski hopes the fliers will do some good by prompting homeless people to contact their families.

"Our hope is that they will read that and they will think of their family and that they will be encouraged to, if not go home, at least call home," said Jolkowski, whose son Jason has been missing more than 31/2 years.

The public also is invited to distribute the posters. They'll be posted at www.projectjason.org under the "Come Home" link.

[WasBlind]

Reuniting Families
Come Home Project
Posters share the message

Everybody has a home. That's the thought behind a national program started by a local group trying to connect the homeless with family.

It's the Come Home Program, the work of Omaha's Project Jason.

Posters give families a way to try and connect with people like 31-year-old Michael Jarvi. A note from his family reads, "Michael, we miss you so much. We miss our walks on the beach."

Michael is out there somewhere and now, so is his picture.

As part of the Come Home Program, Michael's poster is going up in the Siena Francis House and other shelters across the county.

Siena Francis Director Mike Saklar sees family heartache like this every day.

"It's really a tough situation when you have grandmothers; mothers; sisters; brothers calling and asking about a lost loved one," he says.

Kelly Jolkowski is behind the posters.

She came to a shelter more than three years ago looking for her son, Jason. She is still looking for hime but she's also helping other families of the missing.

Kelly says, "What we believe is that even if this missing person, Michael Jarvi, never sees this poster, that some of the other homeless will and at least be encouraged to call home, and maybe even find a way to go home."

Twice a month, more than 1,000 shelters, soup kitchens, crisis centers and other places in 34 states will download the posters that can be reached by anyone at www.projectjason.org.

Saklar says these posters will help him as he tries to help others, like one family that stays with him.

"I felt so bad, because mostly the person who would call me was the grandmother, and they wanted me to pass on how much they loved their grandson," he says.

Now he can tell the family about the posters while another family hopes that Michael will see his picture, get the message and come home.

There is no clearinghouse for missing persons in Nebraska. Project Jason has been working on legislation for that for a couple of years now.

Iowa does have a clearinghouse through its Department of Public Safety Web site ( http://www.state.ia.us/government/dps/dci/mpic/list.htm ) and Council Bluffs also lists missing persons on its police Web site ( http://www.cbpolice.org/missing.asp ). They have 15 open cases.

Video story available here (http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/1281617.html)

[WasBlind]

You Can Help Find Missing People
02/18/05

A new national attempt to bring missing family members home and it began on Friday right here in Omaha.

Kelly Jolkowski helped introduce the come home program, a program she helped develop to decrease the number of homeless and missing people.

A picture of a missing person will go up in homeless shelters twice a month. They'll have a message from the missing person's family.

Jolkowski's son Jason disappeared over three years ago. She says she looked to homeless shelters in hopes of finding him.

Jolkowski says, "We believe that among the homeless there's a fair percentage that are actually reported missing people."

Jolkowski's son Jason has never been found.

If you would like more information about the program e-mail comehome@projectjason.org

Channel 42 (http://www.kptm.com/news/local/1282337.html)

[WasBlind]

Internet Project Aims To Bring Homeless Home

Kelly Jolkowski Wants To Link Missing, Families

POSTED: 4:29 pm CST February 18, 2005
UPDATED: 4:34 pm CST February 18, 2005

OMAHA, Neb. -- There are about 2,100 homeless men, women and children in Omaha, the city estimates, and many of them have loved ones looking for them.

The mother of a missing Omaha man launched a new program Friday to try to help unite the homeless with their families. Kelly Jolkowski has spearheaded the use of a new missing persons locator program in Omaha.

Kelly's son, Jason Jolkowski, was last seen in June 2001 while walking from his home to Benson High School. He was supposed to get a ride with a friend because his car was being repaired.

As his mother was searching the Internet for any sign of her son, she had an idea.

"I also looked at all the faces of the homeless. There were so many. I looked at them as I drove down town," Kelly Jolkowski said. "It came to me how we could do this. How we could connect the dots between the missing and the homeless."

The project is called "Come Home" and it will make posters of the nation's missing available on the Internet. It will also target shelters and soup kitchens nationwide. Each poster and entry includes the missing person's picture and a message from loved ones.

"A personal message from their family can trigger something that may allow them to have those thoughts again," said Candace Gregory, with Omaha's Open Door Mission.

At Sienna Francis House, counselors said many homeless go by an alias or have a mental disability.

"Through the course of the year, we get calls from all over the U.S., from mothers, fathers, grandparents who are looking for their lost," said Mike Saklar, with Sienna Francis House.

The shelter always took descriptions over the phone, but it was nearly impossible to match an identity. The Come Home program could help fill the gap.

A new poster will be put on the site twice a month. If your organization would like to receive updates, or if you have a missing loved one you believe may be homeless, e-mail Come Home at ProjectJason.org. You can also call (402) 932-0095.

story link (http://www.theomahachannel.com/family/4213200/detail.html)

[Kelly]

Jason's Law passed out of the committee today, so that means, for the 1st time ever, it will make it to the floor to be debated upon by the whole Senate. We will launch our big letter writing campaign when it gets close to the time for the debate. Our Senator's aide will let us know when to start.

Thank you.

Kelly

[Gabby]

Jason's Law passed out of the committee today, so that means, for the 1st time ever, it will make it to the floor to be debated upon by the whole Senate. We will launch our big letter writing campaign when it gets close to the time for the debate. Our Senator's aide will let us know when to start.

Thank you.

Kelly



:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
Great news

[inquiringmindz]

Kelly,
I'm so happy to hear the good news!
(((((((HUGS))))))
Jennifer

[Kelly]

Thank you!

I'll keep you posted.

Kelly

[meggilyweggily]

Good luck, Kelly. I'm sure Jason would be stunned if he knew all of the stuff that's being accomplished in his name.

[Sudzi]

Excelent news !!!!

:woohoo: :woohoo:

[VespaElf]

Kelly,
You an an angel here on earth!!!!!!!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:


I dont know how you manage but God bless you as always!!!!!! :D

[Kelly]

Somehow, I think Jason does know and he approves wholeheartedly. What I would like most in the world is if he came back and was here with us. I know he would gladly work right along side of us. He is such a natural with the children.

BTW, I'm no angel...just ask Lanie. :angel: I have a mischevious streak a mile wide.

Many blessngs to all,
Kelly

[Kelly]

Jason's Law, LB111, has been chosen as Senator Patrick Bourne's Priority Bill for this legislative session. This should help other senators understand that it is of great importance when the time comes to debate it on the senate floor. Thank you.

Kelly

[sleuthin4fun]

:dance: Kudos to you Kelly. Jason is smiling!!!!!

[Kelly]

Thank you, Sleuthin!

There may be some Omaha area readers, so I will post this invitation:

Do you want to do something that gives more meaning to your life, and that can have an impact on the lives of others? With Project Jason, you’re doing much more than just volunteering, you’re doing things that give the gift of hope to families who experience the tragedy of having a missing loved one. You’re also helping to educate the public with safety and prevention which could potentially save a life.

Project Jason has numerous opportunities to do more than just volunteering. These opportunities include Internet research, service on committees such as fundraising and education, assisting at fundraisers and public events, grant research and writing, graphic design, nonprofit tax and other finance assistance, and many more. You can spend as little as few hours per year or a few hours per month helping us help others.

Project Jason is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005, at Swanson Elementary School, which is located at 8600 Harney Street in Omaha. At 7pm, we’ll begin by presenting our services and programs in brief. You’ll meet our board members, who will share with you the meaning that this work has brought into their lives. We’ll conclude with refreshments and a casual time for you to visit with us.

We’re seeking the missing, but we’re also seeking people like you who care and want to share their time and talents. If you’d like to be a part of a high-energy group who is paving the way with innovative national programs to help find the missing, come and see what we’re all about at the Project Jason Open House.

Please RSVP by phone to 402-932-0095 or email us at volunteer@projectjason.org

For more information about Project Jason, please see www.projectjason.org We are an all-volunteer nonprofit organization.

Please feel free to share this with interested persons in the Omaha area. Thank you!

[Kelly]

Hello,

We need your help and we need it now. Please do not put this off, as time is of the essence.

We have fought for three years now to pass Jason’s Law, LB111, which will establish a true Missing Person’s Clearinghouse in the state of Nebraska. Passage of this vital bill will give families of missing persons much needed assistance where currently there is little help when faced with this crisis situation.

Jason’s Law was passed out of the committee and is now up for debate on the senate floor for the very first time. It is IMPERATIVE that you contact your senator to let him/her know that you support this bill. As the bill came up for debate suddenly, there is little time to spare.

We have made this process as simple as possible so that you can help us to get this bill passed. We have a prepared letter that you can copy and paste into an email and send to your local senator. Please feel free to send your own letter or personalize ours.

Please do this right away, as the bill could be debated at any time. We need to reach senators all over the state, so that they are aware of the bill and its importance. Persons living in other states can write too, but our citizens’ input will have much more meaning to them.

In order to accomplish this, we ask you to forward this email to everyone you know who lives in Nebraska, and ask them to forward it to everyone they know living here. Each person needs to look up their local senator and then send the prepared letter to them via email. Occasionally, a senator does not have email. In those cases, please send your letter via US Mail, as we have high hopes that Jason’s Law will progress through the various stages of debate, and that our collective voices will continue to be heard. 25 Votes are needed to pass it to the next level of debate.

The prepared letter is at the end of this email, and you can also find it on Jason’s website:
http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/page17.html Reading the letter will aid in understanding why we need Jason’s Law.

To locate your local senator, go to http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/senators/senators.htm Find your city in the list and click on “Email” to send an email or click on “Info” for the US Mail address for your senator.

In Lincoln and Omaha, there is more than one senator. If you live in Lincoln or Omaha and do not know who your senator is, you can click on “Map” and zoom in to see if a particular senator covers your home area. You can also utilize the following maps to determine what district you are in and then find your senator on the link given above.

Lincoln Area Map: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/districts/ne_maps/legislature_lancaster_final.pdf

Omaha Area Map: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/districts/ne_maps/legislature_metro_final.pdf

We’d also like to remind those of you who live in the Omaha area of the Project Jason Open House “More Than Just Volunteering”. This will take place on Wednesday, March 23rd, 7pm, at Swanson Elementary School at 8600 Harney St.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your willingness to help us be the voice for those who are not with us, but will be forever in our hearts.

Sincerely,
Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, Parents of Missing Omaha Youth, Jason Jolkowski
Founders of Project Jason, www.projectjason.org



Dear Representative ,


I write to you today on behalf of one of our state's most valuable assets, the family. There is nothing more important to the future of our state than its people, citizens that are well rounded, having that sense of pride of being a member of the larger family of Nebraskans that stems from the good values instilled in us from our individual families. We must work hard together to assist our state's families in any way that we can to ensure continued growth, and that Nebraska always remains "the good life".

Sadly, there is an area lacking in state law that can impact thousands of citizens each year. These citizens include entire families that have a missing loved one, whether that person is a child, or an adult. There are very limited avenues to pursue for families of missing adults. Currently, the only law covering missing persons in the State of Nebraska is the Missing Children Identification Act (Chapter 43, Article 20), LB 333~6, which flags vital statistic records for children age 16 and under. (The Amber Alert is also in place, but that is only activated in the case of known abductions of minors.) Although this is a necessary law, clearly there is much more that can be done, and should be done, to assist our families.

Currently, approximately 38 states have a missing persons clearinghouse, which serves as a means to disseminate information about the missing and to provide assistance to the families of these missing loved ones. Nebraska has no such official clearinghouse, although the Nebraska State Patrol does keep statistics on the missing and assists with basic notification of state law enforcement agencies when a person is reported missing as deemed necessary by local law enforcement.

Our neighbors in Iowa have paved the way in providing a true clearinghouse for missing persons of all ages. LB111 is patterned after the Code of Iowa, Chapter 694. LB111 will provide much needed benefits for families in this crisis situation. The assistance that could be provided by this law includes a 24 hour toll-free hotline to report missing persons, sightings of these persons, and to request general information. Educational materials, as well as a public speakers bureau, and ongoing training for local law enforcement agencies is also included. Most importantly, ongoing public awareness of the plight of the missing, including adults, is emphasized via means of a website, which will feature photos of the missing, descriptions, and vital information regarding their disappearance. A missing persons bulletin will be published monthly and public service announcements distributed weekly. There are many additional services provided, which you can review at the Nebraska Unicameral website.

The typical citizen is not aware of the true scope and magnitude of this problem. National statistics tell us that every 37 seconds, a child disappears. Awareness of the fact that a person is missing is a key to resolution. Just because we don't hear about it on the news, doesn't mean it isn't happening. So many times, these cases get no publicity at all. LB111 will help fill in the gaps and give an equal chance for all missing persons, who are citizens of Nebraska to be seen, then hopefully found safe and be reunited with their family.

I ask you today, as my state representative, to take action to ensure that our families in Nebraska are provided with a means of assistance when faced with the tragedy of a missing loved one, adult, or child. Please give Jason's Law (named after Jason Jolkowski, missing for over three years from Omaha) your utmost consideration and say "YES" to Nebraska families when LB111 is up for your vote. We never know when might find ourselves in this very situation, whether it be a missing child, mother, father, brother, or sister of any age. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[ravenmad]

Hello,

We need your help and we need it now. Please do not put this off, as time is of the essence.

We have fought for three years now to pass Jason’s Law, LB111, which will establish a true Missing Person’s Clearinghouse in the state of Nebraska. Passage of this vital bill will give families of missing persons much needed assistance where currently there is little help when faced with this crisis situation.

Jason’s Law was passed out of the committee and is now up for debate on the senate floor for the very first time. It is IMPERATIVE that you contact your senator to let him/her know that you support this bill. As the bill came up for debate suddenly, there is little time to spare.

We have made this process as simple as possible so that you can help us to get this bill passed. We have a prepared letter that you can copy and paste into an email and send to your local senator. Please feel free to send your own letter or personalize ours.

Please do this right away, as the bill could be debated at any time. We need to reach senators all over the state, so that they are aware of the bill and its importance. Persons living in other states can write too, but our citizens’ input will have much more meaning to them.

In order to accomplish this, we ask you to forward this email to everyone you know who lives in Nebraska, and ask them to forward it to everyone they know living here. Each person needs to look up their local senator and then send the prepared letter to them via email. Occasionally, a senator does not have email. In those cases, please send your letter via US Mail, as we have high hopes that Jason’s Law will progress through the various stages of debate, and that our collective voices will continue to be heard. 25 Votes are needed to pass it to the next level of debate.

The prepared letter is at the end of this email, and you can also find it on Jason’s website:
http://members.cox.net/prayersandposters/page17.html Reading the letter will aid in understanding why we need Jason’s Law.

To locate your local senator, go to http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/senators/senators.htm Find your city in the list and click on “Email” to send an email or click on “Info” for the US Mail address for your senator.

In Lincoln and Omaha, there is more than one senator. If you live in Lincoln or Omaha and do not know who your senator is, you can click on “Map” and zoom in to see if a particular senator covers your home area. You can also utilize the following maps to determine what district you are in and then find your senator on the link given above.

Lincoln Area Map: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/districts/ne_maps/legislature_lancaster_final.pdf

Omaha Area Map: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/districts/ne_maps/legislature_metro_final.pdf

We’d also like to remind those of you who live in the Omaha area of the Project Jason Open House “More Than Just Volunteering”. This will take place on Wednesday, March 23rd, 7pm, at Swanson Elementary School at 8600 Harney St.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your willingness to help us be the voice for those who are not with us, but will be forever in our hearts.

Sincerely,
Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, Parents of Missing Omaha Youth, Jason Jolkowski
Founders of Project Jason, www.projectjason.org



Dear Representative ,


I write to you today on behalf of one of our state's most valuable assets, the family. There is nothing more important to the future of our state than its people, citizens that are well rounded, having that sense of pride of being a member of the larger family of Nebraskans that stems from the good values instilled in us from our individual families. We must work hard together to assist our state's families in any way that we can to ensure continued growth, and that Nebraska always remains "the good life".

Sadly, there is an area lacking in state law that can impact thousands of citizens each year. These citizens include entire families that have a missing loved one, whether that person is a child, or an adult. There are very limited avenues to pursue for families of missing adults. Currently, the only law covering missing persons in the State of Nebraska is the Missing Children Identification Act (Chapter 43, Article 20), LB 333~6, which flags vital statistic records for children age 16 and under. (The Amber Alert is also in place, but that is only activated in the case of known abductions of minors.) Although this is a necessary law, clearly there is much more that can be done, and should be done, to assist our families.

Currently, approximately 38 states have a missing persons clearinghouse, which serves as a means to disseminate information about the missing and to provide assistance to the families of these missing loved ones. Nebraska has no such official clearinghouse, although the Nebraska State Patrol does keep statistics on the missing and assists with basic notification of state law enforcement agencies when a person is reported missing as deemed necessary by local law enforcement.

Our neighbors in Iowa have paved the way in providing a true clearinghouse for missing persons of all ages. LB111 is patterned after the Code of Iowa, Chapter 694. LB111 will provide much needed benefits for families in this crisis situation. The assistance that could be provided by this law includes a 24 hour toll-free hotline to report missing persons, sightings of these persons, and to request general information. Educational materials, as well as a public speakers bureau, and ongoing training for local law enforcement agencies is also included. Most importantly, ongoing public awareness of the plight of the missing, including adults, is emphasized via means of a website, which will feature photos of the missing, descriptions, and vital information regarding their disappearance. A missing persons bulletin will be published monthly and public service announcements distributed weekly. There are many additional services provided, which you can review at the Nebraska Unicameral website.

The typical citizen is not aware of the true scope and magnitude of this problem. National statistics tell us that every 37 seconds, a child disappears. Awareness of the fact that a person is missing is a key to resolution. Just because we don't hear about it on the news, doesn't mean it isn't happening. So many times, these cases get no publicity at all. LB111 will help fill in the gaps and give an equal chance for all missing persons, who are citizens of Nebraska to be seen, then hopefully found safe and be reunited with their family.

I ask you today, as my state representative, to take action to ensure that our families in Nebraska are provided with a means of assistance when faced with the tragedy of a missing loved one, adult, or child. Please give Jason's Law (named after Jason Jolkowski, missing for over three years from Omaha) your utmost consideration and say "YES" to Nebraska families when LB111 is up for your vote. We never know when might find ourselves in this very situation, whether it be a missing child, mother, father, brother, or sister of any age. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Got my letter sent this morning! will pass it along to my kids so they can get theirs sent also. Thanks

[Kelly]

Thank you!

We found out today that it will not be back on the schedule until Tuesday, so we have bought a little more time.

My mom sent a letter to every senator so that they would be more aware of it. I thought that was a good idea. Also, if you email address does not identify you as being from out of state, it wouldn't hurt to send one. The more they get, the more it will help. Personal notes added to the letters will make them take notice, too.

With Hope,
Kelly

[frisco~owls]

[QUOTE=Kelly]Thank you, Sleuthin!

There may be some Omaha area readers, so I will post this invitation:

Do you want to do something that gives more meaning to your life, and that can have an impact on the lives of others? With Project Jason, you’re doing much more than just volunteering, you’re doing things that give the gift of hope to families who experience the tragedy of having a missing loved one. You’re also helping to educate the public with safety and prevention which could potentially save a life.

Project Jason has numerous opportunities to do more than just volunteering. These opportunities include Internet research, service on committees such as fundraising and education, assisting at fundraisers and public events, grant research and writing, graphic design, nonprofit tax and other finance assistance, and many more. You can spend as little as few hours per year or a few hours per month helping us help others.

Project Jason is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005, at Swanson Elementary School, which is located at 8600 Harney Street in Omaha. At 7pm, we’ll begin by presenting our services and programs in brief. You’ll meet our board members, who will share with you the meaning that this work has brought into their lives. We’ll conclude with refreshments and a casual time for you to visit with us.

We’re seeking the missing, but we’re also seeking people like you who care and want to share their time and talents. If you’d like to be a part of a high-energy group who is paving the way with innovative national programs to help find the missing, come and see what we’re all about at the Project Jason Open House.

Please RSVP by phone to 402-932-0095 or email us at volunteer@projectjason.org

For more information about Project Jason, please see www.projectjason.org (http://www.projectjason.org/) We are an all-volunteer nonprofit organization.

Please feel free to share this with interested persons in the Omaha area. Thank you![/QUO

I volunteer for the wonderful Org. and have met some dear, wonderful friends.

[Kelly]

Thanks to our friends for doing "more than just volunteering". They're really making a difference.

Check out the great graphic at the top of our Miles for the Missing webpage on our site for proof of this, and if you live in the area, be sure to sign up for this ride!

Kelly

[Peabody]

According to the Montel Website:

http://www.montelshow.com/show/upcoming.htm

His show 'Vanished' which features the stories of Maura Murray, Janis Stavros, Brooke Wilburger and Jason Jolkowski will re-air on Thursday March 24.



To find the channel and time of airing in your area go to

http://www.montelshow.com/misc/where_2_watch.htm



Let us all send an email to Montel's producers thanking them for their continued efforts on the behalf of these missing persons.

j_tuttle@montelshow.com

k_forman@montelshow.com


As Montel stated in the first airing of the show "Someone, somewhere knows something." Perhaps, one of the airings of this show will be the lightening rod that brings that "someone" forward.

[Kelly]

Thank you for letting me know about the repeat broadcast, Peabody.

Jason's Law will most likely be debated in the legislature tomorrow. Please keep the senators in your prayers that they may hear our voices and do the right thing.

Thank you.

Kelly

[Kelly]

For those who are watching our bill, they did not get to it today. It is on the schedule for tomorrow. Thank you.

Kelly

[Gabby]

For those who are watching our bill, they did not get to it today. It is on the schedule for tomorrow. Thank you.

Kelly
wonderful news Kelly... prayers are with you and Jason's Law.

Hugs,
Gabby

[frisco~owls]

Good Luck!! Prayers are with all....

[inquiringmindz]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for your bill to pass!

[Kelly]

YES! I am happy to report that Jason's Law made it through round one of debate and passed with flying colors! The vote was 37-0. The next round could come anytime in the next several weeks. After that, there is a formal reading of the bill, and then it goes to the governor to sign. He could veto it, or if it doesn't move along quickly, and they start to talk budget, it could be killed because of budgetary issues. We have a fighting chance!

Thanks to everyone who sent letters and prayed. Do keep up the prayers to get this pushed through quickly.

The story was the featured Unicameral Update.

http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/update/index.htm


Missing persons clearinghouse bill advances


A bill that would establish a central repository for information on missing persons advanced to select file Wednesday.

LB 111 would require the Nebraska State Patrol to administer a state Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse to be used by law enforcement agencies.
Under the bill, the State Patrol would:

collect, process, maintain and disseminate information about missing persons;
train law enforcement agencies to report information to the clearinghouse;
develop training programs to prevent kidnapping;
maintain a statewide, toll-free telephone hotline 24 hours a day;
maintain a Web site accessible to law enforcement agencies and the public;
maintain a registry of educational materials;
distribute monthly missing persons bulletins; and
compile statistics regarding missing persons.

Omaha Sen. Patrick Bourne said he introduced the bill as a result of a constituent whose son has been missing since 2001.

Bourne said 38 states have similar clearinghouse programs to track missing people and inform the public of their disappearance. In 1999, 797,000 children were reported missing in the United States, he said.

“Education and public awareness are absolutely vital in finding these people who are missing,” he said. “Anything we can do to protect our children is a good thing to do.”

Sen. Elaine Stuhr of Bradshaw said requiring the State Patrol to develop training on kidnapping would take additional time and resources. She introduced an amendment proposing that information about kidnapping prevention be distributed in educational printed materials instead.

Stuhr’s amendment failed on a 4-15 vote and the bill advanced on a vote of 37-0.


Many blessings,
Kelly

[CaliKid]

The greatest thing people can do is get involved. If we'd all keep our eyes open for odd people being where they shouldn't or showing undue interest in a child or weird things going on in our neighborhood and REPORTING IT, our world would be a much safer place for kids.

[ShowerSinger]

Dear Kelly,
My family and I just watched you and Jim on the rebroadcast of the Montel Williams show. We were all very touched, and will continue to do everything we can to support your worthy cause. Our heart-felt prayers will include Jason, and your loved ones this Easter, and always.

[frisco~owls]

Congrats! Keep up the great work : )) I also saw The Montel Show yesterday afternoon.

Since I have become aware of Missing Children/Adults, I noticed how parents let their children run away from them in public places. I was at the local mall yesterday and I watched how many kids would run ahead of the parents or stop and look at a display, the parents really not paying much attention where the kids were. I wanted toooooo shout at them, Please watch your child each moment that you are out in public with them!!!! It just floored me how careless some of these people where! They have no idea of the heartaches that might be waiting... just around the next display.

[Kelly]

Thank you both. I really have no idea how many letters made it to our Senators and what combination of things made it unanimous for this first round of debate. In the end, that we now have a fighting chance is music to my ears.

I know what you mean, FO, about parents in public. One evening, I was at our local high school track, which is open to the public to use for walking, etc. A man was there with a boy who appeared to be about 5 years old. The boy wandered futher away from the man and eventually the man yelled at him to come back to where he was walking. He yelled: "Get back over here, or someone will take you!" Of course, that is a bit extreme to put children in a position of living in fear by saying that to the child.

I caught up to the man on the track, and asked if he had a Child ID Kit filled out for the boy. He did not even know what I was talking about, or the purpose of these kits. (Which are for all ages, BTW) I explained the reasoning behind them. I also keep some in my car, so I was able to give the man some kits.

You can download these kits here if you do not have one. Make sure you get one for everyone in the family!

Personal ID Kit (http://www.projectjason.org/Education.html#idkit)

Many blessings,
Kelly

[Kelly]

Today we received word that Jason's Law went through the second round of debate without a hitch. The third round is a formality and could take place in the next two weeks. After that, it goes to the governor to sign into law. The governor was queried as to his disposition on it, as he could veto it, but it sounds as if he will not. Anyone is free to write him a brief note of support for Jason's Law (please also mention it is LB111)

http://gov.nol.org/mail/govmail.html

Thank you for the support and all of the prayers. We believe that Jason's Law will become a reality for Nebraskans very soon.

Kelly

[Kelly]

http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/1435532.html

Jason's Law Advances
Set for final vote


A bill to set up a clearinghouse for information on missing persons is set for a final vote in the Nebraska legislature.

State senators have advanced the bill known as Jason's Law.

It was named for Jason Jolkowski who disappeared in June of 2001.

Jason's mother is a driving force behind the legislation.

The measure is now set for final consideration.

[sleuthin4fun]

I will be praying that this passes!!!

[smile22]

I was at the local mall yesterday and I watched how many kids would run ahead of the parents or stop and look at a display, the parents really not paying much attention where the kids were. I wanted toooooo shout at them, Please watch your child each moment that you are out in public with them!!!! It



i work in retail for target and we have the same thing children walking around alone and lost we do code yellows where we get on the walkies give a discription of the child and walk the store looking for them we have never had any code yellows were we have had to call the police, ( thankgod) they need to keep more watch on the children

[Kelly]

We have been invited by the US Attorney General's office for a conference in Philadelphia on April 28 & 29 about the problem involving finding the missing and identifying the deceased. Attending the conference will be government officials, FBI, law enforcement, forensic scientists, and a few families of the missing. We are privleged to help represent families of the missing nationwide, along with our friend, Robert Cooke, father of missing Rachel Cooke.

We are also pleased that the US recognizes the in-depth problem and scope of the issue. With an average of 97,000 open cases annually, (about 850,000 are missing per year) plus 40,000 unidentified bodies, it is past time for action.

Please pray for us as we make this trip, and that we can come closer to resolutions, if not for us, then for others who face the ambiguous loss of their loved ones.

Kelly

[frisco~owls]

For you, Kelly, and for you, Robert. Prayers for all a safe trip and prayers for ALL the ones who has Lost and Missing love ones.

Hugs,
frisco~

[frisco~owls]

i work in retail for target and we have the same thing children walking around alone and lost we do code yellows where we get on the walkies give a discription of the child and walk the store looking for them we have never had any code yellows were we have had to call the police, ( thankgod) they need to keep more watch on the children
It's sad, isn't it? So much evil in this world and they (parents) think it cannot happen! I took up Kelly's idea and keep a ID Kit in my car now, and I actually use it a few weeks ago in the grocery store. The mother had no idea it was so easy for a stranger (or anyone, for that matter) just walk out of the store with the child and be gone...in a blink of an eye.

Let's all keep up the wonderful work that Kelly does and support her all we can!

hugs,
~frisco

[Kelly]

A Project Jason Press Release:

4 Families, 4 Mysteries

4 families who have experienced the tragedy of having a missing loved one will come together on Sunday, May 1st to share their stories with dozens of bike riders at the 2nd annual Miles for the Missing Family Bike Ride sponsored by Omaha nonprofit organization, Project Jason.

Riders will meet the family members starting at 9:45am on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in Council Bluffs, IA. Miles for the Missing is a casual ride, and riders can go distances from 1 mile up to 44. Sag and free water will be provided. Rider cost is $15 each, and children under age 10 ride free.

Families represented at the ride include: Jim and Kelly Jolkowski of Omaha, parents of missing Jason Jolkowski, who disappeared from his Omaha home on June 13, 2001; Carolyn Pospisil, mother of Erin Pospisil, who was last seen in Cedar Rapids, IA on June 6, 2001; Rebecca Gonzalez of Omaha, whose son Brendan was murdered by his father, but his body never recovered; and Kathy Wilson of Omaha. Her husband Greg, disappeared in January of 2005. His body was located in March, but the mystery of his disappearance still remains.

Project Jason members will be present to give away free Personal ID Kits and other safety information for families. They will also explain the services offered and awareness programs available for the missing. Proceeds from the ride enable Project Jason to continue to offer their free services to families of the missing nationwide and provide educational materials to all families.

Jim and Kelly Jolkowski continue to take part not just in local, but in state and national activities to increase public awareness of the missing, and to take steps to strengthen the aid given to these families. In early April, Kelly attended a national conference of missing persons organizations in Wilmington, NC, and was the Keynote Speaker at the New York State Missing Person’s Day. The Jolkowski family is also behind LB111, Jason’s Law, which will establish a Missing Person’s Clearinghouse for all ages in Nebraska. LB111 has passed through 2 of 3 rounds of debate in the state legislature.

Jim, Kelly, and Michael Jolkowski just returned from the Department of Justice’s “National Strategy Meeting: Identifying the Missing”, which took place in Philadelphia and brought together hundreds of government officials, forensic scientists, medical examiners, coroners, FBI, law enforcement, and families of missing and murdered loved ones from across the country. A few families of the missing and the murdered were chosen to represent the thousands upon thousands nationwide in this effort for all those involved to meet and put together a strategy to resolve the estimated 100,000 active missing person’s cases and to identify the 40,000 to 50,000 unidentified bodies nationwide. John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted was the Keynote Speaker. The Jolkowskis were able to meet with him briefly and share their experience.

For more information, please see www.projectjason.org, and click on the Miles for the Missing link, or call Kelly Jolkowski at 402-932-0095 or email: Milesforthemissing@projectjason.org

[amnesia]

i'm just curious has there been any evidence at all in your son jason's case about how or why he dissapeared? do you have any beliefs of your own??? i couldn't imagine any worse pain for a parent to go through, i think its great youre doing so much for all the other missing people out there and with the legislation!

[Kelly]

Thank you.

Despite efforts of LE and two PI's, we are still at day one as far as knowing what happened to Jason. There are not, not was there ever, anything solid to go by as far as leads go. I do not feel strongly that he is either dead or alive, I simply do not know. The evidence would appear he did not leave on his own accord, but nor is there any evidence he was taken.

Kelly

[Gabby]

Thank you.

Despite efforts of LE and two PI's, we are still at day one as far as knowing what happened to Jason. There are not, not was there ever, anything solid to go by as far as leads go. I do not feel strongly that he is either dead or alive, I simply do not know. The evidence would appear he did not leave on his own accord, but nor is there any evidence he was taken.

Kelly



Kelly

For what it is worth, I continue to pray daily for you and your family and for Jason.. As I have told you many times, I do feel that he is alive and that something is preventing him from coming home to you....In all good time, this will be revealed, if not in this life, the next.

Keep up the good work, and remember everything happens for a reason. I will keep all of you in my daily prayers by name == the unnamed others, I will offer up a 'general' prayer for.

Hugs and more Hugs,
Gabby

[Kelly]

It is worth a great deal to me. Not only are the prayers heard, but they serve to bring hope to the family and let them know that people truly care. Thank you.

Kelly

[Kelly]

Local Student Wins Unusual Scholarship

One. That's the number of scholarship opportunities without grade point average requirements available for learning disabled students.

One. That's the number of students in the Omaha area who won this scholarship.

Numerous. That's the number of issues faced by learning disabled students as they attempt to compensate for their disabilities and also seek the same opportunities for higher education as offered to their peers. The lack of scholarship opportunities for learning disabled students is not acceptable. These students may not be able to achieve the required grade point averages to be eligible for many scholarships. Because of language processing issues, the essays and other written materials may not be as polished as those of other students, making it even more difficult to for the learning disabled student to win scholarships.

Endless. That's the number of possibilities open in the future for this year's recipient of the Jason A. Jolkowski Scholarship, Robb Merriman, of Elkhorn High School. Robb will receive a $500 scholarship from local nonprofit organization Project Jason.

Robb has worked through his learning disabilities and is an honor roll student. He is employed at a local grocery store and plans to attend UNO after his graduation. His goal is to get a degree in computer science and a minor in Japanese language.

Robb loves the world of technology, and has worked on computers on his own for many years. He is taking networking classes along with Japanese, Trigonometry, and Calculus. He plans on using the language skills to interface with leaders in technology in the business world once he graduates. He would like to find a job at a computer company and eventually get married and have children. Robb says: "My will to succeed at school is twice that of my will to make my computer work great." This is the attitude and drive that made Robb the obvious choice for this year's scholarship.

To qualify for the scholarship, Robb wrote an essay about the plight of the missing in America. Robb pinpoints issues related to public awareness and the steps to take when a person becomes missing, safety training, and proper reporting of missing persons.

The Jason A. Jolkowski Scholarship is named after missing Omaha youth, Jason Jolkowski, who disappeared from his home in June 2001. Jason is a former Omaha Westside and Benson High School student who was able to triumph over learning disabilities with the help of his family, teachers, and friends.

Learning disabilities is an invisible disability, and it can be a struggle to keep up with the other students. Learning disabled students do not process information in the same way as other students. Often they encounter difficulties with multitasking, and the typical classroom setting may not allow them to make full use of compensatory strategies they have been taught. These students should be applauded and rewarded for their efforts. As the Jolkowskis learned from their own son's experience, it is not an easy thing to face and overcome.

Jason went on to attend Iowa Western Community College and was enrolled in the Radio Broadcasting program. His parents and founders of Project Jason, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski of Omaha, feel that Jason would want this scholarship to be presented to a student who faces the extra challenges brought about by having learning disabilities.

The scholarship is also another way that Project Jason can give back to the community that supports their efforts in assisting families of the missing nationwide and providing educational information to the public. Their website is located at www.projectjason.org.

The heart of the story is Robb’s perseverance to win at learning and the courage to face his disabilities. Perhaps Robb Merriman will become the next Bill Gates, and even if he isn’t, it is clear he will achieve his goals and dreams.

[Kelly]

NPR's Radio's News & Notes with Ed Gordon show featured missing Tamika Huston on a segment that explores media bias in missing person's case.

Tamika's aunt talks about this issue, as she has fought for national attention for her niece since she disappeared in June of 2004.

Kelly Jolkowski founder of Project Jason, and mother of missing Jason Jolkowski, also makes comments about bias towards male and minority cases.

You can listen to the broadcast by clicking on "Listen" at the top of the page.

Ed Gordon Show (http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=11)

Ed Gordon is an Emmy-award winning journalist, and a contributor to 60 Minutes. He previously reported for the Today Show and Dateline NBC

[Kelly]

Today marks 3 years and 11 months since Jason disappeared.

He will never be forgotten. Every action we take is done in his name. I know he would want this. I pray he is safe and happy. We miss him so much.

Kelly

[JJJJaded]

God Bless you Kelly.
I hope and pray that there will be answers soon.
Peace be with you.

Blessings,
JJJJaded

[LadyLuck]

Kelly, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I do not know how you do what you do. You have helped so many. I pray that Jason is safe and happy. I pray that you will have answeres. Much love to you.

[AuntieKaren]

Today marks 3 years and 11 months since Jason disappeared.

He will never be forgotten. Every action we take is done in his name. I know he would want this. I pray he is safe and happy. We miss him so much.

Kelly

Kelly--
Please know how much I care. You are an extraordinary woman and I am so sorry for what you have gone through for the last almost 4 years. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen

[Gabby]

Today marks 3 years and 11 months since Jason disappeared.

He will never be forgotten. Every action we take is done in his name. I know he would want this. I pray he is safe and happy. We miss him so much.

Kelly



I lit a candle in church last night for Jason... May he find his way back home to you soon.

Hugs,
Gabs

[Kelly]

The Ride for Missing Children is an awareness/fundraising event for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Ride for Missing Children is an annual 100-mile bicycle ride open to a limited number of pre-qualified riders. The mission of the ride is to promote awareness about missing and exploited children, promote child-safety-education, and raise funds for the work of NCMEC.

Two hundred eighty-eight cyclists will travel two-by-two for 100 miles, stopping at designated elementary schools for a safety awareness presentation. The opening ceremony begins on Friday, May 20th at 6:45am at the NYSP Troop D headquarters in Oneda, NY.

More than 3.2 million posters have been printed out of NCMEC‘s Utica NY location, where the ride originated. Of the 1,028 missing and exploited children targeted by these posters 664 children have been successfully recovered as a result of poster distribution.

Omaha resident Kelly Jolkowski will be an honorary rider in the event and will speak at both the opening and closing ceremony.

Kelly’s son Jason Jolkowski, then 19, disappeared from his Omaha home on June 13, 2001. Since that time, Kelly and her husband Jim have worked to establish Project Jason, a nonprofit organization to assist families of the missing nationwide. They are also active in legislation, and are close to getting their bill, LB 111, Jason’s Law, passed in the state legislature. Jason’s Law will establish a true Missing Person’s Clearinghouse in Nebraska with services and benefits for all ages.

[Gabby]

Prayers to Jason and his family....

[frisco~owls]

The Ride for Missing Children is an awareness/fundraising event for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Ride for Missing Children is an annual 100-mile bicycle ride open to a limited number of pre-qualified riders. The mission of the ride is to promote awareness about missing and exploited children, promote child-safety-education, and raise funds for the work of NCMEC.

Two hundred eighty-eight cyclists will travel two-by-two for 100 miles, stopping at designated elementary schools for a safety awareness presentation. The opening ceremony begins on Friday, May 20th at 6:45am at the NYSP Troop D headquarters in Oneda, NY.

More than 3.2 million posters have been printed out of NCMEC‘s Utica NY location, where the ride originated. Of the 1,028 missing and exploited children targeted by these posters 664 children have been successfully recovered as a result of poster distribution.

Omaha resident Kelly Jolkowski will be an honorary rider in the event and will speak at both the opening and closing ceremony.

Kelly’s son Jason Jolkowski, then 19, disappeared from his Omaha home on June 13, 2001. Since that time, Kelly and her husband Jim have worked to establish Project Jason, a nonprofit organization to assist families of the missing nationwide. They are also active in legislation, and are close to getting their bill, LB 111, Jason’s Law, passed in the state legislature. Jason’s Law will establish a true Missing Person’s Clearinghouse in Nebraska with services and benefits for all ages.
WTG KELLY!!!!!

hugs,
~frisco

[Peabody]

Praying as always for Jason and his family

[Kelly]

Thank you. I am in the midst of writing a story about the event which will be coupled with photos. It was a wonderful and sorrowful day, all at the same time.

Kelly

[Kelly]

A Project Jason Brief:

Wednesday, May 25th is National Missing Children’s Day as established by President Reagan in 1983. This serves as an annual reminder to the nation to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families and make child protection a national priority. National Missing Children’s Day is a reminder to all parents and guardians of the need for high-quality photographs of their children for use in case of an emergency, and for the need for everyone to pay close attention to the posters and photographs of missing children.

Project Jason is going to the heart of the city for National Missing Children’s Day, and will be at the Omaha OIC at 2724 N 24th St. From 3-7pm, representatives will do free fingerprinting, give away Personal ID Kits, safety brochures, and the Adopt a Missing Person program will be available. Participating children will receive a free balloon.

Jason's Law, LB111, is up for third round debate on National Missing Children's Day. If it passes this round, it will be sent to the governor to sign. He can veto it, but a preliminary check on his thoughts about the bill were positive.

[Kelly]

After arriving home from our National Missing Children's Day event, we found out that LB111, Jason's Law, has passed the third and final round of debate. It now will be sent to the Governor to sign or veto. We do not know how long it will take for this final process, but what we do know is that is that we are very pleased that if anyone in the State of Nebraska becomes missing, at least they will now have more of a fighting chance to be found.

Many blessings,
Kelly

[Gabby]

After arriving home from our National Missing Children's Day event, we found out that LB111, Jason's Law, has passed the third and final round of debate. It now will be sent to the Governor to sign or veto. We do not know how long it will take for this final process, but what we do know is that is that we are very pleased that if anyone in the State of Nebraska becomes missing, at least they will now have more of a fighting chance to be found.

Many blessings,
Kelly


Great News!!!!!! Prayers for the signature .... and that it comes soon!

[frisco~owls]

After arriving home from our National Missing Children's Day event, we found out that LB111, Jason's Law, has passed the third and final round of debate. It now will be sent to the Governor to sign or veto. We do not know how long it will take for this final process, but what we do know is that is that we are very pleased that if anyone in the State of Nebraska becomes missing, at least they will now have more of a fighting chance to be found.

Many blessings,
Kelly
Congrats!! You have worked hard for this day...

Blessings and prayers,
~frisco

[Kelly]

http://www.syracuse.com

Cyclists turn attention to missing youngsters

Nebraska mom among 288 riders who stop at schools to focus on keeping children safe

Saturday, May 21, 2005

By Tom Leo
Staff Writer

Kelly Jolkowski says that most people do not know what its like to have a missing loved one.

They have no clue that approximately 2,000 children a day disappear in the United States.

"Awareness is the issue," said Jolkowski, whose son, Jason, has been missing since June 13, 2001, when Jason was 19.

Kelly Jolkowski, from Omaha, NE, was one of 288 cyclists who participated Friday in the Ride for Missing Children CNY, sponsored by the Mohawk Valley office of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Utica.

The 100-mile ride began in Oneida and went through Chittenango, Syracuse, Liverpool and Cicero before ending in New Hartford. The ride was created to raise awareness about children's safety. That's why riders stopped at about 60 schools along their journey, delivering their message of what youngsters can do to stay safe, said Frank Williams, the ride's chairman.

The riders stopped at Nate Perry Elementary School in the Liverpool school district for lunch and were greeted by about 400 cheering pupils.

Sixth-grader Libby Nowakowski, 12, of Salina, watched the riders come in for the second consecutive year. Nowakowski had her picture taken at last year's event and was chosen as the poster child for 2005. Her picture has been distributed on 14 million to 15 million posters throughout New York state, said her father, Ken.

"This is areally important event because a lot of people need to be saved and protected," Libby Nowakowski said.

Each cyclist who participated Friday was nominated by schools or community service organizations. The riders each raised $500 for the Utica office to make posters for missing children. The work of the Mohawk Valley group has helped lead to the recovery of 664 children, a majority of whom were found alive, Williams said.

Geraldine Rogers, 43, of Verona, has ridden in the event for the last four years. She said she had a 4-year-old playmate abducted and murdered in the early 1960s.

Jolkowski said there is no evidence her son was abducted or that he ran away. The last time Jason was seen was in his family driveway, waiting to be picked up by a co-worker to go to work.

Jolkowski has started "Project Jason" - an organization in Omaha named after her son. She travels around the country, promoting children's safety issues and the cause to find missing children.

"A day like this helps me," Jolkowski said. "It gives me hope because I know there are people out there who want to help, and are helping."

[Kelly]

Jason’s Law, LB111, was passed by the Nebraska State Legislature by a vote of 47-0 on Wednesday, May 25th, National Missing Children’s Day.

It was signed into law by Governor Dave Heineman on Tuesday, May 31st.

Jason’s Law will take effect on September 3rd, 2005.

We worked on this for three years and never gave up. Now all missing persons, regardless of age, in Nebraska will have a better chance of being found and reunited with their families.

Thank you for your support.

Kelly Jolkowski
President and Founder, Project Jason

[Peabody]

Jason’s Law, LB111, was passed by the Nebraska State Legislature by a vote of 47-0 on Wednesday, May 25th, National Missing Children’s Day.

It was signed into law by Governor Dave Heineman on Tuesday, May 31st.

Jason’s Law will take effect on September 3rd, 2005.

We worked on this for three years and never gave up. Now all missing persons, regardless of age, in Nebraska will have a better chance of being found and reunited with their families.

Thank you for your support.

Kelly Jolkowski
President and Founder, Project Jason
Dear Kelly,

I thank God that in spite of your heartache and grief that you chose to help others.......thanks to your dedication and the understanding of your legislators other families will not have to endure the frustrations that so many families of the missing have experienced.

Thanks be to God, to you and to all who worked to make this happen.

[Gabby]

Jason’s Law, LB111, was passed by the Nebraska State Legislature by a vote of 47-0 on Wednesday, May 25th, National Missing Children’s Day.

It was signed into law by Governor Dave Heineman on Tuesday, May 31st.

Jason’s Law will take effect on September 3rd, 2005.

We worked on this for three years and never gave up. Now all missing persons, regardless of age, in Nebraska will have a better chance of being found and reunited with their families.

Thank you for your support.

Kelly Jolkowski
President and Founder, Project Jason





Congratulations Kelly..... this is a huge giant step !!! God Bless You..
You are in my prayers...

Gabs

[JJJJaded]

Congratulations Kelly!
Your work continues to help people more than you know.
You are an angel.

Blessings,
JJJJ

[fourboys]

Congradulations Kelly and all.
Great news!

fourboys

[Kelly]

Thank you, everyone. Perhaps I am still in shock that this has finally happenned. It will sink in. :-) We just know that at least the future Jasons and Mauras will have more help here, as they should. We will continue to guide these families and do what LE cannot. I will be contact the State Patrol soon to offer my assistance in any way needed to work on the implementation of the new law.

With hope for all of our missing loved ones,
Kelly

[CaliMom]

This is wonderful news, Kelly. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and my heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family always.

[CaliKid]

Congratulations, Kelly. Prayers for you and your family as you approach the 4-year anniversary.

[GinaAngel435]

Wonderful news, Kelly!!

You are an inspiration, fighting so hard for what you believe in, and making true changes. You should be so proud of yourself!

My Heart & Prayers are with you and your family, always.

[fourboys]

Jason has been missing 4 years today.

For the Jolkowski family, and for Jason.....
You are always in my thoughts.

xoxoxoxox
fourboys

[KT Can]

My thoughts and prayers are with the Jolkowski family on this day and every other. Thank you Kelly for all that you do.

[Gabby]

Prayers and candles were lit in church yesterday ... May God be with each of you, Kelly and family, Jason where ever you are....

Thanks for making a difference to those who also have family and friends who are missing.....

May God grant you strength --- and many blessings.....and may you soon have Jason back home with you.

[Peabody]

Kelly,

sending my love and prayers for all of your family..........waiting upon God for answers.

[Kelly]

Thank you, everyone.

http://www.theomahachannel.com

Family's Loss Inspires Law To Help Find Missing Persons

Jason Jolkowski Disappeared In June 2001

POSTED: 9:17 am CDT June 13, 2005
UPDATED: 9:38 am CDT June 13, 2005

OMAHA, Neb. -- Families with missing loved one will get more help in Nebraska beginning this fall, thanks to legislation passed in May by the Unicameral.

The state is developing a clearinghouse that will keep track of all the missing-person cases. It will also start a toll free hotline and Web site. The initiative was inspired by a missing Omaha teenager.

Jason Jolkowski disappeared on June 13, 2001. His parents want to help other families avoid the frustrations they encountered, so they helped write "Jason's Law." The idea is to give missing persons a better chance to be found.

The goal of the new law is to get the public informed about the missing person and garner the public's help. The Nebraska State Patrol will head up the efforts.

"We're pleased that Nebraska took action, (to help) future Jasons," said Kelly Jolkowski, Jason's mother.

Jason's Law will go into effect on Sept. 3. It will cost the state about $50,000 a year to maintain the resources.

[kholloway]

THANK YOU, KELLY!!

Your family and Jason are always in my thoughts and prayers. Today especially, I will say an extra prayer for you. In hope with you.

Kathy

[Kelly]

Thanks, Kathy.

We need to talk on the phone again sometime...it's been awhile.

Kelly

[kholloway]

Thanks, Kathy.

We need to talk on the phone again sometime...it's been awhile.

Kelly

Yes, we do! Do you still have my number? If not just PM me. I hope you are doing ok, I think of you everyday.

[Kelly]

Shoot me an email with it, and a good time to call. I'm not a PM kinda girl.

Thanks!

Kelly

[Kelly]

Jannel Rap, singer-songwriter and founder of two nonprofits for the missing, will be featured on KMUD radio today, starting at 5pm PST. Jannel’s sister, Gina Bos, has been missing from Lincoln, NE for over 4 years. Jannel founded Warriors for the Missing this year to unite organizations with the common goal to work together to find our missing loved ones. Other guests on the show will include Abby Potash, Director of Team Hope, and Kelly Jolkowski, President and Founder of Project Jason. You may listen online by going to www.kmud.org

[Kelly]

The show ran out of time, so they have rescheduled me for next Saturday at 530 pst.

Kelly

[fourboys]

Happy Birthday to Jason Today.

xoxoxoxox

fourboys

[LadyLuck]

Thinking of Jason today. Thoughts and prayers with his family.

[JJJJaded]

Happy Birthday Jason.

Prayers to his family.

[Kelly]

Jason’s Birthday

On the night of my birthday, June 22, 1981, I went to the movies with my husband, Jim, and my mom and dad. The movie we chose to attend was the very first of the new Superman movies, starring Christopher Reeve as the “man of steel”. I was 9 months pregnant with Jason. We were in the midst of watching the movie, when I felt a trickle of liquid that I knew had to be my water starting to break. As it never broke and was just an occasional trickle, I didn’t want to ruin the movie for everyone by insisting on leaving, so we finished watching it, and then went home. (Whenever I see Christopher Reeve in that role, or Superman, I think of Jason.)

My water was not breaking, and the trickle had stopped, so we went about our business at home. I went to bed, but woke up in the middle of the night with what I was sure must be labor pains. I tried to go back to sleep, but I could not. I was confused by the pains, because they were constant, not intermittent, as we were taught in Lamaze class. I tried all sorts of tricks we were taught to either get the pain to subside, or be able to ignore it, but nothing was working.

At about 4am, I woke Jim up and told him that I was in labor, but because there was no break in the pain, I could not be for sure how soon the baby would come, so I thought it best that we went to the hospital.

At the hospital, time dragged on and on. The pain never subsided, nor did my water fully break. The next morning, the doctor broke my water. After that, the labor pains intensified, and I finally started to dilate, but I never progressed past five on the scale. I was becoming rather weary from lack of sleep and the continual pain. I did not understand why I did not have labor pains like everyone else with breaks in the pain. No one else understood either. At some point, they finally gave me a pain reliever, but it was not strong enough. By the afternoon of the 23rd, there was growing concern about the situation, as I now had a fever, and I did not dilate past five. They took an x-ray of my pelvis to see if they could determine the reasons behind what was happening. They did not come to any conclusions from the x-ray results. They also were concerned because of air reaching the baby, since my water was broke, and my fever continued. Sometime late that day, it was decided that I would have a c-section in the early morning, because they could not wait any longer.

I don’t think I slept at all, as I had been in pain for 36 hours with no relief, and I was very concerned about what was happening to me and our baby. In the morning, they asked if I wanted to be awake during the c-section. I was so tired, that I told them to put me to sleep. I was also nervous about the surgery, as I had never had to stay in a hospital or have surgery in my entire life. I figured it was better, for those reasons, to not be awake. (I did choose to be awake for the birth of my second son, Michael, but that was a planned c-section.)

When I woke, I was in recovery. I was told that Jason had been taken to another hospital, because they had a special neo-natal section, and the one I went to did not. They told me they were giving him anti-biotics as a precaution. As I had just gone through a traumatic labor and then surgery, I had a harder recovery. I was not allowed to go and see him, and they did not release him to come back to the hospital I was in. That first night, I remember lying awake, listening to the sounds of the hospital, longing to see my son. A hot tear rolled down my cheek, as I listened to the sounds of other babies and their mothers cooing softly to them in the night.

It was five days before they allowed me to go and see Jason in the other hospital. I slowly made my way to him. He was lying in the incubator with several tubes extending from him for the antibiotics and liquids. His eyes were closed, but I could still see that he was beautiful. They did not allow me to hold him. I could only try to stroke his little body with my hands. I wondered if he could sense that his mother had finally come to see him, and that it was her hands that tried to find a way to let him feel love.

Jason in the Hospital (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/KellyJolkowski/JJ2/Jasontoughstart.jpg)

It would never be fully understood or known why the labor happened as it did. As Jason grew, it was clear something was wrong. It was thought that he has slight brain damage from the labor and the fever. This resulted in his having learning disabilities in the areas of speech and language, plus some fine motor coordination issues.

I wrote this in regards to his learning disabilities. It appears on his featured profile on the National Center for Missing Adults site.

Jason's Story at the CMA (http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/content.php?webid=profile_jjolkowski)

“Jason has learning disabilities in the areas of speech and language. His brain does not process things the way most do. People who didn’t know him would often make fun of him. School bullies would pick on him. Some thought he is mildly mentally retarded, but the truth is, he is of above average intelligence. What was truly amazing to me was that he chose a career that flew right into the face of the very thing that was hardest for him. He decided to be a radio D.J.. Sure, he had some glitches along the way, but people grew to respect him and to love him. Who wouldn’t? I am so proud of him.”

A day later I was released from the hospital, and then a couple of days later, Jason was finally allowed to come home. We were now all together, a family unit whose bond could never be broken regardless of distance or time. Little did we know that this bond would be altered almost 20 years later, as Jason disappeared 11 days before his 20th birthday.

Just as I hoped nearly 24 years ago that my touch could be felt by him, and that he knew I was his mother, I now reach out to him and hope that he knows how much I love him. Somehow, I think he does.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes for Jason.

Kelly

[Bhodirasta]

WOW
What a story Kelly!
It almost seems as if Jason was trying to toughen you up...
I think his plan worked. :)

[Gabby]

Happy Birthday jason

May you feel your mother's love where ever you may be.

[LadyLuck]

Kelly, I KNOW that where ever Jason is, he feels and knows how much you love him.

[Peabody]

Dear Kelly,

As a mother I know how one relives the birth of her child, especially on their birthday. I also have experienced the fears and sense of protection that a mother feels as she sees her child with tubes lying in the clinical environment of a pediatric hospital.

I haven't the words to express my concern for Jason, for you, your husband and your youngest son, but please know that all of you are in my prayers.

......and to Jason, wherever you are, I send special Birthday Wishes and Prayers today.




Bring Maura Home

www.mauramurray.com (http://www.mauramurray.com)

www.spbowers.com\mauramissing.html (http://www.spbowers.commauramissing.html)

[Kelly]

God works in mysterious ways, that is for sure. The constant pain may have been an omen of some sort that we would not understand for years.

Thank you for thinking of Jason.

Kelly

[ariel7]

Dear Kelly,

I just wish to tell you that is the most touching story I have
read in the longest time.

God grant you comfort & courage, peace & blessing, hope
& strength...for now and always.
The eternal God is thy refuge...
Underneath are the Everlasting Arms...

Praying for you,

with much love,

Ariel :blowkiss:

[Kelly]

That's lovely, Ariel.

The eternal God is thy refuge...
Underneath are the Everlasting Arms...

What a comfort.

God bless,
Kelly

[Kelly]

For anyone in our local area:

Bowling Fun Raiser

Project Jason will host its second annual Bowling Fun Raiser on Sunday, August 7th, 1pm, at Plaza Lanes in Fremont, NE. This is a quick 20 minute drive from Omaha. Plaza Lanes is the second bowling alley on HWY 30.

The cost is $10 per bowler, which will allow you to bowl up to 3 games. Space is limited, so you must sign up ahead of time to reserve your place. Bring your family and friends, and fill up a lane. (up to 6 bowlers) There will be at least 1-2 lanes of bumper bowling for participating children.

Prizes will be given away throughout the event. Proceeds go to Project Jason, which is a 501 C 3 nonprofit organization. Please see www.projectjason.org to learn how we give the gifts of hope and awareness to families of missing persons, and how we educate the public in regards to these issues.

To reserve your place at the Project Jason Bowling Fun Raiser, please email us at bowling@projectjason.org , or call 402-932-0095. We look forward to seeing you there, and thank you for your support!

[Kelly]

News Link (http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200507\NAT2005 0711b.html)

Project Jason Gives Help, Hope to Missing Persons' Families

By Dawn Rizzoni

CNSNews.com Correspondent
July 11, 2005

(CNSNews.com) - Some missing persons cases, such as those involving Shasta and Dylan Groene and "runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks, have received extensive media coverage. But the disappearances of thousands of other people get little attention, and their loved ones receive little help and hope.

"Awareness of a missing person is often key to resolution of these cases," Kelly Jolkowski, founder and president of Project Jason, a non-profit organization focusing on the vast majority of missing persons cases that get little or no attention.

"The more often a missing loved one's face is seen, the greater the odds of location and reunion," Jolkowski said.

According to FBI statistics, 47,589 people have been listed as missing since May 1, although Jolkowski said such statistics are unreliable due to a large number of unreported incidents.

Since its inception in October of 2003, Project Jason has developed several methods to aid in finding missing persons, including "Adopt a Missing Person" and "18-Wheel Angels."

In the Adopt a Missing Person program, individuals of all ages send away for free literature, buttons, fliers and posters related to a particular missing person.

Participants then hand out the posters and fliers, wear buttons with photos of their adopted person and distribute information about the disappearance. To date, 1,156 "adoptions" of missing people have been made.

Another program is 18-Wheel Angels, in which truck drivers volunteer their time and resources to help locate a missing loved one. The drivers print out a featured poster from Project Jason's website (which changes posters every other month) and post them along their routes.

Dozens of families have benefited from Jolkowski's efforts, including the family of 24-year old Tamika Huston, who vanished from Spartanburg, S.C., a year ago.

"I spent many frustrated days and nights trying to contact national media regarding Tamika's disappearance," said her aunt, Rebkah Howard. "I felt as though it was imperative that her story be known as far and wide as possible in order to increase the chances of her coming home safely to us."

Howard contacted Project Jason for help. Jolkowski "listened and helped when so many others were simply not interested," Howard said. "She provided guidance and support and made extraordinary efforts to post Tamika's photo and information on various websites that feature the missing."

Tamika was also included in the Adopt a Missing Person program. "My sister, Tamika's mother, was particularly touched by the kindness of the strangers who would 'adopt' her daughter and keep her story alive by doing something as simple as wearing a pin bearing her photo," Howard said.

She added that Project Jason fills the gap that is left by lack of attention by national media. "There are thousands of missing persons in this country," Howard said. "The majority of them do not have the benefit of round-the-clock coverage on the various networks.

"Project Jason is there to serve all of these individuals and their families who are so desperate to find them. I find this to be amazing work for the mother of a young man who still remains missing to this day," she added.

Jolkowski's son Jason went missing at 19 years of age on June 13, 2001, from the family's driveway in Omaha, Neb., but Jason's story has attracted none of the national media attention that has been focused on other cases.

Jolkowski and Nebraska State Sen. Pat Bourne, were instrumental in getting Jason's Law passed -- a bill to create a statewide clearinghouse of information on missing persons and provide training and education to law enforcement officials.

To date, no individuals have been found through the project, but Jolkowski said she doesn't measure success by the number of people located. Instead, she said it is based on "how it makes the families of our missing loved ones feel when they know that others are now helping them.

"Many times in these cases, after law enforcement has sifted through the clues, and there are no more leads to follow, what is left is awareness and hope," she said. "Those are the sustaining gifts we provide to the families we service."

[LadyLuck]

Kelly, this is a great write up. Thank you for the work that you do on behalf of the missing.

[Kelly]

Thank you, Lady. We just keep plugging away, hoping for more miracles everyday.

God bless,
Kelly

[Kelly]

www.usatoday.com

Posted 7/14/2005 11:53 PM

Groups spotlight others missing

By Mark Memmott, USA TODAY

When Kelly Jolkowski's 19-year-old son Jason disappeared in 2001, she and her husband "had no idea what to do."
"We basically sat there and waited for the phone to ring" as Omaha police began to investigate, Jolkowski says. "We didn't know there were other resources out there."

She says at least 10 days were lost. Days they could have been distributing fliers, calling the media, holding vigils to attract TV cameras, contacting support groups, collecting information — steps that might have led them to Jason, who remains missing. At 19, he was too old for an AMBER Alert, the system first used in Dallas in 1996 and soon after across the nation to quickly publicize a child's disappearance.

What Jolkowski didn't know then, but which she and many other friends and family of the missing have unfortunately learned: There is a small but growing number of national organizations that try to help spread the word when anyone goes missing.

The help and advice such groups give, say Jolkowski and others who are going through the painful experience of missing someone, are invaluable.

Finding strength in numbers

Such groups are especially important, Jolkowski and others say, because the national media don't appear interested in all types of missing persons. Most of the media's attention goes to cases involving white women or white girls, such as 18-year-old Natalee Holloway of Alabama. She disappeared May 30 in Aruba.

Jolkowski, who decided to found one organization herself (Project Jason), says she now believes one of the most important things everyone should do is be prepared.

"If you are loved by someone you need to put together a personal identification kit. If you love someone, you need to put together a personal I.D. kit for them," she says. "People look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them that, but it's true."

There is a free "personal identification kit" at www.projectjason.org. It details the type of information and material to collect. Those include photos, hair samples for DNA and dental records.

The point of such kits: When distraught, loved ones may forget key bits of information that could help identify a missing person and help police when they're publicizing that person's description.

Two of the better known groups that assist families are the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and its sister organization, the National Center for Missing Adults. Both can publicize disappearances and advise families and loved ones on what to do.

"We don't investigate and we're not psychics," says Erin Bruno, one of the case managers at the Missing Adults center. The center can post information about a missing person on its Web site, put together press releases to generate publicity and offer advice to families on other ways to get attention.

John Walsh, host of the Fox network's America's Most Wanted, became a national advocate for missing persons after the 1981 kidnapping and murder of his 6-year-old son, Adam. He and his wife, Reve, co-founded the center for Missing & Exploited Children, and he supports the emergence of groups such as the Missing Adults center and Project Jason.

But, Walsh says, "while there may be tons more resources" since his son was killed, "the ranks are still so thin. We put up space shuttles for billions of dollars, but the FBI has tens of thousands of missing persons in its computers who no one is looking for."

Producers, editors and media critics agree that few missing persons cases get the kind of attention from the national media as that of Holloway.

Who gets the headlines?

That coverage, coming after national attention to the murder of Laci Peterson, the cross-country trip of "runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks and the rescue of Utah schoolgirl Elizabeth Smart, has also raised questions about the media. One question is whether the national media, especially cable networks, give too much attention to stories about missing young white women as opposed to cases involving minorities and men.

Robert Spellman, 27, of Los Angeles, disappeared April 12. His case has gotten so little attention that the National Center for Missing Adults recently used Spellman to illustrate a press release titled "Missing Men Need Coverage Too."

Thomas Hoeflaak, 56, went missing May 31. He was last seen in Grand Blanc, Mich. A friend, Leilah Ward of Ocala, Fla., is a spokeswoman for his family. "The first week you're in total disbelief," she says. "The second week you go from weepy to angry." His case also has been mostly ignored.

Also still waiting to find out what happened to their loved one are the friends and family of Tamika Huston. The 24-year-old black woman from Spartanburg, S.C., disappeared a year ago. Her case has gotten almost no national media attention.

After USA TODAY wrote about Huston's case June 16, and after America's Most Wanted reported about it in March and again June 25, Spartanburg police got some new leads but no breakthroughs, Lt. Steve Lamb of the department's criminal investigation division said in an e-mail to USA TODAY.

Huston's case is due for another round of media attention later this month, when Dateline NBC is planning to air a report. Dateline correspondent Josh Mankiewicz says "there's really no point in anyone trying to refute it." The national media spent "an inordinate amount of time on stories where the victims are attractive, young, white women."

[KT Can]

WOW, an article in USA Today! This is wonderful. I am so happy when the missing can get this kind of coverage. Hopefully some of the cases highlighted in the article will get a little more attention now. As always, thank you for the work that you do on behalf of the missing and thank you for posting the article. My prayers are with you and your family, as well as all the families of the missing.

[inquiringmindz]

Kelly,
Congratulations! I hope this sparks a memory for some answers about Jason and can help bring awareness to all of those who are missing.

[Gabby]

www.usatoday.com

Posted 7/14/2005 11:53 PM

Groups spotlight others missing

By Mark Memmott, USA TODAY

When Kelly Jolkowski's 19-year-old son Jason disappeared in 2001, she and her husband "had no idea what to do."
"We basically sat there and waited for the phone to ring" as Omaha police began to investigate, Jolkowski says. "We didn't know there were other resources out there."

She says at least 10 days were lost. Days they could have been distributing fliers, calling the media, holding vigils to attract TV cameras, contacting support groups, collecting information — steps that might have led them to Jason, who remains missing. At 19, he was too old for an AMBER Alert, the system first used in Dallas in 1996 and soon after across the nation to quickly publicize a child's disappearance.

What Jolkowski didn't know then, but which she and many other friends and family of the missing have unfortunately learned: There is a small but growing number of national organizations that try to help spread the word when anyone goes missing.

The help and advice such groups give, say Jolkowski and others who are going through the painful experience of missing someone, are invaluable.

Finding strength in numbers

Such groups are especially important, Jolkowski and others say, because the national media don't appear interested in all types of missing persons. Most of the media's attention goes to cases involving white women or white girls, such as 18-year-old Natalee Holloway of Alabama. She disappeared May 30 in Aruba.

Jolkowski, who decided to found one organization herself (Project Jason), says she now believes one of the most important things everyone should do is be prepared.

"If you are loved by someone you need to put together a personal identification kit. If you love someone, you need to put together a personal I.D. kit for them," she says. "People look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them that, but it's true."

There is a free "personal identification kit" at www.projectjason.org. It details the type of information and material to collect. Those include photos, hair samples for DNA and dental records.

The point of such kits: When distraught, loved ones may forget key bits of information that could help identify a missing person and help police when they're publicizing that person's description.

Two of the better known groups that assist families are the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and its sister organization, the National Center for Missing Adults. Both can publicize disappearances and advise families and loved ones on what to do.

"We don't investigate and we're not psychics," says Erin Bruno, one of the case managers at the Missing Adults center. The center can post information about a missing person on its Web site, put together press releases to generate publicity and offer advice to families on other ways to get attention.

John Walsh, host of the Fox network's America's Most Wanted, became a national advocate for missing persons after the 1981 kidnapping and murder of his 6-year-old son, Adam. He and his wife, Reve, co-founded the center for Missing & Exploited Children, and he supports the emergence of groups such as the Missing Adults center and Project Jason.

But, Walsh says, "while there may be tons more resources" since his son was killed, "the ranks are still so thin. We put up space shuttles for billions of dollars, but the FBI has tens of thousands of missing persons in its computers who no one is looking for."

Producers, editors and media critics agree that few missing persons cases get the kind of attention from the national media as that of Holloway.

Who gets the headlines?

That coverage, coming after national attention to the murder of Laci Peterson, the cross-country trip of "runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks and the rescue of Utah schoolgirl Elizabeth Smart, has also raised questions about the media. One question is whether the national media, especially cable networks, give too much attention to stories about missing young white women as opposed to cases involving minorities and men.

Robert Spellman, 27, of Los Angeles, disappeared April 12. His case has gotten so little attention that the National Center for Missing Adults recently used Spellman to illustrate a press release titled "Missing Men Need Coverage Too."

Thomas Hoeflaak, 56, went missing May 31. He was last seen in Grand Blanc, Mich. A friend, Leilah Ward of Ocala, Fla., is a spokeswoman for his family. "The first week you're in total disbelief," she says. "The second week you go from weepy to angry." His case also has been mostly ignored.

Also still waiting to find out what happened to their loved one are the friends and family of Tamika Huston. The 24-year-old black woman from Spartanburg, S.C., disappeared a year ago. Her case has gotten almost no national media attention.

After USA TODAY wrote about Huston's case June 16, and after America's Most Wanted reported about it in March and again June 25, Spartanburg police got some new leads but no breakthroughs, Lt. Steve Lamb of the department's criminal investigation division said in an e-mail to USA TODAY.

Huston's case is due for another round of media attention later this month, when Dateline NBC is planning to air a report. Dateline correspondent Josh Mankiewicz says "there's really no point in anyone trying to refute it." The national media spent "an inordinate amount of time on stories where the victims are attractive, young, white women."


Each "babystep" can lead to a "giant step" be proud of all the baby steps you have made possible through Project Jason.. We love and support you Kelly... GOD BLESS YOU

[Casshew]

Kelly, Congratulations for that wonderful feature in USA Today.

[Kelly]

Thank you all!

I will also be on the Fox national news today at 1:30EST....not sure what this particualr news shows is called.

Kelly

[LadyLuck]

Thank you all!

I will also be on the Fox national news today at 1:30EST....not sure what this particualr news shows is called.

Kelly

Kelly, I jusy watched you on this show. You did a wonderfull job. Thanks for everything you do.

[Kelly]

Thank you.

There were also segments today on the Ron Thulin Show and Mike Gallagher's show:

http://www.mikeonline.com/site