UCanSpeakForMe
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    • Home
    • Message From The CEO
    • Get Involved
    • The Tears You Don't See
    • UCan Media Tools
    • What's New
    • TIME FOR THE 2019 SUMMIT
  • Home
  • Message From The CEO
  • Get Involved
  • The Tears You Don't See
  • UCan Media Tools
  • What's New
  • TIME FOR THE 2019 SUMMIT

Welcome to UCanSpeakForMe

Welcome to UCanSpeakForMeWelcome to UCanSpeakForMeWelcome to UCanSpeakForMe

"If you see something......say something."

CEO Message

(513) 404-3063

Welcome to UCanSpeakForMe

Welcome to UCanSpeakForMeWelcome to UCanSpeakForMeWelcome to UCanSpeakForMe

"If you see something......say something."

CEO Message

(513) 404-3063

Hope Dudley is recognized by Cincinnati's City Council

After a year the COVID-19 virus pandemic has delivered a new blow to families coping with the violent loss of a child or loved one. They are losing their jobs, homes, and difficulty feeding their children.


I received an email from Cincinnati Councilwoman Jan-Michele Kearney’s office recommending me to be honored for my contributions to the Cincinnati community during Women’s History Month.

Thank you to the Cincinnati City Council for your support and confidence in the efforts of UCanSpeakForMe.

“You live only as long as the last person who remembers you”

Daniel "Chaz" Dudley would have celebrated his 40th birthday on February 17th. His life was cut short in 2007 by a still unknown gunman. This production was produced by DnA Productions giving Ms. Dudley the opportunity to ask anyone who has information about her son's murder to please come forth.

As the Founder of UCanSpeakForMe, Ms. Dudley has released a new Hamilton County Homicide Unsolved Murders poster which honors the memory her son on his birthdate.


UCanSpeakForMe CEO Hope Dudley is presented with the Citizen Of The Year Award from the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police: Queen City Lodge No. 69

Families join as one voice for the 7th annual candlelight chain of peace

Designing Individualized packets for families is an important function of our operation

News report from WKRC LOCAL12 CINCINNATI

One year later a family continues to grieve

 

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Family and friends joined to remember a man killed nearly one year ago.

Benoit Essex was killed on August 11 last year on Orient Avenue in Spring Grove Village. His murder is still unsolved.

A number of mothers came to support Essex's mom, Marilyn Turner.

They're hoping they can help bring awareness to this unsolved homicide.

A tragedy in Spring Grove Village

 

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - FOX19 reporter Brittany Harry tells the story of the tragic loss of Benoit Essex killed around 4 a.m. on August 11, 2019. A devastated family comes together in a search for justice.

The coronavirus alert affects everyone

There’s always one more thing to cope with……………..

 

Some would say the COVID-19 virus is just bad timing. Others have told me this is God’s way of trying to get our attention to be kinder to one another. To show more compassion. Maybe just to guide us back, and strengthen our faith.


Schools are closed. A number of jobs have been suspended or those more fortunate are able to work from home like myself. Grocery shopping has become more of an event than a casual excursion. Someone please tell me what is this obsession with toilet paper disappearing from store shelves? We protect ourselves with masks, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, and cleaning wipes. Like everyone else I have washed my hands constantly. And like everyone else have searched for entertainment on television and the web to fill the gaps of isolation. 


This has become our new normal. At least for now.


We participate in “social distancing” to protect not only ourselves from this deadly virus, but to protect those we love. By respecting one another’s space we curve the chances of unknowingly contracting or spreading this life threatening bacteria.


It got me to thinking. What if we could care about and respect each other the same way we are careful about spreading this virus. The Cincinnati Police Department’s crime analysis reporting shows that during the time period of 3/8/2020 to 4/4/2020 each district (except District 3 with 2) has reported only 1 homicide within this period. For all districts combined there have been 6 reported homicides.


Problem solving is a difficult task for some. One death is one too many. For those of us who are grieving the loss of a child or family member the prayer is that no one else has to negotiate this pain. Maybe this “forced time-out” can bring about a new understanding about the value of every life. Stranger things have happened, I believe that prayer changes a lot of things.


Right now we are in the midst of some serious social and  health concerns especially as it relates to large gatherings and State instituted social distancing instructions. UCanSpeakForMe started a campaign to provide masks to families making a request while they are available. This will help us to continue provide services to families, and maintain contact with our partner agencies during these uncertain times.


I want everyone to know, we are available to provide you whatever resource services we can manage during this trying time. We are designing new projects to encourage victim's families to continue to be proactive but remain safe. 


So, for now the UCanSpeakForMe offices are still open to our current and new victim's families, but only on a scheduled appointment basis. We are still in contact with local law enforcement and other partner agencies to help assist our victim's families as best as possible. We can still be reached at 513-404-3063. Or by email: ucanspeakforme@zoomtown.com. Be sure to visit our website for updated messages about services and events.


For those of you that have called and gotten my voicemail message I always end with saying “what we do for each other, we also do for God.” At this time this message takes on a much greater meaning for all of us.


Stay safe by doing the right thing. Stay home and/or wear masks to protect one another. Stay healthy and hope to see you all soon.


Hope Dudley

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COVID-19 virus is a health concern. Please practice social distancing to protect one another.

Cold Case Playing Card unveiling press conference at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

families need your help. somewhere, someone knows the truth

Families Stand Proud During Press Conference

It is always a good feeling when you do something that is tough and time consuming you do it simply because it’s the right thing to do.


It is an even better feeling to have those you are doing good things for acknowledge their appreciation by showing their support. The latest version of Ohio’s only Cold Case Playing Cards were unveiled to the families who lost children or family members to senseless homicides.


On February 8, 2020 family members gathered at the Higher Faith Ministry Church in Forest Park, Ohio for the official unveiling. The playing cards were unveiled to the public on February 9, 2020 during a press conference at the Hamilton County Justice Center. Dozens of family members, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, and CrimeStoppers Vice Chair Gene Bishop special guests in attendance.


I designed the Cold Case Playing Cards to bring awareness to Unsolved Homicides In Hamilton, Butler, and Montgomery Counties as well as other surrounding townships. These Cold Case Playing Cards have been used as learning tools in schools Church and community forums conducted by UCanSpeakForMe. The UCanSpeakForMe Cold Case Posters, Flyers, and Book Markers have become highly publicized testaments to our commitment to the families we serve, and local Law Enforcement. 


In the latest playing card edition there are two different versions. Both include victims from multiple Ohio counties, but sponsored by different law enforcement agencies. UCanSpeakForMe would like to thank Sheriff Jim Neil of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky CrimeStoppers Board for lending their support and guidance to this monumental project.


Sometimes when you are faced with controversy it is difficult to find the joy whenever the task is completed. In the end when doing the right thing to help others the journey becomes its own reward. I believe testing of one’s faith only produces perseverance.


Thank you to all the volunteers, families, and the media that gave their support. A special thank you to Mr. Kenneth Parker, Assistant United States Attorney who took time for both unveiling ceremonies to attend and give words of encouragement.


Hope Dudley, CEO

Call CrimeStoppers With Your Tips

Crime Stoppers is designed to allow the public to give us tips anonymously. Crime Stoppers does not use caller I.D. or record telephone calls. Call 513-352-3040.


Or visit the CrimeStoppers website at:

http://crime-stoppers.us/

Find out more

6 YEARS OF PREPARATION...NOW THE UNVEILING

Just in case you didn't make to the 2019 Summit Conference

"Can anyone hear me out there? Is anyone listening?"

"It has become my mission to help families that have been affected by the senseless loss of a loved one to homicide. There is nothing glamorous about what we do for families. They are angry, afraid, and not ready for their journey into the justice system."  Hope Dudley 

UCanSpeakForMe is always trying to find new ways to connect with anyone who will listen to our message of "See Something...Say Something". Recently we made a presentation before Cincinnati's Law & Public Safety Committee. 

UCanSpeakforme continues to break new ground for families

Candle Light Chain Of Peace

Ms. Dudley Speaks To Butler County Families

Candle Light Chain Of Peace

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Families are empowered by one another's strength to publicly remember their lost of a family member. Justice will be found by keeping their memories alive.

Women's Unsolved Murders

Ms. Dudley Speaks To Butler County Families

Candle Light Chain Of Peace

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UCanSpeakForMe's latest Cold Case Poster asks the question: "Can you help find who killed me?". This newest poster highlights the lost lives of women in Hamilton and Butler counties.

Ms. Dudley Speaks To Butler County Families

Ms. Dudley Speaks To Butler County Families

Ms. Dudley Speaks To Butler County Families

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UCanSpeakForMe CEO has been in high demand to address families in Ohio counties about the need to remain proactive with local law enforcement authorities using organizational products.

Expanding Our Products and Services

Expanding Our Products and Services

Ms. Dudley Speaks To Butler County Families

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UCanSpeakForMe is reaching more families by expanding into additional Ohio counties. Sergeant Rob Whitlock accepts a shipment of UCan Cold Case Posters from Ms. Dudley.

Justice For Families

Expanding Our Products and Services

The Saddest Days For Families

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CEO Hope Dudley works overtime to deliver a fresh patch of UCanSpeakForMe Cold Case Playing Cards to the Hamilton County Justice Center. This unique design is intended to provide authorities with tips to unsolved cases.

The Saddest Days For Families

Expanding Our Products and Services

The Saddest Days For Families

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"Tis the season to be......." For most families the upcoming holiday celebrations will take on a minus one effect. UCan will again sponsor holiday gatherings for families. Continue to check this site for updates.

The power of families for justice

Thank you to the hundreds that came out to show support for the families of these and other murder victims.


Hope Dudley's son, Daniel "Chaz" Dudley, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on Sept. 29th, 2007. Ms. Dudley started the group UCanSpeakForMe..

The vigil was to remember all the murder victims whose families have not gotten justice. There is a simple message for the community.


"If you see something, say something," Ms .Dudley said.

Thank you media partners for their compassionate coverage.

UCANSPEAKFORME CONTINUES TO RAISE THE FAMILY ADVOCATES BAR

More Awards and Covering New Counties

The WLWT-TV public affairs program ISSUES has received a first place award from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists for a program featuring UCanSpeakForMe CEO Hope Dudley.


The program won for Best Minority Issues Coverage. The award will be presented on August 25th in Cincinnati to the television station.   The judges comments said: "A compelling portrait of a grieving mother who turned that grief into action and, more than 10 years after her son's unsolved murder, has created a community movement that seeks justice and heals for all.


We would like to extend our congratulations to one of our media partners for their continued support of our stop the violence message. The WLWT story can be viewed by going to our "What's New" page and clicking on the video called "The Tears You Don't See".


IN OTHER NEWS

UCanSpeakForMe has been contacted to extend it's family advocacy resources to the community of Trotwood, Ohio located in the Dayton area. A college student and a basketball player, Elmer Rucker was sitting in a car with his friend when they were both gunned down on April 18th.


"He was a good student. As far as I'm concerned, the perfect child. It's a big loss for me," Elmer Rucker Sr. said. 

While the afternoon vigil in Trotwood was a time to be with loved ones, it was also a call for help with his son's murder investigation.


"It's taking some time and taking too long for me. So I needed to do something. I'm asking the public's for help," said Rucker Sr.  He hopes keeping his son's name out in the public will help convince someone to come forward with information.

After the vigil, supporters like Hope Dudley, who also lost a son to gun violence, took to the streets to hand out flyers with Rucker's photograph.

"We want to keep his face out there so people would know that this young man was murdered in this location," Dudley said.


With 11 weeks since his Rucker's death and no suspects in custody, both Dudley and Rucker Sr. hope the public will speak up.  "Somebody knows something and it can help," he said. 

25-year-old Antonio Collins was also gunned down in the car with Rucker.  


The WDTN-TV story can be viewed at https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/father-pleads-for-public-s-help-in-son-s-trotwood-shooting-death/1274637104 

UCanSpeakForMe continues to  receive requests from families throughout the southern counties of Ohio for assistance and resource information.

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awards Photo Gallery

UCan On The Move

About Us

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Somewhere....someone knows the truth

 Random criminal acts happen all around us. We hear reports on the radio. We read it in the newspapers, and see it on television. But no one remembers the victims left behind long after the the headlines disappear.  UCanSpeakForMe is a nonprofit organization focused on families needing assistance after the violent loss of a child or family member.

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Get Involved

Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team!

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Thank You

Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. Click the "What's New" button for new and upcoming events.

What's New

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UCanSpeakForMe

230 Northland Boulevard, Suite #231, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, United States

(513) 404-3063

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