By: Noelle Lambert
The Charity of the Month for May is: Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.)
www.BACAworld.org
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that exists to provide aid, comfort, safety and support for children that have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused. They are dedicated to the principle that ‘one of the basic rights of childhood is to be safe and protected’. When a child’s family or environment has failed them, B.A.C.A. stands ready to help.
This organization started as an idea to help one wounded child. This child was eight years old at the time and was so frightened of his perpetrators that he would not leave his residence. Their founder, having had kind and loving experiences with bikers in his youth, was moved to include this boy in his biker circle. Within weeks this boy was seen all over town playing with other children and riding his bike. The idea to rally the biker community in defense and in support of children was actualized in 1995, when the first ride was held to visit wounded children and bring them into the biker family. That first ride had twenty-seven bikes present.
From there it was only a matter of time before the word spread quickly about what was happening in Utah. Shortly after forming the first chapter in Utah, another chapter was formed in that state, then Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. The rest is part of the B.A.C.A. history.
One of the greatest and most unique assets of B.A.C.A. for children is their “biker family attitude”. Bikers are a tightly knit group! The brotherhood and family values are not just a way to live, but a way of life. One for all and all for one is not just a quote but it is their reality. After children have been introduced into the B.A.C.A. family they are not helpless or powerless anymore.
If you want to meet a B.A.C.A. representative and find out additional information on their organization you can attend one of the following upcoming events, where B.A.C.A. will have a tent set up with brochures and more:
Alive After Five: Thursday, June 27, 2019 in Patchogue.
The Great South Bay Music Festival: Saturday, July 20, 2019 and Sunday, July 21, 2019 in Patchogue.
If you are interested in becoming a B.A.C.A. member you must meet certain requirements. Some requirements are that you have a desire to help abused children, you have regular access to a motorcycle, you are 18 years or older, you can pass an NCIC fingerprint check and you can attend monthly meetings and Chapter events (their meetings are held the second Sunday of every month at the American Legion Hall in Bohemia at 9:00AM unless it’s a holiday).
You can also donate to this organization at anytime on their website. If you want to make a donation to the Long Island Chapter directly, please contact the Long Island BACA Vice President and Public Relations Officer, Big D at bigd@li-ny.bacaworld.org.
Another Organization That You Can Get Involved With:
Agape Community Church
Mastic, N.Y.
Agape Community Church is a non-profit organization based in Mastic. They are focused on the Long Island community and will be holding their annual Back To School Event on Saturday, August 17 from 12-5PM, where they will be giving away free school supplies and they will serve refreshments. They are already taking donations for this event and are attempting to raise additional funds and supplies this year. They understand that a lot of children may begin a new school year this upcoming fall without all the needed supplies. Agape Community Church believes community support is crucial to helping these children. Donations of any size are welcome. For more information or if you have any questions about donations, please call (631) 640-4357.
If you would like your organization to be featured in this column, please email Noelle@SouthBaysNeighbor.com!
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