No matter where you look ... no matter which city, county, state or even country you live in ... bullying and violence are a part of the lives of way too many people, young and old. From school yard bullying to gang violence, and from domestic to societal abuse in too many situations, the challenges are significant.

If there is any good news today it is that bullying and interpersonal violence are grabbing the headlines like never before. Schools, families, communities and law enforcement are forced to face these challenges head on. And we're focused on connecting people and communities in ways that empower them to take a stand against bullying and violence.

We're developing a way to leverage the power of the devices that most of us have in our hands, pockets and purses every day. The smart phone is so much more than a phone. It's a recording studio, a GPS locator, a connected communicator and more.

At Adevco, we're developing our first app designed to empower the individual and the community through connections with local, regional and national resources ranging from education to self defense training to urgent services and counseling. Knowing where and how to find the help you need precisely when you need it is one of the key factors in empowering people to enhance their own safety.

The app will provide a fully customizable alert system designed to let those that care about you know when you're safe ... and when you're not. When you're in urgent need of assistance, the app can send a variety messages (phone, text, email) to those you trust (including local law enforcement and/or the community of app users around you) with your identification, contact information, location and more. When your life is on the line, help is only a button push away.

And the app will empower the community of users to play an active role in their own security by providing an anonymous means of taking action through standing up and coming to the aid of someone in need and by documenting and reporting situations of concern.

While we're starting out here at home in New York State's Capital District, our goal is to bring this technology and these resources to communities in need from coast to coast and border to border.

Stay tuned. Or, better yet, step up and contact us through this website or through our facebook page and let us know what you need and what you can contribute.

Because together ... we will make a huge impact.

The Personal Security and Empowerment app that is available in the app stores now is set to change the landscape when it comes to knowledge, training, access to resources and both personal and community empowerment.

We have donated this app to a non-profit organization doing great work in the community. Learn more about them at EmpoweringYouth2Excel.com.