PHOENIX (CBS5) -
One year after the death of her young son, Dr. Dina Shacknai announced a new nonprofit to honor her son and to help children in need.
Shacknai announced the organization, called Maxie's H.O.U.S.E., Monday morning at a news conference. She said it's focused on protecting children in blended households.
Shacknai said Maxie's H.O.U.S.E. provides: Hope, Outreach, Understanding, Safety and Education and is intended to be a resource center serving parents, children, the public, caregivers and lawmakers to ensure the safety of children living in multiple households.
Max Shacknai died last July after falling from the second floor of a mansion on Coronado Island near San Diego, CA.
He was staying with his father, Jonah Shacknai, a prominent Valley businessman, and Jonah's girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau.
Zahau, who was watching Max at the time, was found naked, bound and hanging from a balcony of the home a few days later.
Investigators ruled her death a suicide, but many people still suspect foul play.
Dina Shacknai said at the news conference that she had spoken with her ex-husband about concerns she had with Zahau. She said she did not believe Zahau should care for her child.
Dina Shacknai said the private investigation she launched on her son's death has been completed. Dina Shacknai said the investigation found that her son's death was not accidental but is not releasing the details of the investigation at this time.
Dina Shacknai said she hopes that through the organization, other families won't have to go through the pain she went through.
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Max's mom, Dr. Dina Shacknai announced the non-profit on Monday during a news conference.
