JACKSON, MO – It’s a startling statistic: Child molesters typically abuse 117 children before they’re caught. One community organization is fighting back, equipping children with the powerful message that an unwanted touch isn’t their fault, and they should tell a trusted adult.
The Green Bear Project, a program sponsored by Southeast Missouri Networks Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV), has delivered that message and other age-appropriate abuse prevention education to more than 23,000 young people in the last school year.
Foster mom and pediatric nurse Leasa Stone founded the program after the tragic death of a 2-year old at the hands of his biological parents. The program is named after the child’s beloved stuffed animal. The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc., the philanthropy arm of O’Reilly Auto Parts, is once again contributing to the organization’s work, with a grant of $30,000. The foundation’s gifts since 2022 now total $90,000.
“Each year, The Green Bear Project reaches more children and adults to remove the stigma of shame surrounding sexual abuse, encouraging more people to come forward to stop it,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. “They’re creating a safer world for children, and we’re so pleased to provide support.”
The Green Bear Project programs reach children from pre-kindergarten through high school, with age-appropriate discussions and research-based prevention efforts. For younger kids, there’s a puppet show starring Green Bear himself. Teens get advice on sexual harassment, online safety, and healthy relationships. There are also community programs available so mandated reporters and parents/concerned citizens can get the necessary training to spot the warning signs of child abuse.
“Demand for the program continues to grow,” says Founder and Coordinator, Leasa Stone. “We’ve tried to meet that demand with the addition of our Wild About Self-Esteem classes during testing week and summer school/break. Next on the map is forming our Protecting Kids Community Coalitions in the counties we serve, trying to work with other organizations to prevent abuse. The work is never done.”
The Green Bear Project’s grant is part of a year-end round of giving for the O’Reilly Foundation, which awarded nearly $1.5 million across 50 nonprofits nationwide. It’s the largest distribution of funds from the foundation since its founding in 2020. If you’d like to see the Green Bear Project offered at your school, please contact Leasa Stone at lstone@semonasv.org. For more information about The Green Bear Program or to support the program via a donation, please visit www.greenbearmo.org, or for more information about SEMONASV, please visit www.semonasv.org. If you have or are experiencing sexual violence, you can call SEMO-NASV’s 24-hour crisis hotline at (877) 820-6278.
About O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc. The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as a dependable community partner, supporting organizations and programs that address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. The Foundation concentrates its giving in the areas of economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services and disaster relief.
About O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. Since 1957, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has grown from a family-owned company to a leader in the automotive replacement parts industry. It supplies equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. With more than 6,500 store locations and growing, the O’Reilly Professional Parts People deliver excellent customer service, knowledge and value to the communities they serve.