Molly Bish

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The mission of the Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety is to ensure the health and safety of all children in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To meet this mission, the Institute provides hands-on, practical learning opportunities for parents, caregivers and children, and provides a clearinghouse of child health and safety information.

MOLLY BISH INSTITUTE FOR CHILD HEALTH & SAFETY OFFERS r.a.d.KIDS TRAINING

The Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety is currently hosting two r.a.dKIDS training programs in the Elm Street area, in partnership with the Twin Cities Latino Coalition, MWCC Campus Police and the Elm Street Church. Over 30 kids enrolled for this hands-on training on how to protect themselves better. The Elm Street area has had two attempted abductions less than a month ago emphasizing the need for this training in the area.

The kids participating in the program have walked away with tangible solutions they will be able to use in possibly harmful situations. One of the parents told Andrea Hart de Gravelle, Coordinator of Civic Engagement, that time and time again, their children are frightened of law enforcement; because when they come into their neighborhoods, it is usually for bad reasons. The beauty of the Molly Bish r.a.d.KIDS program at Mount Wachusett is that MWCC Campus Police officers are able to reinforce to the children that law enforcement is there to help and not hurt them. This was extremely powerful for the parents and children to experience.

The r.a.d. KIDS curriculum topics include:

* Home, school and vehicle safety
* Out-and-about safety
* Realistic defense against abduction
* Good-bad-uncomfortable touch and more
* Stranger tricks (including physical defense against abduction)
* Self-realization of personal power

Ms. Hart de Gravelle stated, after speaking to some of the parents of kids participating in the trainings, "They were so thankful. This has meant a great deal to them."