The Green Bear Project

The Green Bear Project was created in memory of Baby Ty, a two year old toddler who was tragically killed only three months after returning to his biological family from foster care. Baby Ty’s favorite toy while he was in foster care was a little stuffed green bear he affectionately called “Green Bear.” Just as Green Bear gave baby Ty comfort when he was scared or frightened, we want to comfort and care for children through our organization.

The Green Bear Project has many programs available for concerned adults, professionals, and children pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Funding for these programs is provided by SEMO-NASV, private donations, and grants. We provide child abuse prevention education programs to the following counties: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott, and Stoddard. All programs are available for FREE.

Programs include:

Download a copy of our promotional brochure HERE.

Learn more about all our programs from our recent Lunch & Learn event:

Elementary School Program

The Green Bear Program is a 30-minute program created for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade which teaches students body safety as well as well as primary child abuse prevention strategies. Caregivers are encouraged to attend this program with their children so they can reiterate what children learn in class at home.

Our very simple message covers 3 main topics:

  • Definition. We explain body safety in a developmentally appropriate manner. “Our bodies are private. No one should hug you, kiss you, or touch you where you do not want to be hugged, kissed or touched.” We go on to explain, usually we are talking about the part of your body your swimsuit covers, and discuss exceptions to this rule. It is emphasized if a child is touched where they should not be touched it is NEVER the child’s fault.
  • Deterrents. Prevention efforts are discussed such as secrets vs. surprises, preventing abduction situations, online and outside safety.
  • Disclosure. Children learn about grownups they can tell at home, in their school or in the community. We emphasize to children if the first grownup they tell doesn’t HELP them, keep telling different adults until someone does help.

Children are taught if they are touched where they should not be touched, they will have many different feelings. Any feeling they have is fine. Counselors can help them understand and deal with the different feelings they are having. We emphasize to children if they are touched where they should not be touched, it is NEVER the child’s fault.

  • Pre-Kindergarten – Third Grade: Students participate in a puppet show with Green Bear or his sister, Tiffy Bear. Older children will learn through story books about animal characters who were touched where they should not be touched and how they received help from adults.
  • Fourth and Fifth Grade: Instead of puppet shows and story books, these children learn through “Fun” books. Students participate in and complete word games and competitions to learn about body safety and prevention efforts.
  • Wild About Self-Esteem is a fun, developmentally-appropriate program for elementary students that helps kids discover their strengths, build confidence, and practice positive self-talk.
  • Through interactive stories, activities, crafts, and a special visit from our friendly mascot, Green Bear, students learn to value themselves, respect others, and develop important social and emotional skills. The program encourages kindness, determination, and an appreciation for each child’s unique strengths.
  • Wild About Self-Esteem lays the foundation for emotional well-being, strong friendships, and a positive sense of self.
  • For questions, or more information, contact lstone@semonasv.org.

    The Green Bear Project’s Wild About Self-Esteem was created for PK–4th grade students. Class time is 40 minutes and includes:

    • Storytime – engaging, theme-based books.
    • Green Bear Show – bringing lessons to life.
    • Craft and movement activities relating to topics.

    Prevention Specialists ensure sessions are interactive, fun, and meaningful, helping students build confidence, recognize their strengths, and practice kindness.

    By participating in Wild About Self-Esteem curriculum, children strengthen their sense of self-worth, build meaningful friendships, and lay a foundation for long-term emotional well-being. This program is not just fun—it’s a step toward helping every child feel proud, capable, and ready to thrive.

    • All classes are provided free of charge to our participating counties – Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott, and Stoddard.
    • These classes can be scheduled throughout the spring/summer months. To schedule a class, please contact us at the information listed below.

Middle School and Junior High Programs

According to RSMo 170.045, all schools are now required by law to provide a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training to students in 6th – 12th grades. Our programs will provide students with the knowledge and tools to recognize sexual abuse, report an incidence of sexual abuse, and actions a student could take to obtain assistance and intervention. Students are also provided with available resources they can utilize if they are affected by sexual abuse.

Each student in our program is provided a HELP card. One side of the card provides the students with grownups they can give the card to for help, the other side provides grownups with prompts on ways to help the student. Students are also instructed on the following topics, by developmental level.

  • S.A.F.E. Guide to Growing Up. Sixth grade students learn how to foster healthy relationships by treating others other with respect. Students are instructed on how to help a friend who has been sexually abused as well as how to stay safe online. Students are provided with additional knowledge regarding online safety and how to stay S.A.F.E. in predating relationships:
    • S – Say what you mean
    • A – Avoid secluded places
    • F – Forget alcohol and drugs
    • E – Encourage group outings
  • S.A.F.E. Guide to Healthy Relationships. Our 7th and 8th grade students are introduced to the definition of sexual harassment and what to do if it occurs. Seventh and eighth grade students learn how to foster healthy “romantic” relationships and how to exit relationships that are not safe. To stay S.A.F.E. in relationships students learn to:
    • S – Say what you mean
    • A – Avoid pressuring partners
    • F – Forget alcohol and drugs
    • E – Effectively communicate

We emphasize in all of our students classes if they are sexually abused, assaulted, or harassed, it is NEVER their fault!

Wild Minds – Strong Hearts is an engaging program for 6th – 8th grade students that helps teens recognize their strengths, boost confidence, and develop healthy ways of thinking about themselves.

Through discussions, interactive activities, and real-life scenarios, students explore topics like managing negative thoughts, handling peer pressure, and reaching out for support when challenges arise. The program emphasizes self-respect, resilience, and the importance of building positive connections with others.

Wild Minds – Strong Hearts empowers students to grow their self-esteem, navigate social and emotional challenges, and strengthen the foundation for emotional well-being.

Each session of the Wild Minds, Strong Hearts series lasts approximately 40 minutes and is designed to be engaging, interactive, and developmentally-appropriate for 5th–8th grade students.

Students use activity books and pages to reinforce the lessons learned in each segment, while participating in hands-on games, interactive scenarios, and discussion exercises that help them build confidence, recognize their strengths, and practice positive decision-making.

Although Green Bear does not make in-person visits for these grades, the program keeps students fully involved through immersive activities that promote self-esteem, empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

Wild Minds, Strong Hearts encourages students to be bold, confident, and kind; equiping students with tools to navigate challenges, support their peers, and celebrate what makes them one-of-a-kind—helping them grow into confident, safe, and capable young adults.

  • All classes are provided free of charge to our coverage counties – Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott, and Stoddard.

High School Programs

  • S.A.F.E. Guide to Dating. Students in 9th and 10th grade are introduced to the meaning of sexual assault and what to do if sexual assault occurs. We also review how to help a friend who has been sexually abused/assaulted. Sexual harassment is introduced to students as well as steps to take if a student is sexually harassed at school. Students learn to stay S.A.F.E. when dating:
    • S – Say what you mean
    • A – Avoid pressuring partners
    • F – Forget alcohol and drugs
    • E – Establishing consent
  • Surviving the Dating Game. This program for 11th and 12th grade students is preparing them for dating as adults. Students learn about risk reduction strategies they can utilize when dating to reduce the chances of being sexually assaulted. Students learn how to set healthy boundaries in relationships, establishing consent and party safety. Students are introduced to the Power and Control wheel which discusses tactics abusers use to obtain power and control over their partners and learn how to safely exit these dangerous relationships. Online safety is once again emphasized to these older students as well as how to stay S.A.F.E. on preliminary or first dates:
    • S – Set expectations
    • A – Agree to be respectful
    • F – Forget alcohol and drugs
    • E – Enforce consent

We emphasize in all of our students classes if they are sexually abused, assaulted, or harassed, it is NEVER their fault!

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