Green Bear Project expands child abuse prevention efforts in Southeast Missouri

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Green Bear Project, a program aimed at preventing child abuse, has expanded its reach in southeast Missouri, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation.

The program, founded by foster mom and pediatric nurse Leasa Stone, teaches children that unwanted touch is not their fault and that there are trusted adults they can turn to.

The program’s name comes from a beloved stuffed animal of a 2-year-old who died at the hands of his biological parents.

With the grant, the Green Bear Project was able to reach more than 29,000 children in southeast Missouri in 2024, an increase of over 3,000 children from the previous year.

The program provides age-appropriate discussions and research-based prevention efforts for children from pre-kindergarten through high school.

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation has approved another $25,000 grant to sustain the program’s progress.

“We saw last year’s grant make a big difference and reach more children,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation.

“We’re impressed with how the organization keeps innovating, including offering short, online abuse trainings that anyone can access at any time.”

The Green Bear Project is part of a year-end round of giving for the O’Reilly Foundation, which awarded $1 million across 35 nonprofits nationwide.