PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER | THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DEFENSE … John Roof speaks to participants during a Keeping Our Girls Safe self-defense class held Tuesday, April 28, at the Delta Police Department.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Keeping Our Girls Safe held a self-defense class Tuesday, April 28, at the Delta Police Department, continuing the organization’s mission of education, advocacy and empowerment.
The class was held in partnership with the Delta Police Department and focused on practical safety information for women.
Nikki Kolasinski, with KOGS, said the Delta class is held annually, though another session may be offered in the fall for community members.
KOGS was founded in 2016 following the death of Sierah Joughin, who was abducted while riding her bicycle and later found to have been murdered.
The organization was founded by Sierah’s mother, Sheila Vaculik, along with the Kolasinski family, longtime loved ones of Sierah, including her boyfriend Josh.
During the Delta class, instructor John Roof reviewed the law of self-defense before leading participants through hands-on training. Kolasinski said participants learned ways to get away from an attacker, including how to break certain holds, respond to attacks from behind or in front, escape a wrist grab and respond to a choking situation.
Also discussed were “Angel in Disguise” safety keychains, created by Kolasinski’s husband, Bob, in remembrance of Sierah.
The keychains are shaped like angel wings and are designed to be carried in the hand as a blunt force multiplier that can help someone create an opportunity to escape.
Kolasinski said KOGS is also working to expand its reach beyond Northwest Ohio through a new “train the trainer” initiative.
The organization hopes to train officers from other police departments, including school resource officers, so they can offer the self-defense class in their own communities and schools.
KOGS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by donations, sponsorships and fundraising events.
According to the organization, its programs have helped provide self-defense training and safety education to more than 3,500 women.