Self-defense course comes to Marshall

A little girl had separated from her class during a museum field trip. She was not in danger but remembered this phrase from her self-defense training.

Sarah Fuehring, executive director of Power Up, told the story at the Saline County InterAgency Council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 24. It reiterated how natural -- or perhaps engrained -- the training becomes.

Power Up focuses on repetition, which is how techniques become more habitual. Though the girl wasn't in danger, her training helped her remain calm and have the self-confidence she needed to find help. Adults flocked to her at the sound of her yells and reunited her with the class.

Fuehring is a certified trainer under the nationally recognized Rape Aggression Defense System program. She founded Power Up to empower women and young women.

"Any one who takes this class will learn how to use their voice," Fuehring said.

She has offered the 12-hour course statewide, and will soon be back in Marshall. It runs from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.

Ninety percent of self-defense education relies on risk awareness, reduction, recognition and avoidance. Instructors teach offensive and defensive postures and help students develop a defensive mindset.

"I am privileged to be an instructor for this program," Fuehring said. "I would not be if I didn't believe in it 110 percent."

She is currently developing a RAD Kids program for children ages three and a half to 12 years old.

The course offered in September is available for females over the age of 12.

"We've had women up to 79 years old," Fuehring said.

Registration forms can be found at Saline County Sheriff's Department. The course will be held in the Ferguson Center at Missouri Valley College. The fee remains at $25 and, once registered, students can participate in future courses free of charge. Fuehring recommends early registration as the class can only accept 20-24 students.

The InterAgency Council currently has $621.10 in its operating budget. Holiday Project organizers will serve coffee and donuts to raise funds and awareness at the Chamber of Commerce table during Santa Fe Trail Days Sept. 11 from 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Council member updates included:

Lighthouse Shelter
"Hope" has served 29 families this year, not including those individuals living in the shelter or aided by outreach projects.

The organization will host "Helping Handbags" from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 in the R. Wilson Brown Room at Missouri Valley College. This silent auction boasts gift bags put together by area sponsors, such as a Vikings insulated tote bag filled with banners, koozies and T-shirts among other items.

The shelter is hoping to receive 40-50 bags for the auction from area organizations. Plan to attend and bid, or help sponsor a bag. All proceeds benefit the Lighthouse Shelter.

Marshall Senior Center
The center will host Art Under the Stars Sept. 30 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Artists will set up in the parking lot; several spaces are still available. Those participating will give a percentage of their proceeds to the senior center.

Foster Grandparent Program
A foster grandparent breakfast is scheduled for Sept. 18 from 7-9:30 a.m. at Bloomfield's Family Restaurant. Cost is $5 per plate for an all-you-can-eat breakfast, and proceeds to toward the Foster Grandparent Program.

Center for Human Services
There is support for those who have children with Autism, ADHD, mental retardation and learning disabilities. The Saline County office is located on the third floor of Marshall Habilitation Center. The organization offers assistance for parents who don't know where to turn.

Ministerial Alliance
The organization has been working with a woman who is raising three grandchildren. She is in need of a refrigerator, stove and furniture. The organization recently received a donation to purchase and air conditioning unit for her home. Any help is encouraged.

MVCAA
Show Me Social Justice International Film Festival is scheduled Sept. 9-12 in Warrensburg. The organization wants to create awareness of poverty. There will be food and wine tasting, an artist showcase and a final award ceremony. Find tickets online at www.showmefilmfest.org.

New Directions will meet at Fitzgibbon Hospital at 11 a.m. Sept. 8. Agencies work with MVCAA to meet the needs of area families. All agencies are welcome to attend and to refer a family that may be in need.

Salt Fork YMCA
The Y will be using a new body mass index indicator called In Body. It's a demo that the organization will have for 30 days. The machine can calculate total body fat percentage as well as target specific areas of the body.

Gently used backpacks and shoes continue to be collected and the Y is also a food drop off for the Food Pantry.

Missouri Parents Act Presents will present two programs Oct. 7: Is Your Child a Target of Bullying from 1-4 p.m. and Understanding ADHD from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling MPACT at 800-743-7634 or visiting www.ptimpact.org.

Contact Sarah Reed at sreed@marshallnews.com