Smart Kids R Safe Kids Program – Wesley's Way Foundation

5/2/23 Update:

Since May is National Water Safety Month, we wanted to provide an update to the “Smart Kids R Safe Kids” program we recently supported in the Outer Banks. Over 150 Go Bags have been distributed to students in OBX so far, with each bag containing items such as a flashlight, whistle, ICE contact card, an emergency checklist, and more.

When one of the teachers was asked if she thought her students would remember the beach safety rules included as part of the program, she said “Yes! They were absolutely completely engaged in the video! It was on their level and they were paying close attention. The LOVED all the awesome goodies in the goody bag! We thank you so very much for including us in this project!!!”

Please remember to take a few minutes to make sure you are prepared for an emergency because you never know when one may occur. Stay safe everyone!

October 20, 2022

Wesley’s Way Foundation has donated funds to support Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ Smart Kids R Safe Kids program. The program was rolled out in Dare County Elementary Schools last year and designed to raise awareness about water and hurricane safety. Initially, funds to support the program were received through a NC Eastern Preparedness Region Bright Ideas Grant award.

Denise Beaurivage (left) of Wesley’s Way Foundation traveled to Dare County this week to present a check to Greta Sharp (center) Preparedness Coordinator and Kelly Nettnin (right) Health Education & Outreach Supervisor with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services.

“The funds we received for Smart Kids R Safe Kids were non-recurring,” commented Greta Sharp, Preparedness Coordinator with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services. “Our team was looking for opportunities to continue the program and had come to the conclusion that we would not be able to continue to provide the Emergency Go Bags. Then, Drew Pearson, Dare County Emergency Management Director, connected me with Wesley’s Way Foundation. Their generous donation will allow us to purchase and distribute Emergency Go Bags for all first grade students in Dare County Schools.”

Denise Beaurivage, treasurer for Wesley’s Way Foundation, traveled from New Hampshire this past week to present a check at Dare County Department of Health & Human Services to fund Smart Kids R Safe Kids.

“When we started Wesley’s Way Foundation, one of our main goals was to focus on water safety education and to find activities that promote water safety, especially near the ocean. For the past four years, the foundation has been looking to assist with projects that we believe will have an impact in our communities, and we were lucky to have come in contact with Greta Sharp and the rest of the team at Dare County,” commented Beaurivage.

Wesley’s Way Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It was developed in 2018 in honor of four-year old Wesley Ryan Belisle, who was on vacation in Dare County when a wave swept him out to sea. The foundation supports projects in Dare County and Manchester that promote water safety, literacy, education, community assistance for children, and access to parks and playgrounds.

For more information on Smart Kids R Safe Kids, please visit www.darenc.com/safekids or contact Greta Sharp, Preparedness Coordinator with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services at 252.475.5073 or greta.sharp@darenc.com.