“ You Are Braver Than You Believe; Stronger than You Actually Seem…And Smarter than You Think.” Winnie the Pooh
The innocence of children has to be colored with the realities of today’s world. There is indeed a fine line between educating and alarming kids, and yet, it must be done with finesse, in a way that ultimately provides the necessary tools for living.
Monica Caison, Founder of the CUE Center for Missing Persons based in Wilmington, NC, conceptualized an educational, illustrated activity book known as “Safe and Found: Who Comes to Look for You.” It covers a variety of topics to increase a child’s safety awareness.
This entertaining 23 page book has the potential to engage children from kindergarten through 5th grade and beyond. It accomplishes this through reading, active listening, coloring, doing word games and stimulating discussion.
Since its inception in March of 2013, over 5,700 activity books have been printed and distributed to a variety of agencies and groups in over 28 states.
Introducing Ms. McKinley Lanier – Outstanding Teen!
McKinley Lanier, Miss Wilmington Outstanding Teen
McKinley Lanier won the title and crown of Miss Wilmington Outstanding Teen for 2020-21. As her platform, she chose to partner with Monica Caison and work with the CUE Center focusing on educating children about safety awareness. The reason McKinley chose the “Safe and Found” Program grew from her own personal experience; when she was three years old she became temporarily lost at Disney World.
A brochure was created for McKinley and currently she has promoted the program in 15 schools and spoken to over 500 students in North Carolina about the important information offered in the book.
McKinley’s ultimate goal is to identify a teen representative for the “Safe and Found” Program in all 50 states and to collaborate with CUE’s State Outreach Coordinators for further education and outreach.
“McKinley is inspired by the verse “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 We are so very proud of McKinley, she works hard to share her platform with others.” -Glynis Lanier, McKinley’s mother
A Closer Look
The content of “Safe and Found: Who Comes to Look for You?” includes an explanation of the color blue as a safety color and how it stands out in the wilderness, who/how to trust, and what they will see during a search process. The end of the booklet features games to test a child’s knowledge and recall of the concepts discussed.
The booklet is eye-catching, vividly illustrated by John Santillo, and allows for coloring. The written content was crafted to capture the imagination and comprehension of children by Anita Sullivan whose brother, Michael Austin Davis has been missing since June, 2007 from Jacksonville, FL.
“Safe and Found” is versatile and can be used to teach children at churches, schools, family gatherings, civic groups, junior police academies, and more.
If you would like to assist the CUE Center, or McKinley Lanier with scheduling a presentation, contact:
CUE Center for Missing Persons
P.O. Box 12714
Wilmington, North Carolina 28404
Requests should be addressed Attention: Permission Presentations
Or Email: cuecenter@aol.com
The CUE Center, an all volunteer 501-C3 non-profit organization for the past 26 years, thankfully accepts any and all donations. https://ncmissingpersons.org/donate/