Connecting for Kids Receives $500 Grant from Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Club for Wandering Safety Kits

Connecting for Kids has received a $500 grant from the Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Club to provide 20 Wandering Safety Kits to help area families protect their children from the dangers of wandering.

“Research suggests that more than half of all children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and many more children with other diagnoses, including Down syndrome, anxiety, ADHD and intellectual disabilities, engage in wandering behaviors,” said Sarah Rintamaki, Executive Director of Connecting for Kids. “Among special needs families there is a huge concern for safety, especially after the tragic consequences of wandering we have seen.”

This Safety Kit includes GE door/window alarms, an ID bracelet, four laminated stop sign visuals and a S.T.O.P. (Supervise - Teach - Organize - Protect) wandering quick guide with tips and information.

“When Connecting for Kids began handing out these kits so many families requested one that we ran out and had to turn people away,” said Andrew Mangels, Executive Director of the Westlake Porter Public Library and Board President of Connecting for Kids. “This generous grant from the Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Club will allow us to provide free kits to 20 additional families.”

About Connecting for Kids

Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.

For more information about Connecting for Kids, visit connectingforkids.org/register, or email: info@connectingforkids.org or call: 440-250-5563