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B.A.C.K. Packets Program Introduced to the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police

On June 30, it was a pleasure to speak to Police Chiefs from across the state of Michigan about the B.A.C.K. Packets Program. (Become a Cheerful Kid) At their 2009 Summer Conference held at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, MI the program was presented during the morning training session. A short presentation on the effects of crisis on a child's thinking was given. The presentation was followed by a humorous story about one child's long-held, but incorrect assumption that a "Neighborhood Crime Watch Sign" was the equivelant of a "Deer Crossing Sign" posted to warn the citizens of the neighborhood that there were criminals in the neighborhood and that they would be crossing the streets where those signs were posted. The story illustrated that often children form incorrect assumptions when faced with a frightening sitaution, and all to often the adults nearby may not learn for years what those assumptions are, yet the assumption affects the child's decisions and behavior for years to come. Such was the case with this young child who would play happily at a freind's house until he became 06-30-09_1032website

aware of a "Neighborhood Crime Watch Sign" and would then call home and ask to be picked up because he felt "unsafe." It was never made clear until years later why he felt unsafe in so many neighborhoods. The presentation concluded with a short DVD summarizing the development of the B.A.C.K. Packets Program. At the conclusion of the presentation, each conference attendee was invited to take home a sampler B.A.C.K. Packet to discuss the opportunity within their own departments regarding equipping their patrol cars with the B.A.C.K. Packets. The program was extremely well received and a quality feedback has been received. If you are a part of a Emergency First Responder Department and would like to have your department receive B.A.C.K. Packets, please contact Rebecca Thomas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The B.A.C.K. Packets are available at no cost to the department as the program is community supported by local businesses, individual donors, civic groups, and volunteers. If you would like to be a supporter of our Michigan R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Program,(Reading Enjoyment Affects Childhood Happiness) please contact Rebecca Thomas at the email address listed above to find out how you can get involved. There are so many opportunities to be involved all over the state in this wonderful program designed to "put a smile on the face of a child in a time of need."

Teresa Roose Celebrates Her Birthday With a Gift of Books for Kids!

When Teresa Roose, a Kindergarten teacher from southern Michigan decided to celebrate her birthday she decided to honor two things that are very important to her: Kids and books. Each invitation asked those who wanted to bring Teresa a gift to instead bring a new copy their favorite children's book. Bring them they did. Teresa collected almost 90 beautiful children's books. When she called me to inquire as to whether With Wings and a Halo-R.E.A.C.H. a Child would take the books it took me about 5 seconds to say "Yes!" I think the angels were working overtime in the coordination department, because it turned out that instead of being in Traverse City, MI that weekend, I was actually downstate within an hour of where Teresa lived. A little more conversation and it got even easier. Turns out that she and her friends were planning a shopping trip and would be passing by only minutes from where my family was camping for the weekend. Wow! The moment I met Teresa, I could see that her love for children was profound. As we unloaded the shopping bags of beautiful new books, I coul see that they were simply irresistable. I almost wanted to sit right down in the parking lot and read all afternoon. I know these books wiil go a long way in putting a smile on the smile of a face of a child at a time of need. Thank you Teresa! You are an inspiration to me, indeed. I hope Teresa's creativity inspires everyone to bless others as they celebrate their own special occasions. If you would like to follow Teresa's example and include a gift to Michigan With Wings and a Halo-R.E.A.C.H. a Child!, we would be very blessed. There is a tremendous need for more books right now as we have many Departments waiting to come on board and be equipped with B.A.C.K. Packets. You may contact Rebecca Thomas at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you may call me at 231-632-4640. I would be thrilled to hear from you and learn about what you are celebrating!

First B.A.C.K. Packets Delivered in Michigan

Ceremony GT1

What a day! The Michigan B.A.C.K. Packets Program kickoff in Traverse City, MI. The enthusiasm for the program was everywhere! We took a few pictures to share. Five Fire Chiefs and the Traverse City Police Department were all on hand to receive their B.A.C.K. Packets for their departments. It was a day to celebrate "First Responders" to the call of Michigan With Wings and a Halo-R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Awards were accepted by the Chiefs (Chief Carroll-Blair Township Emergency Medical Services, Chief Tuller-Traverse City Fire Department, Chief Sedlacek-Grand Traverse Rural Fire Department, Chief Vandermay-Peninsula Fire Dept., and Chief Parker of Grand Traverse Metro) on behalf of the departments for being a part of the inaugural launch of the program in the entire state.