Our History:
On July 19, 2016, Sierah “Ce” Joughin went for a bicycle ride in rural northwest Ohio. Tragically, she was abducted less than 500 feet from her home and later found to have been murdered by a previously convicted violent offender.
In response to this unimaginable loss, Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS) was founded later that year by Sierah’s mother, Sheila Vaculik, along with the Kolasinski family—longtime loved ones of Sierah, including her boyfriend Josh. KOGS was created to honor Sierah’s life and legacy through advocacy, education, and empowerment, with a mission to prevent violence against women and promote community safety.
Our Beginnings:
One of the first initiatives launched by KOGS was the Memorial Motorcycle Ride, organized by the Kolasinski family in 2016. This annual event quickly became one of the largest motorcycle rides in Northwest Ohio and served as a key fundraiser supporting free self-defense classes for women. These rides continued successfully through 2022, helping to lay the groundwork for our expanding mission.
Expanding Our Impact:
In 2021, KOGS launched a new initiative called Honoring Good Deeds, a program designed specifically for first responders. This peer mentorship initiative provides a safe and supportive space for first responders to share experiences, navigate challenges, and support one another through difficult situations.
In 2023, KOGS introduced Purse Bingo, a fun and engaging fundraiser aimed at reaching a broader audience. The event was met with overwhelming community support and is now an annual tradition. Throughout the year, KOGS also participates in smaller fundraising activities, including advocacy booths at local events like the Fulton County Fair.
Fulfilling Our Mission:
Thanks to community support, KOGS has been able to offer free personal self-defense classes focused on women’s safety, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. To date, we have empowered more than 3,500 women with life-saving knowledge and skills. We also support other nonprofit organizations that share our mission and values.
Join Us:
KOGS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies entirely on community donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events to support our work. Your support allows us to continue honoring Sierah’s legacy while creating a safer, stronger community.
We invite you to stand with us—through donations, participation, or sponsorship—to help ensure no family has to endure a loss like ours.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Co-Founders
Bob & Nikki Kolasinski
Mary Kolasinski-Troutman
Sheila Vaculik
On July 19, 2016, Sierah “Ce” Joughin went for a bicycle ride in rural northwest Ohio. Tragically, she was abducted less than 500 feet from her home and later found to have been murdered by a previously convicted violent offender.
In response to this unimaginable loss, Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS) was founded later that year by Sierah’s mother, Sheila Vaculik, along with the Kolasinski family—longtime loved ones of Sierah, including her boyfriend Josh. KOGS was created to honor Sierah’s life and legacy through advocacy, education, and empowerment, with a mission to prevent violence against women and promote community safety.
Our Beginnings:
One of the first initiatives launched by KOGS was the Memorial Motorcycle Ride, organized by the Kolasinski family in 2016. This annual event quickly became one of the largest motorcycle rides in Northwest Ohio and served as a key fundraiser supporting free self-defense classes for women. These rides continued successfully through 2022, helping to lay the groundwork for our expanding mission.
Expanding Our Impact:
In 2021, KOGS launched a new initiative called Honoring Good Deeds, a program designed specifically for first responders. This peer mentorship initiative provides a safe and supportive space for first responders to share experiences, navigate challenges, and support one another through difficult situations.
In 2023, KOGS introduced Purse Bingo, a fun and engaging fundraiser aimed at reaching a broader audience. The event was met with overwhelming community support and is now an annual tradition. Throughout the year, KOGS also participates in smaller fundraising activities, including advocacy booths at local events like the Fulton County Fair.
Fulfilling Our Mission:
Thanks to community support, KOGS has been able to offer free personal self-defense classes focused on women’s safety, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. To date, we have empowered more than 3,500 women with life-saving knowledge and skills. We also support other nonprofit organizations that share our mission and values.
Join Us:
KOGS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies entirely on community donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events to support our work. Your support allows us to continue honoring Sierah’s legacy while creating a safer, stronger community.
We invite you to stand with us—through donations, participation, or sponsorship—to help ensure no family has to endure a loss like ours.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Co-Founders
Bob & Nikki Kolasinski
Mary Kolasinski-Troutman
Sheila Vaculik
KOGS - Keeping Our Girls Safe is a recognized incorporated non-profit 501(c)(3) organization - this makes any donation tax deductible according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Contact us:
Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS)
P.O. Box 32
Lyons, Ohio 43533
[email protected]
non-profit 501c3, charity -- EIN 81-3570773
Contact us:
Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS)
P.O. Box 32
Lyons, Ohio 43533
[email protected]
non-profit 501c3, charity -- EIN 81-3570773
MISSION OF KEEPING OUR GIRLS SAFE
To advocate for the elimination of violence against women by fostering empowerment, delivering comprehensive education, and equipping women with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize their strength and protect themselves from unforeseen violent threats.
To advocate for the elimination of violence against women by fostering empowerment, delivering comprehensive education, and equipping women with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize their strength and protect themselves from unforeseen violent threats.
