The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation.

TV Appearances .

See Matthew Barbis as he speaks about the Safety Awareness program on
Channel 12 News, WLNY TV 55 and Telecare TV 29.

View Video Appearances

Radio Interview .

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November 2008

The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation is proud to announce that The Stranger Safety Program, in conjunction with The Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, has made 233 presentations; we've seen over 31,955 children; we are in 28 school districts, 31 private institutions, 5 Chambers of Commerce and 1 United States Military Base!

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WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation's goal is to spread it's message to all elementary-aged children across NY.

Please contact us at (631) 234-4667 A.S.A.P. to schedule a free program in your child's elementary school!

The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation was founded by Matthew J. Barbis when his 11 year-old cousin, Carlie Brucia was abducted and murdered in Sarasota, Florida in 2004. The Foundation's goal is to reduce the number of child abductions in America by educating and empowering young minds with the knowledge necessary to avoid abduction.

Utilizing puppets and simple self-defense techniques, the foundation visits elementary schools on a regular basis and performs the Stranger Safety Program, free of charge. The Stranger Safety Program is a joint effort with The Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. Upon the creation of the concept, Good Sam partnered with Matthew Barbis to develop the program and introduce it into the local community.

Since its inception, the Stranger Safety Program has been welcomed into the community with open arms. "Carlie's abduction really changed the way I live my life. To watch my family suffer as it has prompted me to take action and help other children in America", says Matthew Barbis. "Carlie's abduction was highly publicized and now stands as a call to action for families and individuals everywhere to stand up to child predators!"

The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation derives its name from Rose A. Brucia, Matthew Barbis' grandmother. "She was truly a living symbol of unconditional love and I feel it is only fitting to honor her memory with the foundation's very worthy mission", says Matt.

The Board Of Directors

Matthew J. Barbis (Chairman & President)– Matthew is the cousin of Carlie Brucia and the founder of The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation. He personally instructs the stranger safety program and presents the self-defense demonstration. Matt’s goal is to spread the work of the foundation to a national status and teach children everywhere about how to stay safe. Matthew also owns Matthew Barbis & Co. and is a retirement investment specialist.

Gina M. Barbis (Vice President)– Gina is also Carlie’s cousin and sits on the Board to provide educational guidance to her brother Matthew. Gina is a NY Certified Teacher in Brentwood School District on Long Island. She has dual certification for special education and is a math & technology consultant.

Marie Kaminek (Treasurer)- Marie is a former NY English teacher from Roosevelt and Seaford school districts. She currently resides in PA where she is President & CEO of her business, Kaminek Nursery, Inc. and sat on the Newberry Township Planning Commission for 11 years and the Newberry Business Association for 19 years. Marie brings her extensive knowledge to the board with fresh ideas for planning and implementation.

Ron Barbis- Ron is a printing & design consultant for RPB Printing Solutions. Ron has over 40 years of experience in the business world and oversees the coordination of events for the Foundation. Ron personally instructs the stranger safety program and self-defense demonstration.

Michael P. Gagliardi - Michael is a NY Certified Teacher in the Brentwood School District on Long Island. He is dually certified in special Education and Elementary Education.

Brian Simonetti – Brian provides his expertise in accounting for the benefit of the board. He has over 10 years experience dealing with nonprofit organizations. Brian is a Certified Public Accountant and is a partner in Ross Strent & Company, LLP, a CPA firm in Roslyn Heights, Long Island, NY.

Frank S. DeRuvo - Frank is one of the original members of the Stranger Safety Program. He is a payroll sales rep for Certified Payroll. Frank regularly stars in self-defense portion of the show as the resident "stranger".

Robert M. Chierichella - Rob is NY Certified Math Teacher in Sachem School District. Rob personally instructs the stranger safety program.

Patrick Chierichella - Pat is a retired science teacher from Sachem School district. Pat brings his extensive knowledge of curriculum writing to the foundation in an effort to expand the content of the stranger safety program.

Joseph M. Schwan - Joe is a Certified Public Accountant in Ronkonkoma, NY. Joe has been a major donor to the foundation, enabling the stranger safety program to develop to its next level; a national DVD program.

Christopher J. Twomley - CJ is a Human Resource Manager. CJ has written all human resource documents for the foundation and sits on the board to oversee proper implementation.

Faithful Volunteers: Without the dedication of the following individuals, we would be unable to continue our free presentations on a regular basis!

Bridget Bendjy

Meghan Bourke

Sgt. Jeffrey J. DeRosa

Patti DiMenna

Jane Fritz

Dominique Grasso

Renee Grasso

Jillian Meyerricks

Anthony Rosamilia

Marc Rosamilia

Jennifer Sarnicola

Matthew Sigault

James G. Valentine, Jr.

Sean T. Wall

Trisha Zuvich