TOLEDO (WTOL) - After tragedy occurs, it seems one of two things often happens with families in the wake of devastating heartbreak.
The family left behind either cripples and never quite repairs, or the family pulls together to build something new out of tragic circumstances.
That's true for the family, friends, and supporters of Sierah Joughin.
Twenty-year-old Sierah was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in July 2016 by repeat, violent offender James Worley in Fulton County.
Worley is behind bars for Sierah's capture and murder.
Since that day, many people have been behind the scenes working to keep Sierah’s memory alive -- whether it be a 5K in her name, a self-defense class or successfully getting state legislation improved for everyone’s safety.
Just last week, a new website https://justiceforsierah.org/ was launched.
According to Sierah’s aunt Tara Ice, the website has “anything to do with Sierah.” Ice said it was important to have pictures of Sierah throughout the website, to share her spirit with those who visit.
The new website gives information on Sierah’s Law, which notifies people about area violent offenders living in their communities. Ice has more aspirations to grow Sierah’s legacy telling WTOL, her “ultimate goal” is to have Sierah’s law represented in other states than just here in Ohio.
The website also has information up on The Spirit of Sierah Run, a 5K race in October, which currently has race registration open for runners and walkers.
Also, the site features the Sierah Strong Program, which is designed to give young children and teens self-defense lessons.
Just this past week, a group of local children learned all about self-defense through the Sierah Strong Program. According to the site, the program empowers youth by providing self-awareness and self-defense techniques with the Finding F.O.C.U.S. class (Foundations Of Confidence Under Stress).
The Finding F.O.C.U.S. class is taught by Amanda Kaufman of Advancing Karate, Ltd. She is a fourth-degree black belt and self-defense instructor.
Each child who attends the program receives a KidPrint ID – a laminated card that features the child’s photo, vital statistics such as height, weight, and hair color along with a fingerprint to find a missing child. Classes are currently held at Luxe Laser in Maumee, Ohio.
The next self-defense group for kids ages 6 to 15-years-old is May 19 in Maumee.
