Local man starting organization to protect children in St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A local individual has started a non-profit organization that is looking to protect children in St. Joseph.

Mark Jones has started the POP-SICLE CSST, which stands for Pops On Pedophiles - Security Inforcement for Children Living Everywhere, is now starting up and looking to work with local law enforcement and the community in order to keep children safe.

He is the founder and CEO and he himself is a victim of sexual assault from when he was six years old. He now sees it as his duty to prevent this from happening to any other child.

"This is not my organization, it is St. Joseph's," Jones said. "I'm here to facilitate whatever needs to be taken care of to make sure our children are safe in this city. Now that I'm older, I see that I have a responsibility to the children."

Jones wants to get his organization up and running, but is turning to the community for help.

"We want to get this up and moving in the next 45 days," Jones said. "We're going to need the people's support. The corporation is going to need the support from the people because the corporation is going to support the people."

If you would like more information on this organization, they are hosting a fundraiser in front of the old Kmart on North Belt Highway on Saturday, Aug. 8.