May 14, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – At one of the last HERizon meetings of the 2025-2026 school year, participants received a lesson on all thing’s car maintenance and safety thanks to Bob “the Bike Guy” Charland.

Charland, who works for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office in the Triad Division, provided a hands-on lesson for the group of young high-school aged women by utilizing a real car to demonstrate proper services on.

Some of those services were minor, such as adding windshield wiper fluid or replacing the wiper itself, while others were more complex, such as how to use a car jack and replace a tire.

Halie Matthew, Community Safety & Outreach specialist and HERizon leader, said a car workshop was heavily requested by the HERizon girls during a prior listening workshop.

“Basic car care and mechanics are not something that is typically taught to females, especially young women,” she said. “High school is a time where these girls are first getting on the road, and it’s important we give them the tools to be safe and confident on the road.”

“It’s so important for young women to be educated on car basics and maintenance,” Charland said after the meeting. “This way, they don’t have to always depend on the men in their lives, or risk getting scammed from local auto agencies.

“It’s empowering for them to know how to check their oil, air filters, change a tire, jump a car, and so on,” he added. “These are the things that aren’t always taught to young girls, so I was grateful to be able to come by and run the workshop.”

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said, “We are grateful to Bob Charland for taking the time to speak with our HERizon girls about car maintenance and safety, sharing valuable knowledge that will empower them with confidence, independence, and the importance of being prepared on the road.”

The HERizon program will soon wrap up its inaugural year.

HERizon, which launched at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, was created by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office as a leadership and empowerment program for young women across Hampden County. The initiative aims to equip participants with tools, confidence, and community to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with purpose.

For those interested in becoming part of the program next year or for more information, contact Halie Matthew at halie.matthew@mass.gov.