Powerful letter from Police Chief Saundra Rhodes, below. As the founder and CEO of Team Kids, I have witnessed countless acts of quiet compassion throughout my 14 years of partnership with law enforcement as we work to protect and empower kids. One incredible officer spent her own money to anonymously buy bikes and helmets for young sisters living in a domestic violence shelter, because she overheard one girl say Santa was bringing them bikes. We all knew the family was not in any position to deliver on this innocent and hopeful Christmas wish. The officer only asked that no one knew she purchased them, and then she had them delivered and made sure all credit went to the big guy in red. The girls were surprised and elated knowing they werent forgotten during such a challenging year. After working with a teenager who ended up in minor trouble with the law, a deputy police chief wrote a personal check for hundreds of dollars to get the young mans car out of a tow yard, so he didnt lose his job. We worked together with this young man on a contract to help him get on the right path, and even attended his juvenile court appearances to ensure he didnt get lost in the system. This cop took time to discuss the contract, which included discussions of the young mans goals, how to achieve them and an offer to remain as a mentor. Then the deputy chief said he didnt want any monetary repayment for the gift. He just asked that this young man would commit to pay it forward someday when he saw someone in who needed a helping hand. Recent events have created such a drastic and tragic divide among people, and I cant imagine that anyone is happy with the current conditions. I believe, people truly want the same thing... a safe community for all, regardless of color, gender, or orientation, for our citizens, children, and our cops. I am confident that through all this tragedy and conflict that strategies will be defined to strengthen communities with trust between our citizens and those who are sworn to protect. - Julie Hudash Founder, CEO, Team Kids
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 18:00:18 +0000
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