Unity in the Community Puts Fort Pierce Families in Touch with Local Resources

MIAMI – Staff from the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section (LEC/COS) and Veronica Harrell-James of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida recently participated in the 5^th Annual Unity in the Community at Fort Pierce Recreation Center in Fort Pierce, Fla.

Orchestrated by the Fort Pierce Police Department, nearly 70 vendors filled the recreation center’s gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist the hundreds of families in attendance. Vendors included support groups, grief counseling, food banks, educational opportunities, and legal services to name a few.

In addition to the gymnasium activity, families also were entertained outside with live music and police K-9 exercises. 

Parents and children also were able to interact with a multitude of law enforcement personnel from FPPD. Interaction between law enforcement and the community is critical in developing positive relationships.

Most of the participating children came from summer camps and daycare, or community members who wanted their kids to participate.

LEC/COS staff manned a booth where they distributed more than 200 children’s books to local kids. They provided financial fraud prevention information to the parents.

“How old are you?” Re-entry & Community Outreach Specialist Keisha Bazile asked a young boy who had approached the table in search of a book. “Oh, you’re 7? You might enjoy this one. Grab whatever you like.”

High on the priority list for LEC/COS is early childhood literacy and these events are perfect opportunities to encourage kids to read more. 

“Depending on where they live, some children may not have access to a library, so we like to give them books to foster a love of reading,” said Bazile. “If they learn to love reading at an early age, their chance of future success goes up significantly.”

According to national data, children not reading at grade level by fourth grade tend to struggle with reading and are likely to drop out of school.

In addition to events like Unity in the Community, LEC/COS staff regularly conduct readings for pre-K children at area schools.

“We look forward to these events and appreciate the Fort Pierce Police Department for putting this one together,” said LEC/COS Chief J.D. Smith. “It allows us the opportunity to serve vulnerable populations in our district. That is and always will be our main focus.”

Anyone interested in donating children’s books may do so by emailing U.S. Attorney’s Office staff at usafls.vrp@usdoj.gov or by calling (305) 961-9134.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Re-entry & Community Outreach Specialist Keisha Bazile and Community Liaison Specialist Audrey Charles distribute children’s books to kids in the Fort Pierce, Fla., area in an effort to get them interested in reading.

Nearly 70 vendors brought their services and information to Fort Pierce, Fla., area families during the recent Unity in the Community. From live music and K-9 exercises to family assistance and books and prizes for children, this event had something for parents and kids alike.

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