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Marie Pierre, a Direct Support Professional at Lenox Ave Day Habilitation (day hab), wanted to do something to show the people she supports that good still exists in the world – especially after the tumultuous, racially charged year of 2020.
The day hab had a soft reopening last July after the pandemic forced the center to close in March last year. Pierre took the reopening as a teachable moment for the people she supports, especially when it comes to law enforcement.
“I wanted to do something that still included social distancing and connect the group with the police who serve our community,” said Pierre.
A group of four who attend the day hab, along with Pierre’s assistance, made s’mores in mason jars and handmade cards for the 28th Precinct in Harlem. The jars had little tags on the outside that read, “There’s always room for s’more love.”
The group received a warm welcome from the precinct during their visit when they dropped off the goodies and even got to meet one of the captains.
“It made me feel proud to give back to people who are helping out during the pandemic. It was my first time interacting with the police,” said Matthew George, one of the day hab members who participated in the project.
In return, the precinct handed out little goodie bags with hand sanitizers and pens to the enthusiastic group.
“I want them to be comfortable and want them to be able to go up to the police and feel safe to talk with the cops and go them to get help as needed,” said Pierre. Pierre hopes to do another care package for the precinct in the coming months.