The Austin Police Department Teaches at The Rathgeber Center for Families
As Halloween approaches, a time when children run from house to house and engage with unfamiliar faces, we want to ensure families and children in our shelters have the resources they need to stay safe. This week, Officers Rivera and Gonzales from the Austin Police Department visited our shelters to provide important lessons on stranger danger and safety tips for navigating public spaces.
The officers kicked off the session with interactive activities designed to highlight the importance of being aware of your surroundings. They explained that while not all strangers pose a threat, it’s crucial to recognize when a situation may be unsafe. The children learned essential rules, such as always asking for permission before talking to an unfamiliar adult and never going anywhere with someone without informing their parents first. Officer Gonzales also encouraged the kids to memorize vital information, including their parents' names, phone numbers, and home addresses, so they can communicate effectively if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.
The kindness and encouragement from the officers left a lasting impression on the kids, many of whom eagerly befriended them. One little girl, Jordan, expressed her admiration by saying, “When I grow up, I am going to be a police officer just like these women.” It was heartwarming to see the impact these officers had on our children!
Thank you to the Austin Police Department for their commitment to keeping our community safe and for their dedication to educating our children. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
The Salvation Army is always interested in any service that may benefit our clients. If you or your group have a talent, idea, or service that you would like to share with our families, please contact Payton.Rothenberger@uss.salvationarmy.org to visit our shelter and volunteer today!