The fort pierce police department will use FY23 microgrant funding to support the two R.I.C.h houses within the departments jurisdiction

R.I.C.H. House north is located in the city of fort pierce redevelopment area. The department is looking to add a mentor to each R.I.C.H. House to assist with educational assistance, conflict resolution, socialization skills and self-esteem building for youth, parents and seniors. In 2022 the city of fort pierce had 47,927 residents with 23% of them being under the age of 18. Many of the youth in the city of fort pierce are living with one parent or with a grandparent(s), while others are living in a home where both parents are working most of the time to make ends meet. This causes the youth to spend a lot of time alone or in search of companionship. The mentoring program will offer youth an adult mentor to assist them with homework, or just someone to talk with. The courageous kids program will also offer youth a chance to interact with law enforcement officers while playing games and having dinner. These programs are very important to the city as IT gives youth an alternative to being on the streets waiting for trouble or sitting at home alone. The department will also set up a unity in our community event in july of 2024, where the entire city will be invited to participate in activities, demonstrations and spend time with local law enforcement officers.