Bridging Public Safety and Human Services
A Unified Approach for a Stronger Brattleboro
By Members of One Brattleboro
The Power of Partnership
Public safety and human services are often seen as separate entities, but in reality, they are deeply interdependent. When first responders and human service providers work together, we build a stronger, healthier, and safer community. In Brattleboro, this collaboration is essential –not just to respond to crises but to prevent them, address root causes, and ensure that every resident receives the care and support they need.
Here’s what some leaders of One Brattleboro have to say about the importance of this partnership:
Voices from the Community
It is wonderful to see public health and human services leaders working together with the Brattleboro Police, Brattleboro Fire, and Brooks Memorial Library staff to take an 'ecosystem' approach to helping people with acutely elevated risk in our community." — John Potter, Brattleboro Town Manager
Meeting regularly with members of the Police Department has opened up opportunities to build trust and develop strategies to improve public and resident safety within the boundaries of our respective roles in the community." — Elizabeth Bridgewater, Executive Director/Windham & Windsor Housing Trust
HCRS’ partnership with the Police Department has been instrumental in expanding access to critical mental health and substance use services as well as housing assistance, healthcare, peer supports, and more. By welcoming an HCRS staff member into their team, the police have helped bridge the gap between law enforcement and social services, allowing us to connect people in crisis with the support they need. Through this joint effort, we’re able to reach people at pivotal moments, helping to break cycles of crisis and build pathways to stability. The Police Department’s commitment to this partnership reflects a shared investment in improving the well-being of our community." — George Karabakakis, Ph.D., CEO Health Care & Rehabilitation Services (HCRS)
Mutual cooperation with the Brattleboro Police Department, especially the Project C.A.R.E. initiative, has allowed for a compassionate and strength-based approach to serving members of our community impacted by substance use. Through Project C.A.R.E., our Recovery Coaches are embedded with officers performing follow-up wellness checks to community members who have recently experienced overdoses, allowing us to offer resources and non-judgemental peer support where it is needed most. We are currently working with local EMS services to provide direct referrals to our programs for individuals seeking recovery support, a partnership intended to provide ongoing care to individuals in need of community support as well as medical intervention." — Elias Burgess, Co-Director of Turning Point of Windham County
The Brattleboro Police Department has played an essential role in launching the town’s Situation Table initiative, specifically strengthening collaboration between the Groundworks Outreach team and BPD’s Community Resource Specialist. This multi-agency, coordinated effort to reduce risk and improve service engagement is already making a difference for community members experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This partnership recognizes that true safety extends beyond policing; it includes housing, mental health care, addiction services, and ongoing support. Investing in human services alongside public safety means investing in lasting solutions." — Karli Schrade, Director of Shelters/ Groundworks Collaborative
A significant benefit of working with the Police and Fire Departments to address safety has been the mutual learning of our roles and limitations. This collaboration has allowed us to identify barriers to public safety and strategize together to find solutions." — Christine Hazzard, Executive Director/ Brattleboro Housing Partnerships
Building partnerships and collaborating with Police, first responders and Community partners has helped us understand the important differences of each organization’s roles. We will continue to come together to reach a common goal for a healthier and safer community." — Lesa Trowt/District Manager Brattleboro Probation & Parole
The Police, first responders, and human service agencies – we all make up the safety net for people in need in our community. It only makes sense that we work together as closely as possible to make that net as tight as possible. The work that One Brattleboro, and related projects, has done so far has certainly made big strides on addressing needs as well as making Brattleboro safer." — Russell Bradbury-Carlin, Executive Director of Interaction: Youth Services and Restorative Justice
By uniting public safety and public health, we build a stronger, healthier Brattleboro, where proactive care and community protection work hand-in-hand to create a safer and more resilient future for all." — Samba Diallo, Executive Director/AIDS Project of Southern Vermont
While each of our organizations may have different missions, the intersection of public safety and public health is an area that all our services overlap. By focusing our combined efforts in this area, we are building partnerships that will contribute to long-term, positive impacts on the health and safety of the Brattleboro community." — Norma Hardy, Brattleboro Chief of Police
A Shared Vision for Brattleboro
The collaboration between public safety and human services is a necessity these days. Our town is stronger when we recognize that safety and well-being go hand in hand. With strategic coordination, shared goals, and a commitment to community health, we can ensure Brattleboro remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we shape the future of our community.