This summer, the Ross Medical Education Center Ann Arbor, Michigan campus collected books and stuffed animals for the Children’s Nook inside the Ann Arbor Police Department. The Children’s Nook was started at the Ann Arbor Police Department in January of 2018 by Officer Jennifer Satori to create a safe environment and alleviate some of the anxieties that children may experience while waiting at the police station for or with a parent, regardless of the circumstances.
The Ann Arbor Police Department website further explains their mission: “Entering through security, many strangers, and police officers walking around with guns can all contribute to making children very nervous.” The Ann Arbor Police Department is attempting to offset this anxiety by providing a safe place for these children during their time there. The children are able to read books or play with stuffed animals throughout those difficult moments. This helps to provide a little bit of normalcy in a potentially frightening scenario.
Financial Aid Student Services Representative Jennifer Erger-Morris was very excited about this opportunity and spearheaded the drive. Julie Peterson, student in the Medical Assistant program, said she was “elated that we even thought of this drive.” Campus Director Dr. Patrice Ross stated, “you never know the impact being exposed to a frightening environment may have on children; I am grateful that the Nook is in place to counteract those potential fears.” Many others from the Ann Arbor campus and the surrounding community are also thankful for the opportunity to be a part of creating a place of safety and comfort for the children that find themselves spending time at the Ann Arbor Police Department.
To donate a new stuffed animal to the Children’s Nook at the Ann Arbor Police Department, drop it off at the 301 East Huron location at the front desk on the second floor.