Warm Soles, Warm Hearts: MAP Students Devote Time to Footwear with Care Event

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In the heart of the city, Officer Jim Barrett and Abigail Sullivan Moore, spearheaded the Footwear with Care event to support the economically challenged on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Dunkin’ Park Stadium. Collaborating with Fleet Feet, Hartford Healthcare, Bloomfield Foot Specialists, House of Bread, Hartford Police Department, The B.E.R.E.A.D.Y. Project and numerous dedicated volunteers, among them five students from HIU's Master of Arts in International Peacebuilding (MAP) program. The initiative focused on distributing winter boots, addressing an often overlooked essential need in colder months.

Together, they transformed the event into a powerful symbol of compassion and solidarity. The impact extended beyond warm feet, touching the hearts of both the served community and volunteers. Officer Barrett highlighted the significance of community engagement in law enforcement, emphasizing the duty to understand and address the needs of the most vulnerable.

The event not only provided tangible assistance but also fostered a sense of community among participants. The MAP students gained firsthand insights into the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, enriching their understanding of local issues and reinforcing their commitment to building bridges across diverse communities. One student expressed that this experience felt like worship.

Overall, the students conveyed their appreciation for the rewarding experience of volunteering for a meaningful cause. Officer Barrett’s initiative exemplifies the true spirit of community policing, demonstrating how unity and compassion can emerge from unexpected places to create lasting impact in a world often divided by differences.

Written by Natasha White, MAP student.