Fall River District Court Probation staff among those who walk for city’s homeless

Fall River District Court Probation staff laced up their sneakers and joined their local community partner, Steppingstone, Inc. for their annual “Get Steppin 5K Walk for the Homeless.” The August event helped raise money for the city’s “First Step Inn” homeless shelter.

The idea to participate in the event was introduced by Fall River District Court Associate Probation Officer Amy Hotte, according to Fall River District Court Chief Probation Officer Mark Costa. Probation Departments throughout the state are planning, hosting, and participating in community-based events as part of the Massachusetts Probation Service’s community engagement efforts. Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill and his Executive Leadership Team has identified community engagement as one of its top priorities.

Fall River Probation staff participated in their community partner’s event which helped raise money for the shelter. The shelter is not only a warm place to stay and receive daily meals for the large homeless community, it also helps individuals with permanent housing placement, behavioral health services & more, according to Fall River District Chief Probation Officer Mark Costa. Family members of the Fall River District Court team also participated in the walk which 150 people took part in.

“This was a great community engagement event to assist our homeless population and to provide support for Steppingstone, Inc. I want to thank everyone who join us and APO Hotte who was instrumental in organizing our team,” said Chief Costa.