R.I.C.H. House Campers Visit Federal Court
The U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted 24 kids from the City of Tampa’s R.I.C.H. (Resources in Community Hope) House summer camp.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shauna Hale welcomed the group and discussed her path to becoming a federal prosecutor. Next, the children participated in a mock trial. Supervisory Special Agent Kevin Richardson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives discussed gun safety with the students, and administered the Pledge Against Gun Violence. The trip to the courthouse culminated in a visit with United States District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell. Judge Honeywell discussed her path to the federal judiciary and the different challenges she faces in her job. She challenged each camper to set a goal for him/herself and to map a personal plan to achieve that goal.
The R.I.C.H. Houses offer area children tutoring, homework assistance, summer camps and holiday parties, and a food pantry for families in need. Serving as safe havens and community centers, the R.I.C.H. Houses offer a place for constructive activities and positive interaction with law enforcement. The first “house” opened in Sulphur Springs 12 years ago, and was funded with a “Weed and Seed” grant. The second “house” opened in Robles Park in May 2013.
There were definitely some future lawyers among this bright group of campers.