Tampa Police Department's RICH House Campers visit the Federal Courthouse
For the third year in a row, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted students from the City of Tampa’s R.I.C.H. (Resources in Community Hope) House summer camps.
Community Outreach Specialist Joe Smith welcomed the group and discussed the mission of the USAO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shauna Hale spoke about her work in the Violent Crime and Gangs section of the office and her path to becoming a federal prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Gordon highlighted the important work of police officers and keeping our community safe. He also spoke about gun safety and administered the Pledge Against Gun Violence. The trip to the courthouse culminated in a visit with United States District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell who discussed her journey to the federal judiciary and the importance of being a good student and making positive choices. She then let the campers tour her courtroom’s holding cells.
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 2000, and was funded with a “Weed and Seed” grant. The second “house” opened in Robles Park in May 2013.