The Hopewell Township Police Department has launched its first ever Pride Month Initiative under the leadership of Detective Alexis Mirra and Director Robert Karmazin.  Officers who are interested will be wearing a Pride Patch on their sleeves for the month of June featuring the Pride flag developed June of 2017 in Philadelphia.  This flag includes a brown a black stripe to represent communities of color.

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Patches ($10) and stickers ($5) are available for public purchase.  The patches will be sold at the Hopewell Township Police Department - 255 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, at dandelion wishes, 45 West Broad Street, Hopewell, and at Tipple & Rose,12 North Main Street, Pennington.  

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All proceeds benefit Triad House, part of Lifeties. “Triad House promotes a safe and inclusive environment for all youth and emphasizes the importance of youth understanding and celebrating diversity regarding their sexual orientation, gender orientation, religion and ethnicity.  Triad House was the first LGBTQ friendly group home in NJ.” You can access their page above if you’d like to learn more or make an additional donation.

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Hope Rises Up is pleased to partner with the Hopewell Township Police Department on an initiative where we are so clearly aligned, for the benefit of such an amazing resource for LGBTQ+ youth in New Jersey. We are grateful to Detective Mirra who envisioned this initiative, Director Karmazin for supporting it, and all the Officers who will wear the patch in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ Community.

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We’d like to offer a few additional resources for local LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. Please click on the links to learn more.

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HiTops - “HiTOPS groups create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and families to meet, socialize, offer and provide support, and participate in educational activities regarding healthy relationships, gender and sexuality, and more!” HiTops is located in Princeton.

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Prism - Bending the Light - An organization for LGBTQ+ families in Hopewell Valley

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We know that LGBTQ+ youth are often disproportionately at risk for mental health issues and suicidal feelings due in no small part to the discrimination and bullying they face.  Here are a few additional resources.

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The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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