Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Project Community. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

The frightening situation with Arthur Hands has been a fierce reminder to Pelham families with autistic loved ones to take advantage of a safety initiative created almost four years ago by Project Community – Pelham’s only volunteer organization spearheaded by healthcare professionals. This visionary program is YOU&ME.

Today, the Pelham Chief of Police Danny Green publicly delivered this important message:  “If your child or loved one is autistic, please come register them with the Pelham Police Department as part of our Project Community program.”

According to Dr. Anne Frost, Project Community President and Founder, “In collaboration with the Pelham and Pelham Manor Police Departments, parents with autistic members in their family – or those with developmental challenges –  can introduce their family member and voluntarily develop a registration with a police officer. This registration will include unique behavioral characteristics, important contact information, as well as a photo. This in-person meeting will create a positive experience to promote safety and trust. The local police departments will have immediate access to this database while they are in the field, so they can mitigate challenging encounters that can happen with lack of familiarity with special needs citizens.”

Registration is as simple as making an appointment by calling the Pelham Police at 914-738-2000 or the Pelham Manor Police at 914-738-1000.

For more information on Project Community and its other initiatives to assist those with special needs, and its four impactful teen programs,  please contact Dr. Anne Frost at [email protected] and visit www.projectcommunity.us.