A gaggle of volunteers from Superior Health Plan spent nearly two hour putting together 3,900 boxes, which will hold food for families receiving assistance from Operation Blue Santa!

Speakers included:
* Mayor Steve Adler
* Judy Shepard, mother of Matt Shepard
* Sheriff Dave O’Malley, lead investigator of Matthew Shepard’s homicide
* U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Richard L. Durbin
* A panel discussion of subject matter experts facilitated by University of Texas Processor Tanya Voss
 
Mayor Steve Adler concluded his opening remarks by announcing his support for the establishment of an LGBTQ quality of life commission to support the health, safety, and quality of life priorities of Austin’s diverse LGBTQ communities.  Charles Loosen, APD Liaison to LGBTQ constituents, has worked with stakeholders for over two years to advance this community-driven proposal.  Austin will now join Houston as the second city in Texas to establish this type of advisory commission, further crystalizing Austin’s status as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the nation and the top retirement location for LGBTQ seniors.
 
The Austin Police Department prides itself on being accessible, respectful, and responsive to all residents and visitors.  Questions about APD’s policies, practices, and initiatives to improve service to historically under-represented communities may be directed to APD’s Office of Community Liaison: 512-974-4700
 
Media Coverage:
 
http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2016-10-28/pushing-forward/
http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-news/214107236-story
http://kxan.com/2016/10/27/mayor-police-join-to-prevent-hate-crimes-in-central-texas/
http://keyetv.com/news/local/austin-mayor-pushes-for-creation-of-lgbtq-commission
http://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/austin-police-host-forum-current-state-bias-against-lgbtq-community
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Data.World came and sorted and wrapped presents. First volunteer group of the 2016 season!

Representatives from the Austin Police Department address topics regarding seniors and crime.

Public Safety is everyone's business.

http://telemundoaustin.com/news/local/apd-impulsa-iniciativa-para-mejorar-seguridad-entre-comunidad-hispana

The OCL's LinKS – Leaders in Knowledge & Support” program, which reaches out to High School students who are interested in learning the connection between Law Enforcement and their community, gathered together at the Operation Blue Santa warehouse this past Saturday to build school backpacks for children from seven different Austin area elementary schools. Pics below!

Thanks to Rosie's fundraising skills, we had enough money to take our NNO Kick-off exhibitors out to lunch at the County Line on the Lake last week - 8/17/2016. The lunch doubled as a meeting in preparation for October 1st - the kick-off - and as appreciation for our exhibitors.

The APD Office of Community Liaison's ICARE Faith Community Conference, inspired and led by APD Community Liaison Sharon Cannon, went off without a hitch. The accompanying video gives a visual recap of the three day event along with a KUT radio report about it. 

APD Community Liaison, Sharon Cannon - Organizer of inaugural ICARE Faith Community Conference.

This past weekend was our 2nd annual car show and fundraiser! Take a look. 

The Office of Community Liaison prepared some 250 gift bags at the Operation Blue Santa Warehouse for participants of the 2016 ICARE Conference, which begins on August 2!

Campers got to interact with  the Travis County Underage Drinking Program, AISD's Social and Emotional Learning Team, Frost Bank, Austin's Municipal Court Chief Prosecutor, the nonprofit Share Art Heal and Life Works.

Here are two video photo montages - the first encapsulates our time spent with AISD's Social and Emotional Learning Team, and the second gives the viewer a look at our time spent with Jet Baker of Share Art Heal.

In preparation for next week's visit to Fort Hood, Campers also prepared memorial crosses in remembrance of  the nine fallen soldiers who died in a flash flood during a convoy training exercise June 2.