The Action Team, an organization founded in Carver, put together 80 sensory kits for local police departments to help people who get overwhelmed in stressful situations.
Laicey Ieronimo, a Patrol Officer in Plympton, founded The Action Team to provide opportunities for people to join in community service events.
“Especially with non-verbal or special needs individuals, carrying these kits with these tools, it’s a way to not only promote communication, but it can also promote de-escalation and show we’re here to help, we have these kits, we’re here to see you, and what you need,” said Ieronimo. “We’re willing to adjust what we carry in our cruisers and make that a priority.”
According to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 1 in 44 children were estimated to have autism spectrum disorder in 2018.
Ieronimo says The Action Team is putting together sensory kits for 11 police departments — Plympton, Carver, Pembroke, Marshfield, Hanson, East Bridgewater, Kingston, Halifax, Whitman, Bourne, and Rehoboth.
“Even if the kit only gets used one time, it’s beneficial. They’re going to be critical in soothing a child or an adult who can get overwhelmed in stressful situations. Our presence alone can ramp that up,” said Ieronimo. If we can show up with these kits and put them to use, along with our other skills that have been put into place – we also have care bags with stuffed animals and hygiene items. We’re trying to touch upon all avenues to make sure that we can help everybody.”
Whether it’s cards for kids at the Boston Children’s Hospital, collecting socks for the homeless, or putting together care packages for first responders, they’ve been making a difference.
Ieronimo has a background in occupational therapy, and the idea was brought to her by a former co-worker at the Carver Elementary School.
The Action Team was given a $500 dollar donation from the Pinewood Lodge Campground in Plymouth to purchase the materials.
Fellow officers helped put together more than 80 small containers for police cruisers, with fidget spinners, pop-its, and other items to hold.
“At the end of the day, it’s more important to get someone the help they need, and find the way to communicate best with them. Totally understand their full situation, instead of just jumping right to a conclusion,” said Ieronimo. “I think that people, like the community, need to understand more that we’re trying very hard to see everyone’s needs and be more in touch with the community, and have a strong community relationship. We really do care and we don’t want anything other than truly helping people, getting them resources, and protecting and serving.”
The program has already had an impact, where a kit was used to help a person in Plympton during a medical call.
More information can be found here.
