A Comfort K-9 and Food Pantry: How One Campus Police Department Supports Student Minds and Bodies

Inspired by her own dog's ability to comfort a struggling student, Central State University Police Department Chief Stephanie Hill established the campus' Therapy K-9 Program.Hill partnered with Brevard County Sheriff's Office Paws and Stripes College, which trains rescue and shelter dogs to become comfort dogs. The cost of the canine, Penny, and training for her and its handler, was covered by the program.Hill, a Campus Safety Director of the Year Finalist, spoke with us about the program, how she got connected with a sheriff's department 1,000 miles away, and how the university is able to fund the pup's monthly expenses.Hill also spoke with us about how her department opened and maintained a food and hygiene product pantry on campus, supporting students and staff who may be struggling with food or basic needs insecurity.CAMPUS SAFETY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Facebook: https://facebook.com/CampusSafetyMagazineX: https://x.com/CampusSafetyMagInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CampusSafetyMagLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1836305YouTube: @Campussafetymagazine