Cuppa’ Joe with CRESS Director Camille Theriaque, Friday, July 11

Source: amherstma.gov

Amherst community members are invited for coffee and conversation with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and CRESS Director Camille Theriaque on Friday, July 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Atkins Farms Country Market (1150 West St, Amherst, MA 01002) for the latest in the Cuppa Jo conversation series. Theriaque began leading CRESS, the town’s civilian responder service, in April 2024. Since that time, CRESS has launched multiple new initiatives including a monthly newsletter, CRESS Connections afterschool program, data collection to demonstrate their impact, and more.

Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service (CRESS) is the Town of Amherst’s unarmed public safety department that supports the Amherst community, rooted in trauma-informed and anti-racist frameworks. CRESS aims to fill the ever-present gaps in the town, serving as community builders by connecting people to services and resources. CRESS responds to non-violent, mental health incidents, wellness checks, and community needs that fall into the grey area of police and fire responsibilities. Additionally, CRESS Responders build community by attending community events and hosting bi-monthly Veterans community breakfasts. 

CRESS was created in response to a 2021 report by the town’s Community Safety Working Group, to address a well documented need for an unarmed alternative to the police.

The “Cuppa’ Joe with Paul” events are monthly and rotate locations around Town. Each time, Paul is joined by a different town department head or official who provides insights into their area of focus. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other.