Bucks County DA L.O.V.E. is the Answer

L.O.V.E. Is The Answer has been a successful program operated in Bucks County by the District Attorney’s office since January 2020. The purpose of the program is to improve police-community relations, improve public safety, lower crime and recidivism, and help people in general to learn how to love themselves and love others. Primary activities include film screening and discussion events; teaching people mentorship, leadership, and followership skills; creation and management of a community garden and learning center; distribution of books that support the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer programming; wraparound services for mentees and returning citizens and their families; student projects and programs in high schools and colleges; painting of murals and creation of other art therapy projects; other activities designed to achieve the goals of the program. Expected outcomes include: a more cohesive community with improved public safety; reduced crime; more opportunities for returning citizens and others impacted by the criminal justice system; improvements in peace officer quality of life, wellness, and job satisfaction; improved mental and emotional health for all residents; and improved police-community relations. The service area is the entirety of Bucks County, PA. Intended beneficiaries are all of the residents of Bucks County with a special emphasis on improving the health and wellness outcomes for students, peace officers, and returning citizens. Subrecipients include: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer and other programming from the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources;  L.O.V.E. Is The Answer and other programming from The Peace Center; contractors to create the L.O.V.E. Garden & Learning Center; and various speakers, educators, and facilitators.