Recognizing the importance of reading comprehension and the effects of trauma on the success of our area youth, several organizations have joined forces in a project entitled Barbers, Books and Badges. Participating organizations include: ReCAST Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Police Department, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, First United Methodist Church Baton Rouge, William Cosey Barber shop and The Bridge Agency Inc. The focus of the program is to heighten the interest in reading and reading comprehension. Coupling reading programs with identifying possible areas of trauma that might be affecting our area youth is thought to be a viable strategy designed to improve academic performance as well as civic behavior. In addition, we encourage Law Enforcement officers to interact with kids involved in the project to develop and enhance relationships between Law Enforcement and Youth. Photos from William Cosey Barber shop, Sept. 18, 2021.