Category: 2026 Spring Newsletter

goHunterdon is proud to announce the launch of a new pedestrian safety program to provide life skills to students with special needs, ages 13-21. 

The Empower Pedestrian Safety Program equips students with practical, real world pedestrian safety skills needed to navigate their community safely, increase independence, and improve quality of life.

The program is offered free of charge to Hunterdon County schools and organizations.

This isn’t simply a classroom lecture. It’s a three part program experience that uses a mix of indoor learning, real life outdoor experience, and empowerment through art and community messaging.

Program components include:  

1. Classroom “Social Story” presentation
2. Outdoor Safety Scavenger Hunt
3. Group Poster/Music Project and Showcasing

The program follows a “Learn, Apply, Create, Present” approach.  After a classroom presentation and discussion, students engage in an outdoor scavenger hunt to identify pedestrian safety infrastructure (sidewalks, crosswalks, stop signs, etc.). Students will learn the importance of using this infrastructure to stay safe while walking.

With this new knowledge, students are then invited to create posters or songs to share safety messaging with members of the school community. For more information and to discuss how goHunterdon can assist students to increase their safety and independence visit: https://gohunterdon.org/safety/safe-routes/ or contact Nina Lewis, goHunterdon Safe Routes Coordinator, nlewis@gohunterdon.org

goHunterdon recently spent time with local school crossing guards—everyday heroes who help keep students safe as they travel to and from school. These conversations have been captured in a series of short, engaging videos now being shared through school “virtual backpacks” and across social media platforms.

“School crossing guards play an essential role in community safety,” said Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager. “They are on the front line, helping students safely navigate roadways each day while reinforcing the safety lessons taught through the Hunterdon County Safe Routes to School Program.”
Beyond safety, crossing guards often become a meaningful part of students’ daily routines. “The connections formed between students and crossing guards go well beyond simply crossing the street,” said Nina Lewis, goHunterdon Safe Routes Coordinator. “They become familiar, trusted faces—often year after year.”

Rain or shine, school crossing guards show up with dedication and care. Their commitment is easy to overlook, but their impact is undeniable. goHunterdon is proud to share their stories—because every crossing has a story worth telling.

Check out our conversations with local school crossing guards below.