Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

About Us

S.A.V.E.S stands for Special Needs, Autism, Vulnerable Person, Elderly, and Safety. Our people include police officers, firefighters, EMS, court officials, doctors, educators, and self-advocates.

S.A.V.E.S Project founder Brenna Hogue, a Rochester police officer, sitting on a park bench and talking with a young boy
S.A.V.E.S Project logo

Our Story

The S.A.V.E.S Project was created in June 2025 by Brenna Hogue, a police officer with the City of Rochester and the mother of an autistic daughter. Drawing from both her professional duties and personal experiences, she recognized the need to increase awareness and provide education for first responders, community members, and the families or guardians of vulnerable individuals. With the support of Chief Rouhib, the development of the S.A.V.E.S Project moved forward quickly. Brenna also serves on the team of the National Autism Safety Council as a parent advocate.

The program's mission is to promote a safer and more compassionate community. As it continues to grow, the initiative incorporates insights and ideas from experts across various fields. Through education, awareness, and meaningful engagement, the S.A.V.E.S Project aims to build trust, enhance safety, and encourage the inclusion of vulnerable individuals while respecting the dignity and unique needs of every person.

Board of Directors

The board governs the S.A.V.E.S Project and guides its mission across Michigan.

Brenna Hogue
Brenna Hogue
President and Founder
Police Officer, Parent Advocate
Stacy Merolla
Stacy Merolla
Vice President
Retired Administrator, Administrative Office of the United States Courts, Probation and Pretrial Services Office; Parent Advocate
Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski
Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski
Secretary
Owner and Founder, Spectrum Training Solutions
Erin Welch
Erin Welch
Treasurer
Grandparent Advocate, Grant Specialist, Former Firefighter and EMT
Sarah Berry
Sarah Berry
Director at Large
DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, CNE, CEN, Corewell Health
Judge Laura Polizzi
Judge Laura Polizzi
Director at Large
Judge, 52-3 District Court

Advisory Committees

Four committees carry out our work and report to the Board of Directors.

Public Safety and Technology

Builds partnerships with first responder agencies, runs our technology and apps, and manages the website and public communications.

Chair: Brenna Hogue

Training and Education

Delivers training for first responders, schools, and partners, and runs S.A.V.E.S Project ID and the Blue Envelope Program.

Co-Chairs: Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski and Stacy Merolla

Community Outreach, Engagement, and Resource Development

Connects families, schools, and community organizations with the S.A.V.E.S Project, and raises the resources that keep it running.

Co-Chairs: Erin Welch and Sarah Berry

Behavioral Health Court

Develops court and diversion options for people with developmental and cognitive disabilities who enter the justice system.

Chair: Judge Laura Polizzi

Board of Advisors

Advocates, first responders, educators, and professionals who guide our programs.

Thomas Hogue
Thomas Hogue
Development Coordinator
Police Officer, Parent Advocate
Christina Hogue
Christina Hogue
Self-Advocate
Child Program Assistant
Keith Hermans
Keith Hermans
CIT Instructor
Police Sergeant
William Brewster
William Brewster
Police Sergeant
Parent Advocate
Julie Niemi
Julie Niemi
Certified BCBA
Sparks Behavioral Services
Rev. James Friedman
Rev. James Friedman
Crisis Intervention Team, Macomb
Parent Advocate
Nikki Melville
Nikki Melville
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Learning Services
Parent Advocate
Christian Hauser
Christian Hauser
S.A.V.E.S Project General Counsel
Frasco Caponigro Wineman Hauser Luttman PLLC

In the News

Departments and news outlets across Michigan sharing the S.A.V.E.S Project with their communities. Stories open on the publisher’s website.

Tri-City Times · October 2026

Almont Police Announce Partnership With S.A.V.E.S.

Almont joins departments across Genesee, Macomb and Oakland counties, with officers trained to handle calls with patience and specialized communication.

Read the Story
WXYZ Channel 7 · April 2026

Warren Police Partner With the S.A.V.E.S Project

Warren launches a partnership to give officers better tools and residents more confidence when they need help most.

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WDIV ClickOnDetroit · April 2026

Warren Police Adopt S.A.V.E.S Project Resources

Training for officers plus free, opt-in profiles and Blue Envelopes available in the Warren Police lobby.

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C&G Newspapers · April 2026

Warren PD Offers Improved Support for Vulnerable Persons

Officers on every shift receive training to recognize vulnerable persons and help families register.

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C&G Newspapers

Bringing Awareness to the S.A.V.E.S Project

How the Clawson Police Department has spread the word through social media, its lobby and the Clawson schools ASD program.

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Genesee County View

Davison Township Police Join the Initiative

Davison Township brings the S.A.V.E.S Project to residents with autism, non-speaking and memory-impaired loved ones.

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Macomb County Sheriff’s Office · December 2025

MCSO Launches Pilot With the S.A.V.E.S Project

The Sheriff’s Office begins a pilot in Washington Township to improve communication between first responders and residents.

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Waterford Police Department · November 2025

Waterford Police Partner With the S.A.V.E.S Project

Waterford residents can now register a vulnerable family member through the police department.

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Village of Beverly Hills

New Program Launched: The S.A.V.E.S Project

Beverly Hills Public Safety announces its partnership and the program’s growth across Southeast Michigan.

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C&G Newspapers · 2025

S.A.V.E.S Project Promotes Effective Communication to First Responders

The story of how the S.A.V.E.S Project began in Rochester and spread to neighboring departments.

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More to Come Soon

We're always looking for volunteers, presenters, committee members, and partners who share our mission.

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