The South Bend Police Department hosted their back-to-school cookout Friday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Police Department hosted their back-to-school cookout today at Southeast Park.

People here were able to enjoy food, drinks, games and more, all to celebrate the upcoming school year.

Besides the food, face painting and other fun, the event aimed to strengthen bonds between officers and neighbors-- and ease parents' minds about a constant concern-- school safety.

One mother, Paula Rogers, has four children starting school next week.

She says education comes first in her household and that she appreciates the steps being taken to keep school buildings secure, including the new clear backpack rule going into place this year.

"I'm so excited for my kids to go back to school, it's been a long summer, it's time to go back and get into the books, reading and education is important and being out here today school supplies are not cheap, so grateful that everybody contributing to help people go back to school and kids are going back with safety,” said Rogers.

An organization called "Stand Against Violence Everyday" or S.A.V.E for short, also attended the cookout to network with families.

The group partners with South Bend Schools to be a lifeline for struggling students.

“We deal with violence in the community each and every day, we also have programs that run in the schools, preventative programs so we partnered with South Bend Community Schools, outreach is what we do, kids going into school this year will be listen if you need something, say something, don’t be afraid to ask an adult for help,” said Mychael Winston, S.A.V.E director.

South Bend Police Department Lieutenant Kyle Dombrowski emphasized the need for extra precautions this upcoming school year.

Especially following the recent gun violence here in South Bend.

Several of those shootings-- involving children under the age of 18.

“There is never a right or wrong time to have these unfortunately our community has experienced a lot of tragedy this past week and this is another reminder of why we need to stick together, South Bend Police Department, law enforcement whether you work live or play in South Bend you all deserve to be safe, we are here to work with you, we are part of the community and these are one of the events were having right,” said Lieutenant Dombrowski.

Tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. there will be another back-to-school bash hosted at the Brown Community Learning Center.