Community Policing Bureau - Garden Grove

Anderson School Appreciation LuncheonIn May 2011, H.B. Anderson Elementary School hosted its first annual Garden Grove Police Department Appreciation Luncheon.Principal Lori Rodgers and teacher Sue Broderson organized the event as a way to show the school’s appreciation for theDepartment. It also allowed the Department another opportunity to get out into the community and continue to strengthenits partnership with city residents.Every Police Department employee was invited to the school to eat lunch and interact with the students, visit classrooms, andenjoy an opportunity to interact with the community. Upon arrival at the school, each employee was personally greeted andescorted onto campus by students “driving” handmade cardboard cutout police cars. The campus was also decorated withpolice-oriented artwork and crafts, all handmade by the students. When the event was over many of the items were givento the Department, where they were proudly displayed during the 24th Annual “Call to Duty” Police Memorial Service andremained for months afterwards.H.O.P.E Youth Mentor ProgramHelping Others Prepare for Eternity (HOPE) is a familysupport center established in 1997 from an outreach inthe Buena Clinton Neighborhood. Through HOPE, familiesare offered a number of programs, including basic needs,workforce development, community service hours,scholarships for graduating seniors, a women’s supportgroup, and an all-inclusive youth mentor program- theM&m Youth Mentor Program- for children ages seven toseventeen.In December, East Division Patrol Officer ElHami visitedwith participants in the M&M Youth Mentor Program,and talked with them about how they can play a part inkeeping their neighborhood safe. HOPE founder GayleKnight commented that Officer ElHami “made a greatdifference in the lives of local youth. His presentationallowed the youth to interact with a local police officer,and view a policeman as a friend and protector. They willalways remember checking out his police car, and askingmany questions about his job. He even took the time totalk individually with some of the teens. We thank you,Officer ElHami, for coming to HOPE and for helping us tobetter understand the many different roles that policeofficers play in our community.”