Describe your nonprofit’s mission.
The Charlottesville Police Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Charlottesville by offering a community partner for our police department. The Foundation promotes excellence in police services by investing in programs that enhance our department and yet are beyond the reasonable reach of the City’s budget. We reward excellence by celebrating the successes of our department and the skills of its officers. And we strengthen the connections between the department and the public through outreach programs and community events.
What need in our community brought about the creation of your nonprofit?
The Charlottesville Police Department has been transformed from a reactive force focused on arresting lawbreakers to one that is creatively connecting with the community to solve specific problems. However, as in most cities, a large portion of the Charlottesville Police Department budget goes to pay for salaries and vehicles. And with high housing costs in the area, very few officers can afford to live in the city they serve. Founded in 2004 by a group of local citizens, the Foundation helps the department address these and other issues by providing advanced training, new technologies and equipment, housing assistance, structured community outreach and other support.
How has your nonprofit made a difference in our community?
The CPF has been a strong partner to the Charlottesville Police Department to help them accomplish their goals of serving the community, as well as a partner for the community to have a relationship with the police. The training, events, and grants the CPF has sponsored over the years has made an impact on both the community and the department.
How can community members help you achieve your mission?
Members of our community can get involved in the following ways:
1. Donate – all donations are tax-deductible and funds received go directly to supporting our local officers.
2. Volunteer – sign up on our website to help out with several events we have during the year.
3. Spread the word – follow us on Facebook and Twitter and share the good news about what we are doing.
Tell us a story that has come out of your work.
A police officer’s job is physical—no doubt about it. But after years at the job and hours spent behind the wheel, many officers find they need some help staying in shape to perform their job. The CPF has been sponsoring specialized circuit training classes using the CPD Gym and the space around the Department. Dozens of officers have taken advantage of these classes and their words speak loud and clear that this type of training is very much needed.
“Since we are in a profession where our level of physical fitness can make the difference on whether or not we make it home to our families at the end of our shift, having this gift from you all meant a great deal to all officers involved.”
“[These classes are] very important for both our health and safety as police officers to be fit enough to handle extreme situations and avoid health problems later in life.”
Learn more about the Charlottesville Police Foundation
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