Atlanta Police Foundation

The Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) is proud to support the City of Atlanta's efforts to enhance public safety by helping recruit and retain qualified officers. Through our fundraising efforts, APF provides vital resources for officer support programs and incentives, including housing assistance, wellness initiatives, childcare incentives, training, and career development opportunities. Our initiatives play a crucial role in increasing officer recruitment while reducing retirements, ensuring the Atlanta Police Department remains strong and prepared to serve the community. We’re seeing promising results, with increased recruitment and fewer retirements compared to 2023. Every dollar raised helps create a safer Atlanta by enabling programs that attract and support officers committed to protecting our city. We are on a mission to make?#Atlanta?safer and the?#1?destination for public safety professionals. For more information on our programs and incentives, visit the link in our bio. Interested in joining APD? Head to www.atlantapd.org #APD?#APF?#PublicSafety?#CommunityFirst

Atlanta Police Officer Smith was the guest speaker at last week’s APAW graduation. During his speech to the 25 program graduates, he talked about him being from Miami and going from having a troubled upbringing shaped by family and gun violence to a successful career in law enforcement. His journey, highlights the power of mentorship and opportunity. Football, along with guidance from positive male role models, instilled in him the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, which helped him turn his life around for the better. This mirrors the mission of the Atlanta Police Foundation’s At-Promise Centers, which provide Atlanta’s at-risk youth with the resources, support, and mentorship needed for educational, career, and personal growth. The APAW program offers young people ages 18-24 a way to turn their lives around with multiple career opportunities, just like Officer Smith. Officer Smith’s story exemplifies the impact these initiatives can have in steering young people toward brighter futures. To learn more about the At-Promise at Work program, please click the link in our bio! #APF?#CommunityFirst?#YearoftheYouth?#Atpromiseatl

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th since 1992, raises global awareness about mental health, promotes well-being, and reduces stigma. Each year, a theme is highlighted, this year focusing on the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Our officers face immense challenges daily, from high-pressure situations to emotional trauma, and their mental health is just as vital as their physical strength. By providing support and resources like “Struggle Well,” we can help ensure they remain resilient, strong, and ready to protect our communities. The "Struggle Well" training program emphasizes transforming military and first responder culture rather than just adding another wellness initiative. Its focus is on normalizing these individuals' struggles and empowering them to navigate challenges effectively. The training helps participants better serve themselves, their families, communities, and the nation by teaching them to turn adversity into strength and growth. Together, let's break the stigma and prioritize mental health for those who protect and serve. To learn more about Struggle Well, visit their website at Struggle Well – Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) Training (bouldercrest.org). #WorldMentalHealthDay?#OfficerWellness?#StrongerTogether?#MentalHealthMatters

A message from Venessa Harrison, President,?AT&T?Southeast Coastal States and Atlanta Police Foundation Board Member: Our first responders wear bravery and selflessness every day. But consistently responding to emergencies and traumatic incidents can leave them carrying emotional and mental burdens brought on by the grueling nature of their jobs. On?#worldmentalhealthday, we’re reminded of this reality and the importance of providing our first responders with the mental health resources they deserve. Longtime AT&T employee Brian Sizemore has been doing just that, working daily to increase awareness of the mental health issues affecting our first responders. Earlier this year, Brian lost his son Lucas, a rookie police officer with the?City of Atlanta Police Department, to suicide. Brian and his family founded the LUCAS Foundation in Lucas’ memory to help integrate mental health and wellness support into our?#publicsafety?communities and erase the stigma of asking for help. Brian and the LUCAS Foundation are helping reshape public safety’s culture around mental health and collaborating with organizations like the Atlanta Police Foundation to provide resources that encourage law enforcement to seek help when they need it. “At the Atlanta Police Department, our most important resource is the men and women in law enforcement who protect the Constitution and our communities. When we work to keep our personnel healthy, we are helping keep our citizens and communities safe.” Watch this video to hear more from Brian and Chief Schierbaum in their recent interview for the Boulder?Crest Foundation's Struggle Well series.

The Public Safety Training Center for firefighters, police, EMS, and E911 is progressing well towards the ribbon cutting at the end of this year. The Center will train recruits and continue upskilling existing firefighters and police officers annually on life saving measures to respond to emergencies faster and more coordinated because seconds matter when someone is experiencing a medical emergency or victim of crime. De-escalation, anti-bias, cultural awareness, community policing, crisis intervention, mental health training, technical rescue, emergency vehicle operations, active shooter drills, and more will be trained on-site. Soon, our first responders won’t have to drive up to an hour away to train at sites outside of the city’s ownership. Our first responders will train at a beautiful campus where citizens will have access to trails around ponds and a community room for meetings and training on neighborhood watch, citizens police academy, CPR, and more. Here is a glimpse of a tour taken a month ago. Learn more at www.ATLtrainingcenter.com

Congratulations to Atlanta Police Officer Bouquette on the purchase of his new home through the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Secure Neighborhoods Program! Thanks to the generosity of Atlanta’s philanthropic and business community, which donates land and builds homes for officers to purchase at cost, Officer Bouquette now lives in the community he serves and protects. The Secure Neighborhoods Program is part of APF’s mission to make Atlanta safer by helping officers find housing within the city. Here are a few of our other housing programs: Unity Place: Subsidized housing for recruits relocating to attend the Atlanta Police Academy. Community Safety Housing: Up to $850 per month in rental assistance for officers residing in Atlanta. Homeownership Assistance: Up to $60,000 in down payment support for officers buying homes in the city. Congratulations once again to Officer Bouquette on this exciting new chapter! We wish you the best in your new home. You can learn more about our Secure Neighborhoods Program by clicking the link in our bio. #APF?#SecureNeighborhoods?#OneSafeCommunity?#AffordableHousing?#JoinAPD?#StayWithAPD

Crime is Toast 2024 was a phenomenal success, bringing together over 1,000 attendees. The event provided an opportunity to recognize our dedicated law enforcement officers, civilian personnel, and outstanding business partners who have played a vital role in improving public safety throughout Atlanta. ? These awards serve as a small token of appreciation for the Atlanta Police Department, the City of Atlanta, and our agency and business partners, whose support helps us achieve our mission. We are profoundly grateful to the men and women who serve this city with dedication and integrity, often without the recognition they truly deserve. Through this event, we hope to express even a fraction of our immense gratitude. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making Atlanta a safer place for all! ? #APF #CIT #OneSafeCity #PublicSafety ?

From crime scene to community cornerstone. The Atlanta Police Foundation is excited to announce that a home that was once a notorious center for crime and violence has been completely transformed into a beautiful, newly renovated property. As part of our Secure Neighborhoods program, an Atlanta Police Department officer can now purchase the property. This house holds deep historical significance—it was once the site of violent incidents, including a killing and numerous community complaints, resulting in several search warrants for illegal drug activity. After years of criminal activity, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office seized the property and then the property was sold to APF. Now, it stands as a symbol of safety, progress, and community revival, soon to be owned by an officer who will live in and serve the very neighborhood they protect. Join us to witness this incredible transformation and see how our Secure Neighborhoods program is helping to create stronger, safer communities by providing affordable housing options for police officers within the city. Together, we are building a safer Atlanta! To learn more about the Secure Neighborhoods Program, please click the link in our bio! #CommunityRevival?#SecureNeighborhoods?#APF?#BuildingABetterAtlanta?#FromCrimeToCare?#NeighborhoodStrong

Proud moment as we celebrate the graduation of 25 amazing participants from our @atpromiseatl Work program! This marks our 10th graduation, showcasing the incredible transformation of young lives over the past two years. The graduates completed a rigorous 12-week course in professional training, mock interviews, and resume building—key tools for success in today's job market. Their inspiring personal stories highlighted their journeys and aspirations as they step into bright futures. Each graduate received a certificate of completion and awards for perfect attendance, honoring their hard work and dedication. In a heartfelt gesture, hip-hop artist Tee Grizzley gifted each graduate a laptop, providing valuable tools to further their education or grow their businesses launched during the program. Designed for youth ages 16 to 24, the @ Promise @ Work program equips participants with essential skills and certifications. Since 2022, we've proudly graduated hundreds, with four sessions held annually. Here’s to more success ahead! To find out more about the program, please click the link in our bio! #APF #PromiseAtWork #YouthEmpowerment #GraduationDay

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved board member, Jenny Pruitt, who left us this past Friday at the age of 85 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jenny was a pillar of strength, vision, and compassion in our community. Her dedication to the Atlanta Police Foundation and her commitment to making Atlanta a better, safer place will always be remembered. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her leadership and philanthropy. Our hearts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Jenny will be profoundly missed, but her impact will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Rest in peace, Jenny. ?? #InMemory #LegacyOfLove #JennyPruitt #CommunityLeader #Atlanta