Minneapolis Police Department cancels McGruff House Program
By: Donna Seline 04/01/2009
My home has been a registered McGruff House since 1985 and while I can't point to hundreds of personal interventions on the behalf of kids, I can point to dozens where kids have come to my door, or come to me outside telling me something has scared them or they've been locked out of their house, or numerous other incidents that have been a concern. Having a McGruff House on your block is a positive sign to new families moving into our communities - parents know others will be watching out for their children.
Imagine my surprise when a fellow McGruff House neighbor called to ask me if I had gotten any correspondence about the program ending on January 1. Neither of us received a letter or email that the city was going to end the program.
First, what a slap in the face to all those volunteers who've opened their homes to kids in need and spent their time helping with problems in the neighborhood. The city didn't even have the decency to send each volunteer a letter telling them the program was cancelled or to thank them for their service.
Second, exactly why is the program being cancelled? It's a well-respected program with volunteers all over the country. I can't see how the program has cost the city very much money. At the most we get an annual letter asking if we want to continue. Occasionally a sign needs to be replaced, but those have been paid for long ago. We certainly don't get any communication or visits from our CCP/SAFE officer.
Shame on Minneapolis! For a city that stands tall and garners national recognition for its National Night Out participation, ending the McGruff House program should taint that national image. Why is it when budgets get cut, it's always the programs that help the helpless that get the axe? Perhaps the city would do better to get rid of some of its overpaid staffers?
Donna Seline
Victory Neighborhood