National Night Out Kick Off Helps to Strengthen Neighborhoods

Neighbors came with banners and lots of spirit.

It’s a sense or pride they have in their neighborhoods.

And they want to keep it strong.

 

“We are few in numbers, but we do great work in South Lawn!” said one South Lawn resident.

 

BONDS stands for building our neighborhoods for development and success.

Police Chief Ernest Finley says the program fits in well with his initiative for the police department to form stronger bonds with the community.

 

“It’s all about empowering the community just to say we want to do something a little bit different. We want to engage other communities because I think that’s important to see what’s happening in their community. But we also wanted to see what other resources we can build on and beautify our communities as well,” said Finley.

 

It’s something Eastern Oaks resident Yolanda Novles says she appreciates.

 

“I was in a meeting in Mobile when I returned my house was broken into,” said Novles.

 

But, now with a neighborhood watch program, she says it makes all the difference.

 

“You can call the police department and they will come out and check your home when you’re not there. Then you have your neighbors there checking your home and you get to know your neighbors,” said Novles.

 

The night served as a  reminder for neighbors to help take ownership of the place they call home.

 

“For the last couple years by being partners with BONDS, we’ve done wonderful things in our neighborhood. I look forward to doing more because that’s where we stay. Make home sweet then you can go somehwere else and fit in, ya know,” said Pam Riley, Newtown resident.

 

 

The official National Night Out will be the first Tuesday in August.