I hope that 2025 finds you healthier, wealthier and happier than ever before.
As your trusted source for everything real estate, I am excited to introduce this issue’s REALTOR Spotlight Feature.
We have several real estate related and community articles included in this issue for your reading pleasure. Please enjoy our other articles on commercial real estate and mortgage lending.
Cheers,
Bryan Johnson Publisher/CEO
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hello North Copper Canyon!
We are now a few months into 2025! How are we all doing? I’m so thrilled with the magazines and your love of them! I am taking this time to spotlight non-profits along with my business partners. Join me in donating and supporting the various charities over 2025!
This issue features a charity started by Arizona police officers helping those who need it in the most terrible times. Horses Help is for our mental health! It’s such a special thing for me and my husband! We love equine therapy and they are the heart of it! We have House of James who is helping orphaned children in Ukraine.
Support these amazing charities this year and help make an impact!
Warmly,
Carrie Warren
When Officers Say Yes
Bridging the gap between crisis and care
Origin
Angels on Patrol was founded in 2009 by Phoenix Police Lt. Jacqui MacConnell to give on-duty officers a direct resource for supporting at-risk youth and families in crisis. As an officer, Lt. MacConnell experienced first-hand the barriers officers face when trying to help individuals in need. She also recognized officers’ deep commitment to building stronger, safer communities — often using their own money to provide support. Since its inception, Angels on Patrol has touched over 22,000 lives through direct requests from police officers.
ORGANIZATION
Angels on Patrol
LEADERSHIP
Melinda Cadena
Executive director
Executive director Melinda Cadena (center) says Angels on Patrol connects families in crisis to vital resources through partnerships with law enforcement.
Mission
For officers, Angels on Patrol is known as a fast, reliable resource. As one officer put it, “When everyone else either does not answer or tells me no, you always say YES.”
“Being a trusted resource for officers is a role the organization cherishes,” said Melinda Cadena, Angels on Patrol’s executive director. “For the community, we hope to be a beacon of hope and a bridge for building positive relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve.”
Annual Budget
With a $250,000 annual budget, Angels on Patrol is unique in that it never charges police officers or the individuals in crisis who benefit from its assistance. “Our vision is to establish a sustainable, recurring budget that will allow us to expand statewide and serve every law enforcement department in Arizona,” Cadena said.
Most Surprising Thing About the Organization
Angels on Patrol’s crisis response program operates 24/7/365 to support the community’s most vulnerable individuals with incredible speed. For instance, an officer might submit a request in the morning for a domestic violence victim needing to flee the state. By early afternoon, the victim and their children could be on a flight to safety. With a small staff, Angels on Patrol responds to about 350 requests each year.
Program Highlight
Another standout initiative is Angels on Patrol’s support for officer-led community efforts. For instance, the Police Officer Thanksgiving Food Drive began with a single Phoenix Police sergeant feeding five families out of his own pocket. Angels on Patrol partnered with him three years ago, helping grow the program to feed 300 families in the Phoenix/Maryvale area this year — a testament to how small acts of kindness can create lasting community impact. Angels on Patrol participates in 10 major officer-run events each year.
Recent Challenges
At 15 years old, Angels on Patrol is a relatively young nonprofit with limited name recognition. And since it doesn’t serve the community at large, much of its outreach is focused on law enforcement and potential donors rather than widespread public marketing. The organization hopes to raise awareness of its mission and welcomes new supporters.
Future
This year marks Cadena’s 10th anniversary as executive director. Looking ahead, she is eager to fulfill more officer requests and participate in more community events.
“Leading this small but mighty nonprofit continues to be one of the greatest joys of my career,” she said. “It’s allowed me to combine my passion for serving others with my admiration for the work officers do every day.”
To learn more, visit angelsonpatrol.org
Create a fresh start
Decluttering
Organizing
Decorating Refresh
Style Assessment
Space Analysis
Holiday Set Up and Take Down
House Assistant
Last September, I moved from Peoria, AZ to Illinois. Robin helped me to prepare my house for the showing while I was still out of state. She worked with my realtor to prepare the house for showings. When I returned to Arizona, I had 20 days to sell items, pack, schedule movers and have garage sale. Robin helped me every step of the process. We sorted, declutterred, donated, sold and packed nonstop. I could not have done it without her. She is great to work with and I highly recommend her to anyone who needs help decluttering, organizing or preparing to move.
