G.R.E.A.T. Program

The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education And Training) Program includes four separate components:

1. Middle School Component

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.

2. Elementary School Component

The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed as a precursor to the middle school curriculum. This component establishes the foundation that prepares children for the intensified content and cooperation exercises taught in the middle school curriculum, while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth. Reaching children at an earlier stage of development allows for a better transition into the middle school curriculum. The elementary curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.

3. Families Component

G.R.E.A.T. Families is a research-based, family-strengthening program consisting of two components:  a six-session family curriculum and a family/community resource guide for G.R.E.A.T. facilitators. The G.R.E.A.T. Families curriculum uses group interaction, activities, and skills practice to engage parents and children ages 10 to 14 in order to foster positive family functioning. Each session is facilitated under the guidance of a specially trained G.R.E.A.T. Families lead facilitator. This lead facilitator works closely with one or two cofacilitators to guide as many as ten (10) families (approximately 30 family members) through a variety of activities and discussion. Child care may be made available, by the sponsoring agency, for younger children of participating families.

4. Summer Program

The G.R.E.A.T. summer program builds on the school-based curriculum by offering students an opportunity to enhance their social skills, giving them alternatives to gang involvement, and adding structure to the summer months. Interested students are asked to enroll and need a parent or guardian's signature on a Membership Agreement and Accident Waiver Form. The Agreement includes a list of rules that each student must agree to follow. Although the summer program is most beneficial when used as reinforcement for students that have received the G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum, students may be selected from other programs or direct from the community.

The Banning Police Department currently offers all four components of the G.R.E.A.T. Program to students and families in Banning. For more information go to: www.GREAT-online.org

Shop with a Hero

Each Year, just before Christmas, the Banning Police Activities League and the Beaumont Police Department select 40 youth from the community to participate in the  Shop with a Hero Breakfast.  The morning begins with a home-cooked breakfast, holiday music, dance perfomances and then the kids are treated to a first-class limousine ride to Walmart for a $100 shopping spree for each child. The "heros"  are the kids who are paired up with police safety dispatchers, firemen, police officers, teachers, grandparents, business owners and other caring adults from the community.  Once they arrive at Walmart, the fun begins as the kids spend their money.