CHARITY SPOTLIGHT 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, re curring 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 10 th 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 . 56 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 57 Breathtaking Baja Cabo San Lucas offers oceanfront adventure and restful respite all winter long BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ N estled between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Baja California Sur is a mosaic of stunning landscapes, rich history and endless adventure. From its buzzy beaches to its turquoise waters, the Mexican hotspot offers a diverse range of experiences waiting to be explored. Cabo San Lucas — one of the world’s most spectacular tropical getaways — is the jewel in the austere crown of Baja California Sur and a quick two-hour flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Often shortened to Cabo, the sand-kissed town is part of the Baja region known as Los Cabos, which also includes San Jose del Cabo. Like Phoenix, Cabo experiences sunshine nearly every day. Also, like Phoenix, the region — nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau — boasts temperate weather throughout the winter and spring, as well as miles of sandy white beaches, crystal-blue water, and accommodations tailored to every type of traveler. Pueblo Bonita Resorts , a family of lavish all-inclusive properties along the water, boasts three distinctive spaces in the heart of Cabo located conveniently next door to each other, allowing guests to choose their own adventure each day. FROM THE ROAD Courtesy Los Cabos Tourism