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Pastor and nonprofit ask East Grand Rapids to host 'Fishing with the PoPo' youth outreach at Reeds Lake
Summary
Uptown Church leaders and the nonprofit Extended Hands presented 'Fishing with the PoPo' — a youth outreach pairing children with law-enforcement boat captains — asking the City to support a city‑sponsored event tentatively set for Aug. 8, 2026; organizers cited prior grants and survey data showing improved youth perceptions of police.
City Commissioners on a December evening heard a presentation from Uptown Church and the newly formed nonprofit Extended Hands about bringing a youth outreach program called "Fishing with the PoPo" to Reeds Lake.
The program, described by Pastor Gregory Amunga and Lionel LeGron, pairs youth with law‑enforcement boat captains for a day of fishing, meals and mentoring. Pastor Amunga said the program grew from a broader "community celebration" effort that has included backpacks, school supplies and resource tables. "These kids are able to get on boats and fish with law enforcement officers... and they're leaving with smiles," Amunga said.
Why it matters: organizers and police leaders said the program builds relationship capital between officers and young…
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