GRANGER — Granger Middle School hosted the 3rd annual Safety and Health Community Conference on Saturday as members of the community, such as the Granger Police Department, Chamber of Commerce members, middle school staff and other concerned citizens came together for a common purpose: Gang Awareness.
“This year’s conference focused on gang awareness because the parents told us this is what they wanted to know more about,” Lori Febus, Gear-up site coordinator and Conference Committee member said. 
“We are passionate about our kids and our community,” Officer “Cas” Cedillo of the Granger Police Department said.
In a town of 3,000 people, Granger is “congested with home-grown gang bangers,” Officer Cedillo said. He informed parents of the potential for extreme danger to explode locally. There is gang violence and drug cartels “streaming straight through the Lower Valley and Granger specifically,” he added. 
Parents were shown weapons, paraphenilia and actual photos of students in the Granger school district.
“We will do whatever it takes to get the point across,” Febus said.
As violence and gang activity increase in Granger, community members are responding in a positive and helpful way. 
“Last year 400 people attended, but this year the numbers are a little lower,” Gabriel Martinez, Conference Committee member said. 
The focus was gang awareness, however representatives and advocates for health also attended to show their support for Granger. 
The Early Head Start home base program among many others also provided information for students and parents. 
“We offer assistance for teen and first time mothers,” Blanca Cruz, program director said.
“This program offers nutrition, safety, prenatal care and tools to succeed in raising a family so in the end they will not need us,” Yolanda Arellano, the programs home visitor said. Arellano visits clients giving them helpful tips and resources to raise their children with success and good health. 
The conference also included several speakers who felt a passion to give back to their community. 
“We want to put a cap on the violence before it gets out of control,” Cedillo said. “The Granger Police Department is working overtime and committing to keeping their citizens safe.”