The Police Activities League of Greater Portland (PAL) links young people with their community and local police officers through through recreational, athletic, and educational programs that encourage and develop good citizenship, improve quality of life and decrease crime in the Portland Metropolitan area. Edge Performance Fitness Staff and it’s fitness center members chose Portland PAL as the second nonprofit organization to benefit from NedWater’s February giving program.
“We’re really excited to offer a donation to such a great organization that provides such great programming to youth in need,” Said Robyn McGillis, from Edge Performance Fitness. “Our mission of providing sport to our communities links us with the Portland PAL mission and we look forward to forming partnerships with organizations like PAL in the future.”
Portland PAL has been around as a national organization since the 1930s. PAL started with a youth gang in New York City that was harassing storekeepers and generally making life miserable in the neighborhood. A police officer in the City’s Crime Prevention Bureau saw how punishing crime looked like a revolving door. The kids just kept coming in getting punished and being released. He wondered if the cycle could stop BEFORE kids got in trouble. The officer talked with the gang’s leader. He heard about the kids’ frustration of the ghetto life, no place to go, nothing to do and of being hassled by the police. Then he thought: Why not help the kids form a team? Give them a place to play under police supervision. Be a friend instead of an enemy. The lieutenant found a playground where the gang could play under the eye of friendly police officers. These police officers volunteered their time to coach baseball, play stick ball in the streets, and mentor youth. The idea spread across the nation, and today, there are over 250 PAL chapters in nearly every state.
Today in Portland PAL offers a number of programs throughout the year and during the summer where kids can connect with each other and police officers. It serves more than 3,500 youth per year on a budget which is 40% cash and 60% in-kind services including donated labor, space, phones, sports equipment, and materials.
There are a number of ways to get involved with PAL. Volunteer to coach a football team, or help on field trips, or work on the auction. Interview for one of the college internships or practicums available year-round. Complete your high school community service hours working with youth or Donate supplies, youth incentives (prizes we use for good behavior).
Portland PAL is the second of two nonprofits nominated by Edge Performance Fitness staff and members. Edge Performance Fitness is a personalized, micro gym specializing on wellness with no attitude. They’re conveniently located right on the Interstate Max Line. Ask about their Spring Challenge and Buddy Discount program!
Each month NedWater donates 10% of its gross revenues to five nonprofit organizations, three of which are chosen by NedWater customers. Two other donations are made through Kiva.org to support two entrepreneurs in impoverished countries committed to build wealth for themselves and their families.
