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IMPACT

PAL programs change kids’ lives
by building good relationships.

Youth in the urban core often struggle in school, have trouble building relationships, and lack recreational and developmental opportunities. In downtown Kansas City, Kansas, kids simply have nowhere to go after school where they’ll be welcomed and nurtured – especially if parents aren’t home. The only place they can go that is totally free – free from cost, free from violence and free from unhealthy influences – is the Police Athletic League of KCK. Read our Fall Impact Report.

A safe place to belong in our community

We call our PAL kids “members” because they know they belong here – no matter their interest. At our location in the downtown Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, KS they’re always greeted and mentored by local police officers and adult mentors who know their names, help them express themselves with constructive and healthy activities, and learn the value of service to others. Our support not only helps them reach graduation, but also builds relationships with caring cops and other adults who help them develop character, respect and .a foundational work ethic.

We work closely with the KCK Police Department to reduce the incidence of violent crime in our community, and it's working. In the past year, crime rates in our area of downtown KCK have decreased.

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Engaging kids in a fun environment

A unique indoor-outdoor recreational and learning facility, the PAL offers our youth members free programs including art, archery, diet & nutrition (with a community garden and a prep kitchen), fitness, boxing, fishing, drivers’ education, academic tutoring and more. Our programs include a service component, so youth learn to serve others in exchange for the opportunities to learn valuable new skills. Parents and guardians often get involved, too, and develop positive relationships with police.

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Supporting our most vulnerable kids

Youth involvement at the PAL decreases social isolation and helps build interpersonal trust between themselves and the PAL police officers, other PAL staff, and trained volunteers. The majority of PAL members/participants are Hispanic or African American, living at or near the poverty level. The PAL provides structure many youth are missing. By having this social support, PAL youth build resilience and develop social resources they can use to gain employment and grow into responsible adulthood.

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