Programs
PAL conducts many programs throughout Redwood City and also partners with other community groups to run programs that are focused on building strong connections between youth, police and the community.
After School Sports Leagues
One of the largest programs PAL is involved in is the After School Sports Leagues in Redwood City. This program runs in partnership with the Redwood City Park, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Redwood City School District. Throughout the school year the following sports are played by students in elementary and middle schools: volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, street hockey, cross country, golf, and a youth running program.
We provide programs that encourage good sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude and mutual respect to build a strong community within Redwood City. The program promotes life skills development by providing a safe place for youth to engage in physical activity that develops their talents and self-esteem. Teams are set up by school so the students get to develop some school pride during their sports program. Each year over 2000 students play in the Sports League.
To sign up and get more information about the After School Sports League, please go to this link:
http://www.teamsideline.com/ORG/Home.aspx?d=0mOzsuqzZyV6k2oDU4P2%2fw%3d%3d
After School Programs – PAL Community Center
At the PAL Community Center (link to map of the Community Center) we have many other programs that are open to community members.
After School Educational Program
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Partnership with Boys and Girls Club Peninsula (BGCP)
This partnership, in its second year, provides a comprehensive afterschool program for 230 students from Taft School in K-5 grade. The PAL Community Center supports this program and the program is staffed by BGCP.
After School Sport and Recreational Programs
The following programs are run currently at the PAL Community Center:
Karate (K-5 grade). Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Hip Hop Dance (K – 5th grade) Tuesday. 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Zumba for Kids (K -5th grade) Thursday. 1:45pm – 2:45pm
Boxing (8yrs to 18yrs) Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Signup forms for these programs are at the front desk of the PAL Community Center
Health Inspired Program for Teens (HIP!)
This is a new pilot program started in September 2011 for middle school students in 6th - 8 grades. The program is focused on a broad set of health subjects including physical mental and emotional topics. HIP! is set up to be a fun, safe and hands-on experience where students will participate in a full range of ‘healthy’ activities for middle school students. PAL is partnering with Global Resiliency Outreach Work (GROW) to put this program on in Redwood City. GROW has worked with at risk youth in San Francisco, San Jose and East Palo Alto. (See flyer for more details)
School Based Programs
In an effort to reach kids where they are, PAL has developed a new program called LunchTime PAL. This program brings police officers onto Redwood City elementary schools campuses during lunchtime to interact with students doing sports and recreational programs. The initial school we are at is Taft in the Friendly Acres neighborhood. We plan to expand the program throughout the year to additional schools in the District. This is another example of a strong partnership program between PAL the Redwood City Police Department and the Redwood City School District.
Community Based Programs
The PAL Community Center is also used by many local groups that offer community based programs. These groups provide programs in the evenings and on the weekends.
Some of these programs include: Ballet Folklorico, Zumba, Hip Hop Dance and Martial Arts. Information about these programs can be picked up at the front Desk of the PAL Community Center.
Cadets
Since 1992, the Redwood City Police Department has been giving high school kids an opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement through its Cadet Program. Cadets volunteer 10 hours of their time each month, as well as attend monthly meetings and training sessions. Working with sworn police officers at public events and assisting in various capacities throughout the department helps the young people develop new leadership skills and explore many of the facets of public service. Cadets assist with many PAL events, including the annual Blues Festival, Rotary Car Raffle and the yearly holiday Toy and Book Drive. In addition to their volunteer efforts, they train year-round for their annual State Explorer Competition, where the team competes against groups from around the State in shooting, scenarios, and various leadership exercises.
Tattoo Removal Program
In Partnership with ~ REDWOOD CITY POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE (PAL) ~ REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ~ SAN MATEO COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION ~ PALO ALTO MEDICAL FOUNDATION ~
The Tattoo Removal Program was created in 1996 to address the increase in youth related violent crime in San Mateo County, particularly crime involving gang activity. Removing gang related tattoos from exposed portions of the body increases an individual’s self esteem along with creating new opportunities in education and employment. The targeted youth are individuals who have renounced gang affiliation and are interested in making a positive change in their life. The program offers San Mateo County youth, between the ages 13 to 25, tattoo removal treatments at no cost. In return, these individuals are required to perform volunteer community service hours, and attend school or work. They also must have a commitment to become involved in supervised education, employment, community service activities, on-going support group meetings and mentoring. The participant must complete 20 hours of community service prior to the first tattoo removal session.
How the Tattoo Removal works: Tattoo removal treatments are performed by a group of volunteer doctors who use state of the art laser equipment. A laser breaks down the tattoo ink into smaller particles that dissipate into the blood stream. The ink itself does not leave the body, but by virtue of the laser is broken down into nearly invisible particles.