Brick Police Athletic League Open House

The Brick Police Athletic League, located at 60 Drum Point Road is participating in the National PAL Youth Mentoring Day by hosting Open House on Saturday April 21, 12 to 3 pm.  The purpose of the day is to promote Youth Mentoring at the Brick PAL and the nation-wide program through National PAL.  Families will enjoy free games, prizes and refreshments. 

The Youth Mentoring Program is designed to give youth the opportunity to participate in positive activities while developing important leadership and decision making skills.  Upon entry into the program youth participants sign a pledge to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free.  Youth attend weekly meetings, participate in local community service projects and are rewarded for their leadership and hard work with fun educational activities.

Goals of the Youth Mentoring Program are to improve self-esteem, attitudes, academic performance, social skills, and work habits of young people.  Research data indicates that mentoring programs have reduced first-time drug use by almost 50% and first-time alcohol use by 33%.  In addition, mentored youth displayed greater confidence in their schoolwork and improved their academic performance.

The Youth Mentoring Program also involves recruiting volunteer Mentors who will be matched with a youth Mentee.  Volunteer Mentors agree to meet with their Mentee at the Chapter for at least one hour per week for ten months.  Besides offering friendship and a listening ear, Mentors and Mentees will engage in a variety of fun and meaningful activities individually and in groups.  It has been shown that a trusting relationship with a caring adult can have a life-changing effect on a young person.

The Youth Mentoring Program currently serves youth from middle school thru high school and will be expanding to include 5th graders.  If you are interested in sharing your time and your knowledge and making a difference in the life of a child, please contact Dan McKevitt, Executive Director, Brick PAL at (732-) 477-0144 or stop by to learn how you can become a volunteer Mentor.

For more information on programs available at the Brick PAL, visit our website: www.brickpal.org