The Community Foundation for San Benito County has awarded a Community Impact grant to San Benito County Police Activities League. This $16,500 grant will support activities for youth through PAL FUNdamentals, a project comprised of Junior Giants' baseball, USTA H.I.T.S. and Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.).
“PAL is all about creating positive and beneficial experiences for youth. A lot of kids face barriers to participation, like a lack of experience with team sports, finding rides to events across town or buying equipment. PAL is all about creating opportunities for kids,” says Al De Vos, the Gang Prevention Coordinator and San Benito County PAL Board member. “Making the effort to build partnerships and share resources is the best way to connect our youth to their community.”
The Community Foundation for San Benito County funds, in-part, exceptional efforts to fill an identified need in the community. PAL FUNdamentals will address the need for youth activities that are local and accessible.
"SBC PAL's Junior Giants and HITS program are an overwhelming success because they allow so many kids in our community to have fun because affordability isn't a factor,” says Chief of Police David Westrick, vice president of the local PAL organization. “Every child should get the opportunity to do the things they love, regardless of finances. Who knows, we could have the next future Buster Posey or president of the United States.”
San Benito County PAL appreciates beginning this partnership with the Community Foundation for San Benito County to provide PAL FUNdamentals. Other partners in the project include Hollister School District, City of Hollister Police and Recreation Departments, San Benito County Probation Department, San Benito County Free Library, United States Tennis Association and the Gang Prevention Policy Committee.
