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DeLand Police Athletic League presents after-school programs, asks board to support facility transfer
Summary
DeLand Police Athletic League leaders described a broad after-school program that serves hundreds of youth with sports, outdoor experiences, cooking, homework support and transport. The group asked the board to endorse deeper partnership and to support use/transfer of a gym and surrounding property to expand its programming.
Representatives of the DeLand Police Athletic League (PAL) presented to the Volusia County School Board a summary of programs that provide low-cost or no-cost after-school services to children in the DeLand area.
Al Buie and PAL board chair Jennifer Nadavko described programs that include basketball, fishing, archery, cooking classes, leadership camp, weight training, and regular outdoor trips such as a “Welcome to the Woods” outing. Willie Johnson, PAL director, said the program initially served dozens of children and at times this school year served hundreds; PAL also sponsors summer camp slots for youth who otherwise could not afford them.
PAL emphasized its focus on the whole child, offering homework help, transportation for children who lack other means to attend activities, and positive interactions with law enforcement officers assigned to the program. The DeLand Police chief and community engagement commanders attended and were identified as active partners.
Volunteers and community partners: PAL said it relies on a mix of volunteer coaches, city and police support, and donations. Corporate and nonprofit partners mentioned in the presentation included Cardinal Health, Walmart, JC Bikes and Boards and local restaurants and volunteers who provide supplies, bikes and program funding. PAL noted a long volunteer history and community board members who provide pro-bono legal, oversight and fundraising support.
Program outcomes and community rationale: PAL board members said the program helps reduce delinquency risk by providing supervised, skill-building activities and by connecting students with trusted adults. The presentation pointed to low referral rates to juvenile justice among participating youth and to specific alumni testimony about improved outcomes and military and other career paths taken by former participants.
Request to the board: PAL leaders said they have used district facilities for many years and asked the district to consider a formal transfer or long-term use arrangement for a gym and property currently used by the group so they can expand services and invest in facility improvements. Board members expressed support and praised the program’s role in the community; no formal vote was taken at the workshop.
Ending: Board members thanked PAL leaders and volunteers and encouraged continued collaboration between the district, city, police and community partners to sustain after-school and summer opportunities for at-risk students.
