FREDERICK POLICE DEPARTMENT
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 7, 2007

POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE OFFERS GAL PALS PROGRAM

The Frederick Police Department’s Police Activities League (PAL) is pleased to announce the formation of a new program called GAL PALS. This program will begin in late September for girls ages 10-15.

Our collective vision is to help Frederick’s youth grow into well-adjusted, functional young adults and future leaders of our city. Our hope is that all young people in Frederick will feel valued, special and capable of making every day decisions that will make the difference between surviving and thriving as they grow. GAL PALS is the first of a series of joint activities designed to instill pride, integrity, self-esteem, and self-confidence in our local youth.

The GAL PALS program consists of 30 weekly mentoring sessions, conducted on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm at Hillcrest Elementary School. To best accommodate holidays and other regularly scheduled academic events, GAL PALS has been divided into three distinct 10-week modules – highlighting “YOU!”; “YOU PLUS OTHERS!” and “YOU PLUS OTHERS PLUS COMMUNITY!”

Each week will consist of personal sharing from guest mentors and role models; fun exercises; individual journal keeping; weekly rewards and affirmations of success. The GAL PAL series – adapted to the learning patterns of 10-15 year olds – will awaken students to the “can do” power of being unique and extraordinary human beings – and will start young people of Frederick on their way to conscious adulthood.

The GAL PALS program was developed on a volunteer basis by United Latinos of Greater Frederick and Our House of the People. It was designed to nuture, and to help young girls of all backgrounds develop courage, confidence, and character.

PAL’s mission is to improve the quality of life for at-risk youth and reduce juvenile crime and victimization throughout the entire city; inspire youth to become responsible, contributing members of the community; and instill values of integrity, res