Executive Director, Police Athletic League of Jacksonville
Mission
In an effort to reduce juvenile crime and instill positive values, character and leadership skills, PAL provides safe activities for the youth of Jacksonville. Our athletic and educational programs emphasize positive interaction with law enforcement officers and other adult role models.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1972.
Those served
We serve about 2,800 Jacksonville youth annually at our four facilities.
Biggest challenge
Every challenge presents us an opportunity. With our continuing economic challenges, it is imperative that we partner with other nonprofits to avoid duplicity of services and ensure that we are spending our donated dollars as effectively as possible while providing the best services to our kids. We work to develop student athletes by providing them life-changing opportunities through tutoring, college scholarships, mentoring and sports activities. Jacksonville is filled with compassionate people who want to make a positive difference in a child’s life through volunteer opportunities. I firmly believe President Harry Truman’s quote that, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
Biggest satisfaction
Seeing the PAL’s impact through the smile of a child and knowing that the PAL provided that child opportunities that were otherwise unavailable.
Hometown
Dearborn, Mich.
First experience with community service
I taught “English as a second language” classes at our local library.
Your job before PAL
I served in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Burglary and Economic Crimes investigative units, working with a fantastic group of supervisors and detectives.
Upcoming events
Sept. 10: Sheriff’s Cup Annual Golf Tournament, San Jose Country Club.
Nov. 16: Sheriff’s Roast, Hyatt Downtown.
Dec. 4: 8th Annual Sheriff’s shoot, Jacksonville Gun Club.
Contact information
www.jaxpal.com