Nashua PAL

Posted by Doug Barry

on Dec 15, 2014

On December 15^th, Shawn Nelson, Executive Director and Phil Belmont, Police Coordinator addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding Nashua PAL. Officer Belmont spoke about his first experience with PAL. He was responding to a domestic disturbance call in a multifamily dwelling. After addressing the complaint, he was asked by a woman across the hall what was happening. He noticed the inside of her apartment was sparsely decorated, three young children were sleeping in the same bed and the gas stove burners were lit on high. He mentioned to her about the unsafe condition that could cause and she noted that they did not have any heat. She also thanked him for the tree and presents that were given to her from PAL. Officer Belmont decided then to look into the program.

Shawn then spoke about PAL and its mission. Over 2,000 kids have participated in their program. 30 come through their doors each day with family average annual incomes of $20,000 to $25,000. The organization is providing a number of opportunities for young people including homework assistance, sports opportunities, college visits and mentoring. The program is impacting the lives of many youth in the tree street areas. Future program expansion will hopefully impact many more children in other areas of the state.

For more information on Nashua PAL go to http://www.nashuapal.com/.