For Immediate Release
November 30, 2004
SENATOR GILL SECURES $400,000 FOR THE EAST ORANGE PAL
EAST ORANGE - Senator Nia H. Gill announced today that East Orange will receive $400,000 in funding to help maintain its Police Athletic League (PAL) program.
"At a time when gangs are trying to overtake our children and communities, the PAL is a creative, constructive, and positive alternative for our children," said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic . "The $400,000 awarded to the PAL will allow the organization to continue its commitment to the community through mentoring and counseling programs, scholarship opportunities, and athletic programs."
The $400,000 is funded through the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Property Tax Assistance and Community Development grants, which provide funding to municipalities for neighborhood improvement projects.
"Statistics show that 15-20% of the city's children are committing 80-85% of its juvenile crime," said Sgt. DeLacy Davis, Executive Director of the East Orange PAL. "The East Orange PAL provides positive activities for these kids, so that we can help keep them off the streets and reduce crime. Juvenile crime has decreased by 51% over the last four years, which can be attributed in part to the efforts of legislators like Senator Gill. Senator Gill embodies the spirit of the mothers of these children that are benefiting from our program, and I am so grateful to her for securing this $400,000 to help us continue our efforts to provide the city's children with positive and productive activities."