MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a city with high crime rates, community leaders have sought solutions by focusing on youths. The goal is to help kids find activities in their own neighborhoods to deter them from crime.
“They’re looking for something to do,” said Craig Littles, Memphis Shelby PAL Founder. “If they don’t find the positive, they’re going to find the negative.”
For the retired Memphis Police officer, the Police Activities League (PAL) is a labor of love. Growing up, Littles said he found himself in gang activity and violence. Since then, Littles has worked to transform trauma into change with the Memphis non-profit.
“I was that kid, but someone did it for me," Littles said. "Someone did it for us and every other parent, and so we’re trying to do it for the kids and the community."
Since 1996, Littles and PAL have brought mentoring, education and sports to kids across the Memphis area like Landon Jones. Jones first started in the PAL program eight years ago.
“I loved it, so I just kept coming back," Jones said. "They help different people get off the streets. It’s a good place to go if you need help.”
Through help with community partners, Littles has tried to tear down the financial barriers families may face in an effort to help change communities for the better.
“It’s a blanket of security that parents are seeking for their children," said Littles. "So we’re hoping that through that positive relationship that we’re building through the community, the kids and the parents, that we start to eventually see a better way, versus the negative that surrounds them every day."
For more information on PAL and their program, you can check out their Facebook HERE or their website HERE.