Executive Director's Statement
Henrico PAL Friends,
First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, community partners, board members, staff members and police officers for their tremendous support. Through your contributions, Henrico Police Athletic League has continued to build positive relationships between police officers and thousands of youth we serve yearly. Secondly, on behalf of the board members, staff, and officers of Henrico PAL, we would like to thank our parents for entrusting us with your most treasured possession. At Henrico PAL, we truly believe that our children are society’s most valued commodity. Since March 2020, COVID-19 has completely changed our society and the institutions we rely on daily. The lives of the citizens of Henrico County and the entire nation were altered dramatically and adversely impacted in ways that are yet to be determined. Consequently, Henrico PAL was forced to redirect its programmatic approach and engagement since the Governor’s Stay at Home Order was issued in March 2020. As a result, Henrico PAL reinvented our programmatic engagement to remain viable during the pandemic. By adopting a philosophy of flexibility and creativity, Henrico PAL was selected as one of only three licensed Henrico County Public School partners to provide full day childcare in school facilities during Virtual Learning. Presently, we are happy to announce that our 2021 Summer Camp partnership with Henrico County’s Recreation and Parks was well attended and provided our youth with an enriching summer experience.
Furthermore, the 2021-22 school year will mark the grand opening of our 4th Henrico PAL After School Program site, held at Pinchbeck Elementary School. To share with those new to Henrico Police Athletic League our core educational curriculums are STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Financial Literacy Program. Theses comprehensive programs will equip Henrico PAL youth with the prerequisite knowledge to compete in a global world and ensure their vocational and financial success. This curriculum will serve grades K through 12 and now incorporated within our After-School Programs, Summer Camps, and Youth Leadership Council. Currently, your Henrico PAL continues to explore the identification of the necessary funding to build a Henrico PAL Youth and Family Recreation Center. To make this a reality it will take tremendous community support from individuals and organizations. This multi-use youth and family facility with host Henrico PAL programs and secure the organization’s future programmatic stability. The procurement of a Henrico PAL Youth and Family Recreation Center will provide generations of youth an opportunity to learn and play in a safe environment. Additionally, it will truly take a village to serve the youth who need it the most.
Therefore, if you or someone you know are interested in partnering with us to support this goal, please call us at (804) 262-HPAL (4725) or email us at info@henricopal.org. All donations are tax deductible and can be made by visiting our website, or mailing your donation directly to us.
To learn more about all of the wonderful work Henrico PAL is doing in the community and how you can volunteer or support Henrico PAL please visit our website at www.henricopal.org or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Once again, we sincerely thank you for your support and remember, “Every Kid Needs A PAL”.
Warmest regards,
Sgt. Kenneth L. Ragland (Retired)
Executive Director