Danbury Police Activities League is reporting at 64-percent growth in programs in the past year. Danbury PAL Executive Director Maura Keenan says the center has been extremely busy and the double digit increase has a direct connection to the number of children served. Danbury PAL has been in operation since 1972 as a place for kids to develop leadership skills through a healthy and safe environment.
Over 5,000 youth are now served by the facility.
PAL surveyed parents in the Greater Danbury area last summer as part of a community needs assessment. Spring Volleyball, annual PAL memberships, free family events and basketball for kindergarten and first graders was added. A partnership with Danbury Youth Soccer was also cultivated. Existing programs were also expanded.
The organization recently added two part time staff members.