At Members First Credit Union, we believe that strong communities are built by investing in people, especially young people. That’s why, through our Illuminating Change program, we’re proud to announce the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) as our Q2 2026 Spotlight Partner.
This Spotlight partnership is a meaningful continuation and deepening of an ongoing relationship between Members First and MPAL that began years ago. Now, we’re expanding that support to help tell a fuller story about the incredible impact MPAL is making across Manchester.
Building Opportunity Through Connection
MPAL is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: when young people have access to supportive mentors, safe spaces, and meaningful opportunities, they thrive.
On any given afternoon at the Michael Briggs Community Center, you might hear the steady rhythm of a boxing class, see a group gathered around a kitchen learning how to prepare a meal, or find kids laughing together over a game or new skill. It’s a place where young people can simply show up, try something new, and feel like they belong.
Operating out of the Michael Briggs Community Center on Beech Street, MPAL serves more than 650 youth each year through athletic and enrichment programs. All programs are free of charge so that financial or social barriers never stand in the way of a young person’s opportunity to participate.
From boxing and wrestling to cooking and skateboarding, MPAL creates an environment where young people can explore new interests, build confidence, and develop healthy habits, all at no cost to families. And their programming doesn't stop at extracurriculars—MPAL also offers girls' empowerment programming, life skills development, and school break programs that give youth a safe, supported place to be year-round.
Strengthening Trust, Strengthening Community
One of the most unique aspects of MPAL is its role in building relationships between young people and law enforcement.
By creating shared spaces where youth and officers interact through sports, mentorship, and everyday connection, MPAL helps foster trust, understanding, and mutual respect. These relationships are built over time, through shared experiences, encouragement, and showing up consistently.
It’s a model of community partnership that strengthens the fabric of Manchester as a whole.
More Than Programs—A Path Forward
While athletics and enrichment are at the heart of MPAL’s work, their impact goes even deeper.
MPAL operates an accredited juvenile court diversion program in Manchester, offering youth offenders an opportunity to move forward without entering the justice system.
Through additional initiatives like CHOICES, MPAL connects at-risk youth with mentors and positive alternatives, pairing them with trusted adults who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a steady presence.
Growing the Next Generation of Leaders
As young people begin to find their confidence, MPAL creates opportunities for them to take the next step: becoming leaders within their own community.
Through its Teen Ambassador Leadership Program, MPAL offers a year-long experience designed to help teens grow as confident leaders and role models. Participants meet regularly to build skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and service, while also playing an active role in supporting MPAL programs and events.
You might see Teen Ambassadors helping organize activities, encouraging younger participants, or simply leading by example. These moments matter. They allow teens to see themselves not just as participants, but as contributors who can make a difference in the lives of others.
Through hands-on experiences and meaningful community engagement, Teen Ambassadors develop confidence, responsibility, and a sense of purpose that extends well beyond MPAL. It’s another way the organization invests in young people and in the future.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
Members First and MPAL share a common goal: helping individuals build better futures.
Through this Q2 Spotlight, we’re proud to provide financial support, increased visibility, and ongoing storytelling to amplify MPAL’s impact and reach even more young people and families in our community.
As MPAL shared during our September 2025 Illuminating Change Beacon partnership:
“The Manchester Police Athletic League is honored to partner with Members First Credit Union, whose generous support plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Their commitment helps ensure that youth have access to free programs that empower them with the values of respect, responsibility, and community through positive relationships with law enforcement and adult mentors.”
Join Us in Supporting MPAL
This partnership will continue to grow throughout the quarter, culminating in a special Nonprofit of the Night celebration at a New Hampshire Fisher Cats game on June 25, 2026.
In the meantime, there are many ways to get involved:
- Learn more about MPAL’s programs
- Volunteer or support their initiatives
- Spread the word about their mission
- Attend upcoming community events
👉 Visit MPAL’s website to learn more and get involved.
Continuing the Story
If you’d like to learn more about our partnership with MPAL, you can read our previous blog article here.
Through Illuminating Change, we’re proud to stand alongside organizations like MPAL. When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our entire community.