In September, summer draws to a close and the kids head back to school. It’s a time of new beginnings, but it’s also a time when some young people can fall through the cracks. The Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL)’s purpose is to invest in the lives of boys and girls in the community, and we are proud to announce that they are Members First’s Spotlight Nonprofit for the month of September 2023.

MPAL’s mission is to develop positive relationships between the youth of Greater Manchester and members of the Manchester Police Department. They offer a safe, structured environment to help kids grow, make good choices, and become productive members of society.

But how do they accomplish their mission? One glance at their current fall schedule reveals the many opportunities they offer, from boxing and aikido to skateboarding, cooking classes, baton twirling, girls empowerment, and Pokemon. There’s something for every kid to participate in, giving them after school activities in a safe environment with people who care about them. And all programs are completely free.

While many of these programs are available for elementary school students, MPAL also looks out for teens. MPAL Ambassadors teaches students ages 14-18 important life skills such as resume writing and public speaking and introduces them to business professionals. Equally as important, MPAL’s Juvenile Court Diversion program offers accountability and support to first-time offenders so they have the opportunity to have their cases closed without convictions on their records.

In addition to their programs, MPAL gets the whole family involved in annual events like Trunk or Treat, the Holiday Dinner, the Ambassadors Dinner, and the A-Maizing Corn Hole Cornament.

We are impressed by MPAL’s dedication to helping young people, and we know that their outreach has positive outcomes for boys’ and girls’ futures. Throughout this month, we’ll be telling you more about this great organization and outlining ways that you can support their efforts.

If you drive by our headquarters at Elm and Salmon Streets at night, look at the lights in our third-floor windows. They’re lit up with MPAL blue in their honor as part of our Illuminating Change initiative.