75B - PH - CDBG PROGRAM 13-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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III. PROGRAM/PROJECT DESCRIPTION-DETAIL In the space below, describe the program/project. Include Information as to how the program/project will benefit low-income people/householas (max cnar. zuuu) In order to combat gang violence, resist the temptation of joining criminal street gangs, and encourage youths to stay in school, the Santa Ana Police Department in conjunction with the Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Department has formed the Santa Ana Police Athletic Activities League (SAPAAL). SAPAAL is a crime prevention program that employs educational, athletic, and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between youths and law enforcement. SAPAAL will focus its efforts on at risk students. This program takes a three-step approach. The first step Is to provide safe haven where youths can gather without the fear of violence or Intimidation. At the haven, youths will be provided with an environment that enables them to study, complete homework, and to work on school projects. Youths will have access to computers, school supplies, educational materials, and private tutoring all at no cost. The focus is on academic achievement. Second, youths will have the chance to participate in recreational and educational field trips. These field trips concentrate on broadening the knowledge and social awareness of youths to opportunities they might not be cognizant of due to their social economic status. And finally, the sport, athletic and fitness programs coached by police officers teach youths the Importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and the fact that police officers are human who are sincerely interested in their development. This aspect of the program builds the bonds of trust and communication between youths and police officers. IV. STATEMENT OF NEED In the space below. describe why this program/protect Is needed. Include information as to any effects if CDBG funds are not awarded and whether similar programs/projects are available in the community. (max, char. 200+ Criminal street gangs have caused untold damage to families, businesses, and, neighborhood communities. In order to combat gang recruitment and gang.violence, youths need to experience success in school, be supported by their friends, family and peers, and know that police officers are truly interested in their development and well-being. The Santa Ana Police Department's PAAL Program seeks to address these issues and break the cycle of gang recruitment and gang violence through early recognition, intervention, and mentoring programs. A resource "Drop In Center,' staffed by Police Athletic Activities employees and volunteers would provide students with a safe haven to study and a place to work on school projects and complete their homework. Tutoring, in conjunction with computer access, reference and educational materials would help youths become successful in school. Peer support groups offers youths someone to talk to about problems they may be facing. Recreational and fitness programs teach youths the Importance of teamwork, discipline, and good citizenship. Police officers coaching and mentoring demonstrate to youths that officers are sincerely interested in their welfare. Grant funds would be instrumental in the continued operation of the SAPAAL Center where the above strategies would be put into practice. Student tutors from local universities (Irvine, Fullerton, and Chapman) would be recruited to help students with their homework or other school projects. In addition to academics, grant funds would provide the opportunity for students to participate in character development programs, local and long distance field trips, and to participate in state and national competitions. Implementation of the listed strategies would provide youths with the skills, knowledge, and character to resist the temptation of joining a criminal street gang. The SAPAAL is housed at the building that was formerly the Mc Fadden Branch Library, 75B-40