88% of Youth Link graduates stay out of the criminal justice system for at least three years, compared to those without intervention, where more than half of court-involved youths are rearrested. Within the Police Athletic League Youth Link program, the Reisenbach Internship program provides wrap-around support for 15 vulnerable youth, ages 14-21, who face barriers to positive youth outcomes due to adverse childhood experiences. This program engages 15 participants in internships that serve as a pathway for them to develop key skills needed to become productive, contributing members of society.
The Police Athletic League (PAL) Youth Link program provides vulnerable youth- homeless, foster, truants, probationers, youth ex-offenders, and any other youth having experienced significant childhood trauma- with intensive supportive services to pursue bright futures. Youth Link targets young people ages 9 to 16, many of whom are referred to PAL from the New York City Department of Probation and Administration for Children’s Services. Many live below the poverty line and have been arrested for offenses including physical assault, drug possession, and theft.
For over a decade, PAL Youth Link has impacted the lives of over 200 at-risk youth per year. PAL’s partnership with the John A. Reisenbach Foundation for the past seven years helped to build upon this framework, offering structured pathways for vulnerable youth to avoid entering the justice system and to excel in school and work. Youth Link has a strong track record of transforming young people’s lives. For example without intervention, more than half of court- involved youths are rearrested, whereas 88% of Youth Link graduates stay out of the criminal justice system for at least three years.
Reisenbach Internships are the first jobs most Youth Link participants have ever had, and the internship curriculum is designed to provide stepping stones to brighter futures. In addition to counseling support needed to overcome socio-economic barriers, Reisenbach Interns receive targeted academic support and hands on work experience necessary for success in school and the workforce.
The Reisenbach Internship program provides wrap-around support for 15 vulnerable youth, ages 14-21, who face barriers to positive youth outcomes due to adverse childhood experiences, such as economic hardship, violence, homelessness or involvement in the foster care or juvenile justice systems. To learn more about the Police Athletic League, visit their website: palnyc.org.
Please click here to support the Police Athletic League and our other grantee partners working in service of a Safer and Better NYC!
