The Cobb Police Athletic League has secured funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Delinquency Prevention to establish a mentoring program for children 4 to 15.
The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues Inc. selected Cobb County as one of 36 grant recipients. The program focuses on juvenile crime prevention through athletic and recreational activities for Cobb’s high-risk neighborhoods, primarily in south Cobb.
Data indicates that mentoring programs have reduced first-time drug use by almost 50 percent and first-time alcohol use by 33 percent, according to a Cobb County news release. Mentored youths also display more confidence in their schoolwork and improved academic performance.
Cobb’s program will involve recruiting volunteer mentors who will be matched with youths.
Volunteers will agree to meet with youths at the chapter for at least two hours every two weeks for one year in group settings.
Cobb PAL is partnering with Cobb Mentoring Matters to assist with the program.
For now, mentor opportunities are limited to employees of the Cobb County Police Department.
Information: Alicia Hicks at 770-499-3921 or alicia.hicks@CobbCounty.org.
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