Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421

 ‘Community Night Out’ Program Success Leads to Expansion

GREENSBORO, NC – (April 18, 2008) – After three months of increasing success during its weekly Community Night Out program, the Guilford County Police Athletes and Activities League (G-PAL) is hoping to expand the program to Peeler Recreation Center.

The Community Night Out program connects neighborhood residents with the Greensboro Police Department and the local faith community to provide children of all ages “somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to be.” Community Night Out is offered every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Windsor Recreation Center, 1601 E. Lee St.

Through the Community Night Out program, older children learn to become mentors to younger children and are mentored themselves by volunteers whom they otherwise may not meet, such as off-duty Greensboro police officers, college students, and community leaders.

Initially, the program was expected to draw about 25 children each week, said the Rev. Otto Harris, chair of the G-PAL Adult Advisory Board. But the average weekly attendance has averaged almost five times that number, and many participants are repeat guests who have established relationships with the community volunteers. About 300 children attended the event on April 11.

The popularity of the program has led organizers to look into expanding Community Night Out to the Peeler Recreation Center. Harris said talks are underway to determine the best day and time for such an expansion. But one key factor in a successful expansion is having an adequate number of volunteers.

“We definitely need more community help now, and we’ll need volunteers for our expansion to Peeler in mid-summer,” Harris said.

Volunteers can serve in many capacities, he said. They can serve snacks to the children, lead crafts activities and games, and help facilitate discussions about subjects ranging from getting good grades in school to drug and alcohol prevention.

Harris said the goal of G-PAL is to have similar weekly programs in every recreation center in the city. “The community is sending a message that we value our youth and we value one another through gathering together,” Harris said. “We need one another to survive and thrive.”

Assistant Greensboro Police Chief Ron Rogers, who serves on the Advisory Board, said the success of the program is the result of Harris’ dedication and the work of several local churches.

“So many people talk about the problems with youth and are quick to place the blame on others,” Rogers said. “Reverend Harris and his congregation, along with several churches, have accepted the challenge to make a difference in the lives of our young people and communities.”

To volunteer for G-PAL events, call Harris at (336) 580-2338.

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