The Police Athletic League in Putnam County is hoping to take the community back and put a stop to teen crime.
“Our PAL is focused on mentoring youth, so our drive and focus is to have kids come with a safe place to be,” said Barry Stewart, the executive director of the PAL in Putnam County.
He said they also focus on teaching kids to box, to keep them busy and out of trouble.
Stewart heard about the three teens ages 13, 16 and 18 who were arrested for allegedly kicking in doors in attempted burglaries this week.
“It's terrible when you see three young boys like that those crimes they need something to do,” said Stewart.
He says PAL is the perfect example of where at risk teens came come to try to turn their lives around
“We’re doing what we can to take this community back,” said Stewart.
PAL started four years ago with the help of the Putnam sheriff and superintendent of Putnam County schools.
He said the program grew from about 20 kids to around 40, with more than 200 coming for summer camps.
He said the program will need continuous donations to support its growth since it's one of the few places kids can go to get off the streets.