The Alive & Free Prescription is a violence prevention/anger management methodology developed by Dr. Joe Marshall, of the Omega Boys Club of San Francisco. The Alive & Free Prescription combines a public health approach and a medical model for treating and preventing youth violence. The Alive & Free Prescription frames violence as a disease.

The Alive & Free Prescription teaches young people to identify the thinking that puts them at risk for violence. Through film study, discussion and activities, young people then learn the Rules for Living - practical thinking and actions to stay Alive & Free.

Get the right coaches in your corner! PAL boxing offers one-on-one training, cardio workshops, nutrition, academic support, and more. Boxing teaches teens discipline, self-control, improves their concentration, and promotes social inclusion. Like many physical activities, it also boosts fitness levels, keeps kids active, and improves self-esteem and confidence levels. “What people do not always understand about boxing,” says PAL Head Coach Pete Padilla, “is that boxing isn’t about hitting someone. It’s about sizing up what’s going on, and seeing the big picture.” By keeping to a regular training schedule that is structured and supervised, teens do not just work out their aggression, they learn perseverance and self-management.

It is also particularly effective for teens that have behavioral problems. By giving them an outlet for their aggression, in a safe environment, and a strict schedule with trained supervision, boxing exercise offers the benefits of sportsmanship and hard work, allowing students to begin to develop some self-worth and belief.

The Girls Circle program promotes resiliency and healthy relationships in adolescent girls. The purpose of Girls Circle is to encourage the development of strength, courage, confidence, honesty, and communication skills for all girls. The goal of the Girls Circle Program is for them to be able to take full advantage of their talents, academic interests, career pursuits, and potential for healthy relationships.

Girls Circles are uniquely positioned to address and challenge cultural messages that limit and distort girls' self-image, and provide female-responsive rites of passage process to support identity development. The program has been found to improve girls' self-expression within a safe and caring environment, which encourages self-confidence, authenticity in relationships, and enhanced judgment skills.

Topics cover physical awareness, health, and emotional balance through media exploration, imagery, art, personal storytelling, and more. A yummy dinner is provided by members of the Soroptimists at the beginning of each meeting. Girls Circle is held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. To attend, young ladies must be able to commit to attending all 10 sessions. Space is limited. Please Note: Girls Circle does not run during the summer program.

Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines Western Boxing, Judo, Jujutsu, Kenpo, Karate, Eskrima, Tang Soo Do, and Kung Fu. Activities like Kajukenbo are a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve fitness, focus, self-discipline, and socialization skills. In fact, many parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.

Progress is often marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colors until black. Testing for each new level, generally every three months, is a good exercise in setting and achieving goals. But, experts say, it's the respect kids learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, that can be the most important benefit. It often carries over into school, helping to improve behavior and even grades, according to recent research.

Come have a WHEELY good time every Friday at the PAL Parking Lot Skate Nights!  Skate, play mini golf, see what happens when you combine football and bowling, win prizes, and more! Skates Provided.