PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia schools let out for summer break next week, so in an effort to keep kids safe, Ford PAL in South Philadelphia announced they will expand their hours.If you’re walking down Synder Avenue, passing the recreational center, you will find kids shooting hoops, laughing, and letting off some steam.
Officer Joseph Ellerby, Director of Ford PAL, says that, to him, it’s more than just kids playing a game of basketball. "While the kids are in here, I know they’re not getting shot at.
They’re not doing any shooting and I know they’re getting positive love and energy in this Ford PAL center, which every kid needs," said Ellerby.
Officer Ellerby is on his third generation of kids at the center and with the $400,000 from the city and Philadelphia police, he says the center can open on Saturdays and expand their programs: workshops, cooking classes and sports. MORE HEADLINESPhiladelphia crime victims traveling to state capitol to demand support for victims of violencePhilly city council members, activists call on mayor to increase Parks and Rec, libraries budgetsOfficials hope Philly bike track can steer youth away from gun violenceMunir Williams, 19, just graduated from high school and started real estate school at Temple University.