Pittsburgh Police Foundation awarded $10,000 Grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

               TEL: (412) 261-1842     FAX: (412) 904-6818     WEB: www.pghpf.org

920 Ft. Duquesne Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA  15222

NEWS RELEASE; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:    Jared J. Sadowski – (412) 261-1842

E-mail at jjsadowski@hendersonbrothers.com

[Pittsburgh/March 9, 2012] – The Pittsburgh Police Foundation has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to support the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Youth Programs Unit 2011 Summer Camp: Cops & Kids with City Parks, a unique experience for Pittsburgh area youth to understand the complexities of law enforcement.  Through the grant, the Pittsburgh Police Foundation will for one week help students experience the inside workings of a police department.  The classes they will attend are designed to increase the student’s knowledge of law enforcement’s place in our society, as well as aid them in making responsible decisions in their daily lives.  It is the Pittsburgh Police Foundation’s objective to help students gain a perspective of law enforcement that will help to make them responsible citizens and participants in their community.  The program’s goal is to help build self-esteem and friendships with others from different communities, while developing an understanding of their role in maintaining a safe and healthy community.

 

“There hasn’t been a more important time in the history of our great city for us to focus on our youth,” said Nate Harper, Chief of Police for the City of Pittsburgh. “When you look at the alarming statistics of violence among our youth, our ability to remain ‘America’s Most Livable City’ is directly related to how we educate, mentor and care for the young people of Pittsburgh.”

 

The camp that this grant support, Cops and Kids, allows any child who is a resident of the City of Pittsburgh, has completed the fifth grade, and is 14 years old or younger is eligible to attend this summer’s session.  Camp sessions are limited to 50 children per 1 week camp term.  The camp is filled on a first come first served basis and preference will be given to first time applicants.

“Assisting children make healthy and responsible decisions is very important to Highmark,” said Mary Anne Papale, Highmark’s director of community affairs. “We have chosen to support the Pittsburgh Police Foundation’s summer camp program because it provides children with the opportunity to understand the vital role Pittsburgh City police officers play in keeping our local communities safe, as well as reinforcing the importance of making wise decisions on a daily basis.”

The Pittsburgh Police Foundation is a 501C3 Non-Profit who’s Mission is to improve awareness, trust and foster a relationship between the Pittsburgh Police, Communities it serves and Individuals it protects.  The organization will achieve this goal through many means of outreach including Police and Youth Educational Programs, Community Outreach, Social and Sporting functions.

 

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