Seidner’s Collision Centers made a charitable donation of $2,500 to help support the Y.A.L. program. “The Shark program is a unique outreach program that we are proud to support. The officers that volunteer in this program are making a difference in the community and the students who are a part of the program are fortunate to have the YAL to support them and keep them on the road to success.” stated Steve Seidner VP of Seidner’s Collision Centers.
The Youth Activities League provides an escape from the harsh realities of crime and gangs with their S.H.A.R.K. Program. S.H.A.R.K. (Sheriff’s High Adventure for Responsible Kids) is a unique program that introduces young men and women to the undersea world of S.C.U.B.A. diving. Young people (between the ages of 14-17) are given 3 hrs of classroom and 9 hrs of pool instruction in the use of S.C.U.B.A. The teenagers, after completing the training, are taken out to Catalina Island where they actually make an ocean dive on S.C.U.B.A. with deputies. The close one on one interaction with deputy sheriffs allows the participants to become acquainted with the “human being” behind the badge. The participant sees that there is a better world out there, one beyond gangs and crime.
Student instruction is provided by PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors), trained deputy personnel and volunteers. There is no cost to the students who participate in this program. The PADI instructors involved with the SHARK program are Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Volunteers. The Industry Sheriff’s Youth Activities League provides all equipment associated for SHARK. La Puente High School and Bassett High School provide the use of their pools at no charge to facilitate the initial training. The YAL pays for the cost of equipment repair/replacement, the insurance for the program facilitator, and boat trip fees as well as food for the students.
About the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation
Sheriff’s Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County, through the Foundation’s various programs, we show a path to success. The Foundation and its team of deputies, civilian employees and volunteers help at-risk youth throughout the county to grow, be healthy and develop the tools they need to become successful adults. The Foundation is dedicated to providing Los Angeles County youth with safe facilities, planned programs and the vital tools they need to thrive and succeed in life. More information can be found at www.sheriffsyouthfoundation.org
About the Y.A.L.
The City of Industry Sheriff’s Station Youth Activities League (YAL) began in 1991. The concept and goal of the YAL is to be proactive in dealing with the youth of the community. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provides leadership and mentoring for the youth through a variety of programs where the children learn to make life-enhancing decisions free of drugs and gangs. The program recognizes the importance of early intervention and the need to provide alternative activities to prevent negative behavior. The YAL strengthens the relationship between the deputies and the volunteers as they work together to benefit our youth. The YAL is a positive influence on thousands of children. It has united the community through the involvement of law enforcement, parents, businesses, education, government and community service groups. All programs provided by the YAL are free to the children.
