ShoreCorps/PALS Celebrates 10th Anniversary

SALISBURY, MD---Shore Corps/PALS (Partnership for Adolescents on the Lower Shore) at Salisbury University celebrates 10 years of service starting this fall with special projects serving lower shore youth. Shore Corps/PALS is a multi-scatter program with community-based organizations serving at-risk elementary, middle and high school students in Wicomico and other Eastern Shore counties. In addition to homework help, PALS mentors provide life skills training which include conflict resolution and creating a positive self-image. Parent and family support services are also available. Mentors are local residents including students from SU, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Wor-Wic Community College. To commemorate their 10th year, PALS is scheduling a Dante Wilson day of service on May 21 in memory of a student who was killed in a car accident on the way to an AmeriCorps site. Other special events include Christmas projects and “Make a Difference Day,” an annual national service project recently held in Baltimore. “I really believe in what we are doing,” said Linda Beall, program director of ShoreCorps/PALS. Members provide one-on-one service and students really bond with mentors, she said. PALS has served thousands of youth and adolescents throughout the Eastern Shore. PALS members mentored 3,641 at-risk youth and adolescents during program year 2003-2004. Members have helped improve school attendance and academic performance in core subjects. Full-time PALS members receive a $10,197 living allowance, a $4,725 post-educational award and six undergraduate credit hours from SU. Full-time members are required to work 1,700 hours. For more information call ShoreCorps/PALS at 410-548-5119.