Text Size
  • A
  • A
  • A
Share

Positive Images Group: Rizzo PAL Center Promotes Positive Lifestyles for Girls


The Police Athletic League (PAL) is known around Philadelphia for their involvement with the children of this city. Within each of the 18 PAL centers across the city are various ways to get children active and build relationships with their community and city officials through sports, homework and other programs. One program that is prominent in the Riverwards — and completely free for kids — is the Rizzo PAL Positive Images Group.

Positive Images Group was started by Laura Kelly in 2001. She led the group until passing leadership off to 22 year old Jessica Gallagher. This program has evolved to a fall and spring session for girls between the ages 10-18 to come together on Monday nights and find their positive image, both inside and out.

Gallagher has a personal connection with the group and enjoyed taking on a mentor role at the age of 16 when she was asked to be an assistant for the program. She also earned her first paying job through PAL at the age of 14. This experience has led her to find her dream of being a teacher and to support her community.

wk_PAL_positive_image_0323161

“There is always somebody that has less than you do and because I was in a position to give back, I wanted to give back,” Gallagher said.

She is proof that Positive Images is a great way to network and find jobs during and after high school. Gallagher was also fortunate enough to obtain a scholarship through PAL for each year of her college career at Holy Family University.

But the program is not just about networking — it is about giving girls the chance to realize that they can achieve anything they wish. Each semester is filled with numerous activities that support healthy images of the mind, body and life as a whole.

“We want [the girls] to know they can attain something and we want them to have the broadest experience possible,” Gallagher said.

When Gallagher was a participant in the program, she recalls having the opportunity to see an opera in the city. The girls were able to dress up, eat at a nice restaurant and see a show that some of the members may not have had the chance without PAL and Positive Images.

Each Monday, activities begin at 6:30PM with some light conversation that allows the girls to get comfortable before getting started with the night’s activity. The evening concludes with announcements.

Activities vary over the course of each session and are planned by Gallagher and Officer Ernie Rehr, the officer in charge of the Rizzo PAL Center, in the weeks leading up registration for the upcoming session. These include physical activities like a self defense class, crossfit training or dance. Some of the girls are involved in local sports and these sessions help them learn what it takes to be the best they can be.

Gallagher makes sure to include mental positive activities as well, like fashion shows where the girls are given tissue paper, pipe cleaner and tape to make an outfit of their choosing and have a model show the artwork. Gallagher uses this as an icebreaker and a chance to promote the idea that these girls can be anything they dream of being — whether it is a model, designer, you name it.

Positive Images is partnered with No Place for Hate, an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League that enables schools and organizations to challenge anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry in all forms. Each session, participants have to conduct three different projects to show they are advocates for anti-bullying. One of these projects include a wall in the PAL Center that is covered with posters each girl created something that represented bullying, whether it was art, a quote, etc. The group fosters a safe space that brings girls together.

wk_PAL_positive_image_0323164

“What we have noticed is that everybody goes through bullying at least some time in their lives. It is very heartening to hear that they feel like they can be safe and come in and share these experiences,” Gallagher said.

Along with the anti-bullying projects, the Positive Images Group conducts community service projects. During the fall session, that means getting involved with Project Christmas Angel that was started by a PAL girl. In the current spring session, the girls are teaming up with the My Name is Lentil organization to make dog toys out of old wash clothes to donate to furry friends with disabilities.

Through these activities, participating girls get many opportunities to meet women that have done extraordinary things with their lives, no matter how big or small. They meet with women that own their own businesses and run organizations/charities.

“It is a place and a program where they can come and get positive influences from female role models, which is kind of lacking in media,” Gallagher said.

Every fall and spring session runs between 8-12 weeks depending on which holidays interfere with the meetings and when the PAL Center is needed for other events. Registration is free and occurs the third week in September for fall and the first or second week in February for spring.

wk_PAL_positive_image_0323163

Even though the registration is over for the spring term, girls are still more than welcome to join, but it is recommended to do so before their halfway mark. Positive Images is aware that not everyone can every Monday night, but encourage everyone to try to make as many sessions as they can.

“The program can adapt and conform to the needs of the person,” said Gallagher.

wk_PAL_positive_image_0323162

Gallagher also wants to make the community aware that this is a volunteer program. If you are interested in volunteering your time to these young girls and the Positive Images Program, you can contact Gallagher at jgallagher1834@gmail.com. The same goes for any girl who want to join!

The Spirit | Hyperlocal done differently
Advertise Now

Related News