Eagles Lodge, 145 Persimmon St, Birmingham, AL 35214, US

Partners In Neighborhood Growth, Inc ( PING ) is a multi-purpose, multi-sports, not-for-profit organization, originating as a youth program in April 1981. PING was formed in response to an outburst of youth crime in the summer of 1980. Youth violence and gangs were escalating and developing at an alarming rate. Since its origin, PING has been responding to the needs of, atrisk, inner city youth, as well as young people who are simply looking for fun activities as a way to alleviate boredom. All programs are free to youth. We provide transportation, sports uniforms and insurance. The PING Program is staffed by over 300 volunteers, coaches, administrators and recreational professionals, dedicated to helping youths. This program has received both national and local recognition for its significant influence on youths. We are proud to have helped the young citizen of this community in laying a foundation for positive growth. We work to generate change through physical and mental development, tutorial programs, positive role modeling, athletics, employment, the arts and exposure outside the inner city communities. We have responded to youth problems by incorporating intervention and prevention strategies. Although originating as a youth program, PING has expanded to encompass all ages to include senior citizens. In November 1992, PING assumed management and operation of 14 community centers located throughout the City of Birmingham, Alabama. We provide a safe, secure and supervised environment for the youth. Many participants are involved in some aspects of the program all year, while others are only involved in some of the seasonal athletics. The PING Program offers a variety of organized programs and extracurricular activities, targeting youth who are at-risk of delinquency. These youth are candidates for youth gangs, drug use, and violent crimes ; PING works to address many of these problems and to channel unsupervised free time into opportunities to participate in enriching and structured programs.