UNCOM Youth & MPD Pals To Go Ice Skating

On Friday, December 8, 2023, UNCOM, in conjunction with MPD PALS (Police Athletic/Activities League), will organize and host their monthly Teen Night with middle and high school aged youth and MPD officers at the Pettit National Ice Center (500 S 84th Street, Milwaukee). The event will run from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. The youth will arrive at 5:30 pm and be served dinner and will package personal hygiene kits to be donated to a local outreach center, before skating begins at 7:00 pm.

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc. exists to aid in the preventing of juvenile crime and violence by providing mentorship, service, athletics, recreational enrichment, educational opportunities, and resources to PAL Membership Chapters. The purpose of the UNCOM Teen Nights in conjunction with MPD PALS is to provide a safe, drug and violence free social gathering for teens, from different neighborhoods in Milwaukee, to enjoy activities and socialization. These nights will foster a sense of inclusion and acceptance, while providing social connections and recreation. Being a part of a community and feeling included is extremely important in people’s lives, and the importance of this social community cannot be overvalued. Getting to know peers from different neighborhoods around can help bridge the divide between different cultures and neighborhoods that we see too often in our city. In addition, Studies have shown that if a young person engages and interacts with a law enforcement on the ball field, gym or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood, and the business community.

“At UNCOM, we are dedicated to creating safe spaces and bringing our neighborhoods together. Our home office is in the heart of historic Lindsay Heights and our member organizations are located throughout Milwaukee. We have been fortunate to partner with MPD on these Teen Nights since early 2023, and it has been interesting to watch the progression and growth of the program since the first night. Our youth have been instrumental in driving these nights, and both the youth and MPD officers have participated in some tough conversations we have all benefited from, while having some fun together. These nights align with our mission to improve the quality of lives for Milwaukee’s families. Our skate night will be a new experience for most of our youth, and a great opportunity for everyone to laugh and have fun together,” UNCOM Executive Director Renée Logee said.

The United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM) is a unique resource collaborative dedicated to strengthening the lives of Milwaukee’s historically most under-resourced youth and families. We work with these neighborhood organizations to provide services and create opportunities that empower individuals and build strong interdependent communities. This collaboration of eight (8) tightly affiliated and well-known neighborhood centers empowers UNCOM to combine its forces, to advocate for systematic change, serve as a trusted communication conduit for community residents, and build cases for strategic government and private investments in programs and institutions that help build strong and healthy families, accelerate prosperity, and make Milwaukee better for all residents.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.