Syracuse PAL Spring Kids. Cops. Communities. Edition
and Youth Statistics
• Here you can find our engagement from youth and officers
• We have highlighted how many youth participated in our program in 2025
• Meet the law enforcement officers who have dedicated their time to Syracuse PAL and showed up for our youth.
02 Meet the Team
• Jimmy Oliver - Director of Community Engagement
• Adonia Wade - Marketing and Communications
and Outreach
• Discover the impact that PAL has had on the Syracuse community over the year
Winter 2025 Programs Partners and Volunteers
• We have had programs ranging from crocheting to a basketball clinic including Syracuse University Men's Basketball players J.J. Starling and Eddie Lampkin Jr
• Learn about the people and organizations that support the PAL mission.
• Meet our awesome youth being highlighted for their dedication, effort, and improvement this Winter 2025
• Follow us on social media to stay in the loop of all things Syracuse PAL @syrpal44.
6,000+ Youth
250+ Law Enforcement
100+ Programs
Jimmy Oliver | Director of Community engagement
Jimmy Oliver serves as the Director of Community Engagement for the Syracuse Police Department, where he plays a vital role in fostering meaningful connections between law enforcement and the community. A native of Syracuse, Jimmy brings a deep understanding of the city's diverse neighborhoods and a strong commitment to building trust, transparency, and collaboration.
Under his leadership, the Office of Community Engagement has expanded programs focused on education, crime prevention, and mentorship. Jimmy is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. His work continues to make a lasting impact on our community.
Meet the Syracuse PAL Team
Adonia Wade | Marketing and COmmunications
A lifelong Syracuse resident and alumna of the University at Albany, Adonia has always been passionate about giving back to her community and using her voice to make a difference. As a former student-athlete, Adonia understands the power of sports and mentorship in shaping young lives. Her experience both on and off the field has fueled her commitment to helping youth access positive opportunities through programs that promote mentorship, teamwork, and growth .
With a background in communications, media, and journalism, Adonia plays a key role in elevating the visibility of Syracuse PAL’s mission and impact. Adonia is proud to be part of an organization that uplifts the next generation—and even prouder to be doing it in her hometown.
Syracuse PAL CROCHET CLASS
This winter we partnered with Jaleel Campbell to launch crochet classes for youth. Most participants were beginners who had no experience with crocheting. They learned the basics of crochet such as a chain stitch. At the end of the program, all of the participants were able to crochet a design they were proud of and could take home! We want to give a special thank you to Jaleel Campbell for partnering with us to offer this program!
PAL SYRACUSE CROCHET CLASS
Syracuse PAL Literacy league
session of our Syracuse PAL Literacy League.
Participants worked on reading, writing, and literacy skills for an hour and then had an hour of open gym incentive! This program was put in place to help bridge the literacy gap in our community and to give youth the opportunity to inherit and work on literacy skills. We want to give a huge thank you to Ron Bianchi for running our Literacy League this session and continuing to plant seeds into Syracuse PAL.
PAL SYRACUSE LITERACY LEAGUE
Syracuse PAL basketball clinic
Syracuse University Men's Basketball team. Eddie Lampkin and J.J. Starling both were in attendance and helped the coaches run through skills and drills. We want to give a special thank you to Billy Pace of the Syracuse Fire Department, Kevin Tucker of the Manlius Police Department, Ron Bianchi, Sgt. Bryan Jackson of the US Army, and Captain Matthew Malinowski of the Syracuse Police Department for volunteering.
PAL SYRACUSE BASKETBALL CLINIC
Syracuse PAL black history month drawing contest
contest takes place every year to recognize and celebrate historic African American figures. There were first, second, and third place winners who were honored at a ceremony. They were each given a gift card with a $500 prize, $400 prize, and $300 prize.
PAL SYRACUSE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH DRAWING CONTEST
Law enforcement HIGHLIGHT
NeRISSA godbolt community service officer
Nerissa Godbolt has proudly served as a Community Service Officer for nine years, celebrating her anniversary this June. She was encoraged by two officers to apply and found her passion in helping the Syracuse community. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering with Syracuse PAL has been meeting young people and later encountering them around the community. It's important students see she not only works here but lives here too in their community. Nerissa believes in the importance of forging your own path. She reminds others that although life is hard, and making the right decisions can be even harder, it is possible to make those tough choices and build a successful, fulfilling life.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Are you passionate about giving back to the community and creating positive change? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to support our mission in connecting Kids. Cops. Communities.
We need help with:
Greet guests and help with check-in
Help with food and beverage station
Help an instructor carry out a program
Be a positive role model to the youth
