Industry Sheriffs Youth Athletic League

Part iii, statement of program service accomplishments the primary objective of this organization is to combat the rise of gangs and gang activity among those youths most susceptible - boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17. To do this the league organizes and schedules competitive leagues and events encompassing flag football, basketball, and baseball. This program is an ongoing enterprise and involves operations at different parks in its service area. In addition, the league annually sends over 200 at-risk youths to camp c.o.u.r.a.g.e. In the local mountain areas overnight and on week long camp outs. The league also conducts a scuba diving program (s.h.a.r.k.) designed to attract older youths, whose interests are beyond that of the basic program services offered. Additional programs include those designed to assist children who are failing in school (s.m.a.r.t), a bicycle repair program resulting in the certification of youths in the repair of bicycles, a law enforcement academy, a boot camp program for children involved drugs or gangs, or in need of discipline (vida), a year round tennis program, and a judo program. All of these activities are provided at no cost to the youths, including equipment, uniforms, officials and awards, which all participants receive regardless of the final league standings. Parental involvement is strongly encouraged. By providing this service, the league hopes to divert youths from joining gangs, reduce juvenile delinquency and provide a constructive outlet for youthful vigor in the form of supervised recreational activities. In addition, the service helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and youths while encouraging young people to stay in school. To accomplish their goals, the league is supported almost entirely by public contributions and operates using volunteers and has no paid employees. The city of industry has contracted to provide two deputies with all others provided by grants and county funding. The city of industry provides 8 mini vans and 1 15 passenger van. Through the service detailed above, the league serves an estimated 6,000 youths annually. Nearly one-third are repeat participants and are drawn primarily from a 65 square-mile area surrounding the industry sheriff's station.