About Us
Our Mission
Pal Center is a core resource that co-creates solutions with our community and builds brighter futures for youth and families.
Our motto is to move at the pace of trust.
Our Approach
We achieve our mission by merging the dedication and experience of public safety and service providers with community resources
Our Vision
We envision a safe and empowered community where everyone can access meaningful resources, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
Want to see our mission in action? View our 2024/25 Annual Report by clicking the button below!
Our Story
PAL Center was founded in 1995 to unite law enforcement officers and residents in Redwood City and unincorporated North Fair Oaks and to deploy dynamic and inclusive solutions that enrich the lives of the children, youth, adults, and families we serve.
Over the years, PAL has become a central hub that prioritizes a comprehensive approach focused not only on the physical and mental health of individual community members but also on the social connections that are vital to reduce social isolation, improve public safety, and accelerate positive behavioral change.
Our approach is to build a foundation of education, mentorship, physical activity, and stability for children; make it easy and fun for adults to embrace healthy habits and engage with peers to reduce stress and isolation; and give teens greater access to strength-based and interest-based educational, social, cultural, and leadership opportunities.
We create opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful dialogue with the law enforcement officials and other first responders as we work to build a culture of shared responsibility for public safety.
We advance economic mobility for our clients through workforce and career development services, career fairs, and matching transition-aged youth with paid internships. We also host a range of financial workshops for adults, and we introduce children, K-8th grade, to financial literacy education.
We coordinate with an integrated network of city agencies and nonprofit partners working toward a unified strategy to address diverse needs and create positive impact for underserved families, youth, and children.
We take great pride in pioneering initiatives that promote equity and holistic development, as demonstrated by PAL Center’s reputation as a symbol of hope and through our work, which impacts over 600 families annually.
We promote equity, diversity, and fairness in our workplace, which reflects the makeup of the diverse communities we serve.
Community Capitals Framework
Our transformative model focuses on investing in the seven capitals (natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built) that every community needs to thrive, for a comprehensive solution that reduces isolation, strengthens cohesion, deters crime, addresses social determinants of health, and raises the quality of life for the families and communities we serve.
Our vision is to facilitate ongoing strategic investments in these community capitals to increase opportunities for marginalized community members so they can realize their potential and recognize the power they have in shaping their realities.
Our Mascot
Meet Promise the Polar Bear
The polar bear symbolizes strength, power, and leadership. They're also a reminder to stay curious and always be learning. And finally, the polar bear is a symbol of family and togetherness.
"Promise," our Pal Center mascot, is our cheerful member who represents our community center's focus on the great potential each member carries within.
Board Of Directors
John Pimentel
President
Debbi Jones-Thomas
Secretary
Wade Painter
Treasurer
Chief Kristina Bell
Fundraising Committee
Bill Growney
Fundraising Committee
Sgt. Paul McCarthy
Fundraising Committee
Quency Philips
Past President
Lennies Gutierrez
Fundraising & Events Committee Chair
Eric Bet
Finance Committee
Akniet Rysbek
Governance & Talent Committee
Peter Tsai
Fundraising & Events Committee Co-Chair
Ivan Martinez
Executive Director
Steve Penna: 1958-2018
Honorary Member
Trina - PAL Parent
I have two kids at PAL. Having an after school program like PAL where they can be safe and have excellent mentors they would have fun activities. Everyday they would come home happy with some cool thing that they did or learned about.
Middle-School PAL Student
My favorite part would be my drumming class. I get to perform in front of people and I get to learn something new. I think it’s important because it lets kids socialize and try something new to see if you like it or not. I feel very lucky because a bunch of people don’t get that opportunity.
Adriana - Adult PAL Member
I think this class should be offered to more people because you are not just getting a workout or a good time or a dance, you are meeting people and best of all the class is free. Coming here is the best part of my week.
Program Partners
