Increase public safety - give a kid a skateboard!
This is part 1 of a 5 part series about investing in public safety.
What comes to mind when you think of public safety?
police,
fire departments,
emergency services,
skateboarding
Skateboarding?
Perhaps skateboarding is not on your list when you think about public safety, but at SOLID - it’s on our list. Here’s why we believe in the power of skateboarding to increase public safety:
a preventative approach to public safety is often less costly compared to a reactive approach [part 1]
skateboarding can reduce risk factors [part 2]
skateboarding can promote protective factors [part 3]
skateboarding can strengthen community connections [part 4]
skateboarding can be a form of intervention and improve outcomes [part 5]
Prevention vs. Reaction
A preventative approach to public safety is almost always a less expensive burden on society than reactive approaches - after an incident occurs. For example, imagine blowing out a candle before it ignites into a larger flame, as opposed to the much more costly and complex task of putting out the fire of a burning building. This comparison illustrates the benefits of proactive measures in maintaining safety and preventing potential disasters.
To enhance public safety for young people, it is essential to invest in services such as mental health support, after-school programs, mentorship, and opportunities for active lifestyles. These investments improve wellbeing for our neighbors and are more cost-effective than neglecting their needs.
Did you know the cost to incarcerate a young person in the state of New Jersey is over $600,000 annually? Take a moment to fully take that in: a staggering total of $600,000 allocated for just one adolescent navigating through the complexities of the juvenile justice system. This is an enormous financial burden on society. Imagine the difference $6,000,000 could make if, instead of simply incarcerating 10 juveniles, we chose to invest in thoughtful preventative efforts and programs that could help steer young people away from negative influences and harmful environments.
Invest in prevention at SOLID!
The annual cost for one young person to participate in all that we have to offer at SOLID Foundation is under $3,000, however, thanks to a grant from the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) created by NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, our cost is under $1,000 per student.
$75 monthly gives one of our amazing kids a place to skate, create and connect. $75 each month covers the cost of weekly meal, art supplies, mentorship, and a safe place to call a home away from home.
How can skateboarding serve to increase public safety in our communities?
When we provide young people with a safe and welcoming place to recreate, express themselves, and connect with their peers, mentors, community leaders, and valuable resources, it creates a positive environment where everyone can benefit. This approach not only fosters personal development but also helps to significantly reduce costs for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
I hope you’ll invest in public safety today. Join us as a monthly sponsor and give young people in Paterson, NJ a place to skate, create and connect at SOLID Foundation.