PALS Children's Program
PALS Children's Program is a referral-based, licensed, after-school and summer program designed for kindergarten through 5th-grade children with high social-emotional needs.
Tailored to the unique needs and interests of each child, PALS focuses on fostering social, emotional, and behavioral growth utilizing evidence-based practices within a nurturing and exploratory learning environment. Through creative activities and enriching experiences, the program is designed to empower children by strengthening their sense of self, connection to family, and engagement with their community.
Phone
719-580-3166
Location
330 San Juan Ave | Alamosa, CO
Program Hours
After-school & summer programming
PALS Children's Program
At PALS, we empower the youth in our community through positive activities and connection with peers and mentors.
Summer & After School Program
A fun and welcoming safe space where kids can thrive.
Intentional Mentorship
A 2-to-1 kid-to-staff ratio to ensure individualized care and support.
Social Emotional Skill Building
Therapeutic intervention and activities led by trained staff and volunteers.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips
Expanding horizons through visits to museums, national parks, and more!
Learn more about our services
Activities Include:
- Individual case management
- Sources of Strength – an evidence-based program promoting resiliency
- Social and emotional lessons
- 15+ field trips
- Access to community recreation opportunities
- Annual Art Show
- Annual Talent Show
- Family support
- Access to healthy snacks and meals
- Valley Educational Garden Initiative (VEGI) gardening and nutrition lessons
Children are accepted into the PALS program on a referral basis. These referrals can come from multiple sources such as the Adelante program, the Shelter, doctor’s offices, counselors, the Alamosa County Department of Human Services & others.
You can refer a child to PALS by submitting a form here.
Have questions about the referral process? Email pals@lapuente.net
All PALS staff and full-time volunteers are background checked (Childcare License, Federal, State, Trails, Criminal, and Sexual History background checks) and undergo rigorous trainings (Colorado Childcare License, Trust Based Relational Intervention, Sources of Strength, Case Management). On our staff we have a full-time Family Engagement Specialist.
PALS also partners with a play-therapist, consults with a child psychologist, and collaborates with local school districts. We are thankful for all our local partnering organizations.
We celebrate every child when they graduate from PALS! Moreover, we want to maintain the connection with each child once they leave PALS as well as continue to offer mentorship; this is why we initiated PALS 2.0!
PALS 2.0 invites back older youth who were once enrolled in PALS themselves. Participants help mentor the younger children, attend field trips, continue to receive one-on-one support, and engage in community service projects.
Our office's administrative hours are: 8am - 2:30pm Monday through Thursday.
"During a one-on-one, one young girl opened up about some things she did not really like about herself. But by the end of our session, we had at least 15 strengths listed that she could focus on and be proud of!"
"Something that has stuck with me throughout my entire time at PALS is that we might not always be able to change a family's life circumstances, but we can provide experiences that build up resiliency and give kids and their families tools that will help them be successful and adaptive to whatever life throws their way."
"Now I am kind of like an assistant to PALS staff and learning leadership skills along the way. The other PALS 2.0 kids reassure me and have helped me become a better leader too. I try to help the little kids become greater than themselves and overcome some of their behaviors."
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What can I do to help?
We’d love to have you volunteer with us!
At PALS, we can use an extra set of hands to help with dinner prep, chaperoning field trips, mentoring, and playing with the kids!
Do you have new or gently used items you are getting rid of?
PALS is frequently in need of art supplies, cleaning supplies, kid-sized clothing & shoes, and kid-sized aprons.
- Art Supplies
- Kid-Sized Aprons
- Minivan
- $15 Gift Cards (for one-on-one outings) Suggested: 7 Brew, Walmart, Milagros Coffee House, Hobby Town, Starbucks
Drop-Off Location: 330 San Juan Avenue
Questions? Call us at 719-589-5909
No matter the amount, your generosity impacts lives!
At PALS, $15 covers a one-on-one outing for a kiddo, $100 funds dinner for a week, and $1,000 sponsors a field trip for the group!
Did you know? For CO taxpayers, gifts to PALS are eligible for a 50% tax credit!
Digging Deeper
More information on the mission behind PALS children's program.
As a result of difficult economic circumstances in the San Luis Valley, many families struggle with food insecurity and finding stable, affordable housing. Growing up in conditions of poverty can lead to difficult physical or emotional circumstances, which may become the root of other traumas, such as neglect or abuse. Children who have experienced significant traumas need extra support and attention during their formative years to ensure that the struggle of their youth and poverty does not repeat. Through PALS, children are able overcome these challenges and have hope for a better and brighter future.
PALS meets the needs of children who come from difficult or traumatic backgrounds by providing a safe, structured environment with staff members who work to build trusting interpersonal relationships with each child.
Children are accepted into the PALS program on a referral basis. These referrals can come from multiple sources such as the Adelante program, the Shelter, the Alamosa County Department of Human Services & others. In addition to working closely with these agencies, PALS staff work alongside a child’s parents, teachers, caseworkers, and other service providers to serve each child in the best way possible.
All PALS activities aim to offer a positive, supportive environment and opportunities for children to broaden their personal experiences. The program is child-led and focused. Each week the kids meet one-on-one with staff members to set self-determined goals; together they create a plan to achieve them.
During the school year, daily activities at PALS include group sharing in circle time, snacks, help with homework, park outings, cooking lessons, and art sessions. On days when school is not in session or the summer, PALS runs a full-day program. These days involve special activities such as field trips around the San Luis Valley or elsewhere. PALS also participates in volunteerism to give back to the local community. Whether it is picking up trash, planting trees for Arbor Day, or handing out groceries at La Puente’s Alamosa Food Pantry, the PALS kids learn the important value of hard work and charity.
Join Us in
Making a Difference
Your support can transform lives.
Get involved today through donations, volunteering, or joining AmeriCorps.