Revere Police Activities League and Foundation Trust host ‘Building Healthy Communities’ event

Special to The Advocate

On Saturday, May 3, the Foundation Trust sponsored the first “Building Healthy Communities” event at the Rumney Marsh Academy in partnership with the Revere Police Activities League (PAL). Rumney Marsh Academy students and families were invited to a day of activities, including a 3-point basketball competition, volleyball, cornhole and Kan Jam. Volunteers from the school community and the Revere Police Department graciously donated their time to run the activities and fostered a positive environment for youths and local law enforcement to engage and have fun. This event was a joint effort conceived by the Foundation Trust’s Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Spinazzola, and organized and implemented by PAL’s Director, Kris Oldoni.

“Dr. Spinazzola and the Foundation Trust are such a tremendous resource for the Revere Police Activities League and the Revere community. The Foundation Trust is committed to supporting programs and agencies that provide opportunities for children and families. Revere PAL and the Foundation Trust have partnered throughout the years to uplift those in need,” stated Oldoni.

The event also included a series of speaker presentations for families from local officials and community leaders. Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe Jr. and State Representatives Jeff Turco and Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) were in attendance and shared words of support.

“Healthy Community Day is a great example of what happens when local organizations come together to uplift and support our families,” said Representative Giannino. “It was great to join Revere PAL, Foundation Trust, the Revere Police Department, Revere Public Schools, and so many dedicated community partners in showcasing the vital resources available to our residents—from youth services to mental health care and educational support. Days like this remind us of the strength and compassion that define Revere. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.”

Rumney Marsh Academy’s School Operations & Assessment Coordinator, Alison Pulido, said, “Thank you so much to Revere PAL, the Revere Police Department and the Foundation Trust for providing this opportunity for our students. They had a blast and it was amazing to see all the community partners come together and support the families of Revere. We look forward to future events and ways to collaborate moving forward. The Community Health Day was a huge success.”

Additional speakers included Community Action Programs Inter-City, Inc. Executive Director Richelle Cromwell, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Director of Youth Safety Jacquelyn Lamont, Rumney Marsh Academy Social Worker Lisa Gendreau and Revere Police Department Public Safety Case Manager  Josh Miller. They provided valuable information on available resources and upcoming programming for Revere youths and families.

“Revere is a vibrant community with a rich history. We were honored to sponsor this wellness initiative that provided families a day of fun, information on Revere’s many resources, and fostered bonding with local community leaders,” shared Dr. Spinazzola of the Foundation Trust.

The day culminated in a hearty feast from DeMaino’s in Revere, with school families, law enforcement, public officials and volunteers breaking bread together in the cafeteria.

PAL is an anti-drug and anti-violence nonprofit organization that promotes education, athletics and career awareness to Revere’s at-risk youth populations. PAL’s programming includes sports tournaments, leagues and community events aimed at providing safe and positive afterschool and summer activities while also establishing a trusting relationship between police and youths. For more information on PAL and its programs, contact Director Kris Oldoni at ko********@***il.com.

The Foundation Trust is a private foundation that implements a unique combination of philanthropy, grantmaking, educational resource development, scholarships, outreach and training to advance inclusivity, overcome adversity and transform trauma worldwide. To learn more, visit www.FoundationTrust.org.