With an increase of shootings and overdoses, an organization in Cambria County is hoping to take kids off the streets and back to their local playgrounds.

 

Two years ago Tony Penna Sr. started “Coaches 4 Kids,” a mentoring program based at local playgrounds.

 

The first location was in Hornerstown and he said it was evident kids in the area needed a safe haven.

 

“There was a girl that [overdosed] and died, there was a young man, right before we got there was shot to death and taken there and dumped.  And I thought you know, we got to do something,” Penna said.

 

He said places intended for play and good spirits are surrounded by crime and tragedy.

 

“These should be places that are flourishing with young kids to play and not be afraid of any kind of violence or you know problems from other people in the community,” Penna said.

 

Penna said through sports, there’s opportunity to teach life lessons like team work and leadership.

 

But the initiative isn’t free.

 

The program gets help from the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies, a non-profit that helps disperse money from various donors.

 

On Tuesday the organization was given a grant for $5,000.

 

A portion of the funds will help Coach Penna.

 

Mike Kane, president of the foundation, said the playground take over is so much more than a summer program.

 

With kids surrounded by and sometimes involved in area crime, he said this could be life saving.

 

 “We don’t want to lose kids. We don’t want to lose them. This playground initiative, modest as it is, is one way to try not to lose another kid,” Kane said.

 

Penna said he appreciates the support of the foundation, and encourages community members to step up to the plate.

 

 “You can’t just send money, you can’t just send $10,000 to these people and expect something is going to happen, you gotta be here,” Penna said.