The Performing Arts For Life And Education Foundation (P.A.L.E.F.) began as The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Songfest in 1991.

Since that time, P.A.L.E.F. became incorporated as a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, (March 21, 1994). P.A.L.E.F.'s mission is to promote self-esteem, leadership and social skills in itsparticipants through the Performing Arts.

Since incorporation, our staff has grown from one full service instructor to that of two drama teachers, a resident writer and dramaturge, a voice teacher and two choreographer/musical stagers.

We also have a two time “Image Award” winning Producer/Writer in residence.
All aspects of each respective discipline are taught all year around by staff.

THE NEED

There is a history of school suspensions, opportunity transfers and eight or more absences during school reporting period. In the demographic we are serving, students have GPA of less than 2.00. Pre-test indicate a lack of self-worth, positive individuality, and a sense of nothing positive to work at attaining. These Participants also show a lack of self-esteem, they seem to think that they are isolated with no participation in community service activities and they demonstrate innumerable anti-social behaviors. These are all potential signs of a young juvenile delinquent, and at high risk for gang activity and other anti-social activities. There is a need for alternatives to this life style. PALEF helps address this need, through the various performing arts disciplines.

We have identified the presence of at least six factors in this need- (enumerated below with evidence – based solutions), that are contributing to those negative behaviors, bad attitude and/or lack of motivation in the classroom. Teachers, counselors, social workers and family members have helped us identify signs of these negative behaviors. Many end up headed for juvenile halls, incarceration or being segregated in programs like juvenile boot camps and such, before reaching adulthood. The Parents of these youth have no participation in community service activities, no participation in children's activities and no involvement in their children's school/educational activities. Pre-test indicating negative attitude and/or behavior toward children, lack of realistic rules and constant conflict between parent and children. Inability to resolve conflicts in a non-abusive manner. Current resources never seem to be enough to take a substantial bite out of this seemingly insurmountable problem. PALEF addresses some of these issues in its self-esteem building activities via the myriad performing arts disciplines, family oriented shows, musicals performances, classes and performance arts trainings.