All children deserve positive influences in their lives and people who believe in them so they have the best possible chance for success. P.R.I.D.E. represents a group of community leaders and non-profit organizations in Columbia, formed to ensure all children and their families in Columbia have these opportunities.

The P.R.I.D.E. effort is about working together to better the lives of our fellow citizens and our community as a whole while cherishing the joy of youth by providing our children positive experiences and the chance to play and learn in a fun and safe environment. That’s why P.R.I.D.E. is currently undergoing its Give ‘Em A Shot capital campaign to build a central city facility where various community outreach organizations may operate under one roof, providing free access and services for all with the universal attraction of sports and play at its core. There, children will benefit from healthy social interaction through basketball, wrestling and boxing while they have fun playing in a safe, positive environment and find tools they need for success.

In addition, the cooperation and outreach of the organizations through P.R.I.D.E. will contribute toward correcting prevalent social, economic, racial and educational problems that exist throughout the city and make our community an even better city than it is today. P.R.I.D.E.’s services and programs will work towards meeting the organization’s four primary goals for community improvement: diminish bigotry, lower crime, reduce unemployment, and decrease poverty.

Diminish Bigotry

Intolerance of any kind — whether racial, cultural, sexual, political, religious, or socioeconomic — is unacceptable. Prejudice and discrimination are barriers to a productive, cooperative community and cultivate an atmosphere of fear and hate between citizens. Bigotry often stems from lack of education or understanding of others’ backgrounds and values, preconceived notions about others, and in some cases, simple fear of those who are different. Bigotry is an injustice to those discriminated against and a detriment to the character and self-growth of those who discriminate, regardless their reasons for being prejudiced.

The P.R.I.D.E. effort was established first and foremost to give the entire community a central location where community service organizations can provide free services and community members can both help one another and play together. Through positive interaction in a safe, supportive environment, children from varying backgrounds can learn and understand more about others who are different from them. Understanding others reduces fear of their differences and promotes general goodwill that will ripple outward to interactions with others outside of P.R.I.D.E’s walls, throughout the city.

Lower Crime

As Columbia’s population has increased over the years, so has its crime rate. The total number of annual arrests in Columbia for 2004 was 7,544 — more than 900 more than in 2001. The majority of arrests were for larceny/theft, simple (non-aggravated) assaults, possession of marijuana, driving under the influence, liquor law violations, and disorderly conduct. Shockingly, approximately 24 percent of all arrests in 2004 were of children under the age of 18.

P.R.I.D.E. hopes to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and arrests in Columbia first and foremost by providing a safe, fun, and free place to go after school and on weekends, an alternative to the deconstructive activities and influences children who have nowhere to go are often exposed to. While there, they will receive positive instruction and support from mentors, tutors, and coaches to motivate and inspire them to resist involvement in criminal behavior and redirect their energy toward constructive activities and purposes.

P.R.I.D.E. also hopes to battle the high incidence of adult crimes by empowering adults with tools for self-improvement, such as job training, educational opportunities, and counseling. P.R.I.D.E. will provide core resources and aid for all citizens so they can help themselves, and in turn, help others.

Reduce Unemployment

Columbia’s unemployment rate has increased over the years along with its population and crime rate. Columbia’s unemployment rate as of March 2005 was 3.9 percent compared to only 1.8 percent in 2001. Regional Economic Development, Inc. also estimates that 31 percent of the area’s available labor pool — about 33,000 workers — are under-employed.

The organizations and volunteers of P.R.I.D.E. will meet the problem of unemployment head-on, offering job training, educational resources, and assistance with job placement. Finding employment for those in need and improving their skills and potential will enable them to be more self-sufficient, have confidence in themselves, and provide more for their families.

Decrease Poverty

An estimated 19.2 percent of Columbia citizens and 9.4 percent of Columbia families live below the poverty level, according to findings from the United States Census Bureau. More than 7,700 households in our community earn less than $15,000 yearly income. Those living below their means are forced to go with little or none of life’s necessities, including food, heat, electricity, clothes, and transportation.

The first step in battling poverty is helping those in need obtain those resources they need in the short-term to keep themselves and their families alive and healthy, such as food, electricity, heat, and medical supplies. The next step is to help them rise above their current financial difficulties by finding employment and adequate housing and then securing long-term stability through additional job training and education.

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