Community Engagement

The Providence Community Basketball League, managed by the Greater Providence YMCA, aims to reduce crime and promote positive community engagement among at-risk young adults through organized sports activities. Inspired by the successful Midnight Basketball League, this program provides a structured environment during peak times of youth-related disturbances. Partnering with local law enforcement and community organizations, the program offers basketball games and life skills workshops to participants, targeting key issues such as drug use, gang involvement, and strained police-community relations. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the project’s impact will be measured by evaluating changes in participants' behavior and engagement levels. The initiative seeks to provide a sense of community ownership, enhance community-police relations, and ultimately guide young adults toward positive life choices and academic success.