Newsletter 2025

Yonkers, NY - November 20, 2025

Yonkers PAL proudly celebrated the graduation of our Yonkers Police Cadets who completed their rigorous training program. This momentous occasion brought together families, community members, and local officials to honor the achievements of these outstanding young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving our community.

Building Tomorrow's Leaders

The Yonkers Police Cadet program is more than just training—it's a transformative experience that shapes character, builds leadership skills, and instills a deep sense of civic responsibility. Throughout their time in the program, our cadets participated in comprehensive training that included physical fitness, community policing principles, leadership development, and practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

These graduates have shown remarkable commitment, discipline, and perseverance. They've balanced their academic responsibilities with the demands of the cadet program, demonstrating the time management and dedication that will serve them well in whatever path they choose.

Core Values in Action

At Yonkers PAL, we believe in developing well-rounded individuals who embody the values of integrity, respect, teamwork, and service to others. Our Police Cadet program puts these values into action, teaching young people what it means to be responsible community members and future leaders.

The skills and experiences gained through this program extend far beyond the ceremony. Our graduates leave with enhanced self-confidence, a network of peers and mentors, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve and protect their community.

A Community Effort

This graduation would not be possible without the support of the Yonkers Police Department, our dedicated program instructors, volunteers, and the families who encouraged these young people every step of the way. Their investment in our youth creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community.

To our graduates: You have completed an important chapter, but your journey is just beginning. Whether you pursue a career in law enforcement or choose another path, the discipline, leadership, and values you've developed here will guide you toward success. We are incredibly proud of every one of you, and we look forward to watching you make a positive impact in Yonkers and beyond.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your dedication inspires us all, and we know you will continue to make Yonkers PAL proud.

The Yonkers Police Athletic League hosted a beautiful evening at Zuppa’s on Thursday, October 23, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and friends to celebrate our shared commitment to youth programs in Yonkers.

This year’s 2025 PAL Sport Award was proudly presented to Stew Leonard Jr., recognizing his continued generosity and dedication to our mission of empowering the city’s youth through sports, mentorship, and education. His long-standing support has helped Yonkers PAL provide opportunities that inspire teamwork, discipline, and community pride among our young participants.

Thank you Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, our Mayor Mike Spano, our Police Commissioner, Cris Sapienza, Yonkers PD- Youth Division, PBA President Frank McDonald, Majority Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymen Nader Sayegh and City of Yonkers Officials for your continued support.

 We also have the General Consul of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Jesús Vásquez Martínez and his wife. Divina Vasquez, Thank you for your partnership

The National Director of Public Relations of Goya, Mr. Rafael Toro and his wife Meiling Macias Toro.

The Mayor from Mt. Vernon, Shawyn Patterson Howard.

And of course, all of our community partners, donors, and friends thank you for your belief in our work and make everything we do possible.

Thank you, Zuppa Restaurant, for the exceptional service. 

Today we celebrated the closing of the PALbotics Program, and it was a moment full of pride and inspiration. Throughout the week, our students worked hard designing, building, and programming their own robots. At the ceremony, they had the chance to showcase their creations and compete with one another, showing not only their skills in robotics but also their creativity, teamwork, and determination.

This program wasn’t just about building robots. It was about helping our youth discover their potential, giving them the confidence to take on challenges, and inspiring them to think big about their future. Each student left with new knowledge, stronger friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing they achieved something great.

We want to give special thanks to Yonkers Middle High School and the City of Yonkers for their partnership, and to the Fund for the City of New York for making this program possible through their generous support. Because of them, we are able to keep creating opportunities that guide and inspire the next generation of leaders.

PALbotics is proof that when we believe in our young people, we help build a stronger and brighter future for our entire community.

The annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day, hosted by the City of Yonkers Office for the Aging, is proudly held each year at Yonkers PAL. This year’s event brought together seniors from across the city for a fun and energizing day of wellness. Attendees participated in specially designed fitness classes such as Zumba, Yoga, Bolly X, and Enhanced Fitness, along with nutrition demonstrations and access to valuable health, wellness, and safety information.

We thank all our partners and collaborators who made this day possible:
Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers Parks Department, Yonkers PAL, YWCA Yonkers, and the YMCA.

This tradition continues to inspire healthy living and joyful community connections for older adults in Yonkers. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

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Today was an inspiring day at Yonkers PAL as we welcomed the winners of the Leadership Day Essay Contest. These outstanding students stepped into honorary roles as Police Commissioner for a Day, Captain for a Day, and Yonkers PAL Executive Director for a Day. We also proudly recognized six additional students as Honorary Advisors, whose essay submissions offered thoughtful ideas we plan to explore in future programming.

The event was led by Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza and attended by Mayor Mike Spano, representatives from the Department of Education, Charter Schools, officials, and members of our community. It was a powerful celebration of youth leadership, vision, and achievement.

This marks the beginning of an annual tradition that highlights the talent and potential of our city’s youth.

Congratulations to all the participants, and thank you to everyone who made this day possible!

Today marked an important moment for the Hispanic community in Yonkers as Mayor Mike Spano officially swore in the members of his Hispanic Advisory Board. Among those honored was Marisol Mancebo, the Executive Director of the Yonkers Police Athletic League (PAL), who proudly took her oath to serve as a key voice for the Hispanic community.

With a longstanding commitment to youth programs and community development, Marisol brings invaluable experience and leadership to the board. Her dedication to empowering young people and fostering opportunities for Hispanic families in Yonkers aligns perfectly with the mission of the advisory board.

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We are thrilled to share that the Yonkers PAL Holiday Party, held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, was a heartwarming celebration for the developmentally disabled and Yonkers families. The afternoon was filled with joy, featuring delicious lunches and desserts, lively music and dancing, a special visit from Santa, and an exciting toy giveaway for the children.

This event was made possible through the generous support of Mayor Mike Spano, the Yonkers Police Department, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, and our incredible sponsors: Fidelis Care, Jane Foodie, SIC Film School, Healthfirst, and Chase.

A special thank you to all the families, volunteers, and partners who joined us to make this celebration a success. Your support helps us continue to bring smiles and joy to our community. We look forward to seeing you at future Yonkers PAL events!

Yonkers PAL was proud to host a special Holiday Lunch Appreciation to recognize the incredible dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners. The event celebrated their tireless efforts in supporting the PAL programs that serve Yonkers families year-round.

We extend a heartfelt appreciation to Yonkers Police Commissioner and the members of the Yonkers Police Department for their unwavering partnership and support. Their leadership and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on our community.

The gathering was a wonderful opportunity to share gratitude, enjoy good company, and celebrate the hard work that makes our programs a success.

Thank you to all who joined us and to those who make Yonkers PAL a cornerstone for the families we serve!

This image captures Marisol Mancebo, the Executive Director of the Yonkers Police Athletic League (PAL), delivering a heartfelt gratitude speech during a special event. In her address, she acknowledged the vital support of community leaders, sponsors, and legislators in advancing PAL's mission. Her words highlighted the collective effort to empower Yonkers youth through impactful programs and facility improvements.

For years, the Yonkers PAL has proudly supported Mayor Mike Spano’s annual turkey drive, helping families in need during the holidays. It’s always inspiring to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause. Thank you to the Mayor, sponsors, and volunteers for making this possible!

YONKERS, NY – October 31, 2025 – With federal changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility set to take effect on November 1, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano held a press conference today where he stood alongside public officials, city department heads, and community organizations to take a united stand against hunger.

The anticipated federal policy shift may leave many families without sufficient support, increasing the risk of hunger across the community. Mayor Spano urges Yonkers residents to take action by donating non-perishable food items to Feeding Westchester, a lifeline for thousands of families across the region.

Does Your Family Need Help?

If your family has been affected by SNAP changes or needs food assistance, Feeding Westchester is here to help. Visit www.feedingwestchester.org or call their helpline to find food pantries, meal programs, and other resources available in your area.

You are not alone - help is available.

This week, our PALBotics-MECHADOGS 5123 students had a special appointment at City Hall to meet Mayor Mike Spano. 
During the visit, they had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share more about the PALBotics program, including their recent achievements and upcoming projects.
The Mayor congratulated them for their hard work and innovation, encouraging them to continue developing their skills in science, technology, and leadership.
We’re proud to see our young leaders representing Yonkers with passion and dedication!

Thanks to the ongoing partnership and support from the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association (YPBA), we are able to expand our impact on the youth of our community every year. Their generous $10,000 donation directly supports our mission to create meaningful, positive change in the lives of those we serve at Yonkers PAL.
We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to the future of our young people.

– Marisol Mancebo, Executive Director

Saturday's free community baby shower at Yonkers PAL was a beautiful success. We are truly grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this event so special for our expectant mothers.

Special thanks to Mayor Mike Spano, Pravin Patel from Sunlight Pharmacy, Linda Libaratore and Eleanore Lennon from St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Fidelis Care, Yonkers Downtown, the Yonkers Police Department, Westchester Law Enforcement, The L.L.E.G.O.D. House Project, All Access Together, and many others who helped make this meaningful day possible.

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Thank you to Mayor Mike Spano and Marisol Mancebo for taking the initiative to stand in solidarity with the Dominican community. Join us this Sunday, April 13th at 4 PM in Lincoln Park as we come together for a prayer vigil to honor the victims, survivors, and all those affected by the tragic event at Jet Set in the Dominican Republic.

Let’s stand united in prayer and support.

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This week a significant meeting was held with the General Consulate of the Dominican Republic of NYC, represented by Consul Jesús Vázquez. During the meeting, initiatives were discussed to strengthen collaborations and support programs that can benefit the Dominican community in the city of Yonkers.

Yonkers PAL Executive Director, Marisol Mancebo, played a key role as a liaison in this meeting, highlighting her community leadership and commitment to providing resources that promote the well-being of the local community. Through these efforts, joint initiatives are being developed to enhance access to services, information, and support programs.

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We are excited to announce that registrations are officially open for Yonkers PAL's free on-going programs! These programs are designed to provide children and families in our community with enriching activities, educational opportunities, and a safe, supportive environment.

Whether you're looking for sports, academic support, or community engagement activities, Yonkers PAL is here to help your family thrive.

How to Register:

• Visit us at the Yonkers PAL Center: 127 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701

• Call for details at (914) 377-7381

• Follow us on social media @officialyonkerspal for updates.

Join us today, and let’s make a positive impact together!

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In October 2024, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Nader Sayegh announced an additional $4 million in state funding allocated to the Yonkers PAL for major facility improvements. This funding will support comprehensive renovations across more than 10,000 square feet of the PAL facility, including roof, ceiling, wall, flooring, ventilation, bathroom, and shower facility upgrades.

The Executive Director of Yonkers PAL Marisol Mancebo, joined the Yonkers Police Commissioner, Christopher Sapienza, at a special event. The occasion marked the announcement of the organization's mission and future projects, made possible through the support of Legislator Nader Sayegh. This collaboration highlights their shared commitment to enhancing programs and opportunities for the Yonkers community.

The Yonkers Police Athletic League (PAL) honored New York State Assemblymember Nader Sayegh for his unwavering support and advocacy. Assemblymember Sayegh, representing the 90th district, has been instrumental in securing substantial funding for the organization. 

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