ABOUT PALS
PERIMETER ADULT LEARNING
& SERVICES (PALS), INC.
1548 Mount Vernon Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30338
(770) 698-0801
Perimeter Adult Learning and Services, Inc. (PALS), a Georgia corporation, is a
non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization led by senior adults
for senior adults. PALS offers life enrichment learning and other services in
the Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Norcross and surrounding communities to those retirees
50+ years of age. Celebrating over eighteen years of service, PALS has grown from
a modest 47 participants in the first year to as many as 1,400 participants in a
single year.
Not only does PALS offer stimulating and educational classes, personal services,
and socialization amongst peers, but, importantly, PALS also offers retirees an
opportunity to “give back to the community’’ by volunteering their talents in the
many aspects of providing such an extensive program. For example, the PALS Board
is a working, all-volunteer, group of retirees from professional and business careers
with extensive experience and a variety of technical skills, who give of their time
and talents to PALS.
In 2008 board members alone contributed approximately 1,500 volunteer hours to PALS.
Well over 100 other volunteers participate in all aspects of PALS operations from
office tasks to teaching classes and performing individual services. The skills
available from the PALS volunteers are extensive.
History
Begun in 1991 PALS and local congregations affiliated with PALS provide facilities,
in-kind services and financial support as part of their outreach program for older
adults.
PALS is an organization with members representing all faiths. Although congregations
are PALS affiliates, PALS itself is not a religious organization. Other contributing
organizations such as civic groups, corporate sponsors, which give support are also
affiliates of PALS. These organizations along with our affiliate congregations are
listed on the front of our quarterly brochures.
Life Enrichment Classes
The PALS quarterly life enrichment classes include the all-day Monday Lunch ’N Learn
(L’NL) classes. Held in facilities provided by area congregations, PALS low-cost
L’NL classes are focused upon the interests of senior adults. Subject topics offered
in the lecture classes include finance, estate planning, history, gardening, health,
world issues, literature, music, travel, religion, science, architecture, anthropology
and the arts.
Instructors for the L’NL classes are all volunteers from Atlanta area businesses,
educational and religious organizations, health services providers, other professionals,
and retirees from PALS volunteers. The L’NL classes are held one day per week for
8 weeks, fewer in the Summer Session. At these L’NL sessions blood pressure checks,
book exchange, and current information from area organizations are made available.
Fees
For the low cost of $40, the student may attend as many as three L’NL classes each
Monday. Space permitting, an unregistered person may attend classes for one day
for $7. A catered lunch is available. Based on need, partial or full scholarships
are available.
Handy PALS Minor
Home Repair
In addition to classes, PALS volunteers offer to senior homeowners in PALS
service area the Handy PALS service, a minor home repair service encompassing
tasks as simple as changing an overhead light bulb to putting up safety rails;
often tasks are too small to get a professional to do. For each service call the
homeowner pays the PALS volunteer the cost of materials used plus a small fee
for gas and use of tools.
Governance
The business and affairs of PALS are managed by a 15-21 member, all volunteer, PALS
board which consists of six officers, an Advisory Council Chair, and other at-large
members. The board meets monthly, and each board member takes an active role in
the committees that operate the entire organization. In addition to the board members,
there are numerous volunteers headed by coordinators contributing to the functioning
of the organization.
The Advisory Council, made up of the PALS officers, the Advisory Council Chair and
two representatives from each of the congregation affiliates, meets quarterly to
monitor the educational programs and give direct feedback from the congregations.
PALS officers serve one-year terms. A Nominating Committee proposes a new slate
to the current board. The PALS board elects the incoming officers and board members
with the approval of the Advisory Council.
Office hours
The PALS office is staffed four days per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday,
by one part-time office manager. The office is closed on Thursday.
Operations
In-kind contributions and high utilization of volunteer personnel allow PALS to
operate with an extremely low budget. Office space, utilities (except telephone
and internet use), and copying service are donated by the Dunwoody United Methodist
Church. This congregation and other area congregations furnish space and setup services
for quarterly Lunch ‘N Learn classes and space for meetings.
Finances
PALS operating income comes 75% from class registration and 25% from donations.
Individuals, congregation affiliates, businesses, civic organizations and foundations
are the sources of donations. An annual report for up-to-date financial management
is available on request.
Capital needs
To meet the current and future needs of this growing organization PALS is currently
seeking funds specifically for capital expenditures to update our audio/visual/tech
equipment for the Lunch ‘N Learn program and to update our office equipment.
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