The “Buddies” program was started to provide positive adult role models for the at-risk youth in our community.  To date, Fresno PAL's "Buddies" has a total of 404 adult mentors which are serving 1155 youth in our community.  “Buddies” has grown to encompass several other programs which came into existence to meet those needs of both the mentors and youth.  Programs such as "One on One", “Sports Buddies,” “Lunch Buddies”, “Walking Buddies” and “Tutor Buddies” have allowed this program to expand and accommodate the needs of many more youth throughout the city. Chief Dyer fully supports this worthwhile PAL program and encourages his staff and the community to become involved with the “Buddies” program.  "Buddies" is managed and coordinated by CSO Karen Kroske