Baltimore City Police Officer Jahlik Mathis founded Police and Sneaks in July 2021. This Baltimore-based non-profit assists inner-city youth and helps foster positive interactions and improved relationships between law enforcement and minority communities. The organization provides footwear on a bi-weekly basis to youth across Baltimore city, which started with personal contributions from Officer Mathis.
Since the organization's founding in 2021, they have donated over 400 pairs of sneakers to youth in Baltimore. They also donate sneakers to youth who participate in Boys & Girls Clubs programming and to youth at the Jewish Community Center in northwestern Baltimore. They have expanded their reach by partnering with the Baltimore County Police Department providing sneakers once per month to an officer, who gifts them to a kid in their county.
Mathis also mentors 5th grade boys at Oakleigh Elementary School in Baltimore.
In honor of Jahlik's recognition, the Orioles Charitable Foundation will make a donation to Police And Sneaks.