PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has once again received a state grant to combat youth violence.

 

The city has been awarded an $133,000 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative grant. The funds will continue the city's efforts to reduce youth and gang violence.

 

"The Shannon Grant is making a huge difference in our community. It has allowed us to coordinate community conversation and develop programs to reach out to young people who might otherwise choose a less desirable path. Last year we took on two mentors who have been in our schools, on our playgrounds, and have had meaningful connections with young people in the city. The process of affecting change in the lives of children that might be considered ‘at-risk’ is one that takes time and commitment. The Shannon Grant is allowing us to do that and we are appreciative of the State’s initiative," said Mayor Daniel Bianchi in a press release on Wednesday.

 

"We are fortunate to have been able to recruit Adam Hinds to coordinate these efforts. In years to come we will recognize the establishment of a Shannon Grant program in the city as having been a significant milestone for us."

 

This is the third year the city has reeled in the grant. It started with a $60,000 grant in which the city opened community centers and organized programming at Dower Square and Francis Plaza. Last year, the city was awarded $100,000, which brought on Adam Hinds as a coordinator. The Police Department has also received some of the funds from the grant for the anti-crime unit.

 

"The allocation is one-third larger than last year, reflecting continued growth. In fact, our program is expanding to such a degree that we continue to look for partnerships in the community. During 2014 we witnessed several violent events involving youth that drove elevated community involvement. Our work in 2015 will utilize that strong community involvement to directly lift youth and caregivers facing difficult circumstances," Hinds said.

 

The additional funds are eyed to be used to continue the Pittsfield Community Connection program. That includes working with outreach workers to mentor high-risk youth and neighborhood programs - such as mothers support groups.