PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state granted the city 10 years of funding for initiatives to combat youth and gang violence.

 

In total, the city will see close to $5 million over the next decade to launch programs to combat a growing trend of youth violence. The Safe and Successful Youth Initiative will provide $350,000 in the first year and then $500,000 for each subsequent year.

 

"The young people of Pittsfield represent the future of our community. I have always enjoyed spending time with and supporting youth initiatives perhaps more than any other aspect of the job.  This grant, which will ultimately add up to just under $5 million dollars, is a game changer for Pittsfield," said Mayor Daniel Bianchi in a prepared statement.  

 

"We will finally have the resources needed to target a population of young people who are susceptible to violence and gang involvement. The resources we have secured will allow us to address challenging societal issues facing these young people."

 

The funds will be overseen by the Pittsfield Community Connection, which was launched and grew over the last two years with funding from the Charles E. Shannon Grant. That grew into a massive mentoring program as well job placements and connecting at-risk youth with needed services. Bianchi said the city will likely receive additional funds from the Shannon Grant as well as private donations and from the Berkshire United Way.

 

"Our community and our country are experiencing an alarming trend of youth violence.  I have always believed that Pittsfield is unique in that we are a city with small town sensibilities and values.  Residents help each other.  The SSYI grant will allow us to partner with community agencies to help our youth. It will provide resources that will target the actual needs of this population make our city a safer community," Bianchi said.

 

The new round of funding will boost the Community Connection program through more behavioral health counseling, education certification support, subsidized employment and training. The grant's focus is on young men between the ages of 17 and 24.

 

"This is exactly what the city needs. Violence was escalating when we applied for this last summer. The program focuses on youth in the city who have had significant issues with the law. Working through the police means ensuring targeted behavioral counseling, and expanding hope gained from jobs, education and community support," said Adam Hinds, former Pittsfield Community Connection director and current chairman of the steering committee.

 

An inaugural meeting of agencies for the expanded program was held on Thursday, Dec. 10. Those agencies include the Police Department - who will be the primary source of identifying eligible youth - Berkshire Works, the Brien Center, the Sheriff's Office, the courts, schools, the Fenn Street Development Corporation and the Goodwill. 

 

Scott Murray is the current interim program director for the program, which he believes will provide more options for at-risk youth to keep them from becoming violent.