The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety awarded the City of Springfield a $786,025.70 grant for the 2019 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative, better known as a “Shannon Grant”.
On Friday morning, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Acting Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, State Lawmakers and representatives from our partner agencies detailed beneficial these funds are to the city.
“This funding is instrumental in making our community a safer place. It allows our police officers to be proactive in preventing gang violence and allows our officers and partner agencies to connect with at-risk individuals when they are most vulnerable,” said Acting Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
On February 11th, Governor Charlie Baker announced a record $7.74 Million in “Shannon Grant” funding will be split among 27 cities and 13 research partners.
The “Shannon Grant” will be used specifically to combat gang violence and provide services to at-risk gang violence youth.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said, “First of all, I’m very appreciative of Governor Baker’s and our local delegation’s efforts to secure this important funding. As the statistics indicate there has been a steady reduction in overall crime by 45% in the last five years. This funding will allow us to continue innovative and imaginative programs to ensure this trend continues.”
On Monday, March 4, 2019, the Springfield City Council will vote to accept the award which then can be distributed to the Springfield Police Department and our Shannon Partner Agencies.
Award Amount Breakdown
- Springfield Police Department ($235,025.62)
- The Salvation Army ($70,000)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services ($65,000)
- Springfield Boys & Girls Club (Carew St.) ($65,000)
- YMCA Dunbar ($60,400)
- New North Citizens’ Council ($60,000.08)
- Springfield Boys & Girls Club Family Center (Acorn St.) ($55,000)
- South End Community Center ($49,100)
- Greater New Life Christian Center ($46,000)
- YWCA of Western Mass ($46,000)
- Springfield Parks & Recreation Dept. ($34,500)
