Mayor Sarno, Commissioner Clapprood and State Representative Gonzalez Joined with Lt. Governor Polito and Secretary Reidy for Shannon Grant Announcement

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today the release of $11.2 million in competitive Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr., Community Safety Initiative (CSI) Grant Program funds to communities and local partners in support of collaborative solutions to address and respond to youth violence. The CSI program funded 15 municipal grants consisting of 27 cities and 14 research partners in this round. With today’s announcement, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $62 million through this program since taking office.

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced the awards today alongside several grant recipients and local partners at the South End Community Center in Springfield. The community center offers youth development and recreational programs made possible with CSI funding received through its partnership with the City of Springfield. 

“The Shannon grant program invests in community-based efforts to connect with at-risk youth and help put them on a pathway to future success,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The long-term positive impacts of the programs funded by Shannon grants demonstrate the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing youth violence and improving the safety of our communities.

“We are proud to join with municipalities and local partners to bolster community efforts to prevent and respond to youth violence and gang activity,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. Shannon grants support the collaborative spirit and vital teamwork that achieves safer communities, violence reduction, and sustained positive life decisions for at-risk youth.”

“The Shannon grant program continues to play a significant role in reducing youth violence across the Commonwealth. The successful initiative helps to build meaningful partnerships between police and community while providing at-risk or gang-involved youth with alternative pathways to healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.

“Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood and I want to thank Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary Terrence Reidy and our state delegation for their leadership and continued belief and investment in this successful and vital program,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, City of Springfield. “This grant plays a pivotal role in proactively balancing C3 Community policing, anti-gang initiatives and gun and drug suppression, while also supporting non-profit prevention opportunities and efforts for the betterment of our neighborhoods.  These key funds look to strike a proper balance of proactive youth development programs with public safety aspects.”

The 15 CSI sites received $10.4 million based on a demonstrated commitment to coordinated prevention and intervention strategies and a comprehensive plan for strong multidisciplinary collaboration. The 14 Local Action Research Partners (LARPs) were awarded nearly $730,000 in grant funding and will assist the funded CSI sites by providing strategic, analytic, technical, and research support.

Over the past year, the Shannon CSI funded 141 partner organizations and approximately 140 fulltime equivalent positions to address youth gang violence within these communities. In 2021, Shannon CSI partners served over 15,000 young people across the Commonwealth, representing a dramatic increase of youth participation in Shannon CSI-funded programs compared to 2020.

The grant program is named after the late Senator Charles E. Shannon of Winchester. Senator Shannon represented Massachusetts’ Second Middlesex district of Winchester, Woburn, Somerville and Medford from 1991 until he died in 2005 from leukemia. Before serving in the legislature, he had spent twenty years on the Lexington Police.

The 15 CSI sites and research partners selected to receive an award are as follows: