Mayor Sarno states, “This unique and innovative idea came to fruition out of my administrations last community roundtable discussion with clergy, city and state officials, and community partners. I want to thank City Councilor ‘Coach’ Lavar Click-Bruce for his continued and steadfast leadership in our community, especially with our youth. Special shoutout to Patrice ‘Chae’ Swan for his efforts behind the scene too. Working with Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood and the brave and dedicated men and women of our Springfield Police Department, along with all of our local Community Centers – including Wes Jackson and our South End Community Center, Keshawn Dodds and the Boys and Girls Club Family Center, Vinny Borello and the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, and Jarix Santiago from the New North Citizens Council Youth Services Center. This comprehensive plan of action, which we will announce formally in the very near future, will enhance our community outreach efforts and create a unique and innovative initiative in partnership with our local community centers, Springfield Police Departments, and more, to provide pro-active and preventative efforts and outreach of mentorship opportunities and services and programs for our youth. Stay tuned.”
Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce stated, “As I stated previously during Mayor Sarno’s community roundtable meetings, we can choose whether to do something or do nothing. We have decided to do something! This innovative partnership with all of our community centers, working closely with the Springfield Police Department and other entities will greatly enhance our youth outreach efforts to be pro-active in connecting them with the services and programs that are out there. It takes a village and together this initiative, which we will announce in the near future, will provide a positive approach to connect our youth and their families with opportunities, programs and services. More details will be announced in the very near future.”
