SPRINGFIELD – Local and state leaders celebrated the release of $11.2 million from the Shannon Community Safety Initiatives (CSI) Grant program during a Feb. 10 press conference at the South End Community Center.

Springfield is receiving $1.2 million as a part of the grant announcement, with Chicopee and Holyoke also receiving a combined total of $566,355. The grant project, which is named after former state Sen. Charles Shannon Jr., supports local organizations creating prevention and intervention strategies geared toward youths, according to Springfield’s press release.

The Springfield portion will be aiding the South End Community Center, which implements programs for youth development and recreational. Along with supporting city-wide initiatives, the Shannon Grant also develops Local Action Research Partners (LARP) to establish programs with different universities. The LARP outlets will assist the funded CSI sites by providing strategic, analytic, technical and research support on the community, according to the press release.

Mayor Domenic Sarno, Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito gathered to highlight the grant project’s importance. In his address, Sarno discussed the avenues of prevention that will be fortified by grant funds. “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 neighborhood,” said Sarno.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, Polito stressed the important role Shannon Grant’s play in assisting the community. “We are proud to join with municipalities and local partners to bolster community efforts to prevent and respond to youth violence and gang activity…Shannon grants support the collaborative spirit and vital teamwork that achieves safer communities, violence reduction, and sustained positive life decisions for at-risk youth,” said Polito.

With a focus on public safety across the commonwealth, Reidy highlighted the impact that Shannon grants have upon the youth populous.

“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 Reidy.

Readers can learn more about the Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant and its other recipients at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/shannon-community-safety-initiative-csi.