Boston – Today, State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D – Pittsfield) announces that the City of Pittsfield has been chosen to receive $25,000 in grant assistance from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.  The money will be used for programming to provide summer jobs, mentoring and recreational activities for at risk youths.

“This programming will provide choices for our kids this summer, hopefully giving them the chance to participate in positive experiences.  We want our kids to make positive choices in life, and this grant will go a long way towards creating safe spaces for them to exercise those good choices,” said Downing.

Statewide, more than 1,300 at risk youths in 21 cities across Massachusetts will have a chance to participate in these programs.  Funds were targeted to urban areas currently experiencing youth and gang crimes and violence.  In total, nearly $1.3 million in grants to 20 communities for 10 weeks of summer programs and activities for youths has been awarded. 

To pay for the program, the Patrick Administration provided $1.3 million in funding from the federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Formula Grant Program, administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Programs will run from June 11 through Aug. 31 of this year.

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