Haverhill-Methuen Anti-Gang Program Grant

State Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen), Representative Harriet Stanley (D-West Newbury), Representative Barbara L’Italien, (D-Andover) and Representative Linda Dean Campbell (D-Methuen) announced that Haverhill and Methuen received a $220,000 Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant to combat gang activity in the area. The Haverhill-Methuen Gang Violence Education and Prevention Project is a partnership between the two communities that implements proven gang prevention strategies in order to mount an effective response to gang activity concerns. The recent “Peace in the Park” forum that was held in Methuen is an example of programs that the grant provides for. This forum featured youth mentoring and presentations by local law enforcement on how to deal with or avoid the pressures of gang involvement.

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative grants are awarded to communities based on factors that include the crime rate of a city or a town, the percentage of population between the ages of 15 and 19, and the number of young homicide victims. The grants are administered through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety with funding allocated by the Massachusetts Legislature for this purpose. Thirty-nine Massachusetts communities will receive nearly $11 million in grants to combat gang violence and crime problems.

“This grant will allow for the continuation and expansion of these innovative programs,” said Representative Dempsey. “It shows what can be accomplished when communities work together towards a common goal. I would like to commend all those that developed this program and wrote the grant application which brought these funds to the area.”

“Combating gang related activities require intensive strategies and programs that effectively target the roots of youth violence. This grant will allow Haverhill and Methuen to continue their efforts in reducing this type of crime,” said Senator Baddour.

“I am very pleased that both Haverhill and Methuen have been chosen as recipients of this grant,” said Representative L’Italien. “These funds will help assist our communities in fighting gang related violence and provide a safer environment for our youth.”