Addressing Gang & Youth Violence Issues
In Communities Throughout Massachusetts
Five Core Strategies
The Shannon Community Safety Initiative (CSI) provides funding to communities throughout Massachusetts to address their gang and youth violence problems. In these communities, public institutions such as police and school departments and community organizations undertake multi-pronged efforts directed at five strategy areas.
Community Mobilization
Involvement of local citizens, including former gang members and community groups and agencies, and the coordination of programs and staff functions within and across agencies.
Opportunities Provision
The development of a variety of education, training, employment, and reentry programs specific to engaging gang-involved youth and young adults.
Social Intervention
Youth-serving agencies, schools, street outreach workers, grassroots groups, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice organizations reaching out and acting as links between gang-involved youth, their families, and needed services.
Suppression
Formal and informal social controls procedures and accountability measures, including law enforcement and close supervision or monitoring of gang-involved youth, by criminal justice agencies working in collaboration with community based service providers, schools, and grassroots groups.
Organizational Change and Development
Development and implementation of policies and procedures that result in the most effective use of available and potential resources to better address the gang problem.
Success Stories
“One youth participant entered the Shannon-supported program facing multiple challenges, including housing instability at home, inconsistent school attendance, and difficulty managing stress and peer conflict... Through the Shannon program, the youth received consistent, trauma-informed support from ACT Lawrence staff, including regular check-ins, mentorship, and access to a safe and structured environment. Now a ninth grader, the youth returned to the program after the summer, reporting that the skills learned had a direct academic impact. Currently attending RISE Academy, the youth earned an A-minus in a financial literacy course, with staff observing strong overall academic performance.”
"In late 2025, W began working with STRIVE while incarcerated at the Suffolk House of Corrections. W had a history of substance use disorders and claimed to lack the specialized skills needed to secure and maintain employment. After working closely with STRIVE’s reentry facilitator and participating with their cohort, W was ultimately released and shortly after secured an entry-level position at a painting company. At the time of writing, W has not only maintained their position but thrived in it. They continue to learn more specialized skills in their industry thanks to the foundational training they received from STRIVE.”
“Two 15-year-olds participated in the Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp Riverside Counselor-in-Training program in 2023. This four-week program was funded by the Shannon Grant. Upon completion, both participants were guaranteed interviews for the 2024 camp season and were subsequently hired as Camp Co-Counselors. Based on their strong performance, both were offered positions for the 2025 camp program, which they accepted.”
“An 18-year-old participant achieved several major milestones that highlight the impact of Shannon programming.... This young mother had been engaged with PCC for some time, and through her ongoing relationship with the program, she was able to secure safe housing for herself and her newborn. In November, with the support of PCC case management and access to RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) funds, she successfully moved into a larger, more suitable apartment, providing a healthier environment as her child reached key developmental milestones. Today, she is actively working on securing daycare, a critical step toward returning to the workforce and continuing to build a stable, positive future for her family. This story demonstrates how Shannon-funded programming not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers participants to achieve long-term goals, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.”
“UTEC offered this young adult an opportunity to change the trajectory of his life. With sustained encouragement from the team and his own personal motivation, he has now earned his HiSET, secured full-time employment, and began coursework to become an electrician. His progress demonstrates how steady, persistent, relationship-based support can open the door to meaningful change and how a young person can thrive once given the opportunity and motivation to build a new future.”
"One standout participant this year was a 17-year-old young man completing his first formal work experience. Although he began the program with limited knowledge of workplace skills, he demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and quickly applied feedback from staff. He successfully transferred skills gained through his prior involvement in sports—such as teamwork, discipline, and communication—into his role as a summer camp counselor. With staff guidance and consistent effort, he earned our program’s “Most Valuable Player” (MVP) award. Initially shy and uncertain of his leadership abilities, he steadily gained confidence and became an essential member of the camp team. The program benefited greatly from his contributions, and camp operations would not have run smoothly without him.”
Our Partners
Since 2006, the Massachusetts Legislature has appropriated funds to support the Shannon Community Safety Initiative in an effort to reduce gang violence across the Commonwealth. Shannon is modeled after the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Preventions (OJJDP) Comprehensive Gang Model (CGM), a multi-sectored approach to address a community’s gang violence problem. After demonstrating a high level of gang violence through a competitive grant process, funded sites complete a needs assessment and assemble a steering committee which uses data to develop strategies. Currently, the grant program funds 15 geographic sites/26 communities across the state with Shannon dollars supporting 146 partner organizations and 137 full-time equivalent positions.
Annual research briefs summarize the work being done in communities across Massachusetts that receive funding from the Shannon Community Safety Initiative.
