Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $8.4 Million for Youth Violence Prevention

Braintree — Marking the 20^th anniversary of the Sen. Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative (Shannon CSI), the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced grant awards of $8.4 million to support evidence-based efforts that prevent and reduce youth and gang violence in communities across in Massachusetts. With this year’s awards, the state has invested nearly $176.2 million through Shannon CSI, which serves as a national model for violence prevention.

Fifteen program sites were awarded a total of $8,456,933 through the FY26 Shannon CSI. An additional $616,300 was awarded to 15 Local Action Research Partners, each paired with a Shannon program site. The program also funds a Statewide Research Partner; that award will be announced in the Spring.

“Our communities are stronger and safer as a result of these investments and the partnerships built through this program,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By carrying forward Senator Shannon’s legacy, we are strengthening communities, expanding opportunity for young people and showing what is possible when Massachusetts leads with evidence and purpose.”

“This program stands as a national model for youth violence prevention because it is grounded in best practices and adapts to meet the unique needs of each community,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re proud to continue this important work for the next generation.”

The program was created in memory of State Sen. Charles E. Shannon Jr., who represented the 2^nd Middlesex District at the time of his death on April 5, 2005. Shannon CSI incorporates the key elements of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Comprehensive Gang Model. The program supports regional, multi-disciplinary approaches to combat gang violence through five strategy areas: social intervention, suppression, opportunity provision, organizational change and community mobilization. Research partners provide strategic analysis and support to maintain and improve operations and meet program goals.

Cities with Shannon CSI program sites experienced reductions in crimes committed by youth ages 10 to 24 – the age group served by the Shannon CSI. These reductions included a 24% drop in aggravated assaults and 52% decrease in robberies between 2020 and 2024, according to analysis conducted by the program’s Statewide Research Partner. Statewide, there was a 4% reduction in aggravated assaults and a 40% reduction in robberies committed by members of this age group.

“No agency can do this work alone,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “For 20 years, the Shannon grant has demonstrated what is possible when nonprofits, police, prosecutors and community stakeholders work together. It succeeds because violence reduction and youth engagement are a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action. I commend all the Shannon award recipients for their continued collaboration.”

“The Shannon CSI has been central to the state’s violence preventions strategy for two decades. The program’s collaborative approach and evidence-based practices allow us to deliver multi-disciplinary services that are tailored to address the challenges facing Massachusetts communities,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

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