The city of Pittsfield has been awarded roughly $5 million over the next decade to address youth violence. It’s the largest youth-focused grant the city has ever received.The Safe and Successful Youth Initiative grant is intended to focus on proven-risk males between the ages of 17-24. Working with the city’s police department and other area organizations, the Pittsfield Community Connection will be the lead agency providing behavioral health, education support and tiered subsidized employment. Outgoing Mayor Dan Bianchi has touted PCC’s work.
“We cannot arrest our way out of a societal issue," Bianchi said during a debate in October. "When you have young men who are going down the wrong path, you have to change that path. You have to give them options.”
The state funds will be administered over the course of 10 years.
