In the spring of 2006, Massachusetts created a state grant program to help local communities develop and implement strategies to reduce gang violence. The $11 million program was awarded through a competitive grant process to local areas with high levels of gang activity, youth violence, and substance abuse problems. Communities, such as Fall River and New Bedford, that received an award have developed regional strategies that target gang activities and involve all relevant law enforcement agencies and community based organizations. The Massachusetts Communities Action Network, in coalition with the Black Ministerial Alliance, the Boston Ten Point Coalition, and the Dorchester Youth Collaborative won passage of  the legislation which includes provisions and funding to deal with gang violence, witness intimidation, witness protection, and violence prevention programs. United Interfaith Action, which operates in Fall River and New Bedford, was instrumental in advocating for the funding. Training for the Youth Outreach portion of the grant in Fall River and New Bedford began on August 24, 2006, at the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium on Bank Street. The program will operate in local middle schools and in collaboration with local agencies to identify youth at-risk for joining gangs and will involve them in after-school and out-of-school youth activities. For more information, contact Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey at 508-324-2419.
 

(Top row, left) Nicole DaRosa and Paul Lopes of the New Bedford YMCA. (Top row, center) Meghan Callan Wagner, Senior Training Associate for the Medical Foundation. (Top row, right) Paul Lopes raises his arms to make a point. (Top row, right) Assistant Director of Training and Capacity Building for the Medical Foundation Moacir Barbosa. (Middle row, center) Fall River Youth Outreach workers Mark Travis, Jordohn Bileau, Kelvin Oritz, Korin Pensao and Diana Ferreira. (Middle row, right) Fall River Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey, Mark Travis, United Interfaith Action Organizer Paul Graham and Jordohn Bileau. (Bottom row, left) Michelle Roderick and Troy Cooler (Bottom row, center) Drae Perkins, Paul Lopes, Fall River Housing Authority staff member Joseph DaSilva and Nicole DaRosa.