City to accept $2.19 million SSYI contract to fund 3‑year youth violence‑prevention program

The Finance Committee heard presentation on a three‑year Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI) contract valued at $2,189,700 that would be funded at $729,900 per year for fiscal 2026‑2028, a consultant said. Anthony Falvo, identified as a consultant for BRIDAL (the lead agency for the grant in the presentation), said the program targets the highest‑risk 17‑to‑24‑year‑olds who are most likely to be involved in shootings and stabbings. The program requires partners who provide education, mental‑health services and employment assistance, Falvo said. Falvo said partners include Roca, Clinical and Sport Options (mental‑health), the sheriff’s department for in‑reach, Baystate Medical Center, and MassHire for employment services. He said the program emphasizes in‑reach to individuals while incarcerated 3 to 6 months before release so they have supports on reentry. Falvo described the program as a multi‑year intervention with intensive case management and services. "This is a program for the highest risk 17 and 24 year olds," he said. He added that the grant has no overtime funding for the police; it supports two officers and a supervisor who provide client referrals and outreach to partner providers. Council members asked for follow‑up questions and Falvo said the program has a research partner that has worked with sites across Massachusetts since 2011; he described outcomes and re‑engagement strategies as part of ongoing evaluation. The committee recommended forwarding the contract to the full City Council for approval; the committee did not take a final appropriation vote at the meeting because members moved to refer several items to the council for consideration.