Lawrence-based Brothers in Arms Men’s Support Circle was one of 13 community organizations sharing last week in $380,000 in state grants to support restorative justice programming.
Brothers in Arms Men’s Support Circle was awarded about $40,000 from the Commonwealth Restorative Justice Community Grant Program.
“Restorative Justice practices can help those who have experienced harm and those who have caused it on their journeys toward healing and accountability. This grant program allows us to invest in community-based service providers as they deliver programming tailored to the needs of the communities they serve,” said Gov. Maura Healey.
The Lawrence group is described as “volunteer-based” designed to “provide local men with mindful tools, awareness and peer support that help (participants) become the fathers, husbands, brothers, neighbors, friends and leaders our communities need.”
Grants were awarded through a competitive application process. Nonprofits that applied as a single entity were eligible to apply for up to $20,000, while two or more organizations could apply for a shared award of up to $40,000. This was the second time grants were awarded through the program.
Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy said, “This grant program provides community-based organizations resources that will help strengthen their communities by promoting healing among victims of crime as well as those who have inflicted harm. This is an important part of our overall strategy to empowering communities and improving public safety in communities impacted by crime.”