2025 Election Guide
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“These grants are going to folks who are on the front lines working to stop violence in their neighborhoods and because of that we’re empowering organizations like Beyond the Bars to implement solutions and community outreach they know will be the most impactful.”
“I'm also thankful for our leadership, for our Governor, and for his commitment to investing in programs like this one.”
“When you listen to and build with young people - and when you invest in systems not of harm, but of compassion and community - we can do something that seems impossible and live in a more peaceful and just world that our young people deserve.”
Harrisburg, PA - On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro met with students and teachers at Beyond the Bars - a Philadelphia nonprofit that empowers youth through music and leadership development - to talk about the impact of his Administration’s investments in community-based violence prevention. Beyond the Bars has grown significantly thanks to more than $530,000 in support from the Commonwealth’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
From day one, Governor Shapiro has prioritized public safety and delivered historic resources to both law enforcement and community-based organizations working to reduce violence. Since Governor Shapiro took office, his Administration has invested over $600 million in public safety, contributing to a 42 percent decrease in gun violence, and 38 percent decrease in gun deaths by firearm.
Read below to see what people are saying about Governor Shapiro's commitment to public safety:
Isaiah Robinson, Student Teacher Lead & Lead Facilitator at Beyond the Bars: “I joined Beyond the Bars in 2020 as a student. From the start, I was walking into a safe space and loving environment, surrounded by peers and mentors that share similar interests. Beyond the Bars quickly became a second family to me.”
Matt Kerr, Executive Director of Beyond the Bars: “Beautiful things happen in our city, but they do not happen without the amazing support of PCCD and CEG, as well as the tireless work of our teachers, partners, and youth leaders. When you listen to and build with young people — and when you invest in systems not of harm, but of compassion and community — we can do something that seems impossible and live in a more peaceful and just world that our young people deserve.”
Evangelina Manos-Conroy, Deputy Director of Public Safety, Office of the Mayor: “The city is not just writing checks — we are helping to build the internal infrastructure of our local leaders. We are working to set them up for success so they, in turn, can pursue additional resources of funding, from state sources like PCCD to private philanthropy. Helping organizations like Beyond the Bars grow and thrive is the ultimate goal, because they are the boots on the ground — they're the ones doing the work. They are the ones who need to lead the way, because we know government cannot do it alone.”
Representative Amen Brown: “I came up through The Beacon programs some 20 years ago, and I worked there with young people. We created safe spaces, and we protected children. And I see that here today at Beyond the Bars, and I'm thankful, I'm grateful that you guys exist. I'm also thankful for our leadership, for our Governor, and for his commitment to investing in programs like this one.”
Senator Vincent Hughes: “I’m proud to continue to work with Governor Shapiro and PCCD to get these critical investments out into the community. Since we created the VIP program in 2018, we’ve understood how important it is to provide funding directly to the community. These grants are going to folks who are on the front lines working to stop violence in their neighborhoods and because of that we’re empowering organizations like Beyond the Bars to implement solutions and community outreach they know will be the most impactful.”
See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro's commitment to public safety:
The Center Square: Shapiro promotes violence prevention investments in Philadelphia
ABC27: Shapiro discusses music as a way to stop cycle of violence
State Affairs: Gun violence drops in Pennsylvania, governor credits prevention programs
My ChesCo: Shapiro Spotlights Youth Violence Prevention Efforts During Philadelphia Visit
FOX56: Shapiro stresses safety, opportunity in community violence prevention visit to Philly