A Lancaster nonprofit has received a state grant to support is efforts to steer young people away from street violence.
Bench Mark Program will receive $143,968 through the Violence Intervention & Prevention grant program, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday.
It is one of 40 entities receiving a total of $15.7 million in the first round of funding for the grant program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency.
"These grants will provide communities and local organizations with necessary resources to disrupt violence, promote healing and make our communities safer," Gov. Wolf said in a statement.
The money funds grassroot programs including outreach and violence interruption efforts, social service referral programs, wraparound re-entry services, support for gun violence victims and survivors and youth mentorship.
In Bench Mark's case, the money will support the work of a case manager "who will specialize in supporting youth involved in gun violence and group violence," the administration said.
Bench Mark uses weight training as a foundation for long-term mentoring for at-risk youth aged 14 to 21. It was founded by Will Kiefer, who serves as executive director.
