October 10, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Turning the profits of crime into tools for prevention, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has awarded $91,175 in forfeiture fundsto 17 nonprofit organizations working to make Hampden County safer.

The funds were awarded during an event held at the YMCA of Greater Springfield, where representatives from each organization joined Gulluni and members of his team. The funding, derived from assets seized in drug-related prosecutions, is reinvested locally to support prevention, education, and community safety initiatives.

Among the recipients were organizations focused on youth development, violence prevention, mentorship, and neighborhood improvement, including :

• Academic Leadership Association of Greater Springfield
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts
• Black Men of Greater Springfield
• East Springfield Neighborhood Council
• Kane’s Krusade
• Kevin D. Shippy Foundation
• Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys and Girls Club
• Paper City Fútbol Club
• Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club
• Springfield Ballers
• Criminal Justice Organization of Hampden County (Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative)
• The Performance Project
• Unity Hearts Foundation
• The Wakeup Movement
• West Springfield Boys and Girls Club
• YMCA of Greater Springfield
• YWCA of Western Massachusetts

“Rather than allowing these funds to enrich drug dealers and traffickers who profit from addiction, the law permits us to redirect them toward programs that keep young people safe and help prevent crime in our communities,” said Gulluni. “Each of these organizations plays an important role in strengthening Hampden County, and I’m proud that our office can support their work.”

The awarded funds are made possible through Massachusetts General Law Chapter 94C, Section 47, which directs that after a court proceeding and a judicial order, money involved in drug-related arrests can be forfeited and, in part, used for law enforcement and community-based initiatives, at the direction of the District Attorney. Gulluni’s office has prioritized using these funds to advance pro-social programs that promote prevention, mentorship, and opportunity for local youth.

Since taking office, Gulluni has directed hundreds of thousands of dollars forfeited by drug dealers to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations working to make Hampden County safer, stronger, and more connected.