Erie County Legislators Ed Rath and Lynne Dixon joined PeacePrints of WNY, Catholic Charities, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office to kick off the ‘Project Blue’ initiative at the Erie County Holding Center Friday morning.

Funded through a grant, Project Blue aims to reduce recidivism and local crime rates. The program will offer housing, pre-and post-release support, peer mentoring, cognitive behavioral therapy, and partners with off-site organizations to provide substance abuse and mental health treatment, job training, and education.

Legislator Dixon said, “I thank all involved in this program and know it will have a tremendous impact. Project Blue is a collaborative effort to improve lives and cut down on recidivism. We appreciate all who have made this possible and look forward to its success.”

Legislator Rath said, “It was my pleasure to be part of launching this new initiative. Cindi McEachon of PeacePrints, Catholic Charities, and those involved at the Erie County Holding Center have done an outstanding job putting the Project Blue program together. This is just one of the ways community partnerships are working to reduce recidivism and crime rates throughout Erie County. Thank you to all who have made this initiative possible.”

Cindi McEachon, PeacePrints of WNY Executive Director said, “Project Blue is a preventative pilot program designed to reduce recidivism and local crime rates as well as to stunt the jail to prison pipeline by way of identifying specific needs not currently being met through community supports. We are thrilled to collaborate with Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office on bringing this innovative pre-and-post release project model to our community.”