The Delevan-Grider Community Center and three other local community groups are proud to announce they are each recipients of a $5,000 donation from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

The money comes from the DA’s Asset Forfeiture fund which is comprised of the assets seized from criminals.

The federal government allows law enforcement groups to donate up to $25,000 in forfeiture money to community organizations that are taking part in anti-crime initiatives.

The other organizations each receiving a $5,000 donation are:

The Butler Mitchell City Kids Summer Camp Program

WNY Anti-Violence Project

Buffalo United Front

“This sizable donation will allow our community center to expand the great work we are already doing to help at-risk youth stay away from a life of crime,” says Candace Moppins, Executive Director of the Delavan Grider Community Center.

The Delavan Grider facility is not only a safe haven for children and young adults, it provides anger management counseling and job training with the New York State Department of Labor Strike Force.

The Butler Mitchell City Kids Summer Camp Program is focused on improving the quality of life for the youth in Buffalo through educational, recreational and cultural activities.

“We appreciate District Attorney Flaherty taking an interest in our organization and understanding the importance of what we do,” says Chris DelPrince, founder of the Butler Mitchell City Kids Summer Camp Program. “The DA realizes that reaching kids early on helps keep them out of trouble.”

WNY Anti-Violence Project supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer, questioning or gender non-conforming victims of violence and works to lessen and prevent violent crimes against the LGBTQ community.

The Buffalo United Front works with community organizations and individuals offering support to reduce youth violence through prevention and intervention.

“We are using assets seized from those who do harm to better our community,” says acting District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. “Helping these worthwhile organizations enrich lives and promote safety reduces crime, makes us all safer and is money well spent.”

A resolution authorizing the use of forfeiture funds has been sent to the Erie County Legislature for its approval.