Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni kicks off the 2026 Forfeiture Community Support Program.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and his office is helping to ensure the expansion of community-based programs in Hampden County after distributing $119,700 to 32 nonprofit organizations, the largest award amount and number of recipients in program history.
Gulluni hosted the 2026 Forfeiture Community Support Program at the Springfield Boys and Girls Club on June 11, where he detailed each organization with praise and distributed checks to each of the nonprofit’s representatives.
The Forfeiture Community Support Program takes assets forfeited through drug-related investigations and redirects them to “support a wide range of initiatives focused on youth development, public safety, education, health and victim services.”
“These funds come from a state law that allows money seized in drug cases to be forfeited throguh the courts and redirected back into our community, only after due process,” Gulluni said. “Instead of benefiting those who profit from addiction and crime, these resources can now be reinvested into programs that support young people, families, extend opportunities and improve public safety.”
The program received 54 applications this year, the highest application total in program history, and Gulluni stated that his office “works carefully to maximize the impact of these dollars and support as many worthwhile projects and organizations as possible.”
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of these organizations’ tireless work they do each and every day,” Gulluni said. “These grants represent more than financial support, they represent partnerships between community organizations, residents, law enforcement and my office, working together to address challenges before they become crisis … each of these organizations is helping to make Hampden County a stronger and safer place to live. Thank you for all your dedication, compassion, commitment and all that you do to serve others.”
The first organization Gulluni recognized was Springfield’s African Diaspora Mental Health Association, represented by Administrative Director Garry Porter. Gulluni said the organization works to expand access to responsive mental health resources and support services, with this funding going towards alcohol programming and educational resources.
Gulluni said the organization is a critical partner in work at the courthouse, and that it works with young people who have committed serious crimes and are in the process of turning their lives around. He added that mental health is a serious issue for young people, and that organizations’ work is indispensable.
Another one of the recognized organizations was Springfield’s Central City Gym, established in 2015 by Springfield Police Officer Dean Fay. Gulluni said the gym is a “frequent flyer for good reason” with the program.
“They do tremendous things for young people, doing the hard work of consistent mentorship and really teaching life skills,” Gulluni said. “Central City Gym uses boxing and fitness to teach discipline, perseverance and healthy habits to young people … this does not tell the whole picture. If anybody’s been to Central City, you’ve seen the incredible facility, as I have. Dozens and dozens, if not hundreds, of young people engaging in healthy habits.”
He added that Fay is taking young people “who would be doing all the wrong stuff and giving them the capacity to do the right stuff.”
The Embodied Leadership Project received funds, which is a trauma informed organization providing mindfulness, creative arts and equine-assisted learning programming to community members. The funds will go toward musical instruments for programming.
“Obviously, the arts and music are so important for our young people,” Gulluni said. “Exposing them at a young age maybe gives them something they can pursue their entire lives and change their lives for the better. So, so proud to support you.”
Kane’s Krusade was recognized, which provides animal care for veterans, domestic violence survivors, those experiencing homelessness and other individuals in recovery. Gulluni said the funds will be going toward housing assistance to those who would “otherwise face barriers in keeping their pets.”
The other 28 organizations that received funds were Big Brothers Big Sisters, Center Community Center, Collectively Recognizing Empowerment Within, Criminal Justice Organization of Hampden County/Springfield Safe Neighborhood Inititiative, Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource Center, East Springfield Neighborhood Council, Friends of Libertas Academy Charter School, Gray House, Greater Holyoke YMCA, Hope for Youth and Families, Mason Square C3, Mission, Inc., Women of Color Health Equity Collective, Neighborhood Generals Youth Football and Cheer, Paper City Basketball Club, Paper City Futbol, Parent Villages, Performance Project, ReGreen Springfield, Salvation Army, Springfield Boys and Girls Club, Springfield Cultural Partnership, Springfield Rescue Mission, Springfield Together, Strong Youth Minds Youth Development, Westfield Police Cadets, YMCA of Greater Springfield and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
