Connecticut Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Gov. Lamont and Connecticut Legislature for Increasing Funding for Project Longevity in 2019 Budget

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, applauded Governor Lamont and state lawmakers for increasing funding for Project Longevity, a gun violence prevention program operating in Connecticut’s three largest cities. Using the Group Violence Intervention model, Project Longevity reduces gun violence through a partnership of community members, law enforcement, and social service providers that directly engage with the members of street groups that are involved in gun violence. Through Project Longevity, they communicate a credible moral message against violence and offer a way out of violence for those who want one.

“We’re thrilled to see Governor Lamont and the legislature recommit their support to Project Longevity,” said Kate Martin, a volunteer with the Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “By connecting individuals at highest risk for involvement in violence with the support services they need, Project Longevity has contributed to significant reductions in gun violence in our cities. This funding will allow them to continue the vital work of preventing gun violence and saving lives.”

“Connecticut has stood out nationally as a leader in the effort to prevent myriad forms of gun violence,” said Brent Peterkin, Statewide Coordinator with Project Longevity. “A key part of the state’s policy legacy is the focus and support towards disrupting urban gun violence. Governor Lamont and state legislators demonstrated the continuance of Connecticut’s commitment to reduce street group violence by supporting state appropriations that will help to sustain Project Longevity’s nationally recognized street group violence intervention efforts. Sustaining initiatives that work to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s most vulnerable communities is integral to overall violence reduction strategies and conveys a clear commitment of Connecticut’s alignment with local, state, and national gun violence prevention advocates and values all lives in all communities.”