BOSTON, MA – JUNE 22: Monica Cannon-Grant leads marchers during a protest march in honor of Rayshard Brooks, sponsored by Black Lives Matter Boston and Violence in Boston Inc, on June 22, 2020 in Boston. The protest started at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury and ended in front of the Massachusetts State House. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
An organization aimed at reducing violence in Boston opened a new Social Impact Center in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood over the holiday weekend.
Violence in Boston's new Social Impact Center was established to help prevent and reduce the impact of violence by addressing immediate and basic needs like housing, food, clothing and public safety.
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"Today, after 10 years, we celebrate the opening of the Violence in Boston Social Impact Center," activist and founder Monica Cannon-Grant said Monday. "They made it a hashtag, I made it a movement. For a young Black woman who grew up on Franklin Avenue who spent 16 years in Roxbury, raised six kids -- three of whom are in college -- I'm still in shock that I'm here."
The newly renovated 4,000-square-foot facility officially opened on Monday. It includes offices, conference rooms, a podcasting and studio space, healing and mental health space and a food pantry. It will also provide pro bono legal assistance.
Cannon-Grant said the center will eventually have 10 staff members, with additional volunteer support.
