Daily Freeman: Samadhi gets $430,000 federal grant to combat gun violence in Ulster County

DAILY FREEMAN

A substance abuse rehabilitation center is getting a $430,000 federal grant to help take aim at gun violence reduction, according to U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s office.

Ryan said that the grant has been awarded to the Samadhi’s Recovery Outreach Center in the town of Ulster for the gun violence reduction program.

“This is a crucial investment that will both reduce gun violence and promote drug recovery efforts,” Ryan said in a statement. “The Samadhi Recovery Outreach Center will work hand-in-hand with local and state law enforcement officials to detect and interrupt potential conflicts, support trained outreach workers and mediate ongoing conflicts.”

David McNamara, founder and executive director of the Samadhi Recovery Outreach Center, said the grant will go a long way to help.

“We are very excited to launch our Anti-Gun Violence Program in Ulster County, which will help stop the cycle of gun violence,” said McNamara.

“This program, focused on preventing, deescalating, and addressing potential conflicts that can lead to gun violence, uses evidence-based practices and a street outreach program based on the Cure Violence model that was initiated in Chicago.”

A press release said the Samadhi Anti-Gun Violence Prevention Program works together with local and state law enforcement to “educate, reduce and eradicate retaliatory gun violence.”

“The Cure Violence model teaches that individuals can stop the cycle of violence by curbing their own violent practices and using their influence to change how their community views aggression.”

“The model seeks to heal the damage caused by violence, change negative behaviors and empower them to help others leave aggressive patterns behind,” the release said.