Taking initiatives toward a a safer community with Tony Simmons and Gina AnslemoTaking initiatives toward a a safer community with Tony Simmons and Gina Anslemo
Healing Voices Project: Sharing Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery and Courage.
Taking initiatives toward a a safer community with Tony Simmons,and Gina Anslemo, Director and Deputy Director respectively, of the Community Saftey and Outreach Unit at the Hampden County DA office, discuss the multiple projects affecting high-risk youth or victims of violence, including women, children, elders and persons with disabilities.
13:06•2 Sept 2023
Creating Safer Communities: Tony Simmons and Gina Anselmo's Mission
Episode Overview
- The Community Safety and Outreach Program focuses on prevention to keep the community safe
- The Youth Advisory Board has grown to over 60 students and addresses critical topics such as social media, internet safety, and substance abuse
- Efforts to triple the reach of their programs, even during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Opportunities for students to take part in public speaking and bring important presentations to their schools
- Value of the Instagram page in showcasing their impactful community and youth prevention programs
“The students are actually the liaisons between our office and the schools, and they have that power. They can literally go to any principal and say, hey, I'm part of the Youth Advisory Board. They offer a social media presentation. I know we're having problems with vaping or any of these topics that they can actually.”
Imagine a community where high-risk youth and victims of violence find the support they need to thrive. In this episode of the Healing Voices Project, Tony Simmons and Gina Anselmo from the Hampden District Attorney's Office share their incredible work in making this vision a reality. As the Director and Deputy Director of the Community Safety and Outreach Unit, Tony and Gina have dedicated themselves to initiatives that protect and empower some of the most vulnerable members of society.
From reaching out to schools to engaging local organizations, their efforts have significantly expanded over the past few years. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they managed to triple their outreach. Their Youth Advisory Board, which has grown from 30 to over 60 students, is a testament to their commitment. These students tackle critical issues like social media navigation, internet safety, and substance abuse, making a real difference in their communities.
Tony and Gina’s work goes beyond just talking about problems; they actively involve the community in finding solutions. Whether it's through presentations at schools or public speaking events, they encourage students to take an active role in creating safer environments. They also emphasize the importance of spreading awareness through social media, particularly their Instagram page, which highlights their various prevention programs.
This episode isn't just about discussing initiatives; it's about showcasing the power of community involvement in fostering a safer, more informed environment for everyone. If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, Tony and Gina's story is a must-listen.
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