The Patriot Ledger
Patriot Ledger Staff
July 1, 2021

BROCKTON – Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz's office is sending $32,000 to eight community groups as part of a program that reinvests money seized from drug crimes. 

Cruz's office annually gives some of the cash seized in drug raids and similar operations to groups typically focused on fighting drug abuse. 

“Each year, our office awards numerous Community Reinvestment Program funds to youth organizations, school districts, neighborhood associations and (senior assistance) programs throughout Plymouth County, at no cost to taxpayers,” Cruz said in a statement.

“Fast forward to 2020 and COVID-19: Many of these groups and organizations struggled. They do such great work and people in the community rely on their help. I am proud that we can steer these funds to good use."

Marshfield FACTS says it will use its $4,000 to compile and distribute reading materials to help teach young children about a loved one's substance use disorder. 

Rockland-based 24Hr. Power got $3,500 for beautification of Tukis Park in Brockton and other projects. The group helps recovering substance abusers. 

"They have helped us out a lot," Susie Lordi, founder of 24Hr. Power, said of the grants. "It's a really cool program. It effects positive change in the community. ... They don't just give you the money, they participate however they can."

Lordi said her small organization doesn't have a professional grant writer or a full-time staff, so the money makes a big difference. 

South Shore Peer Recovery in Scituate says it will use its $4,000 to fund its sober softball league.

Anchor of Hull will get $4,000 for a meditative arts group and emergency crisis diversion for those suffering from substance use disorder.

Other groups that got money from the program are Hingham CARES, Choices4Teens, the Homeless Improvement Project and Pembroke Titans.