Youth Empowerment Center Faces Hurdles as Amherst Committee Seeks Transparency

Overview: During the recent Amherst Community Safety and Social Justice Committee meeting, discussions revolved around the proposed Youth Empowerment Center, funded by a $500,000 grant under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The center aims to empower BIPOC youth and other young people in the community but faces challenges related to the management and allocation of resources.

Amherst Committee Grapples with CREST Program Implementation and Youth Empowerment Center Delays

Overview: The recent Amherst Community Safety and Social Justice Committee meeting revealed considerable frustration and concern over the operational challenges facing the Crisis Response and Emergency Services Team (CREST) and the delayed progress of the Youth Empowerment Center.

Resignations and Youth Empowerment Center Oversight Dominate Amherst Committee Meeting

Overview: The Amherst Community Safety and Social Justice Committee held a remote meeting on August 14, 2023, during which updates were shared regarding member resignations, the oversight of the Youth Empowerment Center, and the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Amherst Committee Discusses Emergency Response and Community Policing

Overview: During a recent meeting, the Amherst Community Safety and Social Justice Committee focused on the implementation of a tiered response model involving the Crest program and the Amherst Police Department (APD). This model aims to decide the appropriate response—whether from Crest, APD, or both—based on the specifics of an emergency call.