SENATOR ZELLNER ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER STATE FUNDING FOR CITY OF BUFFALO OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

$50,000 State Investment Will Support Violence Prevention, Intervention, and Community-Based Public Safety Efforts 

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) – During Gun Violence Awareness Month, New York State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner today announced $50,000 in state funding for the City of Buffalo's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, marking the first state funding ever dedicated specifically to the Office since its creation in 2025.

Senator Zellner was joined by Buffalo Common Council President Pro Tempore and Masten District Councilmember Zeneta Everhart, Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s Executive Director Adrienne Garr, violence prevention organizations, faith leaders, and community partners at Canisius University to announce the funding.

Senator Jeremy Zellner said, "Reducing gun violence requires more than enforcement alone. It requires prevention, intervention, and strong partnerships between government and the community. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention has helped bring those efforts together and support the organizations working every day to break cycles of violence, support families, and create safer neighborhoods. The people leading this work have earned more than our gratitude; they have earned our support. That's why I fought to secure this funding, and I'm proud to help strengthen these efforts for years to come."

The funding announced today will support the Office of Gun Violence Prevention's ongoing efforts to coordinate violence prevention initiatives and strengthen community-based strategies to reduce gun violence across Buffalo.

Councilmember Zeneta Everhart said, "Establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention was my first priority upon my election to the Council, and its creation has coincided with some of the lowest rates of violent crime seen in Buffalo in decades. This $50,000 in state funding will support youth programs, youth-led initiatives, community conversations, and awareness campaigns, which can engage at-risk individuals and address the root causes of violence. I thank Senator Jeremy Zellner and our partners at the state and local levels for their ongoing efforts to prevent violence and save lives in our city. 

Adrienne Garr, LMSW-CCFP, Executive Director of the City of Buffalo Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said, "The City of Buffalo Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) is grateful for the funding support of Senator Jeremy Zellner during Gun Violence Prevention Awareness month. These funds will go towards efforts and interventions to reduce the risks of gun violence in the City of Buffalo. The OGVP would also like to express gratitude to the Buffalo community violence interruption partners for all the diligent work they do in keeping communities safe."

Lenny Lane of Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S. said, "Gun violence prevention starts and stops at home. It begins around the kitchen table."

Pastor James Giles of Back to Basics Ministries said, "This grant will come as much needed support for the important work that the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is engaged in, in developing collaborative strategies to reduce violence on our city streets."

Cindi McEachon, Chief Executive Officer of Peaceprints of WNY, said, "At the heart of our work with Peaceprints of WNY is a simple but powerful truth: nonviolence begins with me. When we invest in the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, we are turning that principle into action, supporting the people, programs, and partnerships that interrupt violence, uplift communities, and create lasting change."

Mia Ayers-Goss, representing Most Valuable Parents of Buffalo, said, "At MVP, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe community free from the fear of gun violence. Lasting change requires more than reacting to gun violence, it requires addressing its root causes. Through mentorship, positive programming, resources for families, and strong community partnerships, we can create pathways to success, support parents, and build safer neighborhoods where our youth can thrive and our families can prosper."

Mia Ayers-Goss, representing the Buffalo Brady Chapter, said, "Gun violence is preventable. The Buffalo Chapter of Brady is proud to stand alongside community partners to advance solutions that save lives, support families, and promote safer neighborhoods for all."

About the Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Established in 2025, the City of Buffalo's Office of Gun Violence Prevention serves as the City's central hub for coordinating violence prevention efforts across government agencies, community organizations, law enforcement, health systems, and neighborhood partners. Created through an Executive Order first announced during the City's 2025 State of the City Address, the Office works to reduce gun violence through collaboration, community engagement, victim support services, and data-informed prevention strategies.