In a recent ceremony, SCAN was recognized for its collaborative efforts in reducing youth violence.

In a recent ceremony, the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety was given for outstanding achievement in the development and support of partnerships designed to address public safety within a community, honoring the County of New York District Attorney’s Office’s Saturday Night Lights (SNL) youth initiative and work in combating youth violence.

SCAN’s Executive Director, Lewis Zuchman, was among the individuals recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for their efforts in reducing youth violence. The Saturday Night Lights program offers young people an opportunity to train with professional basketball, volleyball, and baseball coaches at six locations throughout Manhattan on Friday and Saturday nights. DA Vance established SNL in the fall of 2011 in response to the prosecution of several gangs that recruited teenagers and young girls to carry guns and drugs for gang members.

The program is a collaboration between the DA’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the NYC Police Department, the Police Athletic League, and numerous community organizations.

“SCAN has consistently struggled to forge partnerships aimed at addressing our communities’ greatest challenges,” said Executive Director Lew Zuchman. “For over a decade we have been blessed with a positive working relationship integrating with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD and the Police Athletic League. In recent years, this relationship has been broadened through the vital leadership and support of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Assistant NYPD Commissioner Kevin O’Connor and Richard Guevara of PAL.”

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