Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says a $225,000 grant for StreetSafe Bridgeport -- a nonprofit geared towards helping young people stay in school and off the street -- will also help the city maintain its record-low violent crime rate.

"This money will help StreetSafe teach young people how to make good decisions and avoid conflict that could lead to murder and other violent crimes," Ganim said.

Marc Donald -- who heads up Catalyst CT, which runs the StreetSafe program -- said the money is desperately needed.

"We respond to hospital calls when there's been a violent incident to try and prevent retaliation, prevent escalation -- so, yes, our mission is vital, and that's what makes the money so important," Donald said.