THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 21, 2026 Page 9 Over 100 cadets graduate in final week of MSO’s Youth Public Safety Academy Special to The Advocate T Cadets from Malden were joined by Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, MSO Special Sheriff Amoroso Cefalo, State Representative Paul Donato, Mayor Gary Christenson and Chief of Police Marc Gatcomb, among others. (Courtesy photos) eamwork, curiosity and plenty of hands-on learning was on full display as the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) hosted the fifth and final week of its 2026 Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA)! Between August 3-7, over 100 cadets from Middlesex County had the opportunity to learn, meet new friends and step into the shoes of public safety professionals. Through experiences that challenged them to think critically and work together, they tackled activities educating them about law enforcement, fire safety, emergency preparedness and more! The cadets also got to see the MSO K9s in action, participate in interactive team activities and learn about other topics from local presenters, including hydration with the Lowell Health Department, pedestrian safety with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, gas safety with Eversource, pollination with the Massachusetts Horticulture Society, and CPR and first aid from Armstrong Ambulance. “Every week, it’s incredible to watch these young people step outside their comfort zones, support one another and discover all they are capable of,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “YPSA is about more than learning about public safety. It’s about building confidence, developing leadership skills and creating memories they will carry with them long after camp ends.” The academy’s success is made possible by a dedicated team of counselors, staff and community partners whose goal is to create a safe, engaging and memorable experience for every cadet. “Our staff and partners are the heart of this program. They show up every day with energy, patience and a genuine commitment to these children,” said YPSA Director Meghan Lee. “Whether they are leading an activity, encouraging someone through a challenge, or simply making a cadet smile, I know they are leaving a lasting impact.” Each week of YPSA ends with a graduation ceremony to recognize cadets for their efforts as they are cheered on by their loved ones, public safety leaders and elected officials from their communities. This week, graduates were joined by State Representative Paul Donato, Governor’s Councillor Mara Dolan, Arlington Chief of Police Juliann Flaherty, Burlington Police Captain Tom Carlson, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden Chief of Police Marc Gatcomb, Medford Chief of Police Jack Buckley and Medford Police Captain Paul Covino. YPSA is comprised of five oneweek sessions and is open to individuals ages eight to 12 living in any city or town in Middlesex County. Children ages 13-15 may also participate as Counselors-In-Training (CITs). To learn more about the MSO or YPSA, please visit www.middlesexsheriff.org. VOAMASS Receives Nearly $2 Million for Housing for Homeless Veterans in Malden Healey-Driscoll Administration, The Home Depot Foundation Support Project to Address Critical Need in Greater Boston and North Shore “Through our work with the OSTON (July 9, 2026) – Volunteers of America of MasThe Massachusetts Execusachusetts (VOAMASS), a nonprofit that creates opportunities for individuals through residential and outpatient behavioral health treatment, re-entry services for justice-involved individuals, veteran services, and senior living, was awarded a combined $1.95 million for housing it is planning to develop in Malden for veterans experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Greater Boston and on the North Shore. veteran community, we are witnessing an ongoing, critical unmet need for housing as the cost of living continues to skyrocket,” said VOAMASS President and CEO Charles E. Gagnon. “These monumental investments reflect a shared commitment to honoring and caring for our nation’s heroes. We are so grateful to the HealeyDriscoll Administration, The Home Depot Foundation, and the City of Malden for their partnership in this project.” tive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and Executive Office of Veterans Services awarded VOAMASS $1.8 million in supportive housing grants and The Home Depot Foundation awarded $150,000 in grant funding for the project. The funds will be utilized for renovations to 105 Salem St. in Malden. The property, previously used as office space, will be converted into apartments to accommodate 12 veterans. The building is expected to open in 2027. Nationally, more than 32,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. The Malden project is designed to address the complex needs of local veterans and support a successful transition to stable, independent living. Future residents will enjoy safe, functional, transit-oriented, and dignified housing, integrated with case management, behavioral health supports, connections to VA health care, employment and workforce development services, and benefits navigation. B VOAMASS operates an extensive portfolio of veteran services programs, serving over 1,300 veterans and their families throughout Massachusetts, using evidence-based approaches shown to reduce homelessness, improve health outcomes, and support ongoing housing stability. VOAMASS is seeking private donations to cover the remaining rehabilitation costs for the project. To get involved, please visit Building Futures for Veterans.
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