In early January of 2018, Jade’s life changed dramatically when the police raided the home she shared with her mother and brother. The police found drugs, 2 guns, a lot of ammo and money. At the age of fifteen, Jade was wrapped up in the streets, involved in gangs and was the main suspect in the major criminal operation prompting the police raid. Her mother, brother and boyfriend were arrested as accessories, and Jade was placed in a group home in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. A week after the raid, Jade was introduced to Stephanie, the SISU Outreach Worker for the SWAG program. At the SISU Center, Jade has engaged with the SWAG program and is connecting to services she needs to succeed in her transition to adulthood. Through SWAG she was able to get a job and is studying for her driving permit. Jade continues to work with Steph every day and learn skills that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. She finished her freshman year of high school with grades of “A” in each area. Her main goals are to graduate from high school and not engage in the activities she had previously engaged in. She hopes to motivate other young women to transform their lifestyles. In just 4 short months with the SISU program, Juan has radically changed his life. When he came to the SISU program, Juan had lost all hope. He was facing 3 felony charges and up to five years in the Department of Corrections. The Lawrence Superior Court Judge who heard his case told him he needed to immediately stop all gang activity and change his life. Juan heeded the warning and took the “worst thing that could happen” and used it as an opportunity. Juan found hope at the SISU Center and dove headfirst into bettering himself. He has shown respect and commitment towards the SISU program and his community. Juan was found guilty of all three felonies and at his sentencing hearing, members of the SISU team spoke on his behalf. Juan was given probation, contingent upon his continued work towards changing his life. Juan’s tenacity earned him a coveted “Internship-toHire Opportunity” with the City of Lawrence’s ‘Water Department, where he hopes will become a full-time position. LFD, INC FY’2017‐2018 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 6
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