FY’20 proved to be an interesting year at the SISU Center. It was a year when SISU participants stepped up and again responded to adversity, whether it was on the streets or during a nationwide pandemic. While FY’20 saw many achievements, it will forever be known as the year of the pandemic. On the verge of launching several new initiatives, the country went into quarantine, and SISU was forced to adapt to the “new normal.” Despite the adversity of the 2nd half of FY’20, SISU endured and has grown stronger. “SISU Prints” Screen Printing Shop In January, LFD launched the long awaited “SISU Prints” Screen Printing Shop at the SISU Center. Following a 16week curriculum, SISU participants developed the knowledge and skills to work at all levels of the screen printing business. Participants developed an understanding of basic color and style, graphic design, varied levels of printing and finally the operating of a four-head screen printing press. Prior to the pandemic, SISU had completed two major printing jobs: creating t-shirts and sweatshirts for the Lawrence Against Violence March and t-shirts for the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition’s 20th Anniversary Statehouse Day. Like the program, the SISU screen printing presses have restarted. Working in small cohorts, SISU participants are back in the shop working with staff to print custom facemasks. They are also working on a logo and design print job for the Massachusetts’ Safe and Successful Youth Initiative Coalition. 14 In Reported Gun-Related Incidents in Lawrence *FY’20 compared to FY’19 LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT Escleury moved from the Dominican Republic when he was seven years old. He came to the SISU Center in 2019 as a member of the YouthBuild program with the goal of learning a trade. At the SISU Center, Escluery participated in HiSET Prep., Workforce Development, Art and driving permit classes. He volunteered to clean up local parks and worked with the SISU Landscaping Team. After earning his OSHA 10 certification, Escleury joined the SISU Carpentry Program and worked on the YouthBuild house. When the pandemic hit, Escleury found himself stuck at home. As the quarantine dragged on, he realized that he could not sit around and let time continue to pass without taking actions towards his goals. Escleury began communicating more with the SISU Team, and in early July he passed the Class D passenger permit test. He also enrolled in an Asbestos and Deleading training program and become a licensed asbestos worker. Escleury now works for a local company specializing in residential and commercial environmental projects. His future goals consist of passing his HiSET, earning his full Class D Driver's License and becoming a supervisor at his job. For more of Escleury’s story, visit our website. PAGE 6
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