Alternative Youth Development Programs Canal Street Project During FY’16, the Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund, Inc. took steps to reduce redundancy and improve on the services being provided by YouthBuildLawrence and the Lawrence Youth Team. A state‐of‐theart Youth Development Center, focusing specifically on the needs of our most proven‐risk young people, was identified as the greatest need to grow and strengthen our programs. In July of 2015, LFDEF, Inc. entered into a lease agreement for a former business space at 417 Canal Street in Lawrence. One of the most groundbreaking and exciting features of this project is the inclusion of our Alternative Youth program participants in the renovation and build‐out of the Center. To oversee the project and to teach and supervise a team of proven‐risk young men involved with the Lawrence Youth Team, LFDEF, Inc. hired a contractor with youth development experience. In August of 2015, they began the internal demolition of this site, and by winter, the former home of Lawrence Plate and Glass was a shell of a building. During FY’16, these young men have not only gained valuable experience in demolition, painting and flooring, but have also learned skills to succeed in a work environment and work as a team. During the next fiscal year, they will continue to learn skills such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, masonry and HVAC. When completed, the Center will provide a cadre of wraparound services including: case management, mental health services, alternative education, vocational training, micro‐enterprises, recreational programming and a drop‐in center. LFD, Inc. anticipates the Center will be open for programming by the end of 2016. To learn more about the Center, visit www.lawrenceyouth.org. LFDEF, INC FY’2015‐2016 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 8
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