Alternative Youth Development Programs YouthBuild‐Lawrence FY’16 was another successful year for YouthBuild‐Lawrence (YBL). In addition to completing program cycle 20 in December with 30 graduates, cycle 21 kicked off in February with a new class of 34 participants. Cycle 21 is one of our youngest classes in YBL history. During FY’16, YBL began a very productive relationship with Childrens’ Friend and Family Services, a Massachusetts mental health provider. As part of this relationship, several members of Cohort 20 were able to begin a social services training program and serve internships as peer mentors. 20th Anniversary Celebration In January, YBL held a 20th Anniversary Celebration at the site of the future LFD, Inc. Alternative Youth Development Center. This well‐attended event was catered by the YBL culinary staff and featured a headlining address by Massachusetts Speaker of the House, Robert DeLeo. ServSafe Training During FY’16, YBL initiated a culinary arts pilot program. Through a partnership with the City of Lawrence, 8 members of Cohort 20 worked with the YBL Culinary Arts Coordinator to prepare for and earn their ServSafe Certification. ServSafe is a training program administered by the National Restaurant Association and is required by most restaurants as a basic credential for their management staff. The 8 students were then placed into internships with local food service establishments through YBL’s Internship‐toHire program. At the beginning of 2015, Jackeline Pena Aquino applied to YouthBuild-Lawrence. She recognized that she was a strong young woman who said, “I will get what I want.” For her, that was her High School Equivalency or HiSET. Jackeline tested into the program at a second grade level, but didn’t let that stop her from earning the credential a year after she was accepted into the program. During her time at YouthBuild-Lawrence, she diligently worked on her academic subjects, participated in all volunteer opportunities and was voted to be the student speaker at her graduation. The saying goes: “Once in YouthBuild, always in YouthBuild.” She as well as other alumni of the program are continually sharing their accomplishments. JACKIE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED TO NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND IS PURSUING HER DREAM OF BECOMING A NURSE. LFDEF, INC FY’2015‐2016 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 5
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