LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, INC. d/b/a Lawrence Pr spera Strengthening individuals & families . . . Developing thriving neighborhoods. .. FY’2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER CLERK John Housianitis Dan Halloran Henry Vargas Nazario Esquea FY’2021-2022 DIRECTORS Carlos Cedeño Frank Moran, Jr. Marta Rentas Walkiria Manzueta Rosanna Zingales-Lopez Edinson Mercedes Jesus Moore Henry Vargas Dan Matlack Jose Javier EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ralph L. Carrero
From the President On behalf of the Board of Directors, administration, staff, participants and families that are served through all of Lawrence Family Development, Inc. d/b/a Lawrence Prospera’s programs, we present this Annual Report which covers July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. This FY’22 Annual Report reflects our unwavering commitment to our mission: Strengthening the individuals and families of Lawrence through the development of thriving neighborhoods. Lawrence Prospera is an organization created on meeting the needs of the heavily Hispanic community in Lawrence. That means understanding and evolving as the needs of the community change. To that end, FY’22 was a year of evaluation and rebuilding for Lawrence Prospera. With the COVID-related restrictions mostly behind us, we began to put the pieces back together. This included looking at all of our programming, facilities, and resources and asking how we can use them better to serve the people of Lawrence. As the year progressed, we launched several new initiatives and introduced enhancements to others. Lawrence Prospera is proud of what we were able to accomplish: Providing daily meals, both breakfast and lunch, for the Lawrence Family Development Charter School, Community Day Charter School, and the SISU Program out of the SISU Kitchen Launching the GRIT basketball-focused prevention program for at-risk young people ages 12– 18 in partnership with Suenos Basketball Introducing more culturally-focused programming into the Quintana Center, including Latin Dance classes Completing the renovation of the Campus at 10 Railroad Street We continue to adapt to the “new normal” and change can be tough, but the staff of Lawrence Prospera is excited about how are adapting and stepping up to meet new challenges. As we bring this past fiscal year to a close, we hope that this 2021-2022 Annual Report reflects our commitment to continuing to meet the needs of Lawrence through the mission of Lawrence Prospera and prompts readers and the Board of Directors to share our satisfaction for the future of Lawrence Prospera and its impact on the community. In addition, Lawrence Prospera continues to strive towards professionalism and excellence in all aspects of the organization by being a community-focused, non-profit service agency. Sincerely, John Housianitis, President Lawrence Prospera Ralph Carrero, Executive Director Lawrence Prospera LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 1
Our History… In 1991, with the support of the Anne E. Casey Foundation, the board and administration of the Lawrence Youth Commission (LYC) created the entity, now known as Lawrence Family Development. Inc. d/b/a Lawrence Prospera. Over the past 30 years, LFD, Inc. has launched and managed successful projects with a focus on education, community and leadership development. Some of those projects included a Career Center offering after-school programs—such as, Proyecto Alcance, Project Reach, City CORE, an Adult Leadership Development Program, which helped create a new generation of leaders immersed in the heritage and culture of the City’s immigrant community and the Parent Mobilization Project (PMP) which conducted resident-led, community-wide needs assessments. Our Evolution...building on the past to respond to the needs of today... Lessons learned from the Career Center, the AmeriCorps project and the urgent need to offer an education/ workplace program for seriously at-risk youth led to the creation of YouthBuild-Lawrence. Now, in its twenty-fifth cycle, YouthBuild-Lawrence continues to prepare young adults to earn their HiSET, gain job readiness skills, develop self-confidence and feel ownership in their community through building homes for low-income Lawrence families. The success of YouthBuild-Lawrence laid the foundation for LFD, Inc. to manage the City’s Safe and Successful Youth Initiative Grant Program and launch the SISU Youth Development Program. Building on the Adult Leadership Development Program and the Parent Mobilization Project (PMP), LFD, Inc. launched the Citizenship for New Americans’ Program. Volunteer facilitators from the PMP were trained to become citizenship and ESL educators and have assisted hundreds of immigrants attain United States citizenship. In 2006 the Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center opened as the permanent home for LFD, Inc.’s adult education programs and continues to provide programming and support to the community of 1st , 2nd and 3rd generation Lawrencians. Through the PMP, the need for culturally-appropriate and highquality public education in Lawrence rose to the forefront of issues for which Lawrence Family Development began to address. 1991 Inaugural meeting of Lawrence Family Development and Parent Mobilization Project launches 1989 Career Center established at Lawrnece Public Library City CORE Program becomes one of the first AmeriCorps programs in Massachusetts Education Fund, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) 1992 1993 YouthBuildLawrence Opens Development Charter School opens as one of Massachusetts’ first charter schools LFDEF, Inc. receives funding to start Citizenship for New Americans’ Program 1995 Lawrence Family LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 2
In the mid-1990’s, with the support of LFD, Inc.’s Board, a group of committed educators engaged parents and submitted an application to open one of Massachusetts’ original fourteen public charter schools. Since its inception, the Lawrence Family Development Charter School has operated as an independent Massachusetts public school district and is an example of the power of community engagement. Raising Scholarships for Today’s Students and Endowing Scholarships for the Future Board designated funds for scholarships and the Patricia Foley Karl Endowment Scholarship Fund, named for the founding Executive Director/Superintendent of Lawrence Prospera and the Lawrence Family Development Charter School, ensures that promising 8th graders are able to attend a private secondary school, if they choose. For over ten years, LFD, Inc. has dispersed 4-year scholarships to LFDCS graduates who have attended some of New England’s most prestigious and rigorous secondary schools. Providing the Places and Spaces where we are “developing thriving neighborhoods ” Today, facility assets of LFD, Inc. are valued at over eleven million dollars, and LFD, Inc. ensures stabile, safe and welcoming structures that foster LFD, Inc.’s mission and revitalizes its neighborhoods. LFD continues to update and renovate the City’s real estate. In FY’20 , LFD, Inc. began renovations and updates to the Orange Wheeler House on Haverhill Street. By the end of FY’21, renovations were completed, and LFD’s administrative staff moved all operations into the Orange Wheeler House. During the past year, LFD also completed the renovations of the SISU Kitchen and the unused side of the Railroad Street campus. FY’22 was the inaugural year of centralized food service operations out of the SISU kitchen, as well as a new food service partnership with the Community Group. With our wealth of real estate, LFD, Inc. has developed and fostered lasting relationships with community partners. For over 20 years, LFD, Inc. has leased building space and land and provided management services to the Lawrence Family Development Charter School. LFD, Inc. also provides operating space and management services to the Lawrence Early Achievement Partnership (LEAP) program and Casa Dominicana, a small non-profit dedicated to promoting Dominican culture in Lawrence. LFD, Inc. establishes LFDCS Scholarship and PFK Endowment Scholarship Funds 2007 2012 Academy for Early Academic Preparation Opens LFD , Inc. becomes approved Targeted Assistance Turnaround Operator LFD, Inc. opens the SISU Youth Development Center 2017 Lawrence Prospera Administrative 2018 Offices move into Orange Wheeler LFD, Inc. rebrands as Lawrence Prospera 2020 FY’23 LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 3
PROGRAMS & Programming for High-Risk Youth The SISU Center provides programming for High-Risk young people, ages living in and around to 24, the City of Lawrence. Programs include YouthBuild Lawrence Alternative Education, the Lawrence Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), the SISU Women's Advocacy Group (SWAG), and the Gang Resistance Intervention Team (GRIT). At SISU, young people have access to: HiSET classes—carpentry training— screen printing — case management—street outreach—mental health services—social emotional supports—pro-social recreational activities. 120 Males and 24 Females Received Services - 7 Accessed Mental Health Services - 13 Participated In Education Program - 2 Passed HiSET - 29 Received Subsidized Employment - 6 Placed In Unsubsidized Employment The LFDCS Scholarship fund provides high school scholarships and financial assistance for high achieving graduates of the Lawrence Family Development Charter School. Students attend some of New England’s premier day and boarding schools. Since the scholarship fund began, Lawrence Prospera has awarded $1,154,420 to 309 graduates. 17 graduates from the Class of 2022 received scholarships from the LFDCS Scholarship Fund - $1,839,900 - $84,500 47 Scholarships awarded for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 graduates 2022 Scholarship Recipients are attending: Academy of Notre Dame Bradford Christian Academy Central Catholic High School Deerfield Academy LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT Lowell Catholic High School Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School Pingree School St. John’s Preparatory School PAGE 4
OUTCOMES Education for Immigrants and Families The Maria Del Pilar Quintana Center provides educational programming to Lawrence and surrounding communities. The Quintana Center is one of two Board of Immigration Appeals Recognized Immigration and Naturalization Centers in the greater Lawrence area. Services include: 4 Levels of ESL—Citizenship Preparation Classes—Financial Literacy for Newcomers—Consumer Focused Workshops—Assistance with the Naturalization Process—Immigration Legal Clinic 302 Classroom slots filled 239 Unique individuals - 72 Students Completing Citizenship classes - 230 Students Completing ESL classes - 35% Student Retention Rate - 46 Immigrants assisted with the naturalization process - 17 Clients Became New US Citizens Food Service Prepared and Delivered In July of 2021, Lawrence Prospera completed the buildout of a commercial , restaurant-quality kitchen at the SISU Center. With the completion of this kitchen, the food service program is able to centralize operations and work more efficiently. Opening the new kitchen also allows Lawrence Prospera to offer another service to like-minded programs around the area. Lawrence Prospera began its first partnership with the Community Group, Inc. providing food service for their Charter School and day care programs in Lawrence. Twice daily, the food service staff delivers meals to 14 buildings around the City. 3,354 Daily Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - 1,755 Meals Served to the Community Day Charter Schools - 535 Meals Served to the Community Group Day Cares - 1,034 Meals Served to the Lawrence Family Development Charter School - 45 Meals Served at the SISU Center LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 5
SISU Presents HOLA “Honest Opinions with a Lawrence During FY22, the SISU Center launched a podcast. Titled HOLA, “Honest Opinions with a Lawrence Attitude”, the podcast highlighted the voices of prominent Lawrencians. HOLA host Nuria Rivera engaged the guests in conversations about growing up in Lawrence and the issues that affect them and the City. Season One’s fourteen episodes featured 11 guests each sharing how Lawrence has impacted their life and their work. Guests included: Ralph Carrero: Lawrence Prospera Executive Director (2 parts - Episodes 1 & 2) Jose Rivera, Jr.: SISU Participant and aspiring musician (Episode 3) Frank Moran: State Representative for Lawrence and Methuen (Episode 4) Edison and Euris Mercedes: Brothers & Proprietors of Salon 22 (2 parts - Episodes 5 &6) Estarlyn Hiraldo – Lawrence Family Development Charter School Graduate and Aspiring Film Maker (Episode 7) Pavel Payano – Community Activist, City Councilman, and State Senator-elect (Episode 8) Angela Zepeda – Local Mental Health Clinician (Episode 9) Marco Ayala – Detective with Lawrence Police Department (2 parts - Episodes 10 & 11) DJ Deadeye - International DJ and Lawrence native (Episode 12) Andre X - Lawrence based Rapper and Teacher (Episode 13) “Priceless” aka Joanna - Lawrence Based Hair and Makeup Artist (Episode 14) Season 1 of HOLA can be found at http://www.lawrenceprospera.org/podcast/ Stay tuned for Season 2, as a new team talks to a new group of influential Lawrencians LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 6
Safe and Successful Youth Initiative To say that Kristian has lived a tough life would be dramatically underselling his story. Overwhelmed with difficulties at home, Kristian dropped out of high school in 2015, and became involved with less than productive activities on the streets. In 2018, Kristian was stabbed in the arm. Friends suggested he check out the SISU program and try to get his life back on track. Shortly thereafter he found himself without a stable place to live and spent his nights sleeping on floors and couches. Despite his living situation, Kristian continued to attend programming at SISU. During the summer of 2019, his life began to stabilize. He got a job and was able to save some money. He and his girlfriend were able to get an apartment and purchase a car. That fall, they welcomed their first child into their family. In 2020, Kristian decided to take another step towards future stability, and he enrolled in the HiSET program at the SISU Center. In March of 2021, Kristian and his girlfriend welcomed their second child in their family. However, it wasn’t long before tragedy struck again. In December of 2021, Kristian’s girlfriend was murdered in a drive by shooting. Kristian was again lost. All that he had built over the previous three years was starting to unravel. As they had so many times before, the SISU team sought out Kristian and provided support. It continues to be a long tough rough to find a positive headspace, but Kristian is more determined than ever to turn things around. He continues to be a father to his 2 small kids, he has passed 4 of his 5 HiSET tests, and is looking forward to passing the 5th soon. Kristian’s goal is to use everything he has learned at SISU to help other kids in the City change their lives and seek help when they need it. “SISU has done a lot for me and so I refer other kids in the City here when they need help.” LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 7
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As restrictions eased, SISU Staff partnered with the Lawrence Police Department to deliver ice cream in hard hit neighborhoods. Staff used Zoom to replace in-person programming during the lockdown LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9
Gang Resistence Intervention Team (GRIT) Basketball Program Pilot Outcomes 150 youth participated in the GRIT Basketball program 60 had the opportunity to play on tournament teams 60 regularly participated in activities at the SISU Center During the second half of FY22, with support from the Massachusetts Community Empowerment Program, Lawrence Prospera partnered with Sueños Basketball to pilot a revamped Gang Resistance Intervention Team (GRIT) program. Using basketball as a draw, the SISU and Sueños teams identified and worked with young people, ages 14 to 24, who are at high risk for gang recruitment. Sueños provided drop in basketball, skills training, intramural leagues, and AAU league play for over 100 boys and girls in two of Lawrence Prospera’s gyms. A spring tournament was held at Lawrence Prospera’s gym at 580 Haverhill Street for neighboring and like-minded programs the weekend before Easter. Three days a week, the SISU team provided a life skills / social-emotional development program and dinner at the SISU Center for GRIT participants. 25 completed the GRIT social-emotional workshops 90% avoided contact with the Criminal Justice system 85% regularly attended school and showed progress in their education maintaining no less than a C average LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 10
Lawrence Prospera High School Scholarship Fund Now in his Senior Year at St. John’s Prep (SJP) Victor has come a long way from the West Street campus of the Lawrence Family Development Charter School. Coming from a Pre-K through 8 charter school in Lawrence, freshman year at a private, all-boys, Catholic School in the suburbs was unexplored territory. He had to not only adjust to a larger class size, a new schedule, a new lunch structure, free-periods, many more teachers and strange extra-curriculars, but he also suddenly had a daily commute of more than fifteen minutes each way. Transitioning to SJP was not only getting used to the flow of a new school, but also learning more about himself. While initially drawn to SJP because of his interests in STEM, he discovered the mock trial club during his freshman year. Mock trial took him out of his comfort zone, but over the past three years he has become well-versed in courtroom techniques and case solving. As a native Spanish speaker, it would have been easy to study Spanish to fulfill his foreign language requirement. Instead he chose to expand his horizons and study Chinese and hopes to participate in SJPs annual student visit to China. Studying Chinese has helped him to better appreciate the many values of his own Puerto-Rican and Dominican cultures. As a senior, he is making decisions about his post-secondary education options. While he is currently undecided as to his college focus, he recognizes that he has many choices, including possible careers in engineering and law. “None of my assimilation to SJP would have been possible had it not been for the skills instilled in me during my time at LFDCS like hard work, organization, and simple confidence.” LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 11
English as a Second Language Eulalia moved to the US from the Dominican Republic in 2012 when she was in her 50s. Despite being the primary childcare provider for her grandson, she rarely misses an ESL class at the Quintana Center, often walking several blocks in the rain, cold, or whatever the weather. Many students in her position would feel limited and discouraged by their age. She repeatedly expresses that her children do not want her to take English classes because they want to be able to rely on her for childcare. They also tell her she is “too old to learn” and that it will be too difficult for her. However, learning English is a goal she has set for herself and she is doing everything possible to achieve it. She participates in class with regularity and does very well in the written grammar work. Despite numerous obstacles, she tries her best to stay on top of the work and is not afraid to ask questions or seek help from her classmates and is just as quick to give it when she can. She was also an enthusiastic participant and champion of the workshops that the center offers. She attended all the workshops and was always ready with questions and often sang the praises of the workshops for exposing her to important information that is useful in her daily life. Eulalia's goal is to become a U.S. citizen, and her ultimate goal is to learn enough English to be able to go back to school and resume her prior profession as a teacher. 80% of Lawrence Residents Speak a Language other than English at Home 75% of Lawrence Residents Speak Spanish at Home 38% of Lawrence Residents Speak English Less Than “Very Well” US Census 2020 American Community Survey LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT “ PAGE 12
Board of Immigration Appeals Certified Citizenship and Naturalization Services Arianny came to the United States in 2018. She was just 19 years old. She settled in the Boston area with her husband, who had petitioned on her behalf. However, within her first month in the States, her husband became abusive and Arianny divorced him. Arianny sought assistance in adjusting her legal status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). She finished her high school education in the Boston Public School system, secured a job, and moved to Lawrence to get away from her abusive ex-husband. In the spring of 2021, Arianny came to the Quintana Center seeking assistance with the Naturalization process. The Quintana Center’s Board of Immigration Appeals Certified staff was able to assist her in completing her N-400, and she was able to apply for citizenship due to her status under the VAWA. On December 13, 2021 Arianny passed the Citizenship Exam. Arianny is passionate about nursing and had worked as a nurse in the Dominican Republic. Having achieved her citizenship, her next goal is to attend college to study nursing. Abuse rates among immigrant women are as high as 49.8%. This is almost 3X the national average National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) provides noncitizens who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative the ability to independently selfpetition for immigrant classification without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation in the immigration process. This allows victims to seek both safety and independence from their abusers. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 13
Contributors (Foundations, Friends, Family Donors) Adrenaline Fundraising The Amelia Peabody Foundation Boston Red Sox Brakebush Brothers Jennifer Carlson-Pietraszek Ralph & Ana Carrero Ian Carroll Charlotte Home Central Rock Gym Stoneham City of Lawrence Costco Cummings Foundation Dr. Susan Earabino Eastern Bank ECCF Patrick Egan Filene’s Foundation Gardner Howland Shaw Foundation John Gifford Michael and Margaret Giovannini Virginia Griffith Elizabeth Guilbeault John & Eleanor Heithaus HomeShop Properties Linda Hurley Indulge Wellness Center Krokidas & Bluestein Marc LaPlante MA Dept. of Elem. & Sec. Education MA Dept. of Public Health MA Exec. Office of Health & Human Services Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 14
Contributors cont. (Foundations, Friends, Family Donors) Dan and Allison Matlack Walkiria Manzueta Jay and Beth McFadyen Merrimack Valley General Fund Mifflin Family Foundation State Representative Christina Minicucci State Representative Frank Moran Moseley Foundation The New Balance Foundation Nordson Foundation Alberto Nunez Office of Refugees and Immigrants People’s United Bank Susan Perry Richard Purinton Al Sapienza Spencer Purinton Reading Knights of Columbus Russell & Stearns Trusts Shaheen Brothers Inc. Shannon Grant Helen Schissler Dario & Julia Sliverio The Stevens Foundation Stelman Caritas Fund Al Torrisi US Dept. of Labor United Way UTEC, Inc. Panos Voulgaris Dee & King Webster Memorial Fund Alexander & Anne White William Wood Foundation YouthBuild USA LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 15
Revenue Grants $1,864,482 Participant Fees Contributions Management Fee Rental Income Other Total Revenue Expenses Personnel Expenses Program expenses Occupancy Interest expense Administration Total Expenses Depreciation Increase in Net Assets $1,247,925.56 $54,131.50 $897,500 $1,619,663 $125 $5,683,827 $2,870,533 $1,190,055 $663,305 $200,782 $266,084 $5.190,759 $588,401 ($41,756) During FY22, the SISU Team continued their partnership with the City, installing Little Free Libraries in strategic locations for residents and families to access. To date, SISU has installed 9 LFLs in Lawrence. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 16
LAWRENCE PROSPERA Administration Executive Director Director of Finance Administrative Assistant Director of Program Development Technology Coordinator Technology Assistant Technology Assistant Accounts Payable/Procurement Officer Payroll & Benefits Clerk Grant Accountant GL Accountant Human Resources Director Nutritional Services Director Nutritional Aide Maintenance Supervisor Facilities and Nutritional Staff Ralph L. Carrero Susan Perry Susan Lyons Paul Heithaus Tony Schumann Rafael Geronimo Dilson Monegro Kathy Moriconi Komal Patel Robin Hatfield Masa Hagiya Elizabeth Guilbeault Justin Hodgkins Ninotchka Burgos Daniel Guzman Aleyda Falette, Rosaura Perez de Guzman, Rafael Lopez-Contreras, Moises Gutierrez Matos, Juan Hernandez, Raymond Mejia, Antonio Melo, Ines Sandoval, Milagros Bruno, Frankeiris Marte, Clara Escano De Almonte, Alba Vasquez, Barbara Wilson, Victor Padilla, Gregorio Fernandez, Luis Acevedo, Maritza Nunez, Mercedes, Martinez, Zeneida Peralta, Leonor Hernandez, Aleida Vasquez, Maria Ramirez, Santa Guerrero, Carmen Escano SISU Youth Development Programs Manager of SISU Center Programs Academic Instructor Construction Manager Lead Client Services Specialist Client Services Specialist Client Services Specialist Client Services Specialist Lead Street Outreach Worker Street Outreach Worker Street Outreach Worker Program Specialist Music and Recording Specialist Jay Bartoszek Nuria Rivera Jose Gonzales Jahnilsa Cartagena Amy Mackenzie Sulenia Le Luis Morales David Pardo Alex “House” Santiago Juan Maldonado Kevin Smyth Paul Thompson Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center Director of Family Center Administrative Assistant, Family Center LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2021–2022 ANNUAL REPORT Zulma Liriano Melany Morales PAGE 17
LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, INC. d/b/a Lawrence Prospera ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: Tel: (978) 224-8808 * Fax: 355 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 * (978) 689-8133 www.lawrenceprospera.org SISU YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS SISU Center, 417 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 * (978) 681-0548 MARIA DEL PILAR QUINTANA FAMILY CENTER 404 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 * (978) 794-5399
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