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
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