LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, INC. d/b/a Lawrence Pr spera Strengthening individuals & families . . . Developing thriving neighborhoods. .. FY 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER CLERK FY2023 DIRECTORS Carlos Cedeño Frank Moran, Jr. Marta Rentas Gabriel Tavares Rosanna Zingales-Lopez John McElroy Edinson Mercedes Hector Santiago Henry Vargas Dan Matlack Jose Javier John Housianitis Henry Vargas Nazario Esquea 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, 2022 to June 30, 2023. This FY23 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. After spending the previous fiscal year evaluating and rebuilding programming and services, FY23 was a year of refocused growth for Lawrence Prospera in a post-Covid world. 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: • The SISU Embroidery Shop expanded with the purchase of an 8-head embroidery machine and an experienced Embroidery Instructor; • The Quintana Center launched a Conversation English class to keep students progressing with their English language skills; • SISU Basketball evolved from the GRIT program and provided over 300 young people with the opportunity to learn and compete in a safe and fun environment; • The Lawrence Prospera Food Service program continue to grow, taking on clients outside of the Charter School community. In keeping with our mission and history, Lawrence Prospera continues to evolve our programming to ensure we are meeting the needs of the growing and evolving community. As we bring this past fiscal year to a close, we hope that this FY23 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’23 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 Lawrence Family Development Charter School opens as one of Massachusetts’ first charter schools LFDEF, Inc. receives funding to start Citizenship for New Americans’ Program 1995 LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 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 parental commitment and 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 launces SISU 2018 Basketball Program LFD, Inc. rebrands as Lawrence Prospera FY’24 2022 LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 3
PROGRAMS & Programming for High-Risk Youth The SISU Center provides programming for High-Risk young people, ages 14-24 and living in and around the City of Lawrence. Some of SISU’s programs include YouthBuild Lawrence Alternative Education, the Lawrence Safe and Successful Youth Initiative, the SISU Women's Advocacy Group , the Gang Resistance Intervention Team, and SISU Basketball. 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. 598 Young People Received Services through SISU - 125 young people participated in weekly Case Management and Social Emotional programming - 36 Participated In Education Program - 6 young people passed at least one of the test towards their High School Equivalency - 131 received Subsidized Employment - 391 participated in SISU Basketball - 40 participated in Mental Health Services - 8 young people were engaged through the Restorative Justice process 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. $145,976 was raised towards scholarships during FY23 23 graduates from the Class of 2023 received scholarships from the LFDCS Scholarship Fund - $2,047,900 - $87,000 and 55 Scholarships awarded for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 graduates 2023 Scholarship Recipients are attending: Academy of Notre Dame Central Catholic High School Deerfield Academy Lowell Catholic High School LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School Phillips Academy Andover SOAR High School, Lancaster ,CA 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 Department of Justice 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 426 Classroom slots filled 303 Unique individuals - 93 Students Completing Citizenship classes - 333 Students Completing ESL classes - 45% Student Retention Rate - 66 Immigrants assisted with the naturalization process - 41 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. 3,485 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 - 2,413 Meals Served to the Lawrence Family Development Charter School - 50 Meals Served at the SISU Center LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 5
SISU Stitches Embroidery Program In FY23, the SISU program expanded the SISU embroidery shop with the purchase of a 7-head commercial embroidery machine and an additional single-head commercial embroidery machine. The program is offered during 3 sixteen week sessions each program year. During each session, participants learn and master four essential skill sets: machine basic, embroidery basics, software basics, and machine functions. Participants are able to develop their skills working on embroidery projects, both for the organization and programs, as well as for paying customers. Participants have embroidered shirts and sweatshirts for SISU, chef jackets for the Lawrence Prospera food service staff, shirts and jackets for the Lawrence Prospera facilities staff. Participants also completed jobs for the Greater Lawrence Technical School, the Lawrence Police Department, Zingales Realty, St. Theresa’s School, and Napa Auto Parts. In addition to learning and mastering the basic skills needed to work in an embroidery shop, Participants work on soft-skill and social emotional development, which are essential to maintaining future employment. Participants earn a weekly stipend based on participation, attendance, and progress towards their goals. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 6
SISU Programming Sebastian was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States with his parents when he was 7 years old. He grew up in Lawrence, MA, where humble beginnings and close-knit communities are the norm. Growing up, he witnessed the struggles and triumphs of his parents, who instilled in him values like perseverance and determination. These formative experiences shaped his ambition to strive for excellence. As Sebastian grew into a teen, the struggles often overshadowed the triumphs. The typical teen-parent tug of wars were amplified and led to periods of housing instability for Sebastian. During his senior year at Lawrence High, Sebastian connected with the SISU program, seeking support with his family and housing situation. Despite his struggles at home and the movement of his peer group towards more dangerous circles, Sebastian was still attending school full-time and was focused on graduating and moving forward. He earned his spot on the State Championship contending Lawrence High Varsity Basketball team and with SISU’s help, secured a spot in the Greater Lawrence Technical School’s After Dark welding program. Sebastian graduated from both Lawrence High School and the After Dark Program in June of 2023. “Since becoming part of SISU, I have been exposed to a dynamic environment led by caring and committed professionals who continually challenge and inspire me. SISU has undoubtedly provided significant support in shaping both my personal and professional growth trajectory while fueling my aspirations for continued success on this journey.” Sebastian now has a place of his own that he shares with his girlfriend. He is working a full-time warehouse job for Amazon and is exploring a career with the Coast Guard. He still communicates regularly with the SISU Case Management and Outreach teams. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 7
LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 8
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’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9
SISU Basketball Program During FY23, with the continued support from the Massachusetts Community Empowerment Program, Lawrence Prospera relaunched the basketball program as SISU Basketball. With a staff of current and former high school and college athletes , SISU basketball worked with over 350 young players during the last year. Players were assigned to teams based on age and skill level and participated in weekly team practices, skills and drills, and interleague games. Teams from each of the grade level were chosen to participate in regional tournaments. Players were chosen for tournament teams by coaches and staff based on commitment, school grades, and effort. Every Thursday evening, during the season was family night. Players, siblings and their parents gathered at the SISU Center for a meal, workshops and raffles. The season began in late December and ended in June with an end of the year banquet. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 10
Lawrence Prospera High School Scholarship Fund Genesis grew up in Lawrence speaking Spanish at home. When She started her education at the Lawrence Family Development Charter School in Kindergarten she was enrolled as an English Language Learner. She attended LFDCS until 8th grade. Genesis worked hard at LFDCS and earned a coveted scholarship to a private high school through the Opening Doors program . She was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend the Berkshire School, a boarding school in Sheffield, MA. Genesis’ 1st year at Berkshire was tough. It was her first time being away from home. She was homesick and often cried herself to sleep during her first 6 months. As a girl coming from Lawrence, she knew she had a special opportunity to further her education. After a challenging first year, she came to recognize that the system wasn’t designed to make her successful or help her fit in. She recognized that she had earned her seat at the table and it was hers to lose. All of that motivated her to push herself and to find comfort within the discomfort. She also used those experiences to help the other students of color feel welcomed and find the sense of belonging that she fought to have. After high school, Genesis attended Bates College where she graduated in 2021 with a Sociology Degree. She knew that she wanted to have an impact on the lives of youth, which pushed her to become a teacher. Shortly after college, she came back to LFDCS, this time as a teacher. “Going in between 2 different worlds the privileged vs the unprivileged taught me how to navigate in spaces with different pressures. The survival skills of being from Lawrence and a fighter to being seen along with working 3 times as hard for a seat at the table. “ LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 11
English as a Second Language Before moving to the U.S. in 2017, Jeramel spent 26 years as the manager of one of the prestigious casinos in the Dominican Republic. He is a single father who recently brought his young children to Lawrence from the D.R. He is enrolled in ESL at the Quintana Center and is motivated to improve his English skills is so that he can be an advocate for his children. Jeramel recently shared that his daughter has been struggling with school due to the language barrier and asked if she could stop going. He shared his concern and frustration with his ESL teacher, and she advised him to set up a meeting with his daughter’s teachers, the administrators, and the guidance counselor. He immediately agreed. He joined the school PTA and set up a meeting with the school staff. When he arrived, there was no interpreter available for the meeting. Instead of delaying getting help for his daughter, Jerameel found the confidence to attempt the meeting without the aid of the interpreter. To his surprise, he found that he could follow along and advocate for his daughter in English. Being able to get his child the help she needed, to navigate a complicated and new school system, and to do it all in English was a big success for him. Jeramel plans to become a U.S. citizen and purchase a home in the next 5 to 10 years. 94% of Lawrence Public School Students are Hispanic vs. 32% of the staff English is not the 1st language for 72% of Lawrence Public School Students 38% of Lawrence Public School Students are English Language Learners LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT “ PAGE 12
• Board of Immigration Appeals Certified Citizenship and Naturalization Services 20-year-old Jose came to the United States from the Dominican Republic his mother when he was a year old. When he was 8 years old, Jose developed Myasthenia Gravis and at the age of 14 he lost all of his vision. Although he has slowly regained some of his vision, he is considered legally blind. Jose came to the Quintana Center seeking assistance completing his N-400 application to become an American Citizen. When he was told he would need to study the 100 civics questions for the Citizenship exam, he stated that he had already begun studying by listening to YouTube videos. In August of 2022, José went for his interview at USCIS, Lawrence Field Office. The USCIS staff was very accommodating of his condition and Jose passed the exam portion of the process without a problem. The USCIS officer gave José examples of people who are also legally blind and deaf who work for USCIS. She also encouraged him to reach out to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. In December of 2022, Jose was sworn in as a new United States Citizen. José’s is planning to go to college and study psychology. He would eventually like to work with troubled youth. The USCIS Form N-648 may provide a disabilty exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization. The N-648 must be completed by a licensed medical professional who will certify, under penalty of perjury, that the applicant's physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents the applicant from meeting the English requirement, the civics requirement, or both. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 13
Contributors (Foundations, Friends, Family Donors) The Amelia Peabody Foundation Robert & Anne Baynes Boston Red Sox Ralph & Ana Carrero Charlotte Home City of Lawrence Cummings Foundation Richard Deroo Rocio Diaz Eastern Bank ECCF Filene’s Foundation Gardner Howland Shaw Foundation Michael and Margaret Giovannini Alan & Christine Gould Michael & Angela Harty John & Eleanor Heithaus John Housianitis Amy Hurd Pamela Hyer Krokidas & Bluestein MA Dept. of Elem. & Sec. Education MA Dept. of Public Health MA Exec. Office of Health & Human Services Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition Dan and Allison Matlack Jay and Beth McFadyen Julia Mejia Mifflin Family Foundation State Representative Frank Moran Moseley Foundation LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 14
Contributors cont. (Foundations, Friends, Family Donors) The New Balance Foundation Nordson Foundation Alberto Nunez Office of Refugees and Immigrants People’s United Bank Marc & Anitha Pratte Richard Purinton Reading Knights of Columbus Russell & Stearns Trusts Shaheen Brothers Inc. Shannon Grant The Stevens Foundation Al Torrisi Mark Torrisi United Way Alexander & Anne White LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 15
Revenue Grants 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 $1,797,524 $1,516,514 $510,682 $1,040,892 $1,713,727 $1,243 $6,580,582 $3,375,635 $1,760,766 $782,481 $195,200 $306,446 $6,420,528 $627,175 ($461,976) The Lawrence Prospera food service program continues to grow. During FY23, the Food Service Program prepared and delivered 943,313 total meals to 16 sites around the City of Lawrence. LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 16
LAWRENCE PROSPERA Administration Executive Director Director of Finance Administrative Assistant Director of Program Development Technology Coordinator Technology Team 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, Khalyl Negron Kathy Moriconi Jennifer Geronimo Robin Hatfield Masa Hagiya Catherine Marsolais Justin Hodgkins Ninotchka Burgos Daniel Guzman Rosaura Perez de Guzman, Rafael LopezContreras, Juan Hernandez, Antonio Melo, Ines Sandoval, Milagros Bruno, Frankeiris Marte, Clara Escano De Almonte, Alba Vasquez, Victor Padilla, Jose Acevedo, Maritza Nunez, Mercedes Martinez, Zeneida Peralta, Leonor Hernandez, Aleida Vasquez, Carmen Escano, Danny Then, Maria Moreta de Ramirez, John Rosario, Juan Arias Martinez, Carmelia Estrella De Castillo, Vladimir Cruz Cabrera, Julian Paulino, Sugey Nunez, Yngrid Vasquez, Enriqueta Villa, Maria Acosta, Ivelisse Polanco Mejia, Maximina Ventura, Mercedes Santos SISU Youth Programs SISU Center Director Operations Coordinator Academic Instructor Lead Case Manager Case Management Team Lead Street Outreach Worker Street Outreach Team Vocational Coordinator (Embroidery) Vocational Specialist (Screen Printing) Vocational Specialist (Construction) Director of Family Center Administrative Assistants, Dan Halloran Rocio Diaz Bob Fitzgerald Tamika Miller Tommy Pena, Savanna Bonilla, Jayden Betances Juan “Whacko” Maldonado Luis Perez, Kelvin Delgado, Leonny Burgos, Anabel Delgado-Taveras, Tanairi Oppenheimer Sungah Silver Kevin Smyth Jose Gonzales Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center Zulma Liriano Katherine Beltre, Janibelle Rivas LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’23 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 17
LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, INC. d/b/a Lawrence Prospera ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: Tel: (978) 224-8808 * Fax: (978) 689-8133 355 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 * 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 LAWRENCE PROSPERA FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM 417 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
1 Publizr