Friday night lights are turned on at KIPP

LYNN – Lisa Nerich of the Lynn Department of Public Works wants Lynn teenagers to drop in at KIPP Academy on Friday nights through Sept. 4.And “drop in” are the operative words.Nerich, associate DPW commissioner, oversees the Parks and Recreations program. With the help of her staff, Lynn Police and money from the Shannon Grant, the Teen Drop-In Center came to fruition last month. Every Friday through Sept. 4, the youth of Lynn are welcome at KIPP?s 90 High Rock St. building. Nerich, who also runs a teen program during the school year, was pleased to see attendance rise in number for the second week.Teens from ages 13 to 18 living in Lynn can drop in any Friday night from 5:30-9:30 p.m. to socialize, play games ranging from basketball to tennis, and have free pizza donated to the program by the Lido Café.The program is usually located at the Lynn Tech Fieldhouse, but the facility is being renovated. Nerich sought out an alternate location, and KIPP stepped up.Lynn Police Lt. Peter Holey spends his Fridays with the teens, promoting the idea of the drop-in program being a safe place for the youth as well as a place of fun and encouragement to do good.?We invite every kid in the program to take part in a violent-free night,” Holey said. “No weapons and no fighting. This is the best thing we can do for our community.?Here, we have the opportunity to have conversations with the kids on a different level. I?m just being myself. We break down that fear. It?s a very special thing to be a part of,” he said.The program means a lot to Nerich, too. She said she?s always felt she could be a bigger help to her community.?I feel like I?m here to help, show my support for the city and be a positive role model,” she said. ” Everyone who is working here is a role model in different ways.?The kids are our future,” she said. “They matter, and we give them that chance to see they?re important by offering them safety and support.”Dominic Jette, 16, and his friend Emajae Brown, 15, both attend KIPP and were excited to hear that the drop-in program was coming to their school for the summer.?It keeps me off the streets, you know?” Brown said. “I get to be here with my friends. It?s fun.”Oliver Miranda, 13, who showed up for his first night of the drop-in program Friday night, seemed to be enjoying himself as he stood among his peers, all playing basketball on the courts.?My friends told me about this program. They said they came and played basketball all night. I think I?m going to come back,” he said.Sopheara Chen, who helps Nerich with the program, encouraged all of those who can attend to come and “ball up” with others their age who are just looking to have a good time.