LYNN — Speakers at the Lynn Shannon Safety Initiative Legislative Breakfast highlighted the work happening in the city to combat community violence, enhance job opportunities for young people, and encourage community outreach and feedback on Tuesday.
The Shannon Community Safety Initiative is a statewide program that aims to reduce gang violence across the Commonwealth. The legislative breakfast was held at North Shore Community College, one of the partners of the initiative in the city.
Mayor Jared Nicholson, the keynote speaker, mentioned the timeliness of the breakfast, referring to the stabbing at KIPP Academy on Monday.
“We had a difficult day in the City of Lynn yesterday, and I’m extending my condolences to the victim of the incident at KIPP, and also my gratitude to everyone involved in response to the incident,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson said the city has doubled down on taking a community-focused approach to solving the issue of violence in the city. He also emphasized the need for a model of collaboration to address cross-cutting issues.
Nicholson referenced three of the initiative’s partners — Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy, Catholic Charities North, and LifeScene — as well.
“As we think of how to do more, we think about how can we build on the work that these organizations are doing,” he said.
LYSOA Program Director Antonio Gutierrez described his organization’s work, emphasizing the importance of “those uncomfortable conversations with the young people who don’t like having those uncomfortable conversations.”
Gutierrez said he has only noticed girls are applying to summer jobs through LYSOA this year.
“Why (aren’t boys applying)? Because these streets are so attractive,” Gutierrez said. “So, the Shannon allows us to reel these boys in, and educate them and teach them that, ‘This sounds good, but this is what happens after the fact.’”
Catholic Charities Education Center Director Jane Snyder highlighted Christian Navarro, a member of the Catholic Charities team who has been providing one-on-one intensive case management to more than 30 young people.
She mentioned that this year, five of them graduated from high school, four were accepted into college, and three ended up attending college.
LifeScene Director Jessica Fabian then discussed the organization’s work on Project Success, a paid workforce that uses evidence-based curricula to expose youth to resources within the city. Last year alone, she said, LifeScene provided services to 54 youth members.
To end the breakfast, three youth members from each organization shared some of their experiences.
“Thanks to LifeScene, I’ve had so many opportunities I would have never had, including the best externship, and I am now looking forward to graduating,” Stephanie Galvin said, speaking on behalf of Maryelys Villegas Lopez. “I have a job as a barista to get me by… and I would recommend this job for anyone who’s looking for one.”
Mondo Thermidor said that he has become a different person since getting involved with Catholic Charities.
“The life that I lived before was when I was young and reckless,” Thermidor said. “Now, I see it in a way that I want to become greater than that person, and that is all due to Catholic Charities. I was able to get a GED, a job, and a lot of assistance.”
Jahdiel Perez described how he has been able to accomplish many things thanks to LYSOA.
“I have won my court cases with my advocates by my side, worked on community-cleanup projects, and given speeches at multiple events. I currently attend the GED program… and plan to go to North Shore Community College to study criminal justice,” Perez said.
Nicholson thanked them for offering their perspectives to the community.
“Sharing your story is so incredibly helpful for everyone in this room to serve as an inspiration for what is possible when we come together,” he said.
