LYNN — Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (LVTI) students are proving that vocational training extends beyond the classroom. This past Saturday, the school’s SkillsUSA chapter hosted an event dedicated to raising awareness and support for those struggling with hunger and homelessness.
Under the leadership of SkillsUSA Advisor and Acting Vice Principal Jason McCuish, the chapter has been instrumental in organizing impactful community initiatives.
SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to empowering students in career and technical education, plays a crucial role at LVTI.
“Our chapter has a longstanding commitment to working with hunger and homelessness,” said McCuish. “This event is more than just about raising awareness; it’s about equipping students and community members with the tools to create impactful projects.”
Chapter President Andi Barrios, a senior, expressed the emotional weight of this project as it marks her final one before graduation.
“This is my last project as chapter president, and it means so much to me. I’ve spent three years trying to benefit the community, and now, as I see this event unfold, I know we’re making a lasting impact. Homelessness and hunger are real issues in our community, and this project exemplifies how we can help.”
Senior Esly Morales De Paz played a key role in event planning.
“We start organizing as early as August, reaching out to community organizations, fundraising, and setting up logistics. It’s incredible to see all our work come to life.”
Freshman Liban Abdikadir shared his journey of understanding homelessness.
“I first learned about homelessness at an early age, but being part of SkillsUSA has helped me understand the issue on a much deeper level. The stereotypes people have about homelessness are often incorrect, and this event has opened my eyes to how we can support our community in meaningful ways.”
The event’s highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring community leaders who have personally faced or worked closely with homelessness and food insecurity.
Brian Castellanos, a dedicated public servant and advocate for education and social welfare, shared his powerful personal story of housing instability. Having faced homelessness as a teenager, Castellanos highlighted the different levels of homelessness—transitional, couch-surfing, chronic, and moderate.
“Homelessness isn’t just about people on the streets; it takes many forms,” he explained. “For me, it was a struggle moving between basements, attics, and relatives’ homes. There was no home base, no certainty. That instability shapes you.”
Castellanos, a first-generation Venezuelan immigrant, emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
“Education was my way out,” he said, crediting mentors and educators who helped guide him. “The stigma around homelessness has to end. People don’t understand how close they are to instability until they face it themselves.”
State Representative Sean Reid (D-11th Essex), another panelist, shared his own journey through homelessness. Born to a teen mother and later experiencing housing insecurity when his father was incarcerated, Reid recalled how his life was shaped by the kindness of shelters and community organizations like the Lynn Shelter Association.
“People think homelessness is a choice or that those affected are lazy. That couldn’t be further from the truth,” he stated. “Many are just one unexpected life event away from losing stability.”
Reid’s story resonated with students who saw firsthand how local leaders overcame adversity.
“The people in this room today are proof that no matter where you start, you can make a difference,” he said. “We have to keep pushing for better policies and more support networks.”
Kacey Phillips, the operations manager of My Brother’s Table, spoke about the crucial role food security plays in addressing homelessness.
“At My Brother’s Table, we serve everyone with dignity and without judgment. Many of our guests are people you’d never guess were struggling,” she shared. “The idea that homelessness looks a certain way is a misconception. Some of our guests have jobs and homes, but they can’t afford food. Others are elderly, disabled, or veterans who simply need support.”
Phillips, who started her journey volunteering in Philadelphia before moving to Lynn, spoke passionately about the power of community-driven solutions. “It’s not just about providing meals — it’s about creating a space where people feel valued.”
Andy Nolasco, a sophomore at LVTI and an officer of SkillsUSA, was the final panelist. He spoke about how his experience volunteering at My Brother’s Table opened his eyes to the needs of his community.
“I come from a background where I know what it is like to need help. One night during a snowstorm in 2023, I got a text saying they needed volunteers. I showed up, and I was the only SkillsUSA student there,” he recalled.
“That moment made me realize how much we take for granted. Since then, I’ve committed myself to helping as much as I can.”
Local organizations such as My Brother’s Table and the Lynn Shelter Association played pivotal roles in supporting the event.
Among the attendees was Luis Ariaza, a former vocational student and current electrical worker, who came as a community member participant. Reflecting on his morning runs, he shared how witnessing homelessness firsthand motivated him to take action.
“Every time I run, I see people huddled in doorways for warmth. It made me want to take action. This event gives us an opportunity to not just sympathize but to actively work on solutions.”
Daphne P., another dedicated participant, emphasized the importance of advocacy.
“One of the most powerful activities we did was writing letters to elected officials. We need them to see that this is a real problem and take action,” she said, highlighting the group’s commitment to systemic change.
Through their efforts, the LVTI SkillsUSA chapter continues to inspire and lead by example. Their work proves that vocational education is not just about technical skills — it’s about shaping compassionate, action-driven individuals dedicated to making a lasting impact on their communities.
