LYNN — The City and Lynn Public Schools are launching an after-school program designed to provide engaging activities and a safe, supportive space for youth ages 10 to 14.
The program, “Middle School Hub,” will start on Jan. 19 and take place at Breed Middle School. Activities will include a hangout space, an open gym, free pizza, and water. The program is sponsored by Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office, the Lynn Police Department, the Public Health Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department/Department of Public Works.
Mayor Nicholson commended the efforts of everyone who helped Middle School Hub come together.
“We are excited to expand our after-school activities to students, providing a positive, engaging space for them to learn and grow. This is a prime example of several City departments coming together to develop a program that will provide great benefit to our students, and we appreciate the cooperation of all who have worked to establish this initiative,” he said.
LPS interim Superintendent Molly Cohen commented on the program’s goal to create a safe environment for students.
“We are pleased to host the new Middle School Hub program in collaboration with the City and grateful for the opportunity to offer additional out-of-school engagement opportunities for students. We look forward to these students enjoying a positive, productive experience,” she said.
DPW Associate Commissioner Lisa Nerich expressed her excitement for the upcoming initiative.
“We’re excited to introduce the Middle School Hub as a safe, welcoming space where Lynn’s young youth can connect, learn, and grow beyond the school day. This program reflects our commitment to supporting our youth not only academically, but socially and emotionally, by offering enriching activities and a supportive community involvement,” she said.
Public Health Director Lisa Tobin said that the initiative is “a place for students to connect.
“Public Health is excited to be a part of this team along with the Mayor’s Office, The Lynn Police Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department to provide this opportunity for our young people,” Tobin said.
Candice McClory, Substance Use Disorder Coordinator at the Public Health Division, provided insight on how stable environments such as the Middle School Hub can benefit youth’s mental health.
McClory said, “We are excited to use opioid abatement funds to support the Middle School Hub. Allocating these funds reflects our group’s strong commitment to prevention and early intervention.”
She added, “Research shows that stable environments, supportive relationships, and reliable access to services are among the most effective strategies for reducing future substance use and related harms. Investing in prevention, strengthening protective factors and fostering healthy development is a priority not only for the Opioid Working Group, but for the community as a whole.”
Meanwhile, LPD Lieutenant Richard Connick weighed in on what the program will bring to local families.
“This program gives middle school kids a safe place to go after school and a chance to connect with officers in a positive way. Our Youth Services Unit and several School Resource Officers are already excited to help out,” he said.
He added, “We are working closely with Lynn Public Schools, the Lynn Community Health Center, and other community partners who have all played a big role in getting this program off the ground. We are also grateful for Mayor Nicholson’s strong support. He made it clear that he believes in this program and wants it to succeed. The Mayor has also committed funding through the opioid grant, which is a huge help in making sure the Hub can run the right way.”
He continued,” Our officers will help with supervision, activities, and just being there for the kids. It is important for them to see officers as people who they can talk to and trust. We are committed to doing everything we can to support the Hub and keep it running smoothly. We believe the Middle School Hub will be a great resource for families across the city, and we’re excited to be part of it.”
