Executive Director
Tracey Scherrer
“People often don’t believe me when I speak about how many youth experience homelessness and housing instability on their own. This issue often goes under the radar, not spoken about and the support is almost non-existent. For years I have worked, advocating for unaccompanied youth in the city of Lynn. The Haven Project is really the only organization in this area solely dedicated to supporting and empowering homeless young adults. The work that this agency does has changed the lives of so many for the better. I am so excited to be a part of that change.”
Tracey is a lifelong resident of Lynn and a graduate of Lynn Classical. She has a BS in psychology from Suffolk University and an MS in mental health counseling and psychological services from Salem State University. Tracey has a background in the fields of mental health, education, and housing. She has experience in providing mental health counseling, direct care with homeless populations, grant writing and grant management. Tracey is the chair of the Youth Subcommittee for the Lynn Continuum of Care, collaborating with other agencies in the area with the goal of removing barriers for homeless populations.
Social Enterprise Manager
Fredy Hincapie
“The Haven Project has offered me the tools, commitment, and passion to impact individuals and the community. Our young adults have great potential to succeed and I am grateful to be a piece of their life that propels that.”
Fredy migrated from Colombia in 2003 and has been a Lynn resident ever since. He graduated from Lynn Classical High School and is currently finishing his degree in Business at Salem State University. Fredy manages the social enterprise, Land of a Thousand Hills Café, and oversees the Job-Training Program.
lynncafemanager@drinkcoffeedogood.com
Development Coordinator
Emily Urbina
“I’ve been working at this agency since 2014, most of that time, working directly with the incredible people that we serve. I am such a big believer in them and in the support that the Haven Project is uniquely equipped to offer. I have seen what an impact this work can make over the years, and it has been nothing less than an absolute privilege to be on the Haven Project team to do something that is worth much more than what it costs in dollars and effort!”
Emily’s background is in education in multicultural and 3rd-world contexts. She received her BA in Education with a focus on Adult Education, and a graduate-level Certificate in Nonprofit Human Service Management. She is bilingual and has experience in ESL and administration of non-profits. She worked at the Haven Project as its Program Director for 7 years before transitioning to the Fundraising and Development team, helping with grant-writing, and communications.
Lead Case Manager
Gary Rivas
“Everyday we deal with obstacles. Obstacles that may seem unbeatable, but if we surround ourselves with people who want to help us, people who will push us to be our best self, then you can overcome what feels insurmountable. The Haven Project team consist of these types of people; people who will do their best to help you succeed.”
Gary works directly as the first point of contact for clients in the Drop-in Centers; he helps lead the case management team and facilitates the daily Drop-in Center operations. His background is in psychology and has 18 years of management experience in the human service field. Among many qualifications, Gary is bilingual, a Driver Education Instructor, and a certified Crisis Prevention Instructor.
Client Engagement Lead
Ramey Ferrell
“One of the things I really like about the Haven Project is how we, as case managers, never give up. We are flexible with our clients; if they miss a meeting, we will make it work tomorrow. We have high expectations for our clients. Yes, we are there to support them, but there is a shared understanding that we will work together to make sure the work that needs to happen, happens.”
Ramey has a B.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Theology. At the Haven Project, he serves as our Client Engagement Lead, focusing on outreach, job coaching, and case management. His language skills, his passion for social justice and tackling systemic issues, and his experience working in Lynn make him a perfect fit for the job! He is grateful to be given the opportunity of planting roots in Lynn where he can work with us to end the cycle of poverty.
Case Manager
Angelica Perez
“Being able to transform someone’s life at a critical point is as meaningful as it gets.”
Angelica was born in Dominican Republic and migrated to the U.S. in 2017. She attended North Shore Community College and graduated in May 2019 with an Associates in Criminal Justice. She then attended Salem State University and completed her B.S. in Criminal Justice and Minor in Psychology and Legal Studies in 2020. At the Haven Project, Angelica is in charge of helping clients create individualized plans to gain stability. Her passion to work in the social services field doing meaningful work with youth and her ability to connect with clients and speak Spanish make her an excellent addition to our team.
Support Staff
Lauren King
“The Haven Project provides an outlet for these young adults to learn the skills needed to thrive at such a crucial time in their lives. To be able to be a part of this, especially in my own community, is priceless!”
A life-long resident of Lynn, Lauren graduated from Lynn Classical High School and went on to receive her BA in Psychology at the UMASS Dartmouth. She became a licensed social worker in the state of Massachusetts, and, in addition to serving as the case manager here at the Haven Project, Lauren works as a supervisor in the field of human services.
