Services
Basic Needs
Our main Client Services Center is located in downtown Lynn adjacent to Central Square Station – a transportation hub. At our service center, we evaluate individual situations and provide a space for the youth to get off the street and recover. We provide meals and unrestricted access to a food pantry. We offer basic needs items including clothing, backpacks, and hygiene items, access to a shower and laundry on-site, and emergency funds. We also help clients access health care, emergency phones, food stamps, and provide ID’s.
Employment
We actively seek and advocate for appropriate job placements. We have partnerships with area businesses and our clients are fast tracked at the local temporary agencies. Staff help with resume preparation, job searches, mock interviews, appropriate work clothing, and on-site volunteer opportunities. At times our clients struggle with so many life obstacles, that keeping a job can be very difficult. Our Job Coach helps our clients move toward developing the consistency, skill, experience, and connections necessary to thrive in jobs outside of our program. They also help develop measures, rewards, and development plans for all clients, with an individual focus on those clients employed in our Job-Training Program at our social enterprise café or in our Catalyst Workshops.
Education
All participants are encouraged to reach an educational milestone and learn how to communicate in English. Without basic educational credentials their ability to support themselves legally and safely is very limited. Volunteers and staff help with homework, test preparation, and ESL coursework. We have an online, in-house education program which allows students to prepare for GED tests and make progress on high school online courses. Clients can access these programs on-site or on their own personal devices at any time. We also partner with the Career Center, North Shore Community College, and high schools to ensure our participants are fast-tracked for enrollment and are accessing all of the financial aid available to them.
Housing
We help all clients develop a viable list of temporary housing options, find a safe room rental, and develop the financial capacity to rent. If necessary, we place them in emergency shelter beds that we have available through our partner agencies. In partnership with local housing authorities, we provide case management to young adults in high school so they are able to access housing subsidies. Once our clients are stably housed, we help them procure the supplies and furniture they need to start their life in their new living quarters. Ultimately, we work with our clients on building financial competence, appropriate savings goals, and budgets.
We are in the development phases of Catalyst Housing, a supportive affordable housing project for extremely low-income young adults who lack access to secure housing. Once completed, Catalyst Housing will offer 24 studio apartments on the 3rd and 4th floor of our 57 Munroe Street location in downtown Lynn. In addition to providing secure, sustainable, and affordable permanent housing, our ultimate goal with this project is to provide opportunities where residents can be supported and empowered to achieve their potential by the many wrap-around services we offer.
Health
We are walking distance from the Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC), where we have many community partners who help our clients enroll in health insurance and get the necessary health and wellbeing services they require. Young adults are taught how to access insurance and are encouraged to develop relationships with providers who can meet their physical and mental health needs. Educational workshops are provided on COVID-19 related infection prevention measures, nutrition, drug and alcohol use, and reproductive health.
Community
Young adults learn appropriate social skills via educational workshops and volunteer and advocacy opportunities. We encourage our clients to positively engage with their community to help them develop the supportive community these young people need. We celebrate birthdays and significant holidays with our clients, and work hard to create a supportive environment where healthy friendships are developed within our “Drop-in” Centers. Clients participate in Zoom-based social events, scheduled outings, expressive art, volunteer, and advocacy opportunities.
Platinum Transparency 2023
