20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE OUR 20th ANNIVERSARY GALA FULL OF MADD LOVE AND CONTAGIOUS PASSION!

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Thanks to our sponsors and the generosity of over 400 people at our sold out gala, we raised over $525,000 to support our young adults.

It’s not too late to break barriers with your generosity!

We now have a matching challenge!

An anonymous donor has generously offered to match up to $150,000 dollar for dollar of additional funds raised between now and December 31st, which could bring our total to $825,000!

Read Gala Coverage on the Lowell Sun

MADD LOVE TO OUR SPONSORS

THINK BIG / LEAD SPONSOR:

MADD LOVE SPONSORS:

Belinda Juran and Evan Schapiro

CONTAGIOUS PASSION:

CLEAN SLATE:

Affirmative Investments	Brigham & Women’s Center for Trauma Innovation	Covanta	United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
The Boston Foundation	Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods	Empire Loan Charitable Foundation	US Bank

CHIPPING AWAY:

Anstiss & Co	Cintas Corporation	Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union	Nobis Group	Trinity Financial	WinnCompanies
Aspire Growth Advisors	Crown Special Events	LeadWell Partners	People’s United Bank	Tufts Health Plan	Vinfen
Cadence	Enterprise Bank	Mintz	TD Bank	Votze Butler

HONOREES

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

For her work around gun violence prevention.

We will also be honoring our state leaders for their collective leadership around gun violence prevention.

Governor Charlie Baker

Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo

Senate President Karen Spilka

CLUB 99, a group of community activists from the start of UTEC

LOCAL HEROES: The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus

New England Patriots

For their contribution to criminal justice reform.

Looking for other ways to get involved beyond the gala? We’d love your support!

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UTEC

18 hours ago

Meet Anthony (Ant Man) Ellis, who has been with us for over 17 years, and was recently promoted to Director of Transitional Coaching! (*Snaps, Ant!*)

What roles have you previously held?
I started as a Jr. Streetwoker, while working part time, then became a full time Streetworker. I was the program manager for the construction crew during the renovation of our current building, then the program manager of Transformational Beginnings. Next, I was a Transitional Coach before my most recent position as the Intake Manager.

What is the most important thing you've learned about youth work?
One of the most important things I’ve learned doing youth work is that you have to remain consistent with the young adults in everything you do with them. It’s also important to meet young adults where they are at, and you can’t take things personally.

How has COVID impacted the work?
We’re limited in the number of young adults to bring in every month, which means smaller cohorts of new young adults. During remote programming, I was concerned that we would lose some young adults to being offsite. However, the use of calls and video chat really ensured young adults were not forgotten about and they stayed pretty engaged.

Any memorable moments?
One of my most memorable moments at UTEC was when we took two rival gangs on a peace trip where we went white water rafting. The trip was a success, and the activity was amazing. To witness young adults that have differences work together to achieve a common goal is very fulfilling and motivates me to continue the work.

What is your favorite UTEC value?
I love all the values, but I think in my role the most important value is SEEING BEYOND THE MASK. When young adults come in they are usually a little reserved and may present in a certain way to protect themselves. I try to make them feel comfortable and valued here so they can let their guard down and be themselves. It’s always good when young adults can be their authentic selves.

What is your favorite ice breaker?
My favorite icebreakers are those that have some level of competition. I’m very competitive and love to win! If I had to choose I would pick PIRATES ARE COMING. It’s great -- gets everyone involved and is usually hilarious.

What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I like to hang out at home with my dog (13yr old pitbull Jada), watch sports, and go fresh water fishing when I can. ...

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UTEC

4 days ago

It takes a village to divert mattresses from the waste stream! Amazing work, team! #SparkSustainability ...

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5 days ago

BIG SNAPS TO KEVIN BECAUSE HE IS A HiSet GRADUATE!!!!

Photo throwing back to him kicking back after passing his first test in January! ...

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6 days ago

Celebrating our young adults’ accomplishments + getting into the fall spirit at our house meal! 🍂🧡🎃 ...

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2 weeks ago

There are SO many reasons to be proud of Alex, but today we are going to celebrate the fact that SHE IS A HISET GRADUATE!!!!!!!!!!

Big Snaps to Alex who has worked so hard to pass these tests!

*mic drop* ...

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