November 23, 2017 From The Lowell Sun: It’s no secret that many young adult offenders find themselves in a vicious cycle. After getting released from jail, there’s a decent chance they’ll re-offend within three years. Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian admits jails must change how they serve this population. As a result, the Middlesex Jail … >More
2017 Highlights
In Billerica, a cell block for young men holds promise
November 22, 2017 From the Boston Globe: From The Boston Globe: Early next year, one of the most important criminal justice reform experiments in the country will spread to a stately brick jailhouse in Billerica. The Middlesex Jail and House of Correction will become one of the first in the nation to create a dedicated, … >More
Haverhill Mayor Announces Gang Violence Task Force, Visits UTEC in Lowell
September 17, 2017 From the Merrimack Valley Magazine: Mayor James J. Fiorentini will stress alternative ideas and strategies for addressing gang activity at the inaugural meeting of his Gang Violence Task Force. Fiorentini recently visited the nationally-acclaimed UTEC youth program in Lowell, and plans to take steps to bring a similar model to Haverhill. … >More
UTEC re-entry grant to give troubled kids a second chance
June 27, 2017 From The Lowell Sun: LOWELL — Jamel Bonilla was just 17 when he faced three felony charges. After dabbling in drugs, getting involved in gang activity and being incarcerated, Bonilla finally decided to go to UTEC. The mother of his daughter also went to UTEC, which helped her earn her GED. … >More
Recycling E-Waste with Workers Looking for a Second Chance
June 22, 2019 From Waste 360: Indiana-based RecycleForce is taking e-waste from businesses, governments and some residents and processing them using the labor of former prisoners reentering the workforce. About 350 to 380 come through annually for four- to six-month employment stints. “That is a big a part of our job, to produce a workforce,” … >More
State hears criminal justice reform advocates
June 7, 2017 From The Bay State Banner: A 21-year-old member of UTEC, advocated for the ability to expunge juvenile records. He said his life took a wrong turn seven years ago, when he was arrested on the verge of a fight as a high school freshman. Police arrived before the altercation turned physical, … >More
Criminal Justice Reform At Risk Of ‘Analysis Paralysis,’ Sen. Chang-Diaz Warns
June 5, 2017 From 90.9 WBUR: A 21-year-old from Lawrence, said he supports expungement because he does not want his juvenile record to hold him back. Alvarez said police were called on him “before a punch was thrown” when he was about to get in a fight with another student as a high school freshman … >More
Criminal justice reform likely in Mass., but how far will it go?
June 5, 2017 From The Boston Globe: Most everyone agrees that this is the year to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system. But sharp divisions remain over how far the changes should go. Governor Charlie Baker and top lawmakers have said they want to give prisoners more opportunities to earn early release by … >More
DeLeo: Options exist to close budget gap
May 31, 2017 From The Lowell Sun: LOWELL — With just about two months left until the end of the fiscal year, House Speaker Robert DeLeo said a number of options are under active consideration to reduce a budget deficit that’s approaching a half- billion dollars. DeLeo spoke to The Sun in Lowell Tuesday after touring UTEC, … >More
UTEC Program draws praise from The Boston Foundation
May 27, 2017 From The Lowell Sun: BOSTON — One municipal official called UTEC’s mattress-recycling program “a godsend.” A facilities manager described it as “tremendous.” A state official called the Lowell organization’s work to prevent youth recidivism while also offering social benefits “incredible.” Members of UTEC traveled to The Boston Foundation on Thursday … >More