Editorial: UTEC has earned oversight of youth transition program

UTEC’s mattress recycling operation in Lawrence. Mattress recycling becomes mandatory in Massachusetts later this year to reduce solid waste. UTEC Warehouse Program Manager Vic Jamina of Lowell stacks pieces of foam onto a pile. JULIA MALAKIE/LOWELL SUN

UTEC’s reentry program is gaining statewide recognition as a leader in helping young adults transition successfully from incarceration back into the community. Through housing, workforce training, and evidence-based support, UTEC is helping reduce recidivism across Massachusetts.

Lowell Sun (print) & Sentinel Enterprise (online): February 26, 2026- The administration of Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll recently announced the awarding of nearly $6.8 million in state and federal funding to support programs designed to reduce recidivism, address substance-use disorder and deliver transition-into-society services for adults ages 18 to 25 leaving prison.

And it’s a mission that the governor has entrusted to arguably the state’s premier young-adult social service/rehabilitation organization — Lowell-based UTEC.

Thanks to the Fiscal 2026 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative, the Office of Grants and Research distributed $5.95 million to six nonprofit organizations delivering coordinated pre- and post-release services in partnership with county sheriff’s departments and the Massachusetts Department of Correction.

An additional $525,000 was awarded to a technical assistance provider — UTEC, through its Training Center for Excellence — to support implementation and continuous improvement.

Massachusetts sheriff’s departments also received a combined $310,000 through the federally funded Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Grant Program, which provides resources to corrections agencies to deliver services to treat substance-use disorder and reduce future offenses driven by addiction.

“Massachusetts is a national leader on reducing recidivism because we invest in evidence-based programs that work. By funding and supporting these proven programs for emerging adults, we strengthen public safety in communities across Massachusetts,” said Healey.

“We are proud to work with community organizations, the Department of Corrections, and local sheriff’s departments, to focus on practical supports for emerging adults that reduce the risk of reoffending, promote stability, and expand opportunity,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon.

“The services funded through these programs are tailored to address underlying factors that contribute to criminal acts, reducing the risk that participants will reoffend in the future,” said Office of Grants and Research Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative provides funds to community-based nonprofits that work closely with corrections agencies. Funded organizations use the grants to provide pre- and post-release reentry services to those between the ages of 18 to 25.

The grant program also funds a technical assistance provider — in this case UTEC — that delivers technical, strategic and research support to ensure the funded programs meet their goals.

The RSAT Grant Program allows corrections agencies to deliver programming to address substance use disorders. The evidence-based programs are designed to reduce the likelihood that program participants will use substances and commit future offenses after returning to the community.

Formerly known as the United Teen Equality Center, UTEC has expanded beyond its original mission by instituting many new programs, including a successful mattress recycling business.

Since taking over that operation for the city of Lowell, UTEC’s reach has expanded to Lawrence and Haverhill; it now processes about 35,000 mattresses annually.

While instituting other job opportunities, including food services and wood working, UTEC also offers programs to help former young adult offenders navigate the headwinds of re-entry into society.

In February 2024, UTEC was selected to receive funding from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for its “Re-Entry Transitional Housing Initiative” program.

It was designed to serve 25 young people exiting correction facilities, up to three of whom may serve in a mentorship role to provide peer support.

In May of that year, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy joined UTEC CEO Gregg Croteau, and several young adults from Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill to discuss UTEC’s transitional housing program.

“Stable housing is a critical component to reducing recidivism among our young adults,” said Augustus at that occasion. “UTEC is providing the support for young adults who have no other options, and it allows individuals to focus on getting back on track without the fear of homelessness.”

Added Reidy: “I am grateful to Secretary Augustus, the HLC team, UTEC, and our many community partners for their significant contributions to improving outcomes and breaking down barriers to successful reentry.”

UTEC also claimed one piece of that $5.9 million in Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative funding pie.

In addition to the $525,000 awarded UTEC for its oversight role, it received $1.2 million for its collaboration with the Middlesex and Essex sheriff departments.

A technical assistance provider partners with community reentry programs to support their work by imparting pre- and post-release services to adults returning to society.

UTEC’s Training Center for Excellence’s Emerging Adult Reentry program integrates community-based programs with the most effective prison-based practices to better serve young adults in their collective care.

It’s UTEC’s view that correctional facilities should create specific units for emerging adults, based on juvenile detention models that emphasize a therapeutic approach and an orientation toward reentry.

That’s accomplished by offering comprehensive programming to support positive development through education, including vocational training, and enhanced counseling.

Reentry programs are part of the Healey Administration’s broader strategy to reduce recidivism, improve outcomes and promote public safety statewide.

A report published by the DOC last year showed decidedly lower reoffending rates among individuals who took part in vocational, educational and treatment programs compared to those who did not complete such programs.

UTEC has demonstrated its ability to help teens escape the grip of gang violence. And now one of its diversified programs wants to ensure that young adults who’ve paid their debt to society remain on a productive path.