LOWELL — Mayor Sokhary Chau carried on the tradition of previous Mayors Ed Kennedy, Bill Samaras and John Leahy by helping to support and raise money for Community Teamwork’s Youth Services organization at the recent Evening to End Youth Homelessness.
The fifth floor at Mill 5 in Lowell was filled to capacity Nov. 9 with more than 150 community members who came out to raise funds for this worthy cause — enjoying food, drinks and dancing as well as playing creative games to learn about all of the services Youth Services provides.
“We are so grateful to Mayor Chau, who continues to enthusiastically support us, the work we do, and the young people across Lowell and the Greater Lowell Community,” said Karen Frederick, CEO of Community Teamwork.
Entering its fifth year, Youth Services is a voluntary program that supports youth and young adults between the ages of 16-24 who struggle with housing instability and emotional barriers. The program creates a safe space for youth in our community, increases access to resources and provides awareness and education to local leaders about the needs of the youth served. Since its inception, the Youth Services program has served nearly 900 youth. In the past year alone, the program served more than 50 youth who found themselves in need of shelter and an additional 150 youth who were at risk of becoming homeless, fleeing domestic violence or having no stable place to stay. Additional programing includes Intake and Assessment, Youth Navigation, Youth Family Foundations, Youth Housing Pathways, Housing Workshops, Crisis Transitional Housing and the Mill You Drop-in Center.
“Youth Homelessness is a public health crisis that we must do everything to address and overcome. As Mayor of the City of Lowell, it is my pleasure to continue supporting CTI’s Youth Services who are making great strides in our city against this terrible problem, by providing housing services, addressing psychological barriers, and working with youths who have experienced homelessness, and more. Ensuring the well-being of our children and young adults is ensuring the success of our community’s future. Thank you to each and every one of our community members who joined us to contribute to and learn more about this important cause,” said Chau.
