Lawrence CommunityWorks

CONTACT:

60 Island Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
978-685-3115 x13
lawrencecommunityworks.org

Bill Traynor, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Lawrence is the poorest city in Massachusetts—14.6% of its 72,000 population are unemployed; the high school dropout rate is 53%; and average income is $13,360. But Lawrence’s population is young and growing, largely Latino (this is the most heavily Latino city in New England), and has new energy, new dreams, and new businesses. LCW, founded in 1986 but reborn in 1999, focuses on North Lawrence, the most neglected part of the city. LCW's new leadership came to the table with an innovative strategy for community development, focused on long-term physical and social “capital” asset-development—physical assets such as affordable housing, community facilities and parks; and social assets such as neighborhood civic networks, economic development training for adults, and college-preparation for youth. LCW has already helped generate nearly $8 million in public and private physical-capital investments; in social capital it has offered college-preparation and guidance to 300 young people; 95% of the first two graduating classes entered four-year colleges (Lawrence’s norm is 10%); 24 low-income women and 24 youths have acquired and saved $120,000, and learned how to invest it wisely; leadership training has been offered to 40 promising youth and adults. As a sign of community commitment in response, LCW's participating membership is 850 and growing. With your support North Lawrence can do even better.

(2004: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)