Youth Safety and Opportunity Collaborative (Y-SOC)
- The City launched Y-SOC and Community Violence Prevention Plan on Feb 11, 2026 (read more about the launch and the City’s anti-violence efforts)
- Y-SOC hosted Teen Entrepreneur Series throughout the summer in 2026 (view the flyer)
- Each week, Y-SOC members, the Spanish City of Lynn WhatsApp Channel, Community Development, and LCTV shared weekly reminders to promote the Summer Youth Series, increase awareness of upcoming sessions, and encourage participation among Lynn youth and families
Middle School Hub (similar to Teen Drop In Center)
- Aimed to reduce youth violence by providing expanded opportunities, especially after school!
- Held on Mondays at Breed Middle School offering activities, team-building games, supportive space and pizza
- Just expanded this school year to Thurgood Marshall Middle School as well
Youth Summer Employment Program
- This summer, the City increased the number of summer jobs available for youth, adding 100 more job opportunities in 2026!
- Job Locations: City Hall, Lynn Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, Lynn Public Schools, and more!
- The City and Lynn Police Department reintroduced the Youth Police Academy, as a part of the Youth Summer Employment Program
Youth and Adolescence Task Force
- The Youth and Adolescence Task Force was launched in 2024 in partnership between the Mayor’s Office and City Councilor Nicole McClain, bringing together representatives from youth-serving organizations and young people
- The Task Force focuses on after-school programming and workforce development with the goal including direct participation from young people on policies concerning their future.
- Designed to create a welcoming space where young people can connect with one another, discuss issues that matter to them, strengthen their leadership skills and recognize the power of their voices in shaping their community
- Organized a Youth Voice Summit on Sept 19, 2026, which included:
- 60 teens showed up and participated in this event
- 2 breakout sessions: Mental Health and Arts and Creative Expression and Building a Community and Youth Leadership workshop, led by Mr. Willenbrock, a teacher at Marshall Middle School
- Several local restaurants and community businesses generously donated food and treats so that young people attending the summit could enjoy the afternoon at no cost. (Shout out to: Root North Shore of Salem, Lynn Police Ice Cream Truck, April’s Pub & Restaurant, La Copa, Golden Monkey, Superior, Old Tyme Italian Cuisine, Scopa Italian Kitchen & Bar, and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.
Mental Health Resources
- Calm Team partnership with Youth Community Behavioral Health Center
- Lynn Public Schools clinical model: counselors and social workers, 1 for every 150 students.
- Mental and behavioral health services for patients through Lynn Community Health Center, Eliot Community Behavioral Health Center, Bridgewell, Children & Family Services (JRI), and other providers.
- Lynn Community Health Center and Lynn Police Department Adverse Childhood Response Team provides follow-up services for children impacted by traumatic events.
- Lynn Police Department Behavioral Health Unit that provides follow-up services to individuals who have become police involved and Behavioral Health Intervention Program that works as a co-response with police officers.
- Lynn Youth-Led Mental Health Committee provides mental health assistance and support within the community. The team aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, improve the access for resources for all communities, and promote both a culture of mental health awareness and well-being.
Public Safety Resources
- LPD/LPS School Resource Officer Program embedded at middle schools and high schools School, serve as positive role models, mentors, and safety advocates for students, faculty, and staff. Officers promote a safe and supportive learning environment while also addressing issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and campus security
- Community Collaborative Initiative (CCI) with school personnel, SROs, YSU, and juvenile probation. Information is shared about students who may need extra help or services. This initiative is coordinated by the office of the Essex County District Attorney.
- Lynn Police Central Business District bike unit for proactive patrols
Youth Engagement
- After-school programming includes Campfire, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Gregg House, Girls Inc., LEAP etc. (full list in Community Resources Packet)
- Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy (LYSOA) for street outreach
- ROCA Lynn engages young men via street outreach, support groups and workforce training (including partnership with Lynn Department of Public Works)
- Safe and Successful Youth Initiative partnership (ROCA, Lifescene, LPD, etc.) is a multi-sector approach to reduce youth violence that includes proactive outreach and education and training for youth.
- Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant partnership (LYSOA, LifeScene, LPD, Catholic Charities etc.) for outreach and case management
Community Engagement
- Community Canvass Program brings together city departments, including the Mayor’s Office and Lynn Police Department, and community partners into neighborhoods to knock on doors to meet people where they are.