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UTEC building its dream for our teens

After the last few weeks of senseless teen violence, it was life affirming to spend a night with creative, upbeat young people and be reminded that the vast majority of our kids are good kids–loud, lively, talented, good-hearted kids. More than 300 well-dressed people braved the quasi-artic night of April 12 to support the United Teen Equality Center’s (UTEC) fund raiser at its new facility. Adorned with linens, flowers, and its original stained glass windows, the former old church at 34 Hurd Street seemed comfortable in its new role as home to the high-energy youth group. The group, whose mission is to “focus on peace, positivity, and empowerment within a multicultural and holistic learning setting,” started in 1999 when it began helping at-risk youngsters make choices away from gang violence. UTEC has grown and now provides services in gang peacemaking, performing arts, and community organizing to about 1,500 youngsters annually (ages 13-23) and more than 150 teens everyday. The group’s newest offerings provide services around education and job training, including an alternative diploma program with the Lowell Public Schools and Lowell Adult Education. Thursday night’s fund raiser included singing and dancing entertainment by teen members, as well as dinner and a live auction. With help from Mayor Bill Martin, the auction sold 4 Red Sox-Yankee tickets for $1,100; a week in Kennebunk, Maine for $1,000; and a Ted Williams-signed baseball for $1,150. 

The support from the enthusiastic crowd, which included a cross section of elected officials, business and community leaders, adults, teens, and representatives from local nonprofit organizations and the public schools, was best described by Lowell City Manager Bernie Lynch when he said: “Lowell is a better city–a better community because you’re here.”  Congratulations to UTEC on their new home, and many thanks for the difference they’re making in the lives of so many of our teens.

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