Family Service Prevention Programs offer support and education to youth, elders, and families that help build the skills and
resilience they need to face a complex world. Currently, Family Service operates prevention programs in the areas of: parent
education and support, youth development and elder outreach.
Youth Mentoring Programs:
AMIGOS Academic Mentoring
Nylmarie Gomez, 978-327-6632
The AMIGOS Mentoring Program matches adult mentors in one-on-one relationships with students from grades 4–8 at the
Guilmette, Wetherbee, and South Lawrence East Schools in Lawrence. Mentors and mentees meet weekly at the student’s school
and form close and trusting relationships that focus on improving student's academic achievement.
Click here for more information on
becoming a mentor.
Big Friends Little Friends
Leah Feroce, 978-327-6640
Big Friends Little Friends (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lawrence) matches adult mentors in one-on-one
relationships with young people ages 6 – 14. “Bigs” and “Littles” stay in touch weekly and form a
close and trusting relationships that give the Littles a positive role model and emotional support.
Click here for more information on becoming a
Big Friend.
MCP - Mentoring Children of Promise
Lina Serna, 978-327-6638
Mentoring Children of Promis is a youth mentoring program that specifically targets children who have a parent that is incarcerated. Similar to
Family Service's other mentoring programs, MCP youth-mentor matches meet in community settings for approximately 6 hours per month. Mentors
provide children a consistent trusting adult in their lives.
GRAD Mentoring
Racquel Mendez, 978-327-6629
The GRAD Mentoring program matches students at high risk for dropping out of school with positive adult role models.
GRAD youth are students attending middle school in the City of Lawrence, MA. Adult mentor is any individual over 18 who is caring and
committed to helping kids succeed in life.
Adolescent Sibling Pregnancy Prevention
Shirley Stella, 978-327-6645
Adolescent Sibling Pregnancy Prevention (short title: Sibs) is a teen pregnancy prevention program that engages siblings of
pregnant and parenting teens in case management and group services with the intent of preventing early pregnancy.
Visit the Sibs MySpace page.
Elder Outreach
Louise Edelblute, 978-327-6667
In collaboration with the Andover and Methuen Senior Centers, and the Essex Street Towers in Lawrence, Family Service provides
group programs as well as in-home and center-based support to elders struggling with debilitating physical and mental health
conditions. Services include case management, support for caregivers and professional training.
Strengthening Couples
Aida Castro, 978-327-6634
To help couples strengthen their relationships and build skills that enable them to maintain a healthy marriage, Family
Service offers relationship enhancement curriculum that teaches positive communication and conflict resolution over the course of a weekend retreat.
The Parenting Journey
Lisette Cid, 978-327-6622
Parents raising children ages birth to six are invited to join this 12-week class that helps parents build their
self esteem and self awareness as the first step toward effective and nurturing parenting. Generously funded by
the
The Children's Trust Fund.
Project Venture
Shirley Stella, 978-327-6645
By combining adventure-learning and community service, Project Venture aims to develop the positive potential of young people
in the City of Lawrence. Project Venture operates at Family Service one evening each week.
Young Children’s Mental Health
Ronnie Ginsberg, 978-327-6619
Sadly, children at very young ages exhibit signs of significant mental and emotional stress. To respond, Family Service provides
mental health counseling, consultation, and support to parents and teachers of children ages 2.9 to six.
