UTEC

Recidivism isn’t inevitable—it’s a failure of systems that don’t provide the right supports at the right time. A recent federal report from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reinforces what we see at UTEC every day: justice-involved young people need a continuum of care to truly move forward. This model isn’t new, but when applied to youth justice, it means investing in real second chances: ?? Community-based supports instead of deeper system involvement ?? Restorative practices that repair harm, not just punish ?? Resources for young people after they leave the system (when they need it most) We know that when young people have the right opportunities, they break cycles of incarceration and build brighter futures. Let’s keep pushing for solutions that actually work. #JusticeReform #BreakingCycles #YouthOpportunity #IgniteSocialJustice Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eZ5cNQEb

Please help us congratulate UTEC’s own Sophea Sou-Krauss! ?? Sophea was presented with the Because of Her Award at this morning's Lowell Women's Week Breakfast. She was recognized for her unwavering dedication to helping individuals involved in the criminal legal system as they work toward peaceful reintegration into society. Sophea started her journey at UTEC as a Streetworker and is now a member of our Development team. But her impact in our community extends far beyond her work here. She is also on the board of THRIVE Communities and volunteers with the Angkor Dance Troupe, Justice 4 Housing, and Locked in Solidarity, using every opportunity to uplift and advocate for those who need it most. We are so proud of Sophea and all she does for our community! ???? Congratulations also to fellow award recipients Sara Khun Leng and Latina Bohemian—thank you for your courage, generosity, and activism in Lowell! #BecauseOfHer #LowellWomensWeek #UTECStaffSpotlight #CommunityChangemakers #maddlove

Our Breaking Barriers Kitchen food truck visited the Massachusetts Department of Correction in Milford last week, serving nearly 100 meals for lunch! Thank you for hosting us! ???? Want the truck to visit your business or event?? Email [email protected]. #UTECfoodtruck #breakingbarrierskitchen #foodtruck

We're Hiring! UTEC is looking for passionate individuals to help drive our mission forward. ?? Director of Development Operations – Apply now! https://lnkd.in/eWAc8wRb ?? Mental Health Clinician – Apply now! https://lnkd.in/eV2khjct ?? Explore all open positions here: https://lnkd.in/ezPpBskk Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them below! ?? #Hiring #NonprofitJobs #JoinOurTeam #UTEC

Meet Christopher Bishop, one of our Academic Educators here at UTEC! Bishop jumped right into UTEC culture, starting our very first Dungeons & Dragons club, and our monthly Spotify tournament (he 3D prints the awards!). Hear more from Chris: ?What’s your current position, and how long have you been with UTEC? I've been with UTEC as a HiSET educator for about 7 months now. ?What’s your "why" for working at UTEC, and how did you get started? My "why" is that after ten years working in public high schools, I couldn't stand to see another student fall through the cracks in my classroom. Here at UTEC I'm far more able to build strong relationships with my students, and to give each one the individual attention and support they need. ?What are you most proud of in your work so far? I'm most proud of the outdoor workshops I've been able to organize - getting out into nature has always been healing for me, and it's a joy to share. Thank you for all you do! #staffspotlight #staffappreciation #education #maddlove #dungeonsanddragons

Can anyone tell us what Gregg is doing at 28 seconds??? ?? Anyway, we're thrilled to partner with SLS Fitness for a new employee wellness initiative! They'll be coming by once a week for a wellness class and providing fun resources to help staff with self-care. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. #wellness #socialworkmonth #selfcare #maddlove #employeewellness

More info on UTEC’s new space in Boston! We’ve gotten so much love and a lot of questions about our recent announcement, so let’s clear things up: ?? No, UTEC is not expanding to Boston. ? Yes, this new space is an incredible new resource for UTEC young adults and staff from our Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill sites. When we head to the State House to advocate for the issues that matter most, our days can be long. This new location (right next to our friends at Common Cause !) will serve as a base camp where young adults and staff can meet, work, and continue our advocacy efforts without as much travel. Thank you all for the excitement and support—more info to come! ?? #maddlove #youthadvocacy #youngadultslead #boston

March is Social Work Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible UTEC staff who show up every day with heart, dedication, and their full, authentic selves. This work is not easy—it comes with challenges, tough moments, and deep emotions. But it also brings connection, growth, and the joy of seeing young people build brighter futures. To our direct staff: thank you for your unwavering commitment, your resilience, and the impact you make every day. UTEC and the communities we serve are better because of you ?? #SocialWorkMonth #maddlove #peacemakers #youthwork

? Check out our brand-new front desk—crafted right here in UTEC’s downtown Lowell woodshop! ? A huge shoutout to our Woodworking Program Manager, Matt, for his hard work and the talented young adults who helped along the way. Their hard work and craftsmanship shine in every detail! ???? #madeinlowell #handcrafted #woodworking #craftsmanship #madeatUTEC

Xavier and Po braving the ice and slush to get these Madd Love Meals boxes to our young adults in Haverhill ?? #isitspringyet #maddlovemeals #maddlove #haverhill #breakingbarriers