The
Center
Grit · Resilience · Determination
Located at 417 Canal Street in Lawrence, MA, the SISU Center is a community development hub where you can build skills, discover their potential, and create a pathway to a sustainable future.
What is SISU?
SISU is a Finnish concept that translates loosely to extraordinary determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. It represents the inner strength that enables individuals to push through seemingly impossible challenges.
At the SISU Center, we channel that spirit into everything we do. Our programs are designed to help individuals and families in greater Lawrence discover their own SISU -- equipping them with the skills, support, and self-belief to overcome obstacles and build meaningful futures.
2500+
Individuals Served each year
A Community Center Born from Necessity
During the summer of 2015 in the City of Lawrence, gang violence was escalating, proven risk young people lacked safe spaces to learn and grow, and families were struggling to feel secure. With support from the state and local government, Lawrence Prospera stepped up.
What started as a vision became the SISU Center -- a 30,000 square foot community development hub in the heart of downtown Lawrence. Built with community hands and supported by partners across the city, SISU has become a beacon of hope for at-risk youth and immigrant families seeking a path forward.
Today, we serve hundreds of residents in the Merrimack Valley through evidence-based programming that addresses gang violence prevention, workforce development, education, assimilation, and personal growth.
Who is SISU For?
The SISU Center serves high risk and hard to reach individuals and families who are looking for a second chance, a first opportunity, or simply a safe place to grow.
Out-of-School Youth
Young people ages 16 to 24 disconnected from traditional education, but ready to address life’s obstacles head on.
Justice-Involved Youth
Young people ages 14 to 24 trapped in a cycle of negative and dangerous behaviors but seeking positive alternatives.
Sports Loving Youth
Young people in grades K-12 looking to have fun and be part of team where everyone is celebrated and everyone plays.
Community Members
Families and adults seeking the safety and security of language and citizenship.
Want to learn more about SISU or make a referral, Contact us.
Our Approach
Evidence-Based Programming
Our approach is built on proven models that work.
DOJ Gang Violence Prevention Model
SISU’s youth development model was designed using the Department of Justice's comprehensive gang violence prevention framework, focusing on intervention, prevention, and community engagement strategies that have proven effective in reducing youth violence. Lawrence Prospera is a member of the Massachusetts Safe and Successful Youth Initiative.
YouthBuild USA
SISU is home to YouthBuild Lawrence and follows the nationally recognized YouthBuild model where young people earn their high school diploma while learning vocational skills and contributing to their communities.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
SISU is home to one of Lawrence’s longest running ESL and Citizenship programs. SISU’s ESL and Citizenship programs follow the USCIS accredited curriculum to ensure our participants the greatest opportunity to achieve their American Dream.
Our Programs
From vocational training to creative arts, every program at the SISU Center is built around the belief that every young person has untapped potential.
Vocational Training and Workforce Development
The SISU Center helps young people, ages 16 to 24, develop the skills to create long term success in the workforce. Young people have the opportunity to train in one of the SISU Workshops while learning construction and facilities management, clothing design, auto detailing, and the culinary arts and working to master the SISU Core Competencies and build self-confidence. Lawrence Prospera currently operates a construction/wood working shop, screen-printing & embroidery shop, auto-detailing shop, and a teaching kitchen.
YouthBuild Alternative Education Program
The YouthBuild program offers young adults, ages 16 to 24 years old, the opportunity to work towards completing their High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) at the SISU Center. Students work daily in both the classroom and one of the SISU Center vocational shops gaining the skills and the knowledge to not only pass the HiSET, but also to be successful in secondary education and/or future employment.
Recreation
Lawrence Prospera recognizes the importance of creating an environment where young people can have fun. The SISU Center includes a state-of-the-art eGaming center with a multimedia studio, basketball courts, a pool table, and ping pong table. With support from local partners, the SISU Gets of Lawrence program takes young people on day and overnight field trips throughout the region. The SISU CUTS Barber Shop offers free haircuts to participants once a week. Whether it's recording lyrics in the music studio or dunking on the outreach team on the basketball court, SISU provides a space for kids to be kids.
Nutritional Services
Lawrence is one of several food deserts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 75% of residents are affected by food insecurity. Recognizing the impact that hunger has on young people’s ability to focus and learn, Lawrence Prospera’s Nutrition Department provides food serves over 3,000 meals a day in Lawrence. In addition to providing daily breakfast lunch and dinner for the young people at the SISU Center, Lawrence Prospera is the school meals provider for the Community Day Charter School district, as well as several local day care programs.
Adult Education
In partnership with Casa Dominicana, Lawrence Prosepra offers several levels of English as a Second Language and Citizenship preparation courses for adults ages 18+. Casa Dominicana follows the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Adult Basic Education ESL Curriculum and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship Exam Preparation curriculum.
SISU Athletics
Over 800 youth, grades k-12 participate in basketball and volleyball skills and drills and league play. SISU Athletics is a free program open to young people living in Lawrence and Methuen who are unable to play for competitive school or club teams.
Life at the SISU Center
See our youth in action -- building, learning, competing, and growing every day.
See the Impact
Watch stories of transformation from the youth and families whose lives have been changed by the SISU Center.
Video coming soon
Our Team
SISU Center Staff
Sungah Silver
Youth Programs Director
David Giribaldi
Recreation Director
Khalyl Negron
IT Director
Dan Gillette
Alternative Youth Instructor
Karina Martinez
ESL Instructor
Walter Velez
Screen Printing Shop Manager
Bill Schaufenbil
Wood Shop Manager
Luis Flores
Wood Shop Instructor
Pedro Leon
Multi-Media Coordinator
Erykah Santiago
Workforce Development Case Manager
Juan Maldonado
Street Outreach Worker
Luis Perez
Street Outreach Worker
Greg Delrosario
Community Outreach and Resource Coordinator
Milagros Bruno
Food Service Coordinator
Nivia Solares
Food Service Manager
Zeneida Peralta
Custodial Services
Danny Then
Custodial Services
Visit the SISU Center
Our doors are open to youth, families, and community members. Stop by to learn more about our programs or get involved.
Address
417 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone
(978) 655-4594
info@lawrenceprospera.org
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Follow the SISU Center
Stay connected with the latest news, events, and stories from our programs.