Honoring our Dedicated Volunteers and Community Partners at the 144th Annual Meeting of the Merrimack Valley YMCA
LAWRENCE — What started as an invitation to deliver a keynote address to a group of teens from four communities attending a YMCA camp leadership training has turned into a decade-long partnership that has provided opportunities for hundreds of teens to build skills and expand their potential.
When Socrates De La Cruz, a “Lawrence kid” turned successful lawyer and business owner, was asked to share his story at the Merrimack Valley YMCA’s CORE 4 Leadership program, he knew he wanted to be part of it.
Through his non-profit Socratic, Inc., De La Cruz provides scholarships, mentorship and leadership to youth, including funding to attend CORE 4. De La Cruz comes back to CORE 4 every year to speak to the teens with his inspiring message about how to reach their full potential.
“He’s bridging the gap for youth to move forward on their academic journey and he’s building their character and strength along the way,” said Francis J Kenneally III, Merrimack Valley YMCA CEO and president. “We’ve been so proud to work alongside Socratic, Inc through our CORE 4 leadership program and see the impact.”
For that dedication, Socratic, Inc., was honored as the Community Partner of the Year at the 2024 Merrimack Valley YMCA Annual Meeting on Nov. 14 at the Vault in Lawrence.
“I am deeply touched that our organization is receiving this award,” said De La Cruz. “Desmond Tutu once said, we have to stop pulling people out of the river and go upstream to see why they’re falling in. At Socratic, Inc., we believe in going upstream. We’re committed to the Y, to Frank and his team because their work is also going upstream.”
The Y also recognized five individuals for outstanding volunteer service.
Linda Buell of Methuen was recognized by the Methuen Y for her leadership of the food pantry, with serves more than 4,100 families.
Alan Dorson of Epping, NH, a past winner, has been a steadfast leader for the Y Camping Services Branch, which includes our three camp programs. His stewardship of the Complete the Fleet campaign has helped the Y to raise $1.6 million toward a $2 million goal to modernize our island camp boat transportation fleet.
Melanie Griffin of Tewksbury was awarded by the Andover/North Andover Branch for a being a champion of the Y who gives her time, passion and ideas to make the Y the best place it can be.
Central Catholic High School Principal Chris Sullivan was honored for his dedication and years of service to the Lawrence Y, serving on the board and working with our teen programs.
“Together we are able to provide opportunity for our local teens to attain a top-notch education, preparing our young leaders for the next crucial steps in their lives,” said Joe Agosto, executive director of the Lawrence Y. “Chris is instrumental in growing our partnership and increasing our impact to ensure our ability to continue to provide this resource and support for years to come.”
Donna Aldrich of North Andover, outgoing YMCA Board of Director’s Chairwoman, was recognized by Kenneally for her board stewardship. Under Aldrich’s leadership, the Y board has worked on its own development, increased its diversity in members, and engaged in thoughtful strategic planning to set up the Y for long term success.
This year, through our memberships, camps, youth programs and social services, the Merrimack Valley YMCA impacted more than 75,000 people. Some highlights of the Y’s work in 2024 include:
- Provided 126,000 pounds of food to 7,300 families through our Lawrence Food pantry
- Cared for 900 children in our child care and after school care programs across five locations
- Awarded 150 youth and teens with scholarships to attend day and overnight camps
- Held over 13,300 swimming lessons to teach youth this life-saving skill
- Supported 133 eighth graders through the Lawrence Y Adelante Program with skill building, mentoring and scholarship
