Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, just past the midway point of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced the awarding of $500,000 in federal funding for UTEC's gun violence prevention programs in Haverhill. The funding, which was secured by Trahan during government funding negotiations earlier this year, will be used to bolster the organization’s efforts in coordination with local community partners and law enforcement to help high-risk young people avoid violence and develop the skills necessary to build successful lives for themselves.

“The sharp rise in gun violence in recent months has been devastating for almost every community in our nation. We know that to stop gun violence, we need stronger federal laws like action on ghost guns, background checks, and red flag laws, and more than anything, investments in community-level programs that target the root causes of this epidemic,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That’s why I’ve been working with UTEC and community leaders for months to secure this substantial federal funding for the organization’s gun violence prevention program in Haverhill. I look forward to seeing this investment put to use and working with UTEC to secure additional investments in lifesaving efforts like this.”

"For UTEC, when we think about preventing gun violence, we think about meeting people where they are at, offering a solid support system, and providing positive pathways. We're so thankful to Congresswoman Trahan for her for all her support of our outreach and violence prevention work which positively impacts young people we serve. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with so many community partners that are integral to a holistic approach to violence prevention,” said Gregg Croteau, UTEC Inc. CEO.

During the event today, participants heard more about the success of UTEC’s gun violence prevention programs, including the Training Center for Excellence, which provides training, technical assistance, and network-building for statewide gun violence prevention efforts, and the Emerging Leaders Learning Collaborative, a small group focused on developing the next generation of leaders of color in violence prevention. The objectives of these programs, as well as other efforts fueled by this federal investment, will be to provide intensive street outreach and gang peacemaking, and “in-reach” to provide young adults currently incarcerated in correctional facilities. That is coupled with UTEC’s intensive programming that includes real-world employment experience through its in-house social enterprises, project-based educational programming, social justice workshops, youth-led policymaking, and mental health services.

The roundtable discussion also included input from key partners on these programs, including Haverhill Mayor Jim Fiorentini, Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone, and Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger.

“Gun violence is an incredibly serious and important issue at the local, state and national level, and we are very grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for securing these funds to benefit UTEC and its many community partners in support of gun-violence prevention programs in Haverhill,” Mayor Fiorentini said, noting that Haverhill Police have made 20 handgun-related arrests in the first six months of 2022 while confiscating 23 illegal firearms.

“During my career as a Haverhill Police officer I've seen too many tragic events where young lives have been lost to senseless gun violence and resulting in devastation to the victims’ families, their loved ones, and our community. The Haverhill Police Department works tirelessly to keep our citizens safe by taking illegal guns out of the hands of the criminal element. In 2022 Haverhill officers have made 23 gun related arrests, and have seized 20 guns, including ghost guns from non-law abiding suspects intent on using these firearms to commit crimes against others,” said Chief Pistone. “While these arrests are impactful, we can't do our job alone by operating in a silo. We value our partnerships with Congresswoman Trahan and the rest of our legislative delegation, as well as organizations such as UTEC who can help us address the root causes behind gun violence, especially with our youth who are at risk for gang life. I am grateful for Congresswoman Trahan, who sees the value in our partnership with UTEC, who have successfully become the mentors of so many of our at risk youth by redirecting them to seek meaningful lives through education and employment, and also intervening in outreach work as peacekeepers during times of turmoil between gangs. As Chief of Police, I am extremely appreciative of Congresswoman Trahan’s efforts to secure this funding to help keep the citizens of Haverhill safe, and I am looking forward to seeing the lives of our most at risk youth enriched.”

"Gun-related violence is on the rise and the Merrimack Valley is not immune. We need partners like UTEC and grassroots prevention programs like this one to reduce gun violence and help keep deadly weapons out of the hands of at-risk youth,” said Sheriff Coppinger. "I thank Congresswoman Trahan for her unrelenting efforts on this issue. With law enforcement and organizations like UTEC working together, we can – and we will – make our communities safer.”

The group was also joined by State Representatives Andy Vargas, Christina Minicucci, and Linda Dean Campbell, as well as Haverhill City Councilors Joseph Bevilacqua and Melinda Barrett, all of whom have been invaluable advocates for UTEC and its successful programs.

“So much of gun violence prevention work goes on between individual relationships and organizational leadership that often the general public doesn’t see. This grant acknowledges and boosts that effective work to keep our community safe and to give young adults positive alternatives,” said State Representative Vargas. “I’m delighted and grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for prioritizing this grant which perfectly complements the state neighborhood gun violence prevention grant we created in 2018.”

Community-level investments in intervention, education, and prevention are essential for stopping gun violence. UTEC’s model of doubling down on support for our gang-involved youth and guiding them to a future free from violence, is effective with proven results,” said State Representative Minicucci. “We are thankful for the partnership of Congresswoman Trahan who fought to secure critical funding for UTEC which will change the lives and trajectory of Merrimack Valley youth.

“UTEC works – it reduces violence and provides a new opportunity for many youth because of its intense one-on-one approach. This is what is required,” said State Representative Campbell. “It is critical that federal and state funding continues to support UTEC’s incredible successful outcomes – one person at a time.”

“Thank you to Congresswoman Trahan for bringing to Haverhill such a tremendous grant to UTEC with the goal of reducing gun violence in our city,” said Councilor Bevilacqua. “I believe every kid deserves to live in safety and with the support of the City Police and social service agencies this grant brings our City closer to that goal.”

“An enormous thank you to Congresswoman Trahan for obtaining this funding,” said Councilor Barrett. “These funds will allow UTEC to continue its vital work in and with our community giving hope, help and opportunity. Their work with young adults is showing another road away from violence.”

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