Merrimack Valley YMCA’s Annual Meeting Honors Socratic, Inc. and Community Volunteers
LAWRENCE – The Merrimack Valley YMCA celebrated its 144th Annual Meeting by recognizing volunteers for their community service and dedication to the values of the Y.
The Y presented youth empowerment organization Socratic, Inc., and its founder, Socrates De La Cruz of Lawrence, with the Community Partner of the Year Award.
The Merrimack Valley YMCA is a leading non-profit for healthy families, youth development and social responsibility. The Merrimack Valley YMCA is comprised of the Lawrence Y, Andover/North Andover Y, Methuen Y and Camping Services branches.
In addition to Socratic, Inc., five community members were honored for their support of the Y’s branches.
“We are so proud to recognize our volunteers who have given so much of themselves to support the Y’s mission,” said Francis J. Kenneally III, Merrimack Valley YMCA CEO and president. “These dedicated volunteers and partners play a key role in the success that we have had an organization this past year.”
Socratic, Inc. inspires and empowers youth to recognize, develop, and achieve their full potential. Through scholarships and support, Socratic, Inc., is dedicated to helping youth in the Merrimack Valley grow, thrive and succeed.
“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.”
Under the leadership of De La Cruz, Socratic, Inc., has created positive change and shows a commitment to advancing youth development – a mission that is closely aligned to the work of the Merrimack Valley YMCA.
“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,” Kenneally said. “We’ve been so proud to work alongside Socratic, Inc., through our CORE 4 leadership program and see the impact.”
The Y also recognized five individuals for outstanding volunteer service.
Linda Buell of Methuen was recognized by the Methuen Y for leadership of the food pantry, with serves more than 4,100 families monthly.
Alan Dorson of Epping, NH, a past winner, has been a steadfast leader for the Y Camping Services Branch, which includes 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 the 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 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 the Lawrence Food pantry
- Cared for 900 children in childcare 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
To learn more about the Merrimack Valley YMCA and its programs visit http://www.mvymca.org.
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