History
Si, Se Puede! Inc. was founded in 1985 in response to the articulated needs of families who live in very low income housing in the Merrimack Courts and surrounding lower Tower Hill neighborhood in Lawrence, MA. Since 1985, Si, Se Puede has provided continuous and growing services to neighborhood youth and their families. Si, Se Puede has grown from a grassroots outreach effort to a vibrant center of educational and social opportunities.
One of the most unique and appreciated aspects of the Si, Se Puede experience is the individualized attention, guidance and encouragement that is extended to each person who walks through Si, Se Puede’s door.
Staff
The staff at SSP consists of volunteers and paid administrative and teaching staff, reflect the cultural diversity of the city and is very dedicated to the mission and purposes of the organization and to the people of this neighborhood. Peg Duddy is the co-founder who retired and left her legacy to be ran by dedicated leaders. Clarissa Osorez is currently the Executive Director of Si, Se Puede! Inc. she began her leadership with SSP in August of 2020.
Si, Se Puede has always benefited from the assistance of many adult and high school volunteers. Adult volunteers come weekly from the Merrimack Valley Jewish Literacy Coalition to work with younger participants who are SSP learners. Students from Phillips Academy Service Learning Program come to SSP to tutor and mentor SSP participants. Si, Se Puede work/study participants also provide valuable and personal service in the after school program.
Board of Directors
- Jesús Suriel – President
- Lois Sideman – Clerk
- Joseph Urena – Treasurer
- Denise Molina Capers – Director
- Lorie Mendoza – Director
- Ahmed Ibrahim – Director
- Esther Alburquerque – Director