Empowering the Community through Housing Support and Financial Education
ACT Lawrence isn’t just an organization; it’s a community of people who care deeply about Lawrence and its residents.
We were founded in 1996, born from the resilience of the Arlington District community after two significant crises: the Malden Mills fire and the Spicket River floods. These events devastated local housing and employment, inspiring residents to establish ACT Lawrence as a Latina-led, non-profit Community Development Corporation (CDC). Since then, we have been driven by a shared belief that everyone deserves stability, opportunity, and a voice in shaping their future.
Building Hope, One Step at a Time
What started as a small group of people determined to help their neighbors has grown into a citywide movement. ACT Lawrence began by addressing critical community needs like housing stability and financial education by offering programs that tackle each issue. Still, our impact has expanded with each year. By 2005, ACT expanded its programs citywide, providing support in both English and Spanish, from saving homes from foreclosure to helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership and guiding young people to become leaders to bring the community together for neighborhood cleanups and events.
Over the years, ACT Lawrence has evolved into a trusted leader in community development, empowering residents with tools to improve their quality of life.
Key Milestones and Achievements
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2006: Launched its Housing Counseling Program, which has since grown into the Financial Opportunity Center to provide tailored financial coaching.
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2017: Recognized as a finalist by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network for excellence in collaboration—an award that mirrors the teamwork and trust we share with our community.
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2018: Honored as a Social Innovator by the Social Innovation Forum for its community impact by transforming financial empowerment into real, lasting change.
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2020: Secured significant grants from organizations like the Cummings Foundation, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and The New Commonwealth Fund, fueling growth and capacity building.
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2024: Reached over 4,169 members through programs, services, and events, a testament to our growing impact.
More Than a Mission, a Family
We are a small but mighty team, joined by hundreds of volunteers, local partners, and most importantly, the people of Lawrence themselves. Together, we don’t just work toward change; we live it. As we celebrate nearly three decades of service, we remain focused on our mission to empower families. We continue to build pathways to generational wealth, stable housing, and leadership opportunities. Our community's strength and heart inspire us daily, helping us transform challenges into stepping stones for a brighter future.
We’ve accomplished so much together, but our journey is far from over. We invite you to join us as we create a stronger, more inclusive, and hopeful community for generations to come.
Every Number Tells a Story