Why Lawrence

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Why Lawrence?

Lawrence is one of the most densely populated and diverse cities in Massachusetts, with nearly half of its residents foreign-born and many families living below the state’s median income. The community faces significant health challenges, including elevated rates of obesity, diabetes, asthma, and food insecurity. Youth in Lawrence are also more likely to struggle academically, with lower high school and college attainment compared to the state, and many face barriers related to poverty, language, and access to enrichment opportunities. These realities make Lawrence a city with some of the greatest needs in the Commonwealth.

What Lawrence Needs

The data tell a clear story: high rates of poverty and unemployment, limited access to healthy food, and increased prevalence of preventable chronic conditions create obstacles for young people to thrive. Compounding these challenges are high rates of teen births, substance use risk, and gang recruitment pressures. At the same time, the city’s schools and families work hard under difficult circumstances. Lawrence students deserve the same opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed as their peers in more affluent communities, but their path is steeper without targeted support.

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What We Do

This is exactly where our work fits. By combining tennis, fitness, and educational enrichment, we address Lawrence’s dual challenges: promoting health and creating pathways to achievement. Our programs encourage physical activity in a community where inactivity and chronic disease are widespread. We provide structured, positive outlets for youth who might otherwise be pulled toward less constructive options. And through academic enrichment—like tutoring, secondary school placement support, service learning, and exposure to new opportunities—we help students set higher goals and gain access to the resources they need to reach them.

Why It Matters

Serving Lawrence means tackling inequity head-on. Few places in Massachusetts present such a concentrated opportunity to make a measurable difference in the lives of young people. Every dollar invested here supports a city where the needs are high, the potential is great, and the impact of quality programming is felt immediately. By serving Lawrence, we are not only enriching individual lives but also strengthening an entire community that deserves the same opportunities as any other in our state.

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Category Lawrence, MA Massachusetts Overall
Population (2024 est.) 89,332 7,000,000+
Population density ~12,724/sq mi ~900/sq mi
Median household income $58,079 $100,915
Poverty rate 16.90% 10.60%
Bachelor’s degree+ 15.30% 47.80%
High school graduate+ 71.50% 91.40%
Foreign-born population 46.50% 18.60%
Unemployment (recent est.) ~7% ~3–4%
Adult obesity 68% overweight/obese (2012–14) ~59% overweight/obese (2012–14)
Childhood asthma (K-8) ≈17% K-8 students ~10–12% K-8 students
Physical inactivity (CDC PLACES) Above state avg ≈22% adults inactive