Antonio Gutierrez (Item file photo)
By Adam Swift
LYNN — Antonio Gutierrez has made it his life’s mission to reach out to local youth in need of help.
But on Saturday night, Gutierrez and his organization, Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy (LYSOA), will be getting help from a high-powered friend.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) will be the keynote speaker at the Inaugural Gala Fundraiser for LYSOA on Saturday night.
The event takes place from 6-10 p.m. at Gannon Municipal Golf Course at 60 Great Woods Road. Tickets are $75 per person or $100 per couple and are available online at www.lysoa.org?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss or by calling 781-560-3071.
Gutierrez, the non-profit’s youth outreach advocate, and Teresa DiGregorio, the executive director, run a tight ship to provide relief to distressed and underprivileged youth and to combat juvenile delinquency.
“LYSOA provides advocacy and outreach services to all high-risk youth, young adults and their families in the community,” said DiGregorio. “We organize and conduct outreach activities, encouraging involvement in community development, assists in job searches and juvenile community service.”
Over the years, Gutierrez said the organization has helped hundreds of kids facing tough choices. He’s been on the frontlines of the city, working with the court system and the police department’s gang units.
“I want people to understand that you come from gang involvement to change your life,” he said, echoing his own life story. “Good people trusted me and have worked with me.”
In addition to Moulton, Gutierrez and DiGregorio will speak about the past, present and future of LYSOA and three young adults will highlight the successes they experienced thanks to the organization.
Adam Swift can be reached at aswift@itemlive.com.
