Youth as Healthcare Change Agents
The Lawrence Youth as Health Care Change Agents Initiative brings together youth organizations, health institutions, and community partners to support the health and well-being of families in Lawrence’s North Canal Mill District and East Island Neighborhood. Led by Lawrence CommunityWorks, this long-term effort focuses on youth mental health and family wellness, leadership development, health career pathways, and creating safe, connected spaces that strengthen the neighborhood. Through this collaborative approach, the initiative is helping build a healthier and more equitable future for the community. This work is supported by a grant from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation, whose mission is to help close the gap in life expectancy in Eastern Massachusetts by creating vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities. For more information about the Foundation, visit atriusfoundation.org.
Our Initiatives
ALAS
(Activism, Leadership, Advocacy, and Service)
Promoting youth leadership and empowerment
A.L.A.S. (Activism, Leadership, Advocacy, and Service) is a youth-centered, paid leadership development program serving young people in Lawrence. The program supports career exploration, leadership skill-building, place-making, and mental health awareness through structured activities, community-based projects, and civic engagement opportunities. We aim to provide students with professional experience while centering youth voice, collaboration, responsibility, and community impact.
Yameily Villaronga, Youth Organizer & Leadership Coordinator yvillaronga@lawrencecommunityworks.org
CAMBIOS
(Cultivating Access to Medicine, Biotech, and Integrated Opportunities)
Creating Pathways to Health Careers
CAMBIO, which stands for Cultivating Access to Medicine, Biotech, and Integrated Opportunities, is designed for young people interested in careers in medicine, healthcare, biotech, clinical psychology, social work, and related fields. Through personalized advising, skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, and access to unique resources, CAMBIO Scholars receive the support they need to explore their path and grow as future leaders committed to their community.
Alethea Raybeck
Senior Director of College & Career Planning, cambio@ydolawrence.org
Healthcare Internships
The healthcare internship program gives youth the opportunity to learn directly from healthcare professionals, explore different roles across the healthcare field, and build the skills and confidence needed for their future. From clinical to administrative pathways, participants gain valuable experience that helps them prepare for college, careers, and long-term success.
Supporting Youth Mental Health and Family Wellness
Mental Wellness is a key focus of the Lawrence Youth as Change Agents Initiative, creating space for young people to strengthen their emotional well-being, build coping skills, and feel supported as they grow. In partnership with Boston College School of Social Work Master’s Fellows, youth participate in wellness-centered activities and conversations that encourage reflection, connection, and healing.
Contact info:
Building a healthier neighborhood through safe, connected spaces
The Lawrence Youth as Change Agents Initiative helps build a healthier neighborhood by creating safe, connected spaces where youth and families can gather, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. Through community partnerships, shared activities, and place-based efforts in the North Canal Mill District, the initiative supports a neighborhood that is welcoming, engaged, and rooted in well-being.
Partners
