Call to Action Event: Reducing Youth Violence in Lynn | February 11, 2026

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce violence, the City of Lynn hosted an Call to Action event on February 11th in the City Hall foyer. The event featured the launch of the Community Violence Prevention Plan, a comprehensive report that was developed in partnership with community partners and a social and collective impact consulting firm, and introduction of the new Youth Safety & Opportunity Collaborative (Y-SOC).

Launched by Mayor Jared Nicholson, this new leadership body is comprised of representatives of law enforcement, service providers, elected officials, educators, public health officials and others. The group, which met for the first time on January 29th, will work to implement the Violence Prevention Plan, improve communication among organizations conducting similar work, ensure its work is community-centered and evidence-based, and build a future where all youth can thrive.

During the event we heard from the following people:

• Faustina Cuevas | Chief of Wellbeing and DEI, City of Lynn
• Antonio Gutierrez | Chair of Y-SOC / Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy
• Jared Nicholson | Mayor of the City of Lynn
• Paul F. Tucker | Essex County District Attorney
• Christopher Reddy | Lynn Police Chief
• Ruth Zakarin | Chief Executive Officer, MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
• Lynn Families Impacted by Community Violence     
  • Family of Romel Danis
  • Family of Jandriel Heredia

Community Violence Prevention Plan