For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-666-2012
Email: john@jgpr.net

The Psychological Center, Inc. Hosts Legislative Open House at Daybreak Shelter

LAWRENCE — The Psychological Center, Inc. (TPC) is pleased to announce that it successfully hosted its first Legislative Open House at the Daybreak Shelter in Lawrence earlier this month.

On Friday, April 8, at least 50 community members joined TPC staff and board members for coffee, pastries and discussion about increasing necessary funding and finding adequate space for the Daybreak Shelter as the city develops plans for the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor, which would run directly through the shelter’s current location.

State Sen. Barbara L’Italien, State Reps. Marcos Devers and Linda Dean Campbell, Essex County Correctional Facility Superintendent Michael Marks, Sgt. William Castro of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon and other community leaders were in attendance for the event.

“We were so pleased with the turnout for this event, which was the first of its kind for The Psychological Center,” Chief Executive Officer Carina Pappalardo said. “Allowing our community leaders to see the size and condition of this shelter was important for us to stress our need for more resources.”

Daybreak is hoping that with increased funding from the state, additional services can be offered to its guests. Currently, the shelter provides a meal for both breakfast and dinner, a hot shower, and on site services such as a health clinic, paralegal services, HIV/HEPC education and testing and referrals, along with a domestic violence specialist. Daybreak Shelter can accommodate up to 50 guests and most months, they serve at least 1,500 meals.

Daybreak would also like to update its facilities and is looking to the state for assistance. The property is comprised of four modular trailers bolted together, which were given a life expectancy of five years, but have housed guests for nearly 16 years.

“Our hope is that local officials will advocate for Daybreak moving forward so that we can continue provide the resources our guests need to help break the cycle of homelessness,” Pappalardo said.

About The Psychological Center:

Since 1971, The Psychological Center has been providing mental health and recovery services in the community. The individualized treatment components have been designed to focus on physical, psychological, social and familial aspects of clients.

For more information on The Psychological Center, please visit its website.

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