This week in my column, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge an organization that is making a real difference in the City of Lawrence: the Lawrence Partnership. The mission of the Lawrence Partnership, to build a resilient, inclusive and equitable local economy, aligns perfectly with AgeSpan’s mission, to ensure everyone has the ability to live and age well in communities that support them. That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to serve on the executive committee of this organization, which brings together people and institutions to achieve big goals for the city through collaboration.
The Lawrence Partnership was founded in 2015 by a group of leaders from businesses, area banks, non-profits, educational and healthcare institutions, and government. Since then, they have worked together to develop loan programs for small businesses, host events where Lawrencians can connect with leaders and learn about our city, promote education and training, and much more. AgeSpan is proud to stand with leaders from Northern Essex Community College, Silverio Insurance, Enterprise Bank, and many others in the partnership. Their work impacts all ages, including older adults, by helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Lawrence where everyone has a role to play in its success. As George Ramirez, Executive Director of the Lawrence Partnership, explains, the organization’s strength lies in its ability to bring people together for a common purpose:
“One of the great assets of the Lawrence Partnership is the power to convene. It’s the ability to bring together a large number of CEOs from throughout the Merrimack Valley, in all sectors, to lift up the City of Lawrence.”
I would like to invite you to learn more about the Lawrence Partnership by attending their 2025 Annual Meeting on June 17, 2025, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence. It promises to be an inspiring event, with a keynote address by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and awards recognizing outstanding leadership in economic development. One of the winners of the Rising Star award is AgeSpan’s very own Marisol Rodriguez, who works as an accounting manager. Marisol gives generously of her time: delivering meals to those in need, participating in advocacy days at the State House, and supporting local food drives. We are proud to have her as a part of the AgeSpan family and we are looking forward to celebrating her.
Although we now serve 28 cities and towns, AgeSpan is rooted in Lawrence. It’s where we got our start more than 50 years ago and it is still home to our organization’s headquarters. I encourage you to support the mission of the Lawrence Partnership by learning more, getting involved, or attending the Annual Meeting. I hope to see you there.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
