Latest News
Welcome to the News page of Gregg House, where we share the latest updates, exciting events, and important announcements from our vibrant community. Here, you’ll find stories that highlight our ongoing programs, partnerships, and the impact we’re making in the lives of local families. Whether it’s a celebration of recent achievements or a look ahead at upcoming initiatives, this page serves as a hub for all things happening at Gregg House as we continue to nurture and support the families we serve. Stay connected and informed with us!
Leaders in Action: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
This spring, our 6th and 7th grade students took part in our new Leaders in Action program -- a leadership-focused initiative designed to help young people strengthen communication, respect, teamwork, and social-emotional learning skills while serving as positive role models for younger children. Leaders in Action was developed by Carrie Stack of Say Yes Institute, the students and Gregg House Educators.
Using the nationally recognized CASEL framework for social-emotional learning and guided by the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, students explored what it means to lead with empathy, responsibility, and confidence. A key part of the program centered around student voice and ownership, encouraging participants to help shape the group's direction, activities, and goals.
As part of the experience, students even created their own "job descriptions" for what it means to be a leader. Through mentoring younger children, participating in group activities, and building meaningful peer connections, participants gained confidence and valuable life skills.
Here’s what some of our student leaders had to say about their experience:
“Leaders in Action is about being in classrooms and supporting, helping, and working with kids. I learned being a role model isn’t just about being responsible, but it’s also about helping and supporting kids.” — Fatima
“I would tell other kids to do this program because you make lots of friendships and become a leader. I liked that you can be friends with people you never talked to before.” — Idalis
“Leaders in Action is an opportunity to be a role model and it was fun playing games with the younger kids. I learned it is easy to engage with others.” — Darvin
“Leaders in Action was fun and I got to make new friends. I learned to be positive.” — Jaxson
“Leaders in Action program is a good thing because you learn new things and you get to be a role model for multiple kids.” — Jaiden
We are incredibly proud of the growth, leadership, and compassion these students demonstrated throughout the program.
A special thank you to the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation for their generous support in helping us develop and launch the Leaders in Action program. Their investment is helping empower the next generation of leaders in our community.
Connolly Brothers Selected to Build New Early Learning Center
Gregg House is moving forward on its transformative new Early Learning Center, with Connolly Brothers Inc. named as construction manager for the 40,000-square-foot project. The state-of-the-art facility will expand access to high-quality early education, serving more than 300 children from infancy through preschool.
Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion anticipated in late 2027. Designed to meet the growing demand for childcare in the Lynn community, the new center will provide modern, purpose-built spaces that support learning, growth, and family stability.
Celebrating Social Workers Month
This Social Workers Month, we proudly recognize the incredible dedication of our social services team: Frantzie Kébreau, Director of Social Services; Christine Nesbit, Infant & Toddler Program Social Worker; Kristy Gensel-Hubes, Preschool Program Social Worker; and Vianca Rodriguez, School-Age Program Social Worker.
Each day, they support more than 500 families and nearly 100 staff members, providing guidance, advocacy, and essential resources across our community. From connecting families to basic needs like food and clothing to navigating complex situations involving DCF, IEP meetings, and critical referrals, their impact is both meaningful and far-reaching.
They serve as trusted advocates, problem-solvers, and a steady source of care and encouragement. Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment help ensure every family and staff member feels supported, seen, and empowered.
We are incredibly grateful for all that they do.
Lynn Fire Fighters Local 739, Boston Bruins Foundation & Professional Fire Fighters of MA delivered 250 kids winter coats and hats
Members of Lynn Fire Fighters Local 739, alongside the Boston Bruins Foundation and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, brought holiday cheer to children at Gregg House by delivering 250 brand-new winter coats and hats by fire truck as part of the Operation Warm initiative.
Through this program, kids were able to choose their own warm coat and hat and personalize it with their name, ensuring they stay comfortable during the colder months.
Local union leaders emphasized the importance of the event — not just for warmth, but as a meaningful connection between first responders and youth in the community. Partners highlighted plans to expand the program across Massachusetts so more families can benefit.
Lynn Firefighters Serve Thanksgiving Lunch to 300+ Gregg House Children
For more than 30 years, Gregg House has hosted its Annual Thanksgiving Lunch, a cherished tradition that brings warmth, togetherness, and a sense of community to hundreds of children each year.
This year, the tradition continued in a big way as Lynn Fire Local Union 739 generously provided and personally prepared a full Thanksgiving meal for more than 300 Gregg House students. Firefighters, volunteers, community leaders, and Gregg House Board Members gathered at Hibernian Hall to serve the children and share in the holiday spirit.
Gregg House Board Member Brenda Womack reflected on the heart of the event, saying, “It lets kids know that we are thankful to be able to give back to them.”
Gregg House CEO Kelly O’Connor expressed similar sentiment, “The event is important this year because of the climate in the world that we’re living in right now. The kids really need to see everybody coming together.”
For many children, this meal is more than food — it is a moment of joy, stability, and celebration during a holiday season that can be challenging for families. Thanks to the Lynn Firefighters and all who volunteered, the Gregg House Thanksgiving Lunch continues to be a powerful example of community at its best.
Thanks to the generous support of the Cummings Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Initiative, Gregg House has opened a brand-new Zen Den—a calming sensory and emotional support space within our School-Age Program.
Designed to help children decompress after a busy day, the Zen Den offers soft lighting, cozy seating, soothing sounds, and sensory-friendly materials like weighted blankets and fidget tools. It’s a peaceful space where children can breathe, reflect, and restore balance.
Guided by trained staff, the room encourages both supported and independent use, helping children build self-awareness and emotional coping skills. “The Zen Den is more than a room—it’s a reflection of our belief that every child deserves understanding, patience, and a place to feel safe,” said Kelly O’Connor, Executive Director of Gregg House.
This new addition reflects Gregg House’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, high-quality care for all children. The Zen Den team will complete Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training this winter to further enhance support for our students.
3,000 Backpacks Distributed to Lynn Students Through Community Partnership
We are honored that Gregg House could be part of such an incredible community partnership to support Lynn families. Under the leadership of Liliana Patino, Senior Director of Community Impact and Development at the Eliot Resource Center, who generously provided the backpacks and coordinated the event—and with the dedicated efforts of Joel Abramson, who engaged the Lynn Education District and Lynn Public Schools to facilitate distribution, more than 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were shared with local students.
By joining hands with our partners, Gregg House helped ensure that children began the school year prepared and confident. Collaborations like this reflect the true strength of our community and the collective belief in lifting families up and investing in the bright futures of our children.
Coming Soon: New Early Learning Center
Gregg House is entering an inspiring new chapter with the construction of a modern, 40,000-square-foot early learning center designed to support the growth and well-being of our youngest learners.