Department of Youth Services, Lowell

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is Massachusetts’ juvenile justice agency. Their mission is “to protect the public and prevent crime by promoting positive change in the lives of youth committed to our custody.” They partner with many government and community organizations as well as with families to ensure their mission’s success. All youth interventions are intended to build knowledge, develop skills, and improve behavior. The majority of youth under the care of DYS have been adjudicated delinquent. Forty-five percent of those served are identified as having special education needs and 44% have been charged with having committed a violent offence. 

The DYS Lowell District office sees over 60 youth every year. The dedicated staff runs programs to uphold the DYS mission including managing individuals’ case work, running family counseling, group therapy, meals, and support in securing employment and high school diplomas. Artwork now enhances the facility's conference rooms, entrance area and stairway, and caseworkers’ offices. 

To learn more about DYS visit http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dys/

Untitled, Woodblock relief print donated by George C. and Prilla Smith Brackett
artist: K. Sasajima

Tree of Life, collage and acrylic by Kristine Brennen

Goldfish, silkscreen by Deborah Clearman

Early Spring, silkscreen by Deborah Clearman

Lone Photographer, photograph by Susan Collings

The Mime, silver gelatin print donated by Linda Fisher
artist: Al Fisher

Cloudy Sky Over Ocean, watercolor donated by Thomas Glannon & Patricia Wiley
artist: Edward Glannon

Black Raven (Okayama, Japan), photograph donated by Nita Goldstein
artist: Jack S. Goldstein

Boston Harbor at Dusk, oil on canvas by Francis K. Grossman

Divine Blue Purple, digital print by Lira Kay

Divine Black Blue, digital print by Lira Kay

Blue Angel, acrylic on canvas by Bette Frank Leahy

Colorful Nature, watercolor by Jeannie Lindheim

Dalilah's Garden, mixed media by Silvina Mizrahi

Moonlight, silkscreen by Candy Nartonis

Long Reach, screen monotype by Candy Nartonis

Dara Asleep, graphite and charcoal by Candy Nartonis

Daybreak, silkscreen by Candy Nartonis

Untitled, oil on canvas by Jessica Pinsky

Untitled, repurposed acrylic latex paint on canvas by Cassandra Tondro