By Kirk Boutselis, Sun Correspondent
LOWELL -- When Lowell teenagers Jasmine Feliz, Chantay Otero and Criselen Trinidad visited the United Teen Equality Center for the first time, they didn't know what to expect.
They had heard a little about the innovative youth-outreach services the grass-roots organization was piloting from its downtown office, but not much more. Once the girls stepped through UTEC's doors, however, they knew they wouldn't be leaving any time soon.
Trinidad, 15, said she felt a congenial atmosphere and peaceful calm from UTEC staff and volunteers right from the start.
"It felt comfortable. There was just something there," she said. "There's just something about (UTEC) that makes me want to come every day."
The same was true for Feliz, 15, and Otero, 16, who called UTEC "a second family" and "home."
"As soon as we stepped in, we couldn't step back out," Otero said.
Last night, the girls were three of more than 400 guests who packed the former St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Hurd Street to celebrate UTEC's move to the historic building.
The celebration, according to UTEC Executive Director Gregg Croteau, was also the official community kickoff to UTEC's $6 million fundraising campaign to renovate the building and add an addition in the adjacent parking lot.
Funds were generated from a live and silent auction that included four tickets to an upcoming Red Sox-Yankees game that went for $1,050, and a baseball signed by Red Sox legend Ted Williams, also approaching that price range.
Since 1999, UTEC has served as a safe haven for teenagers frustrated by the fact that there was no place to "hang out" in the downtown area. The organization has quickly transformed from a low-key community group to a citywide behemoth with an $850,000 budget. By focusing on peace, positivity and youth development, UTEC continues to serve about 150 teens every day, and about 1,500 a year -- many considered "at risk."
As UTEC has expanded, so has its need for a larger facility.
The group was first based in the parish hall of St. Anne's Episcopal Church on Kirk Street before moving to 106 Merrimack St., a few years later. UTEC then bought St. Paul's Church, at 34 Hurd St., in February 2006, and has been renovating it for the last year.
A large number of local politicians were also on hand at last night's celebration, many of whom pledged continued support of UTEC and praised the organization's efforts.
"There is so much potential here," state Sen. Steven Panagiotakos said. "We're changing the face of this city in many ways. If we don't invest in buildings like this ... then not only have we done a disservice to this city, (but) we've done a greater disservice to the future."
City Manager Bernie Lynch said when he heard that UTEC was moving to St. Paul's Church, he had doubts they would be able to accomplish the task.
"I really didn't think it was possible, but once again I was proven wrong," he said. "UTEC will always have a seat at the table in the city of Lowell as long as I'm the city manager."
Croteau said UTEC has raised about $2 million of its $6 million goal so far. Proceeds generated last night will go directly to the redevelopment efforts and UTEC's youth services.
This story appeared in the Lowell Sun on Friday, April 13, 2007