Graduating Catholic Charities North Students Celebrate Resilience and New Beginnings

Catholic Charities North held their 2025 graduation ceremony on August 28 at Old Tyme Restaurant, where they celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of students graduating from the agency’s HiSet and CareerWorks program, both which offer referral-based Competitive Integrated Employment Services (CIES). 

Among those in attendance were Lynn City Councilors Coco Alinsung and Natasha Megie-Maddrey and Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, who shared congratulatory remarks with the students and encouraged them to continue pursuing their goals. 

“We are so proud of the way you have invested in yourself and your community,” said Mayor Nicholson. “I know that it took a lot of work to show up and complete a meaningful educational experience like this, and we are so grateful you had the commitment and grit to do so. On behalf of the City of Lynn, congratulations.” 

Offered to both youth and adults, the HiSET program helps students earn their high school equivalency diploma while also focusing on job readiness and exploring future opportunities. CareerWorks is designed specifically to prepare individuals, referred by the Department of Transitional Assistance, for the workforce through career exploration, training, and support. Together, both programs equip students with the skills and confidence they need to take the next step toward higher education, training, or employment. 

“Earning a diploma isn’t about what you’ve done already but what you plan to do next,” said Catholic Charities North instructor Daniel Crowther. “Completing these programs shows you are ready for the next challenge, whether it’s trade school, college, or the workforce. Everyone here is so very proud of you.” 

Each graduate brings a unique story of perseverance. Kim Jahid, who immigrated to the U.S. from Morocco, shared her longtime dream of opening a florist shop. With Catholic Charities North’s CareerWorks staff by her side, she earned a certificate in Floral Design from North Shore Community College and plans to launch her business online this year. 

“I am very excited,” said Kim. “Catholic Charities has helped me get to where I am.” 

Other students earned their diplomas while balancing family responsibilities. HiSET graduate Dezani Torres attended the ceremony with her two-week-old daughter. Just weeks earlier, she had been living in a local Lynn —now, she not only holds her high school equivalency diploma but has also secured permanent housing. Standing proudly in the crowd to cheer her on as she received her diploma were her former shelter case managers and Catholic Charities North’s CareerWorks instructors.  

“We are so happy to be a small part of the student’s life and journey and to help provide encouragement and motivation,” said CareerWorks Instructor and CIES Case Manager, Ana Stipanovic. “We here at Catholic Charities are so proud of each of you. This is just the beginning.” 

To learn more about Catholic Charities Boston’s Adult Education and Workforce Development programs, click here. To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need, click here.