History

Established in 1907 by Grace Gregg, Gregg Neighborhood House has been a cornerstone of support for the Lynn, Massachusetts community, particularly serving immigrants working in Lynn's shoe industry. Grace Gregg's pioneering efforts led to the establishment of Lynn's first kindergarten, public playground, well-baby clinic, dental dispensary, and lending library. Her mission was to empower families to help themselves, a philosophy that continues to guide our organization today.​

Throughout our history, Gregg Neighborhood House has remained committed to assisting and strengthening families by delivering high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive programs. Today, we continue to support each child in our program to grow up healthy, educated, resilient, and successful by providing comprehensive services, appropriate resources, and ongoing opportunities for family and community engagement.​

Kids sitting and smiling
Girl playing outside on jungle gym

Key Milestones

  • 1966: Secured a $28,000 state contract to provide after-school childcare and a drop-off center for teenagers.​

  • 1975: Moved operations to the South Street Methodist Church.​

  • 1977: Selected by the city to sponsor the Project Children Preschool.​

  • 1979: Purchased St. Luke's Church and raised $100,000 for renovations.​

  • 1980: With city assistance, established an Infant and Toddler Center at 630 Western Avenue, initially serving approximately
    25 children.​

  • 1992: Initiated the Thanksgiving "Lunch" Tradition, providing traditional meals to children and staff on the Wednesday before the holiday.​

  • 1999: Expanded the Infant and Toddler Center to serve 62 children.​

  • 2002: Won the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Championship for the state.​

  • 2003: Moved the School Age program to the Broad Street building.​

  • 2011: CEO Kelly O'Connor received the Youth at Risk (YAR) Diruil Award.​

  • 2012: Lynn Fire Local 739 took over the Annual Thanksgiving Lunch, handling expenses, cooking, serving, and cleaning for the entire program.​

  • 2013: The School Age program received National Afterschool Association (NAA) accreditation, becoming the first program in the city and North Shore to earn this accolade. Additionally, Gregg House was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).​

  • 2020-2021: Adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by incorporating in-person remote learning to support parents and Lynn Public Schools.​

  • 2021: CEO Kelly O'Connor was honored as a Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW).​

  • 2023: Purchased the old Franco American building and completed demolition for development of the Gregg House future New Early Learning Site

  • 2024: Created and hired for two new leadership positions: Director of Development and Director of Social Services to support the growth of the Gregg House