Staff Bio

SAKIETH "SAKO" LONG
Workforce Development Program Supervisor

978.856.3905
sako@utec-lowell.org

Sako is a native of Cambodia who came to America at the age four. After fleeing the Killing Fields his family first settled in Revere, Massachusetts, later moving to Lowell. While growing up in Lowell, Sako became involved with the Southeast Asian gangs. His involvement with the gangs led him to serve four years in prison. During his incarceration he made a promise to himself to help out the Southeast Asian community, especially the teens that are labeled as “at-risk” in Lowell.

The first week out of prison he volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lowell. Two weeks later he was hired as a part-time staff to help coordinate an after school program called the A.D.A.M. Project (Awareness and Development of Adolescent Males). While working with the A.D.A.M. project, he also volunteered at the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC). After budget cut in 2002 he was laid off from the A.D.A.M. Project. In 2003, Sako was hired to be a Streetworker at UTEC, specializing in counseling services through a partnership with Mental Health Association of Lowell. As a Streetworker he works with gang involved youth to help them get their GED, health insurance, jobs, etc. He has created peace treaties between rival gangs as a Streetworker in Lowell and continues to work on making his community a safer place for all to live. Eight years later he has worked as a Streetworker, Streetworker Supervisor, Director of Athletics and currently the Workforce Development Supervisor for the Transitional Employment to Social Enterprise Programs. He is teaching young adults that have failed other programs hard and soft skills they need to hold down a job while guiding them on making the right decision to a healthier lifestyle.

 He’s been awarded the “Spirit of Youth Award” by Reclaiming Youth International. He was also awarded the “May Takayanagi Making Waves award” by Asian American Resource Workshop. His story is also published Reclaiming Youth International magazine.