Friday, Mar 25, 2016
Award Ceremony Highlights Child Abuse Prevention Month
METHUEN – A Methuen attorney who has spent her career advocating for families in the juvenile, probate and district courts will be honored as this year’s Children’s Champion at an award ceremony April 7th. Linda Harvey, a partner in the law firm Harvey, Kleger & Thomas, was chosen for the honor by a coalition of Merrimack Valley non-profit organizations dedicated to preventing child abuse.
“Linda Harvey’s commitment to the well-being of children extends beyond her expert and passionate advocacy in the courtroom to her personal life where she supported her two daughters in founding the non-profit Debbie’s Treasure Chest to provide help to children from low-income families. Linda is an inspiration in both her professional and personal life, and this is why she is incredibly deserving of the Children’s Champion Award,” said Ellen Weinhold, chair of the Michael B. Christensen Community and Family Support Center Advisory Board, and one of the event organizers.
Harvey will receive the award at a ceremony on Thursday, April 7, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., at the Methuen YMCA, 129 Haverhill Street, Methuen. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by March 27 to Ellen Weinhold at 978-682-4951, ext. 24 or at eweinhold@methuenhousing.org, or to Sue Mitchell at 978-620-4991 or smitchell@glcac.org.
Harvey is the third recipient of the award. The previous honorees were Connie Ricketts, a past program director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate program of the Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, and Essex County Juvenile Court Judge Mark Newman.
In nominating Harvey for the award, Judge Jose A. Sanchez, Associate Justice of the Essex County Juvenile Court, wrote: “Attorney Harvey has served her community with distinction and has made certain that justice is served regardless of economic, social, or ethnic barriers. She is fair, compassionate, and courteous to everyone. Her tireless work and dedication to Debbie’s Treasure Chest has resonated throughout the child protection arena in the courthouse, schools, and the Department of Children and Families. She has turned the tragic loss of a committed social worker into an act of generosity, care, and giving to children and their families unparalleled in the Merrimack Valley.
“Unwilling to stop at that point, she has also turned the program into a unique mentoring opportunity for other children to learn skills such as oral presentations, advocacy, fund raising, and learning fiscal responsibilities by shopping for clothes at discounts to distribute to the poor. She has invited me to speak to these young adults about perseverance, commitment to achievement, and personal growth.
“There is no greater reward than to see children on the path to achievement where they grow free and strong. Linda Harvey has done so quietly, diligently, and effectively.”
The annual Children’s Champion Award is a team effort of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc., the Exchange Clubs of the Merrimack Valley, the Merrimack Valley YMCA.
The Exchange Clubs of Merrimack Valley are strong supporters of the GLCAC’s Michael B. Christensen Community and Family Support Center. The Christensen Center holds numerous programs in the community aimed at preventing child abuse including parenting skills training, home visits, and play groups.