WORCESTER, Mass.– The Bridge of Central Massachusetts will present the Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award to Attorney General Maura Healey at the annual Safe Homes Gala on May 5, 2017.
Since taking office in January 2015, AG Healey has tackled issues touching the lives of residents across Massachusetts. As a civil rights attorney, AG Healey demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that all residents are treated fairly. As former head of the office’s Civil Rights Division, AG Healey was the architect of the state’s successful challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act and argued the case in federal court. As Attorney General, she has advocated for marriage equality and in support of legislation to fight discrimination against transgender people.
Her leadership in supporting the LGBTQ community has resulted in several awards. The American Constitution Society gave her the 2010 Award for Public Service for her commitment to equality for all. The Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association awarded her the 2012 Kevin Larkin Memorial Award for Public Service for her leadership and continued work to protect the civil rights of all citizens of the Commonwealth. In 2016, Fenway Health bestowed the Dr. Susan M. Love Award for her work on LGBT civil rights and marriage equality.
Safe Homes is a program of The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, a human services agency headquartered in Worcester, MA. Safe Homes is one of 52 programs operated by The Bridge and is the only program in the area which provides specialized services to LGBTQ youth between the ages of 14-23. The group is led by youth peer leaders, professional staff, and volunteers who offer support, resources, counseling and leadership development in a safe and nurturing environment.
Each year, Safe Homes hosts a fundraising gala to support the program, which serves more than 300 young people annually. This year, the gala will be held on May 5, 2017 at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. “Cinco de Marvelous” (the Cinco de Mayo themed evening) will honor several leaders who have supported LGBTQ youth in the community. Dale LePage, Michelle Baronas, Aliana Roman and The Hanover Foundation will all receive awards for their ongoing support of the LGBTQ community. The VIP Reception preceding the gala will be hosted by Senator Harriette Chandler and Worcester City Manager, Ed Augustus.
For more information about the gala, please visit www.safehomesma.org. Or contact Rebecca Lynch, Director of Advancement, at 508-755-0333, extension 1245.
Founded in 1973 and based in Worcester, the Bridge of Central Massachusetts is a human service agency known for providing evidence-based treatment and services for individuals with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, substance use disorders and other challenges.
The Bridge serves over 1,000 people in more than 50 programs in 17 locations throughout Central Mass., MetroWest and Boston. The Bridge has an annual budget of $33 million and currently employs 620 people.
[From a News Release]
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