RFK Children’s Action Corps Honors Social Justice Advocates

BOSTON – On Tuesday, May 11, Former Congressman Joseph Kennedy III, grandson of the late Senator, honored his grandfather’s legacy and the lasting contributions he made toward protecting society’s most vulnerable children during Embracing the Legacy, the premier annual event of Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps. Kennedy, an event co-chair, and his brother, Matt Kennedy, who was also in attendance, are board members for the organization. This year’s event, held virtually for the first time in its history, was attended by four hundred guests and raised $280,390 to support the agency’s year-round programs, helping young people to navigate the juvenile justice system, as well as address underlying mental health conditions and learning disabilities, conditions which often co-occur. Donations for the cause will be accepted through June 30.

Four nationally acclaimed advocates for the nation’s most vulnerable youth and families were honored during the event: Jim Geraghty, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management; Justin Pasquariello, Executive Director of East Boston Social Centers; Reverend Liz Walker, Pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church; and Marty Meehan, President of University of Massachusetts.

In the spirit of the late Senator’s belief that individuals can make a difference in the world and that every child deserves a chance to lead a happy and healthy life, the organization’s Embracing the Legacy Awards recognize those who have courageously worked to eliminate injustice and inequity affecting children and families. In its 52nd year of service, the nonprofit is a national leader in developing and implementing successful models of child welfare, social service, and juvenile justice programs.

Michael W. Ames, PhD, President & CEO of Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, opened the event and spoke about how the children served, and staff who were there for them, rose to meet the challenges of the past year. Susan Wornick, former anchor of WCVB-TV’s midday newscast, who has been a longtime supporter, volunteer, and member of RFK Children’s Action Corps’ Advisory Council, co-emceed the event alongside television, stage, and movie actor Charles Shaughnessy, also a longtime friend of the agency and Advisory Council

“The kids we serve needed us more than ever this past year, as uncertainty and instability took over and created a new normal for us all.,” says Ames. “These young people showed a great deal of courage despite the myriad challenges they faced before the pandemic. What’s more, the staff of RFK Children’s Action Corps continued to show up for them, keeping them safe and continuing to offer life-changing programming. I’m tremendously proud to lead this organization at this moment. And I hope that others were able to feel the courage and resilience of our children and staff through Embracing the Legacy.”

Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, an affiliate of Doctor Franklin Perkins School, operates programs and services for at-risk children and families, including community-based initiatives, residential treatment, and juvenile justice programs. It also partners with national organizations and state agencies to use proven methods and develop new ways to advance practices in the care of those most vulnerable, providing the tools and skills they need to heal, grow, and thrive.

For more information about Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, visit www.rfkchildren.org or call (617) 227-4183.

ABOUT ROBERT F. KENNEDY CHILDREN’S ACTION CORPS’ EMBRACING THE LEGACY AWARD:

Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps’ Embracing the Legacy Award celebrates the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy and the work of the organization founded to carry on his commitment to social justice and improving lives. Through its annual Embracing the Legacy celebration, the agency raises money to support some of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable children and families. The agency, an affiliate of Doctor Franklin Perkins School, provides education, care, treatment, and support to children in Massachusetts, and contributes to better outcomes for thousands more across the country by helping to improve youth-serving systems.

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