James E. Dolin of Swansea, MA has been re-elected to serve as President of the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) Board of Directors. Mr. Dolin was chosen by a unanimous vote during the CFC Annual Meeting held at the Venus De Milo Restaurant on June 22, 2011. Also elected as CFC officers were: First Vice President, Jacqueline Cummings; Second Vice President, Ida Cabral; Treasurer, Eugene J. Kosinski, Jr.; and Secretary, Ronald Costa.

The Citizens for Citizens, Inc. Executive Director, Mark A. Sullivan, Jr. presented the Directors’ Annual Report and thanked the Board of Directors for the selfless sacrifices they make while serving as members of the Board. He emphasized that they should be proud of the work CFC has accomplished during their tenure. Mr. Sullivan also cautioned the board members that some difficult times lay ahead for the agency and the clients served by CFC, due to the budget negotiations in Washington, and the likelihood that the need for CFC services provided to the less fortunate will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.

CFC Board Member Raymond Almeida presented the Edward J. Sullivan Scholarship Award to Mackenzie Souza, a member of the 2011 graduating class of Bishop Connolly High School. Mackenzie will be attending Framingham State University in September, where she will begin her studies for a career as a Nutritionist and Dietician. While attending Bishop Connelly, Mackenzie excelled academically, becoming a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. Her current grade point average (GPA) is 3.92. She also distinguished herself as captain of the girl’s basketball and softball teams. In addition, she has contributed significant volunteer work at numerous community events. Mackenzie lives with her mother, Donna Souza in Fall River.

The 2011 Adam Clayton Powell Award was presented to Wanda Morales by CFC Board Member, Monique Campeau. This particular achievement award is given annually to the parent of a current or former CFC Head Start Program or Day Care Program participant. Wanda Morales is a single parent of 3 children and is a 2004 graduate of Bristol Community College, where she earned a degree in liberal arts and sciences. Ms. Morales has developed a passion for the medical field and currently is a student at Sanford-Brown Institute of Cranston, R.I., studying cardiovascular sonography. Upon completion of the program in October, 2012, she will have acquired a technical skill which is in demand in the health care industry.

Robert J. Nagle Awards are presented to community organizations and individuals for their support and assistance during the past year to Citizens for Citizens, Inc. The 2011 Nagle Award recipients were: Francs Brezinski, presented by Taunton Office Manager, Deborah Araujo; Aaron Tetrault, presented by Food Pantry Coordinator, Crystal Arpa; and the Fall River Women’s Union, presented by CFC’s After School Child Care Program Director, Eloise Carrier.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Award for assistance to Citizens for Citizens, Inc. by a local business organization was presented to BankFive by CFC’s Director of Special Projects, Andrew Mello

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On June 10, an event organized by the CFC Head Start Policy Council members was held at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea. Erin Lewis, Policy Council Chairperson, welcomed the attendees to the 30th Head Start Program Annual Banquet and thanked everyone for their attendance and support of the Head Start Program. The Policy Council functions in an advisory role, similar to a board of directors, for the staff of the Head Start Program. Erin Lewis, presented awards to the Policy Council Committee members in appreciation of their participation in this year’s Head Start Policy activities.

The current Head Start Policy Council Committee are:

Erin Lewis – Chairman
Ashley Sullivan – Vice Chairman
Carol Medeiros – Family Services Coordinator
Nathalie Charles – Treasurer
Lucy Resendes – Secretary
Christina Devoe – Representative to the Citizens for Citizens, Inc Board of Directors
Jacqueline Cummings: Community Representative
Neil Lynch – Head Start Director

Citizens for Citizens, Inc.’s Executive Director, Mark A Sullivan, Jr., thanked the Policy Council members and Head Start parents for their continued involvement in the program and reminded them that, “They (the parents) are the best teachers for their children. Studies have demonstrated that children who enter and complete the Head Start Program perform better than other students when they enter kindergarten and succeeding grade levels. One of the reasons that the participating children do well is the parent participation component.” Mr. Sullivan also said that the “Head Start Program was one of the first programs that CFC operated, now in its 46th year of operation.” He also told the parents that the toughest job they’ll ever have is being a parent but it’s the most rewarding job they’ll ever do”

Neil thanked the staff and parents, and expressed his appreciation for their assistance during his tenure as Director of the Head Start Program. Neil Lynch also thanked the Banquet Committee members and all the volunteers who helped to make this annual event a success.

The Banquet Committee members are:

Erin Lewis, Dwane Lewis, Jessica Masse, Charlene Gonzalez, Jean Briggs, Nathalie Charles, Christina Devoe, Nelly Lima, Eric Laravee, Melanie Rosa, Maria Ouellette and Aida Trevera

Neil Lynch was joined by Head Start Assistant Director, Pamela Wildnauer to presented service awards to Head Start Staff:

The Head Start staff member with the longest service was Lucille Rissler forty years. Lucille received a silver and crystal bracelet for her long standing service to the program.

After the award presentation and raffle were completed the attendees danced to the music provided by 25 year Head Start staff member a.k.a. DJ Barbara Menard.

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