Community

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored at Lincoln Child Center 130th Anniversary

Published

12 years ago

November 25, 2013

The Lincoln Child Center recently hosted its “130 Years of History” gala honoring U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee for her longstanding dedication to serving children and families in the Bay Area and throughout the world.

“I am very humbled and honored that the Lincoln Child Center chose to honor me at the celebration of their 130^th anniversary. Their longevity speaks volumes to the incredible work they do to strengthen children and families as well as for the tremendous need for their services,” Congresswoman Lee said.

“I am proud to be honored and hope that all Bay Area residents join me in thanking Lincoln Child Center for its 130 years of incredible program excellence,” she added.

In 1883, when Rebecca McWade opened her home to create the first integrated orphanage in Northern California, she had no idea that her act of kindness would lay the foundation for the Lincoln Child Center.

Today Lincoln is a highly respected provider of children services that has been committed to serving challenged children in the Bay Area.

Also honored was the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), the country’s leading child advocacy organization. For the past 2 years, Lincoln Child Center has partnered with Leadership Excellence to operate CDF’s nationally acclaimed Freedom Schools, a 5-week summer academic literacy and cultural enrichment program in Oakland that serves academically underserved students who have been exposed to community violence.

“We are delighted to recognize the incredible work of Congresswoman Lee and the Children’s Defense Fund,” said Christine Stoner-Mertz, Lincoln Child Center president and CEO. “The two are great examples of how an individual and an organization have made marginalized children and families a priority across the country and around the world.”

Stoner-Mertz indicated that one of the hallmarks of Lincoln throughout its history has been the ability to adapt and change to the needs of the communities it serves.

She added that Lincoln Child Center is already thinking about its next 130 years by continually investing in its gifted staff and expanding its programs that achieve outstanding results for the populations being served.

For more information about the Lincoln Child Center, its history and programs, visit lincolnchildcenter.org.