News  Essex Juvenile Probation Officer is appointed to Lynn Commission

Essex Juvenile Probation Officer April Anderson was recently appointment to the Lynn Human Rights Commission.

The Commission, based at Lynn City Hall, "works to protect and preserve the civil and human rights of all people in the City of Lynn as defined by existing local, state, and federal laws. It aims to eliminate unlawful discrimination and provide education about human rights issues in the City of Lynn," according to its website.

"We are happy to see our Probation Officers involved with the communities they serve. Community engagement is a key goal of our agency. Our staff plays an important role in the lives of children and their families as well as in the community and courts. PO Anderson's new voluntary role with the Commission exemplifies this," said Colleen O'Donnell, Essex Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer.

"I am excited about serving my hometown community as both a Probation Officer and now as a member of the Lynn Human Rights Commission. I enjoy and grateful to give back to the community where I was raised and live," said Ms. Anderson.

PO Anderson is one of 14 commissioners who sit on the board. She also actively participates and organizes Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) community engagement efforts such as helping to host local food and clothing drives for city charities.

Ms. Anderson first joined MPS in 2016 as an Essex Juvenile Probation Officer working in the Lawrence office. She has worked in the Lynn office for the past eight years. Ms. Anderson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from American International College.