News  Haverhill Community Justice Support Center Recognition Celebrates Client Transformation

The Client Recognition Ceremony at the Haverhill Community Justice Support Center on Friday featured an outpouring of support and acknowledgement of nine individuals reaching important milestones in their lives.

The celebration was centered around the theme of the butterfly’s metamorphosis—symbolizing growth and transformation, a theme introduced by Christina McKenzie, Haverhill CJSC Program Manager and the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

Displayed in a backdrop at the speakers’ podium was a poem by Canadian poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur: “You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.”

As the audience of court and local leaders shared words of encouragement and congratulations. Guests enjoyed a pop-up interactive butterfly exhibit, containing 20 butterflies in a portable greenhouse.

Members of the Trial Court Honor Guard Chief Court Officer Stevie Woods and Court Officer Jose Ramos opened the ceremony followed by Haverhill District Court Officer Andrea Verducci who sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Kimberly Bowden, Haverhill District Assistant Chief Probation Officer, led the audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Andrea Howard, Haverhill CJSC Treatment Manager introduced center staff. Trial Court leaders Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino and Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill were in attendance.

Clients were recognized for completing the TECH Goes Home project, Changing Lives Through Literature, and spotlighted for “Community Service Outstanding Participation,” “Client of the Month,” obtaining employment, and Hi-Set/GED.

Carlos, a client, shared his plans to create a city skate park. He told the audience, “Without struggling, there is no motivation….You got to run into a wall to figure out the hard way at times. Every time, you run into the wall, just know that you are getting back up.”

Vincent Lorenti, Executive Director of the Office of Community Corrections, said, “You’ve found a sense of purpose.… If you hadn't found it, you would not be here today.”

Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett spoke to the audience. Honorable Amy Blake, Appeals Court Chief Justice, led attendees in a chant, “I am somebody!” and she added, “To every participant here today, you chose to show up. You accepted support, you took responsibility, and you worked hard to change the path ahead of you.”

Honorable Cesar Archilla, Haverhill District Court First Justice, spoke about client challenges, the importance and the impact of having “local spaces” like the center to find community and court resources that assist in healing and growth.

“We don't just wake up all of a sudden and we are this. Everyone of us has to work at it,” said Justice Archilla.

In addition to the clients, Haverhill District Probation Officer David Fairweather was recognized and community organization TECH Goes Home was presented with the Partnership Recognition Award.

Haverhill Community Justice Support Center facts:

• The Haverhill CJCS is one of 18 centers across the state. The centers are managed by the Office of Community Corrections, a division of the Massachusetts Probation Service. The centers collaborate with community- based partners to deliver treatment, education, career counseling, and clinical case management as an alternative to jail and prison. The centers also provide a statewide network of re-entry services for those returning to the community after a period of incarceration.
• The centers collaborate with community-based partners to deliver treatment, education, career counseling, and clinical case management as an alternative to jail and prison. The centers also provide a statewide network of re-entry services for those returning to the community after a period of incarceration.
• The 6,500-square-foot Haverhill Support Center houses three large classrooms, a computer lab, a break room, and a large welcoming lobby area. The Support Centers are overseen by the Office of Community Corrections, a program of the Massachusetts Probation Service. The centers provide counseling, drug testing, enrollment in MassHealth, job and educational training, and more and are an alternative to jail.
• The center is accessible by bus, within walking distance of the court, and in close proximity to several community resources, such as Arbour Counseling, the Salvation Army, the Social Security Administration office, the Haverhill YMCA, and the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center.