News  Newburyport District Probation employees help local children attend camp and prepare another group for school with backpacks and supplies

Newburyport, MA — Ms. Nambi and Ms. Malynn also assisted another group of local school children by helping to raise money to buy them backpacks and school supplies.

The two Probation employees, who have each worked at the court for two years, helped raise money for the 3rd Annual Rally for Runway. Rally for Runway is an outdoor socially-distanced cycling event at Fuel Training Studio in Newburyport. This event is a fundraiser to provide funding for children of families, who have lost a parent to breast cancer, to attend summer camp.

“Runway funds families throughout the state who have lost a loved one to breast cancer in order to reduce financial and logistical burdens and bolster families with psychological, social, and financial support,” according to the organization’s website.

Ms. Nambi and Ms. Malynn also helped organize the court’s participation in Operation Backpack 2021, an annual event hosted by the Pettengill House in Salisbury. The backpack and school supply drive ran through August and provided nearly 60 students—grades pre-kindergarten though grade 12— with backpacks and school supplies. The backpacks were filled with items which included notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, crayons, and binders. Hand sanitizer, tissues, and face masks were also provided. These backpacks were distributed to children in the Amesbury, Newburyport, Pentucket, and Triton school districts.

“I am very fortunate and proud to be a part of a staff that is so dedicated to supporting the community. I want to recognize Olivia Nambi and Rebecca Malynn for taking the initiative to find ways to help. As a community courthouse, we came together during the midst of the Pandemic to assist those who needed help. We plan to participate in these community outreach efforts and incorporate them into our activities annually,” said Frederick Clark, Newburyport District Court Chief Probation Officer.

“I have been a probation officer at Newburyport District Court for two years. Shortly after my arrival, the COVID-19 pandemic started. The Pandemic changed the way everyone viewed the world and each other. One of my favorite authors, J.K Rowling, once said: 'We do not need magic to change the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.' With the support from all our colleagues from all departments, we were able to come together and use our collective power to help others. The fundraiser and donations were only one step forward in changing the lives of those who need help in our community. We all have the power to create change even if it is small in nature, it is beyond measure for the ones who need it the most.” Ms. Nambi said.

Ms. Malynn added “As the summer comes to a close and school sessions are beginning, we face an unfortunate reality that many children will return without the supplies they need. On the heels of a Pandemic, the community need is even greater. It was also important for the courthouse as a whole to remain connected to our communities despite challenges provoked by the pandemic. Rallying together to support these causes was an incredible experience, as it lightened spirits and promoted a strong sense of camaraderie while helping the community."

“The Pettengill House, Inc. is a non-profit community social service agency providing comprehensive case management, basic needs support, emergency assistance, crisis intervention, and an array of essential programs and services for individuals, children, and families of all ages across nine Massachusetts communities. Their mission is to support and empower individuals, children and families by providing education, comprehensive case management, and basic needs; and by coordinating community supports that contribute to individual and family stabilization, personal growth and development.”