News  Probate & Family Probation employees provide face masks to the community and colleagues

When there was a shortage of masks and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Madeline "Maddy" Boscana, an Essex Probate & Family Case Specialist IV, spent several days sewing 200 face masks and donated them to Lawrence General Hospital.

"I have many family members who work in the medical field, including my daughter, who is a nurse. I heard first-hand how scarce masks were becoming and just how scary it was for a lot of the medical professionals," said Ms. Boscana. "Since I really enjoy sewing, I saw it as a way to help my family, first responders, and community stay safe in a really scary situation. It didn't take much and it feels good knowing that the time that I had in my house was spent helping protect others who didn't have the opportunity to stay home."

“Our office is very proud of Maddy and the way she thinks of others,” said Chief Probation Officer Patrice O'Brien, "She is the first one in our office to volunteer to give assistance to those in need."

Across the state in Barnstable, Probate & Family Probation Officer Tahirah Edwards helped repurpose old Probation jackets into masks, sewn by her mother, which she shared with her colleagues. Probation Office Supervisor Rose Ponte also made masks for her colleagues at Barnstable Probate & Family Court.

Probation Officer Edwards said she decided to make masks as a creative way to repurpose old Probation jackets which she shared with her colleagues. "I thought it was a useful way to create masks for my colleagues to help them stay safe during the pandemic," Edwards said.

“Tahirah is a new Probation Officer and she has brought new energy to the office which shows her dedication and passion for the job and helping others,” said Barnstable Probate & Family Chief Donna Feinberg. "Rose Ponte also demonstrated her generosity and crafting skills by creating masks she gave to Probation and Registry staff. She also made one in purple for Judge Angela Ordonez. Purple is her favorite color! I am really proud of my staff and how they have all come together to support each other, the court, and clients during this pandemic."