2012 MCFJC Foundation Honorees

Forerunner Award
This year’s MCFJC Foundation’s 2012 Forerunner Award will be presented to Senator Barbara Mikulski. The Senator, who started her career as a child abuse social worker, saw first-hand how domestic abuse destroys families and destroys lives, and why she continues to honor her promise to fight against domestic abuse.

The Forerunner Award, given to an individual who has been instrumental in combating domestic violence and working for the protection of its survivors, could be no better placed than with Senator Mikulski. The Senator supported the Violence Against Women Act in 1994 when it was first introduced by then-Senator Joe Biden, and she continues to stand proud in supporting its re-authorization. As Chairwomen of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, she continues to help put funds in the federal checkbook for the Office on Violence Against Women each year. These funds support domestic violence programs including prevention assistance, women’s shelters, and a toll-free crisis hotline.

We salute the Senator for her on-going commitment, efforts and leadership on the issues surrounding domestic violence.

Founders Award
The MCFJC Founders Award is presented to “An individual who has shown active commitment to furthering the mission of the Family Justice Center through his or her personal support, as well as engaging and inspiring other organizations and individuals within the community.”

Dorothy Lennig, Esq., Director of Legal Services for the House of Ruth Maryland was selected based on her extraordinary efforts leading to the establishment of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center.  Her early participation with Montgomery County’s coordinated community response as a signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding for the County’s first Department of Justice Collaborative Services Grant, her decision to co-locate House of Ruth Maryland’s Protective Order Representation Project at the FJC, and her assistance with placement of House of Ruth Maryland bi-lingual therapist at the FJC led the way for other private non-profits to participate.

Inspiring Leader Award
The Inspiring Leader Award honoree is Deputy States Attorney, Laura Chase, Esq. The award is given to an individual whose inspiring leadership has helped reduce the scourge of domestic violence and furthered the ideals of the Family Justice Center in keeping families safe, giving them hope, and a new start. 

Laura was selected based on her extraordinary vision on the way that Montgomery County handles issues of domestic violence, her early and long-term commitment to the established of a Family Justice Center in Montgomery County, her advocacy of a multi-disciplinary approach to handling cases of domestic violence, her work in bringing the Family Violence Division to the State’s Attorney’s Office, her fight to take the victim out of the prosecution equation, as well as her unwavering commitment and leadership in her efforts to putting an end to the violence.
 

For her many years of service, her leadership and her commitment, Laura is a most worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

Corporate Legacy Award
For their commitment to corporate responsibility, community support and support of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center, the Corporate Legacy Award honorees for 2012 is Kaiser Permanente – Health Plan.

The Award is given to “A business leader who has engaged in philanthropic contributions and support to the Family Justice Center and has adopted the issue of its mission to raise awareness of domestic violence and encourages its colleagues to reach out in volunteer efforts.”

Kaiser Permanente understands that domestic violence is a serious health issue.  They have both a national as well as a local commitment to combating the issue. From the time the FJC opened its doors in 2009 until present day, Kaiser Permanente has continued to offer financial support, engage and encourage staff members to volunteer as well as attend our events and provide space at their events for us to display our materials.

We are grateful for their support, and truly appreciate their efforts on behalf of the MCFJC Foundation.