Jennifer Lemmerman Government Relations Manager, The MENTOR Network
Grant Recipient, Melrose Emergency Fund

Jennifer serves as co-chair of the Massachusetts Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) Committee, which endorses and financially contributes to candidates from any party who support the policy agenda of the National Association of Social Workers. Jennifer’s field placement with PACE allowed her to work on legislative activities such as loan forgiveness for social workers and child welfare issues, and she was hooked. Moved by the work she saw in action, Jennifer continued her involvement and joined the board, where she has served for the past eight years, co-chairing the committee for 2 years.

As co-chair of the PACE Committee, Jennifer organizes Legislative Education and Advocate Day (LEAD,) one of PACE’s biggest events of the year. LEAD is a conference of social workers, legislators, professors of social work and graduate students who come together with board members for presentations and discussions on current legislation impacting the field of social work in Massachusetts. This spring, Jennifer led a “Lobbying 101” workshop at the conference, presenting ideas and strategies on how to effectively lobby a cause.

In addition to her work on the PACE Committee, Jennifer serves on the Board of Aldermen in Melrose, MA, where she helps shape policy that will directly better the lives of her fellow residents. She also volunteers as a counselor at Camp Sunshine in Casco, ME, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The Melrose Emergency Fund, another organization that Jennifer supports, will receive a $500 grant from The Foundation in honor of Jennifer’s volunteer spirit and hard work.