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MAIN
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A Joint Project of the Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods |
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Volume 10 No. 1 |
March 2006 |
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MAIN
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A Joint Project of the Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods |
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Volume 10 No. 1 |
March 2006 |
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Mary Moves On...
With great sadness and deep appreciation MEJP’s Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Mary Henderson, who served Maine Equal Justice with extraordinary stewardship and dedication as its executive director for ten years. Mary began her career in legal services work in 1984 as a staff attorney for Pine Tree Legal Assistance. When changes in federal law prohibited Pine Tree from representing low-income people through class actions, and administrative and legislative advocacy, Mary and Chris Hastedt left PTLA to form Maine Equal Justice in 1996. From that moment on, Mary put her heart and soul in MEJP, and in advocacy for low-income Mainers – to make sure they have access to health care, welfare benefits, food assistance, housing, transportation, and other basic services and supports.
Mary T. Henderson Scholarship Fund
In honor of Mary's tremendous contributions to social and economic justice in Maine, MEJP's staff and Board are pleased to announce the creation of the Mary T. Henderson Scholarship Fund.
Maine Equal Justice Proclamation Recognizing the Work of Mary T. Henderson
Whereas, Mary T. Henderson has spent the last quarter century working to bring justice, equality and economic security to low-income Maine people; and
Whereas, throughout that time she has had the courage, heart and intellect to imagine a better world, and the spirit and skill to move us toward that world; and
Whereas, her bold vision and endless perseverance have resulted in thousands of Maine people gaining access to health care, higher education, basic income and better lives; and
Whereas, with her gentle manner, but strong commitment she has turned complex laws and regulations into tangible solutions that bring food, shelter, and health care to people throughout Maine every day; and
Whereas, the influence and inspiration of her work has traveled far beyond Maine’s borders resulting in model programs serving many thousands throughout the nation; and
Whereas, the light of compassion and justice that she has brought into the lives of many is no ordinary light, but one that will continue to shine for many years and lead the way toward our critical next steps;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT there is created a Mary T. Henderson Scholarship Fund that will give low-income people in Maine the opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills for themselves, their families and their neighbors, and that this is a fitting tribute to a person who has contributed so much of her own life to that important goal.
Thank you Mary! We love you!
The Fund will provide opportunities for low-income people to strengthen their advocacy skills and learn more about how to participate in effecting social change. It will be used to pay the fees and related costs of participating in workshops, trainings, and other educational events for low-income participants. We envision this Fund to be a lasting recognition of a woman who has given so much of herself so that others could have a voice on the issues that affect their lives.
Mary has taken a position in the Maine Office of Substance Abuse. We wish her all the best!
If you wish to contribute to the Mary Henderson Scholarship Fund, you may send a check, payable to: Maine Equal Justice, with a notation "MH Scholarship Fund".
Send contributions to:
Maine Equal Justice
126 Sewall Street
Augusta, ME 04330
