William Lyttle to Receive Embracing the Legacy Award from Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps

BOSTON | As the President of the Key Program, William Lyttle leads a team of social service and healthcare workers whose primary goal is to improve life for the 650 children who are in their care each day. Under his leadership, the Key Program operates 22 community-based residential programs, two mental health clinics, and a variety of home-based service models throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Easton resident will soon be honored by Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps with the organization’s Embracing the Legacy Award at the JFK Library in Boston.

Little has been a child welfare advocate for 45 years. Under Lyttle’s leadership, the Key Program has increased its revenue tenfold. Through the support of public and private funders, the non-profit now dedicates more than $30 million to benefit children through their community and home-based models.

Lyttle is a founding member of Citizens for Juvenile Justice, the only independent, non-profit, statewide organization working exclusively to improve the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts. In addition, he is a founding member of the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families, and currently sits on the executive committee. He has also served in numerous public policy leadership positions, including President of the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, Chairperson of the Children's League of Massachusetts, and Chairperson of the Trustees of Worcester State College.

Lyttle’s level of commitment to the field of social justice through the lens of child welfare demonstrates not only his instance on the importance that children receive a solid, whole upbringing, but also the obligation he has to the field of human services as a whole.

“At some point, all these kids will grow up to be adults,” Lyttle says. “They will take care of their own families, and we will rely upon them to care for those who live in our own communities. We are obligated to make sure we provide them with every possible opportunity to succeed.”

Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps’ annual Embracing the Legacy Award celebrates the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy and the work of the organization founded to carry out his principles of social justice for the poor and disadvantaged. Through the event, RFK Children’s Action Corps raises money to support some of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable youth and families, giving them a second chance for a better life. The agency, which is celebrating 48 years of service, is a national leader in developing and implementing model, successful child welfare, social service and juvenile justice programs.