Needham Youth Services Presents

Left to right: Needham Business Representative, Ruth Armstrong from Spiga Restaurante, Sarah Jacob, February RAY Recipient, State Representative, Denise Garlick, Liz Loveless, Clinician at Youth Services

February 2015 Recipient – Sarah Jacob

Sarah Jacob is a senior at Needham High School. She was nominated by, Deb Jacob and Sally Toran who are the advisors for Needham High Schools, Take Back the Night event. Sarah attended her first Take Back the Night event in 7th grade. She was so moved by the speaker that when she reached high school she joined the club.

She is now the co-chair of Take Back the Night (TBTN), a club dedicated to raising awareness of sexual and domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships. Sarah had specific goals in mind as co-chair of Take Back the Night, she wanted to increase awareness in the community, inspiring more people to become involved in TBTN, increase attendance at the TBTN event, and help people feel safe and comfortable in their environment. All These goals were accomplished. The club has gone from 30 to 70 members and attendance has grown to 200 people.

Sarah also volunteers at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She helps families of female cancer patients being treated at Dana Farber by providing everything needed to celebrate Christmas. Sarah receives “wish lists” for specific families, then she along with Dana Farber provide the Christmas tree, decorations, gifts, stockings and a gift card for their holiday meal. Sarah coordinates the selection of gifts, the wrapping, and delivering to Dana Farber. She has been volunteered for close to 13 years along with her family. Sarah has said this is her favorite family tradition.

Watch the ceremony honoring Sarah at: https://youtu.be/yE8G1Q2v_p0

For more information please visit www.needhamma.gov/youth/ray