Neighbor News
Ken Feinberg Visits School on Wheels Headquarters in Brockton
The nationally-known attorney praised the organization at awareness event
Nationally-known attorney Ken Feinberg, a Brockton native, returned to his hometown Monday, May 18 to support School on Wheels of Massachusetts as a speaker at a reception to raise awareness of the organization and a visitor to SOWMA’s Brockton headquarters where he heard firsthand about the organization’s impact.
School on Wheels provides customized academic services, one-on-one tutoring and mentoring, new backpacks and school supplies, and educational advocacy to children impacted by homelessness to help each child reach his or her full academic potential.
Feinberg is best known for working pro bono as the Special Master of the Federal September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. He was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to run The One Fund Boston, the central fund to gather donations for the marathon bombing victims.
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During Feinberg’s visit to SOWMA’s headquarters, he met with Cheryl Opper, founder and executive director, and three of SOWMA’s college students who shared with him their experiences of homelessness, their dreams for a better future and how SOWMA’s support has helped them remain focused on their education.
Following Feinberg’s SOWMA visit, a private reception was held at The Foundry, an American Table & Bar in Easton, where 100 guests gathered to hear his inspiring words. They echoed the sentiments of President John F. Kennedy that every single individual in this country can make a difference and has an obligation to do something to help fellow citizens. “And, what better example,” he asked, “than School on Wheels, supporting the education of children impacted by homelessness? It’s organizations like this that are there for the day-to-day and really make the difference in people’s lives.”
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Athena Giannaros, member of SOWMA’s board of directors recognized Feinberg as “an individual with the depth and the vision to see beyond himself and make time for organizations that are trying to give a hand up—not a hand out—like School on Wheels, by providing education and support to homeless students.”
It was an evening of inspiration and positive energy for many Brockton and Easton residents that will help spark positive change in our community.