Jean Kennard

Roxbury/North Dorchester

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Jean Kennard volunteers at ABCD’s  Roxbury North Dorchester Neighborhood Opportunity Center Brown Bag Program -- unloading food supplies, sorting them for distribution and greeting and registering clients. “A small word to someone who is struggling will help lift them. I always learned from my mother to give from the heart,” she said. 

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About 13 years ago, Jean was having her taxes done through ABCD’s Free Tax Help Program when she heard about available volunteer opportunities. “As long as I can remember, I have enjoyed giving back to others with my time and energy. So, when the new building opened, I went in and began helping.”

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Jean said that she was surprised about being nominated as an ABCD Community Hero. “I never expected it because I don't volunteer for any accolades. I put my time in because we could all use help from time to time and ABCD gives us an outlet to make that happen.”

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She has lived on the Roxbury/Dorchester line for the past 60 years. In her free time, she volunteers with two other organizations, visits with friends, and enjoys a laugh by watching The Steve Harvey Show.​