Yesterday, CLM ED Tammy Mello attended the ribbon cutting of the Mercedes Ramirez-Newkirk Memorial Playground at DCF’s Worcester West Area Office. The project was a partnership between Rise Above Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF).
The playground provides a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate space for families who are involved with DCF to have visits with their children. It is the first of its kind on a Massachusetts DCF property and it is already sparking conversations within the agency about ensuring all DCF offices have a dedicated family play space.
It will allow parents and children to spend time together and strengthen their bonds, an essential factor when they are separated due to out-of-home care. Family time also help lead to reunification and reduction in child behavior problems. The United Nations High Commission on Human Rights recognized play as a fundamental right of every child.
The playground honors Mercedes Ramirez-Newkirk, a 14-year DCF social worker and co-founder of the Rise Above Foundation. She passed away unexpectedly in 2012 at the age of 35. Mercedes was a selfless leader, passionate about helping others. The playground is located at 5 Brussels Street, Worcester, MA.