Marblehead’s Kerry-Frances Bourne Wins 8th Annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award
SALEM, MA — Marblehead resident Kerry-Frances Bourne is the winner of the 2023 Peter J. Gomes Service Award.
Last night, Congressman Seth Moulton held a ceremony in Beverly recognizing this year’s five honorees where he announced the winner. Each honoree was recognized for the outstanding contributions they make to their respective communities.
Congressman Moulton created the award in 2016 in memory of Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes, his mentor and the minister of Harvard’s Memorial Church. More details about the award can be found here.
“All of this year’s honorees are exemplary. They serve their communities with integrity and compassion. At a time of deep division in America, it’s especially important to focus on what matters most: connecting as neighbors – putting our differences aside to make our communities better for everyone.” said Congressman Moulton.
“Kerry-Frances Bourne has selflessly taken on countless immigrant clients for free, helping them navigate the complexities of the citizenship process. At a time when the failures of our existing immigration laws are front and center in communities and our politics, her work is incredibly important. We need more people like Kerry-Frances, whose compassion and determination truly makes a positive difference in the lives of others. It is a privilege to be able to name her the winner of the 2023 Peter J. Gomes Service Award.”
2023 WINNER & HONOREES
WINNER: Kerry-Frances Bourne (Marblehead, MA)
Kerry-Frances Bourne was nominated for the Peter J. Gomes Service Award by Aaron Harrington for her work with Open Door Immigration Services.
After recognizing the lack of legal help for the local immigrant community, Kerry-Frances began volunteering with Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS) to provide pro-bono services to immigrants in her area. She never gives up on her clients, working tirelessly on their cases and citizenship applications. So far, she has helped over 60 clients move through the green card application and the asylum system, helping them navigate the complexities of the legal process. She is committed to the cause of giving voice to the voiceless.
Honoree: Beverly Elcewicz (Wakefield, MA)
Beverly has dedicated her life to helping students and serving the Wakefield Community. She works in special education, serving students with complex disabilities at the local middle school. She runs an evening GED program and the extended summer special education program. During the school year, Beverly creates a space for students to stay after school when needed, and over the winter holidays she provides meals and gifts for families in need of a helping hand.
Honoree: Steve Jesi (Gloucester, MA)
After losing his daughter to a drug overdose in 2015, Steve dedicated himself to helping others in the community recover from their own substance use disorders. He has raised thousands of dollars to support treatment and recovery in the district and created an annual scholarship in his daughter’s name to support those who are advancing in their healing journey. Steve works to inspire users to chase a brighter future through recovery and service and is a bright light in the darkness for many of the people he helps.
Honoree: Carolina Trujillo (Lynn, MA)
Carolina has worked in Human Services for over 20 years, serving on the boards of the Northeast Arc, Beth Israel Lahey Health, YMCA of Metro North, and the North Shore Maritime Center. She is also a committee member of Leaders Engaged and Activated to Drive System-Wide Change, Lynn Education District, Lynn Business Partnership, Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, and Stop the Violence in Lynn. Throughout her service, she dedicates herself to empowering youth and promoting education and professional development opportunities for young people across the district.
Honoree: Edward Cahill (Beverly, MA)
Edward is currently the President of the Fisher & Fuel Society, a fund supporting Beverly residents facing homelessness and other economic difficulties. Ed serves on the board of Beverly Bootstraps and has been essential to helping the organization grow to better serve Beverly and the surrounding communities. Ed served as Chair of the Beverly Rotary Foundation for six years, ensuring the proper stewardship of the Club's funds and its local and international charity efforts. Through his service and his faith-based volunteering, Ed is passionate about helping local residents access housing and food security.