On Friday, March 14 2003 the Michael B. Christensen Family Support Center held it's 5th annual "Blue Ribbon Campaign" kick off breakfast at the Lawrence Elks, Andover Street, Lawrence.  Senator Susan B. Tucker was Special Guest Speaker.  Senator Tucker presented the group with a proclamation from the Governor and a citation from the Senate. Also in attendance were local Mayors, Councilmen, and Selectmen as well as State Representatives and Senators.  Among the generous donators to the Family Support Center are the Exchange Clubs of the Merrimack Valley, the Lawrence Elks, Methuen's Marlin Mills, Jackson Lumber, the Eagle Tribune, and the IRS.  The Support Center is a partnership of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc and the Exchange Clubs of the Merrimack Valley. The Family Support Center is a free, weekly home-visit program that focuses on assisting families at risk for child abuse and neglect.  Following careful needs assessment of family dynamics and patterns of coping, caseworkers conduct in home education and activities and teach effective, non-violent problem solving skills and parenting techniques

Due to state budget cuts, the Center lost $220, 000 and fund raising efforts are underway to supplement this devastating loss.  Anyone interested in contributing to this very worthwhile cause may contact Susan Mitchell, Program Director at the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. at (978) 681-4985.