6:00pm Reception and Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres
6:30pm Annual Update, Awards and Panel Discussion
About the Honorees:
Mary Dunne
Community Activist
Ruth and Virginia Bigwood Voice for Justice Award
Mary Dunne is a New York native who has lived in Boston for 43 years. For the last 37 years she has taught in Brookline, where she recently won the town’s Woman of the Year award. Mary’s only child, Lauren Dunne Astley, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2011. Lauren was 18 years old at the time. In the years since Lauren’s death, Mary has dedicated much of her time to the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial fund, which supports programs in teen dating violence education, the arts and community service. She has worked cooperatively with REACH since 2011 in bringing educational programs to local high schools.
Linda Moschner
Detective, Waltham Police Department
Mary Young Voice for Justice Award
Linda Moschner is a graduate of Western New England University. Now a Detective in the Domestic Violence Unit, she has worked with the Waltham Police Department for the past 24 years. As a Patrol Officer Linda responded to hundreds of cases and over time developed a strong interest in working with individuals and families who had experienced domestic violence. She wanted to assist survivors not only upon their initial interaction with the department, but throughout the court process. Linda goes above and beyond to make connections and referrals for survivors based on their needs. She is equally committed to conducting thorough investigations and follow-ups, which lead to the prosecution of many cases in court. Linda works in collaboration with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and other community partners. Linda has been an invaluable member of the Waltham High Risk Team since 2014 and a huge resource to REACH’s Community Advocacy Program.