Public Employee Press

Kennedy Institute honors Roberts

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Institute for Worker Education. The 2006 “Reaching Up Award,” was presented Dec. 12 at Baruch College with Mayor Michael Bloomberg as a special guest.

John F. Kennedy Jr. founded Reaching Up, Inc. in 1989 to provide direct care workers with educational opportunities, financial aid and mentors. Kennedy believed that these hardworking people should be empowered to advance in their careers so that they too, could be part of the America dream.

“Lillian Roberts is the embodiment of John’s vision,” said co-chair Jeffrey A. Sachs at the ceremony.

He said the group chose her for its high honor because, “We recognize your many accomplishments enhancing educational and career opportunities for working people, your courage to fight for decent wages and benefits, your efforts to improve health care and your fight for economic and social justice.”