By Nancy James
Rachel’s Box Project celebrated its 20th anniversary in mid-September. Nancy James, originator of Rachel’s Boxes greeted and thanked the project’s hosts and volunteers; “For 20 years I have believed we can save the world even if we have to do it one person at a time. We know that Rachel’s Boxes have saved lives – sometimes we know who, mostly not.”
The Reverend Doctor John Lombard of Trinitarian Congregational Church, again offered inspiring rededication prayers. Among the celebrants offering brief remarks were state Senator Mike Barrett, retired state Senator Pam Resor, state Representative Cory Atkins, Concord Police Chief Joe O’Connor, and DVSN Executive Director Jacqueline Apsler.
Rachel’s Box Project maintains an active part of the Concord area domestic violence prevention efforts. The specially designed wooden boxes provide victim assistance resource and informational material, support and volunteer information, and a place to insert local violence prevention activities and program flyers.
Currently, Rachel’s Boxes have expanded from the original 20 boxes to 50 throughout the western suburban area and now include smaller Lucite pamphlet holders designed for salon use. Jacqueline Apsler announced at the gathering that another 30 were being funded. Law enforcement acknowledges the enormous impact those quiet sentinels make in our community.
Nancy James designed Rachel’s Box Project in 1995 with support and assistance from the Concord-Carlisle League of Women Voters, then Concord’s Chief of Police Leonard Wetherbee, Senator Pamela Resor, (who gave her entire pay raise in the mid-1990’s to help fund the Rachel’s Box Project), and Doctor Lombard, whose church has both sponsored and hosted the first and every subsequent Rachel’s Box rededication.
Rachel’s Box Project c/o Nancy P. James 33 Bedford Street Concord, MA 01742 Tel: (978) 369-2771 Fax: (978) 369-2777
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