Editor, The Transcript:
This week a resident heroine retires. Please accept this letter as public recognition of Jeannine H. Baker's exemplary service as executive director of Mary Abbott Children's House.
Citizens have recently gathered to honor Jeannine for all she has dreamed, initiated and achieved. The Wayne Martin Memorial Award, named for a Norman police detective who investigated child abuse cases, was presented to Jeannine at the Norman Crime Stoppers Public Safety Awards banquet in recognition of her leadership. Soon thereafter, colleagues, friends and family members gathered to thank Jeannine for fervently carrying out the mission of Abbott House in serving child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse.
As readers might envision, the nature of the work at Abbott House is difficult. It has the potential to break the heart and dampen the spirit. Yet, Jeannine persevered and has mentored countless others as they learned to do so, too. Details about actions taken by Jeannine and the Cleveland County Child Abuse Response and Treatment Team comprised of child welfare, law enforcement, mental health and medical professionals, cannot be described here. It is a necessary, at times life-saving, and at all times life-changing, endeavor. Perhaps, some have been assisted by Jeannine and know first-hand the care and competence she shared. Others have notions of her work simply in knowing her. As she stated during the awards banquet, "Abbott House is very much a part of me, and a part of my heart."
On behalf of past and current board members, allow this open, brief note to Jeannine: Abbott House provides the first step in the healing process for a child. Thank you for bringing your gifts to that process, Jeannine. Everyone associated with Abbott House is grateful, too, for your excellence in educating the community about child abuse, for advancing the purpose of MACH and for expertly managing a rapidly growing non-profit agency. We look forward to our continued relationship with you.
We enthusiastically welcome executive director Ann M. Way to Abbott House. Ann, Jeannine and members of the MACH staff have worked diligently as a team these past several weeks in ensuring a smooth transition, including continuity in all services. Sadly, each year, hundreds of local children suffer abuse. Due in large part to effective leadership and the generosity of donors, Mary Abbott Children's House is able to serve them. As a parting gift to her, we would like to assure the community that Jeannine Baker's legacy of providing safety; trust; discretion; and yes, teddy bears, will continue to be lovingly shared with children and families in need.
Don Sherman
president
board of directors
Mary Abbott Children's House
