06/19/08 U.S. Senator Jack Reed to receive Brighter Futures Award. Family Service of RI has announced that U.S. Senator Jack Reed will be the recipient of the non-profit’s “Brighter Futures Award.” The award recognizes individuals and organizations making life better for Rhode Island’s children.   “Senator Reed is known nationally and internationally for his expertise on defense issues,” said Family Service of RI CEO Margaret Holland McDuff, “but he truly deserves to be known for his leadership on children’s issues as well.”   She noted that Senator Reed is a champion of child health concerns, including lead poisoning and children’s health insurance, as a member of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.  “He’s worked hard to increase financial aid programs so more youngsters—including those from the extremely poor families served by Family Service of RI—can attend college,” she said.   Senator Reed has also consistently supported Victims of Crime Act funding and the Community Development Block Grant program. “Both are critical to partnerships Family Service of RI has with the Providence and East Providence police to help crime victims, particularly children,” she said.   “I am honored to receive this award, but the hardworking staff and volunteers at Family Service of Rhode Island are the ones who deserve special recognition.  They provide much needed hope and support to children in need,” said Senator Reed.  “I am pleased to work alongside organizations like Family Service to provide more of our children with a secure, healthy environment to learn and grow.”   Past Brighter Futures Award recipients include Providence Mayor David Cicilline; the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation, and the Pawtucket Red Sox; and Providence police chief Colonel Dean Esserman.   The Brighter Futures Award luncheon will be held at noon on Monday, October 20 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Proceeds benefit Family Service of Rhode Island, a human service and education non-profit serving needy families across the state.  Hinckley Allen & Snyder partner Marc A. Crisafulli and McLaughlin & Moran chairman and CEO Paul P. Moran are co-chairing the event.   For more information visit call (401) 331-1350 ext. 3319 or email smallda@familyserviceri.org.