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Photography by Camayah Visuals
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, we hosted our 5th Annual Janet "Ms. K" Kendrick Sisters of the Center Awards Brunch! This annual event is named in loving memory of the late Janet Kendrick (1941-2008), or "Ms. K" as she was affectionately known, CCC's former longtime Executive Director who suddenly passed away on July 14, 2008. The Ms. K Brunch celebrates women leaders who have positively impacted CCC and Cambridge, serving as the annual event to bestow the Janet "Ms. K" Kendrick Sisters of the Center Award.
This year's recipients of the Janet "Ms. K" Kendrick Sisters of the Center Award were longtime CCC volunteer and supporter, Rosey Massey, and State Representative Marjorie Decker. 2026 Sisters of the Center Award Recipients
Rosey Massey has been a longtime resident of Cambridge and a dedicated neighbor of the Cambridge Community Center, living within walking distance of the building for many years. Her presence, commitment, and servant heart have made her a familiar and trusted figure in the community.
Affectionately known as “RoRo” by the many children she lovingly cares for, Rosey provides childcare for infants as young as three months old through the preschool years, preparing them socially, emotionally, and developmentally for kindergarten. Her nurturing spirit and steady guidance have supported countless families during some of their most formative years. For the past six years, Rosey has organized and led a weekly playgroup for stay-at-home mothers and home childcare providers. This gathering creates space for caregivers to share ideas, discuss challenges, and support one another. At the same time, the children benefit from meaningful social interaction through games, story time, music, and arts and crafts—all thoughtfully planned and facilitated by Ms. Rosey. Her service extends beyond childcare. At the Cambridge Community Center pantry, Rosey can often be found lifting boxes, filling bags with fresh produce, and ensuring that food distribution runs smoothly. When needed, she personally delivers food—on foot—to neighbors who are unable to make it to the Center. She also looks out for the Center by securing packages delivered after hours, reflecting her deep care and watchfulness for the community space. A woman of faith, Rosey serves on the ministerial staff of The Avenue Church, the unified ministry of Western Avenue Baptist Church and Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church. There, she works with Children’s Church, coordinates volunteer and social activities, and helps create a welcoming environment for new members. Adventurous and energetic, Rosey enjoys spending time outdoors. Among her favorite activities are hiking, biking, and rock climbing—further reflecting her vibrant spirit and love for life. Representative Marjorie Decker is serving her seventh term representing the 25th Middlesex District, the only House district comprised solely of Cambridge. A lifelong Cantabrigian who grew up in public housing in Woodrow Wilson Court, she brings deep community roots and lived experience to her work. The first in her family to graduate from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, she went on to earn Honors at UMass Amherst and a master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, focusing on Human Rights and Children. Before joining the Legislature, she taught first grade as a special education teacher with Teach For America and worked as a legislative aide to Representatives Alice Wolf and Ellen Story. She later became the youngest woman ever elected to the Cambridge City Council, serving seven terms and becoming the first woman to give birth twice while in office.
Now Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, Representative Decker has centered her legislative career on reducing poverty, advancing equity, and improving public health. Her accomplishments include landmark children’s mental health legislation, eliminating the family benefits cap, increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, expanding cash assistance for families in deep poverty, advancing major firearm safety reforms, and authoring one of the most expansive maternal health bills in the nation following her leadership of a Special Commission on Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health. She also co-chaired the Special Commission on Poverty and co-filed the ASAP Act to significantly alleviate poverty across the Commonwealth. Grounded in her Cambridge upbringing, her work reflects a steadfast commitment to opportunity, dignity, and inclusion for all residents. Janet "Ms. K" Kendrick Sisters of the Center Awards CommitteeClaudia Battle
Corinne Espinoza Yvonne L. Gittens (Chair) Gail Jones Michelle Kendrick Evette M. Layne Toni A. Phillips Angeliquc Smith |
PRESENTING SPONSOR
"BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER" SPONSORS
"FAMILY, HISTORY, COMMUNITY" SPONSORS
"CENTER KID" SPONSORS
SISTERS OF THE CENTER SUPPORTERS
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Racquel Bruton
Cooper Kalaw Family Paula Fortes-King Yvonnne L. Gittens Patricia Gullage Jocelyn Joseph Evette. M. Layne Paula Paris Toni A. Phillips Julie Wormser |
