Jan founded our program in 2013. Under her leadership, the program has grown and thrived. Read all about her amazing REAL life here!

"Betsy Brown brings a wealth of teaching experience and knowledge as REAL lead mentor. She taught in Beverly Public Schools and she continues to teach at The REAL Program. The kids love her, respect her and they always ask for Mrs. Brown. She especially loves poetry and she shares this love with the children."    – Narayan Plourde

"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Sarah for the past couple of years now. Sarah brought with her a fresh perspective, experience, and the ability to communicate her ideas in a way that stimulates real thought. She is an innovating thinker, a clear communicator, and her passion to invest in our kids is simply contagious. Sarah’s tireless work and willingness to do whatever it takes to create The Real Program’s vision into a reality has been proven through her efforts and her strong belief in investing in our community. Her involvement with our nonprofit has been transformational and The Real Program has evolved in large part due to Sarah’s skills around envisioning and catalyzing positive change."    – Cristina Andrei

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"What can I say about Rachel?! Rachel is this selfless woman who gives it her all. When it comes to The REAL Program she goes above and beyond to make sure that the plans we have are well executed. She is always smiling and the way she talks to people is really pleasing to the eyes. She takes her time to talk and listen. Rachel is amazing, caring, compassionate and a great woman to be on the board with, the flavor that she bring to the program cannot be duplicated. Rachel is one of a kind!" – Martine Georges

"Narayan brings a quietly unique, effective, and quietly thoughtful perspective to the Board. Nepalese by birth, brought to this country at age four by his adoptive parents, and now in his late twenties, Narayan has an intuitive sense of how to navigate life’s challenges in a culture where one may well feel marginalized or out-of-mainstream, and where things are not always easy. He sets his course in accord with what he absorbs as an avid reader, discovers through his active curiosity, perceives artistically through his photography—and is motivated by his solid work ethic and a deep sense of kindness and compassion."    – Marc Winer

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"Cristina and her husband are true believers and dedicated to the sometimes-elusive American dream. Cristina studied economics and she is making her career in the world of finance. She is a dedicated board member who serves on the finance committee, of course. The REAL Program is fortunate to have this Lynn resident involved and supporting the community."    – Jan Plourde

"Marc is the guy who is like the deep well: he is a true listener and a compassionate teacher who speaks and writes with measure. He has a great deal of experience as a non-profit board leader, board member, community member, teacher, parent, and grandparent. We take none of it for granted but we are surely going to listen and learn."    – Jan Plourde

"I am so proud to know Martine Georges. This young woman is bright, determined, and capable of so many great things. Her children are, too. Martine is a board member and a recent college graduate (while working full time and raising her two children). Martine and her husband show their children and the REAL family what commitment is all about. Martine is a fabulous photographer, too!"    – Jan Plourde

"I have known Diane for a while now. First, as our newest board member and, more recently, as my co-mentor in our ongoing work with the REAL kids. We have worked together virtually and we find ourselves highly compatible. I feel the same way about her as a member of the board. Her enthusiasm comes through in everything she does. She is ready to tackle anything that we as a board have tried to accomplish for our kids and their families. She contributes her ideas and thoughts that we have presented as a group and that is so essential to make this program work. As the longest standing board member, I have seen her fit right in with the way that this program functions and step up to all of the needs of The REAL Program. She is an asset to this board and will only become more so as she continues to work with this program. It is great to have her on board!"    – Betsy Brown

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"I met Raisa Ferreras for the first time during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our foundation wanted to help buy and donate food and grocery gift cards to the families at Real. She was there to meet us to collect the items. I had never met her and the first time that I did I immediately connected with her. She had a big smile on her face and she greeted me warmly and openly. She has been the same ever since our first encounter. Raisa is a caring and giving person. She goes the extra mile to help others and does so in a kind and thoughtful way. She has worked very hard at completing her education while volunteering at the Real Program. She has done so much for the Real Program in these past few months to help the families and be available to get the things they need."    – Diane Christian

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Bob Appolloni (Wakefield); Kathleen Arenburg (Lynn); Betsy Brown (Beverly); Diane Christian (Marblehead); Judy Connor (Salem); Martha Curry (Swampscott); Lauren Doherty (Beverly); Nancy Freehling (Saugus); Mary Hoar (Beverly); Chuck Juliand (Salem); Donna Staller (Beverly)

Contact us for more information!