BOSTON - Laurie Godwin of Fall River was honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2020 class of Commonwealth Heroines. State Rep. Carole Fiola recommended Godwin for this recognition because of her continuous dedication provide access those in need of recovery services.
Godwin was honored with the other Commonwealth Heroines for her outstanding contributions to her community. The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women virtually celebrated the 17th annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2020.
Godwin turned her personal experience of navigating the treatment system with her son into a shared experience that allows hundreds of families who are overwhelmed with the recovery process find the resources that they need, a press release stated. Godwin works with municipal officials to successfully integrated the voices of impacted family members into Fall River’s strategy to address the opioid epidemic. She was part of a working group that designed Project Reconnect, Fall Rivers’ overdose response team, again ensuring that the needs of the consumer were at the forefront of programming. Godwin has met with state leaders to discuss ways to make access to treatment more “user friendly.”
In 2017, she created Recover Fall River. Recover Fall Rivers’ programs continue to be shaped by the consumer. Recover Fall River planned and executed Fall River’s first ever Overdose Awareness Day Vigil, held outside of City Hall. It is now held annually and attended by hundreds of impacted community members who cherish the opportunity to remember lost loved ones with dignity and respect. Recover Fall River operate a monthly Help Center, hosted by the City of Fall River, which provides barrier-free access to treatment, and are working on an anti-stigma campaign for medical professionals who treat individuals with Substance Use Disorder.
The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make the difference, the release stated. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators who strive to protect and represent the interests of seniors, victims of violence, children, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities.