Working with Matthews-Kane has shown why she deserves to be elected representative. (Letter)

My name is Jeffrey Chin. I am a clinical social worker and nonprofit manager with more than 30 years of experience serving children and families of all backgrounds, experiences and histories. Additionally, I currently serve as a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, including the experience of my 2018 Afghanistan deployment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Finally, I currently serve as adjunct faculty for Boston University’s School of Social Work, where I taught graduate school for over four years.

I am writing to express my highest recommendation and support for Ms. Bridget Matthews-Kane in her candidacy for State Representative. Bridget and I have worked together over the past two years to create a series of programs, events and activities to benefit the military families of the Western Massachusetts region, including Westfield and the surrounding communities. Bridget, in her capacity as a military spouse, has been nothing short of phenomenal in her efforts to organize engaging activities for the hundreds of military families associated with this region (including Westover Air Force/Reserve Base, Barnes Air National Guard Base and the many veteran families living in the area).

Through her leadership, Bridget was able to recruit, engage and support a council of community leaders, local military spouses, military leaders and service providers relevant to families living in the area. I was invited to join this council and witnessed the power of Bridget’s leadership. The council was made up of people from different backgrounds and personalities, and Bridget was able to engage and lead them to successfully implement a variety of programs and activities to benefit local families. Her focus on the overall well-being of families was prominent throughout her work at this council.