Faces of Prevention: Fay O’Donnell

The Children’s Trust, a public-private organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, announced today that Boston resident Fay O’Donnell has received its Faces of Prevention Award. O’Donnell is a Safe & Stable Support Specialist at Bridges Homeward, a long-time partners of the Children’s Trust.  She received this award for her unwavering dedication to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect in Massachusetts through direct, relationship-based support. 

Working with families across Greater Boston, O’Donnell provides in-home support tailored to each family’s needs, ranging from helping parents build consistent routines to supporting children and families navigating trauma and mental health challenges. Her work through Bridges Homeward is rooted in trust, compassion, and the belief that all families deserve to thrive. 

“Prevention starts with presence and consistency,” said O’Donnell. “When you walk into someone’s home, often during one of the hardest moments of their life, the most important thing you can do is meet them where they are without judgement, and with empathy and grace. Families aren’t problems to be solved. They’re people to stand beside.” 

O’Donnell became involved with the Children’s Trust when she participated in a training initiative through a partnership between the Children’s Trust and the Boston Public Health Commission to strengthen culturally responsive suicide prevention services for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. 

“Fay exemplifies what prevention looks like in action, meeting families with respect, dignity, and a deep understanding of their strengths,” said Jennifer Valenzuela, Executive Director of the Children’s Trust. “We are thrilled to honor her with the Faces of Prevention award and to lift up the vital work happening at organizations like Bridges Homeward. Changing systems and building a future where all families thrive means recognizing and supporting the frontline professionals making that vision real.” 

In her role, O’Donnell helps caregivers navigate everything from housing instability to mental health referrals. She also works closely with children facing bullying, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. She says that at the core of her work is a commitment to listening first, building rapport, and helping families move forward at their own pace. 

“This job is hard, but it’s worth it,” said O’Donnell. “It’s not about fixing people, it’s about believing in them. Investing in families now – in their mental health, in safe housing, in social-emotional support – is investing in a better future for all of us.” 

The Faces of Prevention award recognizes professionals that work with families across Massachusetts who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting family wellbeing.  Fay O’Donnell joins a growing list of family support staff honored by the Children’s Trust.

About the Children’s Trust  

The Children’s Trust is a public-private organization working toward a Massachusetts free from child abuse and neglect. We partner with organizations and communities to drive systemic change to address the root causes of abuse and neglect so that all children can grow up in thriving families. You can learn more at childrenstrustma.org.