Since 1979 Lincoln Child Center has recognized outstanding contributions to the well-being of vulnerable and emotionally troubled children with The James Mann Service Award. The award honors the memory of the enthusiastic Executive Director who, from 1956 to 1975, led Lincoln Child Center in its transition from a traditional orphanage to a nationally respected, multi-service organization for vulnerable and emotionally troubled children and their families. This year  recipients will  receive honorary lifetime memberships to Lincoln Child Center.

This year's honorees:

Mark Freitas

Volunteer Service Award Honoree

Mark Freitas has dedicated countless hours to children and families in his community, and has been actively involved with the Lincoln Child Center board since 2000.  He is a Bay Area native who received his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from UC Berkeley, and  has been a registered civil and geotechnical engineer  for nearly 30 years.  Currently, he is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer with GEI Consultants in Oakland.  Mark is the proud husband of Susan, and father of two daughters, Elyse and Nina.

Wendy Tokuda

Community Service Award Honoree

Wendy Tokuda anchored the evening news in the bay area for almost 30 years before retiring from daily anchoring at CBS5 last year.  But she continues to produce a series called "Students Rising Above" at CBS5. The stories profile low income teenagers in the bay area who have overcome great difficulties including homelessness, abandonment, and abuse. The series has won a long list of awards including the Peabody, and a National Emmy for Public Service. Over the years, it developed into a non profit that has raised millions of dollars to help send these kids to college.

Lincoln Child Center presents the James Mann Volunteer & Community Service Awards September 19, 2011

Past Honorees: