Canton graduate Robarge honored as Human Rights Hero

The Petra Foundation, a nonprofit agency that recognizes those who contribute to the dignity of others, has honored Jacqueline Robarge, Baltimore, Md. — who has ties to the north country — as a Human Rights Hero.

Ms. Robarge grew up in Hermon and attended Hermon-DeKalb Central School before moving to Canton at the end of seventh grade. She graduated in 1985 from Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton. Her first volunteer job was at United Helpers Canton Nursing Home.

After working in a shelter for battered women in California for eight years, Ms. Robarge moved to Baltimore and founded Power Inside, which tries to break the cycle of women returning to Baltimore's city jail.

The Petra Foundation is an all-volunteer organization that was founded in 1988.