On July 1, 2005 two venerable child welfare agencies—Children's Services of Roxbury, Inc. and United Homes for Children—merged under the name Children's Services of Roxbury, Inc. (CSR). Both agencies had a distinguished history of service to children, families, and individuals going back more than 30 years. The merger expanded CSR's administrative and financial capacity, and has enabled us to provide better and more comprehensive services to the people we serve.
The strength of the agency continues to be its approach to service which is part of the rich legacy of its founders/leaders—Rev. Richard Richardson and Mrs. Jestina Richardson. We serve with an understanding and appreciation of the human capacity to change; we serve with respect, and without judgment, everyone who comes through the doors; we serve with compassion and excellence, recognizing that everyone deserves our best.
The strength and uniqueness of the agency is reflected in the feedback I've received from both CSR staff and the people we serve. Staff speak passionately about CSR's commitment to the communities we serve, not just through the services we provide, but also by hiring the majority of staff (85%) from those same communities. They view CSR as an agency that provides opportunity and a second chance to individuals who have overcome many personal struggles. They appreciate the agency's willingness to take risks in service, in hiring, and in advocating for policies that will benefit our community. CSR is viewed as a place where people are mentored and encouraged both inside and outside of the agency. Others appreciate CSR's history of developing innovative programs and noted that CSR often sets the standard. They appreciate the cultural diversity of our agency.
The strength of the agency is reflected in the comments from a single mother as she reflected on her experience as a former resident in CSR's Scattered Site program for homeless families. She now has her own apartment, is working, and completing a degree in nursing. She wrote, "If I had one thing to say about CSR it's that the staff never gives up and they never stop believing that a person can change. So now every time I get my paycheck, I think of them and thank them and I smile."
We hope that you enjoy the CSR website and that you will be inspired to support us in the work that we do.
Sincerely,
Pamela Ogletree
President/CEO