More than 80 community members, faith leaders and supporters gather for an interfaith blessing ceremony as the 54-year-old nonprofit prepares to renovate its 46,000-square-foot headquarters and expand services to an additional 1,500 people.
ROXBURY, MA — Children’s Services of Roxbury (CSR), one of Massachusetts’ largest Black-led nonprofit organizations providing behavioral health, foster care and family support services, is preparing for a major transformation of its headquarters on Dudley Street with a planned $27 million renovation aimed at strengthening its services to children and families across the Boston area.
More than 80 community members, supporters, faith leaders and friends gathered Thursday, October 29, outside CSR’s headquarters at 504 Dudley Street for an interfaith blessing ceremony marking the organization’s continued investment in the Roxbury neighborhood.
The planned renovation will transform the nonprofit’s 46,000-square-foot headquarters into a welcoming, community-centered hub designed to address the evolving needs of neighborhood residents and expand access to its programs.
The ceremony, held under a large white tent outside the building, brought together representatives of different faith traditions and community leaders to celebrate CSR’s history and its long-term commitment to children and families.
“While some are closing the doors of our country and the hearts of our people to neighbors and fellow citizens, CSR keeps opening its doors to all in need and says to every one of them, you can come to our house,” said Reverend Ray Hammond, co-founder and pastor of Bethel AME Church in Boston.
Hammond described the organization as “a beacon of light” during times of desperation.
A Community Investment Rooted in 54 Years of Service
Founded in 1975 by Reverend Richard Richardson and his wife, Children’s Services of Roxbury began as a foster care agency serving children and families.
Over the past five decades, it has grown into a major community-based nonprofit serving more than 6,500 people annually through a broad range of programs.
Its services include early childhood education, foster care, children’s behavioral health, housing and stabilization assistance, youth resiliency programs, and parent mentoring.
The $27 million renovation represents a significant new chapter in the organization’s history and its commitment to remaining rooted in the Roxbury community.
CSR President and CEO Sandra M. McCroom, who has led the organization for 11 years, reflected on the journey that made the headquarters project possible.
The Dudley Street property, which CSR previously leased, was purchased by the organization in 2021 under her leadership.
McCroom said the purchase and subsequent renovation plans were made possible through community support that went beyond what conventional feasibility studies could measure.
“We were told to do a feasibility study that we could not…
Read More: Children’s Services of Roxbury Launches $27 Million Plan to Transform
