Cambridge Community Services

CONTACT:

99 Bishop Richard Allen Dr.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-876-5214
cambridgecommunity.org

Susan Golden, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

CCS is a perpetual "parent organization": it specializes in creating and developing new philanthropic programs, and then spinning them off as self-standing benefit institutions. Vis-a-vis the "safety net", these folks are exemplary "net menders" and "net makers" -- initially for the City of Cambridge, but once a program is up and running, CCS disseminates the model across the Commonwealth and even nationwide, through publications and technical assistance. In other communities this function is often performed by community foundations, or occasionally by Regional Associations of Grantmakers.

Established in 1938, CCS' current focus is on youth development. Its programs (pairing at-risk youth with older and more stable and successful role models) provide academic assistance, career exploration and access to higher education opportunities.

"City Links," for example, offers internships in municipal government for immigrant teens who receive not only help with school but job experience and understanding of American government. Other communities are now replicating this program.

If you are looking for a sophisticated high-leverage philanthropic donation, support CCS' dissemination function, in which your dollars will be used to provide tested and proven new model programs to other communities across Massachusetts.

(1998: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: General)