CCRC was founded in 1971 by mothers who wanted to find affordable, quality child care — it was one of the first four such resource and referral organizations in the nation. Today there are over 850, many modeled on CCRC. Its success led to growth and diversification, into a powerful system that facilitates many families’ and child care professionals’ access to education, skills development and health care, critical to their personal and professional success. More than 13,000 parents annually contact CCRC for referrals to agencies throughout Massachusetts. Its services now include child care training for parents and professionals, a family literacy program, an early childhood education library and computer lab, eight scholarship funds providing $500,000 annually for 300 children in preschool, after-school and summer camp programs, and collaborations with community organizations. From all this practical experience, CCRC offers authoritative research and advocacy on public policy issues affecting children and families — the only child care agency doing this in Massachusetts. If you’re looking for a leader in improving the quality of life for at-risk small children and families, here is a comprehensive private system that works — an excellent philanthropic investment.