Children’s Services of Roxbury, one of the largest Black-led nonprofits in Massachusetts, celebrated on Thursday its plans to begin a $27 million renovation of its Roxbury headquarters.
Sandra McCroom, president and CEO of the nonprofit, called the event a “gathering of gratitude” at its headquarters on Dudley Street, which included musical performances and speeches.
McCroom said she felt “called to support the legacy” of the nonprofit’s founders to deepen its roots in Roxbury, as many folks are being forced out of the neighborhood.
“We have a stake in the ground,” McCroom told GBH News. “That’s important for our community.”
The organization, which was established in 1972, will officially begin renovations on its 46,000-square-foot headquarters in November. She said the renovated building will expand their reach to serve an additional 1,500 people.
McCroom said there’s a growing need for the services they provide, which already helps thousands of people with programs for behavioral health, early education, housing and family services.
“We will be here for our neighbors in a way that the community deserves,” she said. “We’ll have a beautiful space that we can share with everyone.”
The renovations are being financed by a combination of donations from individuals and private organizations, public funding, bank loans and New Market Tax Credits, a federal initiative to support economic growth and investment in urban and low income communities.
The building’s new design also will expand the organization’s “front porch” concept with family hubs, studios for youth adults and a large community room. McCroom said the project should be completed in two years. In the meantime, staff will continue operating inside the building.
The organization bought the building in 2021. From a financial standpoint, McCroom said it’s been good business. The amount the organization was paying in rent before purchasing was almost $300,000 more than what they pay in a mortgage. “That’s a big deal,” she said.
The event featured singing performances from former Massachusetts State Representative Marie St. Fleur, and remarks from local faith leaders such as Rabbi Elaine Zecher and Rev. Ray Hammond, co-founder and pastor at Bethel AME Church in Boston.
During the gathering, Hammond emphasized the importance of community organizations like the Children’s Services of Roxbury, or CSR, and the work they do to build bridges for those in need.
“While some are closing the doors of our country and the hearts of our people to neighbors and fellow citizens,” Hammond said, “CSR keeps opening its doors to all in need and says to every one of them, you can come to our house.”
