Our Programs
The City Mission Society is an urban social justice agency serving over 3,000 people each year. It is the second oldest multi-service agency in the country, addressing the educational, economic and social needs of impoverished area residents since 1816.
CMS unites communities and transforms individuals through service, education and advocacy. Our programs help youth and adults reach their full potential while providing opportunities for congregations and communities to engage in social action and change. This work is supported by the Metropolitan Boston Association of the United Church of Christ, churches, individuals and foundations.
Emergency Needs Network assists some of Greater Boston’s most vulnerable individuals and families who are in crisis due to illness, unemployment, low income, or sudden emergencies. Direct Assistance may be granted on a limited basis to resolve an immediate problem. For example, financial assistance might be provided for food or to prevent eviction or utility shutoff. Information, Referral and Advocacy assists clients to identify resources and obtain services which may provide long range assistance when needed.
Boston Urban Outreach brings together groups of youth and adults from Greater Boston congregations to perform service projects, worship together, and learn first-hand about social justice issues. Day-long, overnight and extended stay programming is available. Groups stay at a local inner city church, gaining a unique opportunity to develop new relationships and experience what it means to serve others.
H.Y.P.E. (Humboldt Youth Partnering for Empowerment) is a cooperative effort with four churches in the Humboldt Ave. neighborhood of Roxbury: St. Mark Congregational, Greater Generations Tabernacle, Bethel Pentecostal and Pleasant Hill Baptist. It exposes young people to positive roles models while learning useful life skills and violence prevention techniques.
The Jahmol Norfleet Video Project aims to reach at-risk youth and promote non-violence. The Video Project is currently producing a documentary called Jahmol’s Vision, based on the life of Jahmol Norfleet, 20, who was shot to death outside his Roxbury home on November 28, 2006. Jahmol was exceptionally charismatic, and in the year prior to his murder he led a peace movement among the youth of Boston. The video focuses on the challenge facing Jahmol's friends to stay committed to promoting peace in the climate of escalating teen handgun violence.
The Christmas Shop brings the joy of the holiday season to over a thousand children and adults in the Boston area. Each year more than 200 volunteers gather and distribute over 10,000 toys and clothing items directly to CMS clients and other families in crisis.
Youth Programs use hands-on activities to help at-risk young people develop their individual talents and creative gifts. Youth Arts connects working artists and poets with hundreds of Boston school children to help develop their self-esteem and discover the joys of creativity through the arts. Vacation Bible School is a partnership between CMS and local churches thatprovides urban kids with the opportunity to learn about God’s love while enjoying the arts, music and each other.
Criminal Justice Programs create collaboration among incarcerated and released persons and prison reform advocates to educate the public about needed changes.
Public Voice Project provides public speaking and leadership training for formerly incarcerated men and women so they can reach out to the public and increase awareness about the critical need for policy reform and services. It also identifies other organizational allies to promote prison reform.
Behind the Wall, a journal of articles and poems, promotes positive self-esteem among women prisoners at MCI-Framingham. CMS volunteers work with inmates to produce these journals.
Programs Overview Sheet [Adobe PDF]