Justice Resource Institute (JRI) is a recognized leader in social justice initiatives and one of New England's largest human services providers.
The work of social justice is never done.
For over 50 years, JRI has been dedicated to nurturing and empowering underserved children, individuals, families, and communities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. We recognize the profound need for compassionate human services programs and the importance of continually innovating how we deliver this vital care.
We strive to create a world where every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
With a network of more than 100 human services programs, 2,500 employees, and a wide range of research and training programs serving JRI employees and other organizations, it can be hard to describe JRI in simple terms, but at the heart of all we do are two essential functions.
We provide trauma informed care for children, families, and individuals in need.
We challenge the status quo in how those services are provided through rigorous research and training initiatives.
At the same time, JRI is deeply committed to innovation and growth in culture and social impact, and we share what we learn in this effort with others.
Who does JRI serve?
Our human services programs serve a wide range of needs through residential, outpatient, and community-based services, including:
Children, adolescents and their families who have experienced trauma.
Youth of all identities.
Individuals with developmental delays who are living with mental illness or behavioral challenges.
Children, adolescents and adults who have a mental illness or are behaviorally challenged.
Court-involved children and adolescents.
People living with HIV/AIDS or are at risk for infection.
Those with severe developmental differences who require significant medical involvement.
Our research and training programs are designed to serve human services leaders and organizations from every background.
Professionals including healthcare students, professors, social workers, researchers, and others engaged in human services.
State Agencies and their employees involved in policy-making, program administration, and social services.
Educators including teachers, school administrators, and educational staff.
Recent graduates and job seekers who are looking to develop their careers.
JRI was founded in 1973 in response to massive, systemic problems created by the deinstitutionalization movement in Massachusetts. The young leaders who founded our organizations took risks in partnering with government agencies to address the most confounding issues facing rapidly-changing justice and human services systems.
Over time, as JRI developed its network of more than 100 human services programs, we developed innovative research programs that would identify ways to improve human service delivery models and public policy across the country.
Our goal is never growth for growth’s sake. Rather than serially developing similar programs, we strive to operate innovative, leading programs within each model of service.
We don’t follow trends. We develop models that set trends and reshape social justice systems by example, and we pursue this constant quest for innovation and improvement through a process we refer to as the JRI Circle.
The JRI Circle
The JRI circle is a process that holds us accountable to constant growth and evolution in how our human services programs deliver their services. The discoveries we make are shared with other human services agencies and professionals.
Collecting Data: We gather data on the effectiveness of the services we provide to those in our care.
Feeding Research: Our Research Team uses this data in research projects to identify gaps in social justice.
Supporting Training: The insights gained from our research are used to develop innovative training initiatives that improve our services.
Serving the People: New and innovative ways of caring for the people we serve are implemented. In doing so, we generate new data for study, and the cycle begins again.
Rebuilding Foundations: The training we provide changes the delivery models of our programs at a foundational level.
Feeding Research
Supporting Training
Serving the People
Rebuilding Foundations
Collecting Data
Our Mission
Justice Resource Institute works in partnership with individuals, families, communities, and government to pursue the social justice inherent in opening doors to opportunity and independence.
JRI Board of Trustees
Fran Rosenberg - Board Chairperson Judith Tsipis - Vice Chairperson Mark S. Cuddy - Treasurer Mia DeMarco - Clerk Pratiti Bandopadhayay Douglas M. Brooks Jim Cunha Joel Kershner Caro Ruiz
JRI's intensive residential treatment programs, clinics, and community-based services are accredited by the Joint Commission. JRI's residential schools, group homes, day habilitation and Huntington at Symphony are accredited by CARF.
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