Roody Herold, JRI's current Chief Information Officer, will be expanding his role as the new Chief Administrative Officer.  In this expanded role, Roody will have oversight of Human Resources and Information Technology, further strengthening our leadership across key strategic areas.  Roody has been JRI’s CIO for the past nine years and has more than 30 years of experience in public and private sectors in information technology, business management, human resources, leadership, strategic planning and innovation. His impressive educational achievements include a bachelor's in electrical engi

This holiday season, more than 50 children in Fall River’s Justice Resource Institute Foster Care and Adoption program are getting the chance to experience the joy of giving back through the annual “Santa’s Workshop.” 

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the JRI team and partner organizations, these kids are able to shop for their siblings and families without financial stress, all while receiving a gift of their own. Watch how this heartwarming tradition is making a difference for kids in foster care.

Matthew Dischinger, a Beverly resident and program manager at the Justice Resource Institute, received the Excellence in Program Leadership Award at the Association for Behavioral Healthcare’s 2024 Salute to Excellence Awards. Recognized for his work with JRI's Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative, Dischinger revitalized In-Home Therapy and Therapeutic Mentoring teams post-pandemic, introduced In-Home Behavioral Services, and boosted team morale with creativity and professionalism. His clinical expertise and leadership earned high praise from his colleagues.

With student fights becoming a pressing issue in Massachusetts, JRI received a DESE grant to provide specialized training that fosters a safer, more supportive school environment. Farley Elementary in Hudson, MA, is tackling student mental health with a sensory-friendly “safe space” and trauma-informed strategies.

With training led by Tara Sagor, Director of Training and Trauma Response at JRI, staff focus on understanding the needs behind behaviors. “Most kids aren’t looking for attention; they’re looking for connection,” Sagor explained.

Justice Resource Institute (JRI) recently hosted state Rep. Sam Montaño at two Jamaica Plain locations.

Montaño toured JRI’s Metro Boston Community Based Services location on Washington Street and its Health and Housing division on Amory Street. The conversations centered around behavioral health needs and long-term support and services for children facing mental health, developmental and medical challenges, as well as housing and legal assistance for homeless youth and individuals living with HIV & HCV.

Anchor Academy is a special education, therapeutic day school that serves school aged students between the ages of 10-22. Anchor Academy operates as an extended year, 11 month academic program, with an optional summer experience. Certified special education teachers provide students with a curriculum that is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. The curriculum prepares students for high school graduation and transition to post-secondary education, career or vocational training.

The U.S.

JRI announces the promotion of Kari Beserra to Chief Operating Officer at JRI.  This promotion is a testament to Kari’s outstanding dedication, strategic vision and exceptional leadership throughout her nearly twenty-five years at JRI.  Her contributions have been invaluable in empowering our dynamic team and progressing JRI forward, making her the clear choice to fill this role.  

My Life My Choice, a program of JRI, is partnering with the Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J Galibois to expand services to adolescent survivors of human trafficking, and to provide training and consultation to young people and their service providers on the Cape.

Read the full article in the Cape Cod Times.

A message from Francine Rosenberg, JRI's Chairperson of the Board of Trustees:

Following nearly 40 years of unwavering dedication to JRI, Andy Pond has made the decision to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer.

During Andy’s tenure, JRI has grown in size and scope but has never lost its core values or commitment to justice.  Andy has consistently modeled integrity and passion for the mission of this organization. He has cultivated a strong and highly competent leadership team who will help to assure a seamless transition.