Patty Vattes has joined JRI as our new Senior Director of Human Resources.  With over 20 years of experience in HR, Patty brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be instrumental as we continue to advance our HR functions and extraordinary benefits.  In this role, Patty will provide overall leadership for JRI’s HR department, driving key initiatives and best practices while ensuring that the department remains aligned with the values and culture that define us. 

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, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, 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 diverse and impressive educational achiev

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.

Register Here.

JRI is excited to share 2 training opportunities that can expand your capacity in better understanding trauma reactive behaviors in your clients or your own children as well as vicarious trauma and burnout in yourself. Register for one training or both!

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.

JRI's GROW Greenhouse was featured on Chronicle! Watch it here.

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.

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