STRIVE Boston is a Workforce Readiness and Development program that provides job training, coaching, and employment services. We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency, dignity, and a promising future. STRIVE Boston helps people with barriers to employment realize their potential to find and keep jobs that promise sustainable livelihoods and personal growth. Please note that the majority of our services are now being offered virtually. STRIVE services are free of charge.

Located in Acton, MA and serving child, adolescent, and adult clients in the Metrowest area, MBHC is a mental / behavioral health center with expertise in general mental health, complex psychological trauma, and parenting consultation. 

Deirdre came to JRI in 1991 to manage the start up of a community group home for women transitioning from institutional settings. She's grown along with JRI Developing Abilities, serving in roles of increasing scope and responsibility, and in 2013 was promoted to Vice President. The Division now includes a range of residential services, employment supports, day habilitation programs for adults with developmental needs and elders. Deirdre also serves on the training committee for the Association for Developmental Disabilities Providers.

 Jennifer has worked in the human service field for over 20 years with children and families in residential, community and hospital settings and received her Bachelor’s Degree and MSW from Rhode Island College.  Jennifer has worked for JRI since May, 1997. She was promoted to Director of the Commonworks Program in January of 2003.

Roody joined JRI as Chief Information Officer in January 2016. He is a highly accomplished Information Technology (IT) executive with over 20 years’ experience. Roody’s experience expanse some of the most well-known industry sectors, manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, finance and government. Most recently, Roody was Director of Strategic Planning and Innovation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

Dr. Kerry-Ann Williams is a board-certified Psychiatrist with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is a medical director at Justice Resource Institute and has a faculty appointment to Harvard Medical School as a part-time Lecturer in Psychiatry. In her clinical work, she assesses a variety of psychiatric concerns, but primarily sees individuals who have experienced emotional trauma. She hosts a podcast called “Black Mental Health Matters” which airs every Sunday at 1pm EST. Most recently, Dr.

Bisser joined JRI in 1996 as an assistant accountant and was promoted into several finance positions over the past 20 years. Bisser held the position of budget director for 6 years, and was promoted to JRI's Chief Financial Officer in 2017.  Bisser  holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from the American University in Bulgaria, and an MBA and a Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, both from Suffolk University. 

Kari Beserra, LMHC, is Chief Operating Officer for JRI.  In this role, Kari works closely with JRI’s leadership team to execute our strategy and vision while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.   Kari also oversees many of the central departments in the agency, including Training, Staff Development, and Quality Management.

Our foster care program is rooted in the principle that every child deserves to feel safe, to be nurtured, and to thrive. Our foster families and staff are committed to maximizing each child's potential within our stable and loving foster homes.