Who We Are
RFK Children's Action Corps was founded in 1969 as an active memorial to the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who believed that society has a responsibility to take care of its most helpless members. Our programs are focused on helping children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral problems deal appropriately with past hurts, develop self-esteem, and become contributing members of society. We also provide support services for families and preventive programs for youths living in areas with high rates of violence and crime.
Since our founding, we have steadily increased the number of programs and services we provide to young people and their families, including residential programs, community outreach programs, and adventure education. We collaborate with state agencies – including the departments of Youth Services, Social Services, Mental Health, Education, and Early Education and Care – to keep children out of trouble, in school, and on a path of healing.
RFK Children's Action Corps at a glance:
Founded: June 25, 1969, as a memorial to the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy
Type of organization: Private nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) Licensed Child Welfare Agency and Approved Private Schools
Structure: Oversight by volunteer board of directors; operational management led by president and CEO
Annual budget: $24.8 million
Employees: 450
Locations: 9 communities across Massachusetts
Programs: 21, including short and long term residential treatment, secure treatment, special education schools, group home, community-based, and adventure education
Children served annually: More than 900
Affiliations: Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools, The Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, The Child Welfare League of America, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, The Children's League, Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition, and American Humanics.
Collaboration: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial
