Southwestern Community Services (SCS),
one of New Hampshire’s five community action agencies,
has served the needs of Cheshire and Sullivan county
citizens for more than 46 years. Our
history began in 1965 when
President Lyndon Johnson commenced waging his war on
poverty. As the battles continue, so do our efforts as
advocates for those in need. Southwestern Community
Services is a tax-exempt organization under section
501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our vision: SCS seeks to create and
support a climate within the communities of southwestern
New Hampshire wherein poverty is never accepted as a
chronic or permanent condition of any person’s life.
Our mission: SCS strives to empower low
income people and families. With dignity and respect,
SCS will provide direct assistance, reduce stressors,
and advocate for such persons and families as they lift
themselves toward self-sufficiency. In partnership and
in close collaboration with local communities, SCS will
provide leadership and support to develop resources,
programs, and services to further aid this population.
Some of our programs have undergone changes over the
years, evolving and expanding as we strive to stay in
touch and keep pace with the real needs of the people.
Additionally, because the needs of the people are
constantly changing, when it becomes necessary, we
search out, or sometimes develop, new programs that will
best serve those needs.
Leadership at SCS is provided by the
Senior Staff and our
Program Directors. Each plays a vital
role in assuring that the agency runs smoothly and as
efficiently as possible.
The SCS Board of Directors is comprised of 18 individuals from
Sullivan and Cheshire counties who represent a broad
spectrum of the population, including consumers, from
throughout our service area.
SCS has a definite impact on the economy of the
communities served in both counties. To learn more about
how SCS affects your community, we invite you to review
the SCS Economic Impact Report of the most current
year, and to review the economic impact on your specific
town.
Our funding base is diverse, ranging from federal to
state and local governments, as well as private
foundations and corporations.
