Learn About City Missionary Society of Boston

Boston Tutoring Services is introducing a new series of blogposts about local nonprofit organizations. Our goals are to raise awareness about their work and to share how other people can get involved. If you or someone you know is part of, has worked with, or knows about a local nonprofit, please contact us and share your experiences. All submissions are welcome!

City Missionary Society of Boston, a nonprofit organization founded in 1816 by members and staff of Old South Church in Boston, aims to combat homelessness and poverty in their neighborhoods. Sara Norlin, Officer Manager at City Mission Society (CMS), spoke candidly with us about the organization’s mission, achievements, and challenges.

“The original aim of the organization was to increase literacy and education among poor immigrants in the city of Boston,” she said. “In addition to visiting individual homes, City Missionary Society also founded the first public school in Boston.”

Today, the organization has three “guiding principles” to root out poverty: empowerment, education, and partnership.

“Our biggest goal today is to prevent homelessness and raise awareness about the difficulties that low income people face,” Norlin said.

In 2006, CMS celebrated its 190th anniversary, making it the oldest multi-service agency in New England. The organization launches several events throughout the year.

‘We host Martin Luther King Day of Service in January, Coat Boston in November, and the Christmas Shop in November/December,” Norlin said. “We are also gearing up for our 200th Anniversary and will be hosting celebrations starting with MLK day in January 2015.”

However, despite its long history of service, CMS faces some formidable challenges.

“Like many nonprofits, our difficulties mostly revolve around the lack of available funding,” said Norlin.

The organization advocates for volunteers in their office and on their board of directors. Norlin suggests gathering a youth group to work in their Boston Urban Outreach program.

“We are especially looking for volunteers to aid in planning our 200th Anniversary celebrations,” she said. “Of course, donations are always extremely helpful.”

Get involved and learn more about City Mission Society’s work at their official website.
Contact City Mission Society at information@cmsboston.org.