CLM History
In the early 1970’s, a number of child welfare provider agencies who were members of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) came together to form a voluntary statewide network in Massachusetts: The MA Child Welfare League of America Executives Group. During the more than 30 years since then, the organization has evolved in its structure and strategic purpose. Agencies joined because of opportunities to network with others involved in the field of child welfare, to share information, and to jointly advocate for public policies – many of the same reasons why organizations are members today.
In 1988, the League developed a dues structure and hired its first staff person. In 1995, the MA Child Welfare League of America Executives Group was incorporated as the Children’s League of Massachusetts. It was established as a 501c(4) organization, allowing it to undertake unlimited advocacy efforts. Its membership was its board, and included both private and public agencies. Although membership in CWLA was urged, it was no longer a requirement for belonging to the Children’s League of Massachusetts.
In 2002, the League undertook a strategic plan that resulted in the expansion of its membership to include family, consumer and faith-based organizations with compatible missions. Four years later, in an effort to increase efficacy, the board began adding staff to the organization, first with a part-time Executive Assistant, and a short time later, a consultant to staff the Policy/Advocacy Committee and our Legislative Committee. By 2011, the board agreed that staffing capacity was at the forefront of their advocacy goals, especially in the face of lingering economic difficulties for families and children, and expanded the staff to include an Associate Director.
In 2015 CLM celebrated its 20th birthday, and celebrated with increased membership. By 2016, the membership initiative had successfully added over 30 members in a 3-year period. CLM reorganized the staff structure to include a Director of Public Policy, an Operations Specialist, and a Communications and Policy Specialist in addition to the Executive Director. CLM's work is carried out in partnership with members through task forces, coalitions, and partnerships.
Recent Annual Reports
Chairpersons of the Children's League Board of Directors
2024-present | Daurice Cox, Psy.D., CAS, President & CEO, Bay State Community Services |
2021-2023 | Shaheer Mustafa, President & CEO, HopeWell |
2019-2021 | Anne Sampaio, LICSW, Director, Child and Family Services, Inc. |
2017-2019 | Matthew Stone, Executive Director, Youth Villages |
2015-2016 | Carla Saccone, President & CEO, Children's Friend and Family Services |
2013-2014 | Maria Mossaides, Executive Director, Cambridge Family and Children's Services |
2012-2013 | Eric Masi, Executive Director, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network |
2010-2012 | Tim Callahan, Executive Director, Brandon School & Residential Treatment Center |
2008-2010 | Sue Todd, President & CEO, Pathways for Children |
2006-2008 | Marylou Sudders, President & CEO, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children |
2004-2006 | Steve McCafferty, Executive Director, The Children's Study Home |
2002-2004 | Dave Manzo, President & CEO, COMPASS |
2000-2002 | Susan Wayne, President, Justice Resource Institute |
1998-2000 | Betsy Loughran, President & CEO, Center for Human Development |
1996-1998 | William Lyttle, President, Key Program, Inc. |
1994-1996 | Joe Leavey, Executive Director, Communities for People |
1988-1994 | John R. Jackson, Executive Director, New Bedford Child & Family Services |
1986-1988 | Gerald L. Malouin, President, Providence Children's Center |
1984-1986 | James L. Bell, Executive Director, Springfield Day Nursery |
1982-1984 | Clifford W. Falby, Executive Director, New England Home for Little Wanderers |
1979-1982 | Richard J. Bond, Executive Director, Boston Children's Services Association |
1977-1979 | Peter E. Reinhold, Executive Director, North Shore Children's Friend and Family Society |
1975-1977 | John E. McManus, Executive Director, Mass. Council on Human Service Providers |
1972-1975 | Jean B. Gresheimer, Executive Director, Worcester Children's Friend Society |