Meeting this Moment
An Ecosystem of Care Designed to Stabilize Families
BOARD of DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Eddie Jenkins, Chair
Managing Partner
Eddie Jenkins Attorney & Associates
Rickie Thompson, Treasurer
Retired Educator
Owner of Prime: A Taste of Africa
Richard L. O’Bryant, Ph.D, Clerk Director
The John D. O’Bryant African American Institute Northeastern University
MEMBERS
Jon Haywood
President Greater Boston Home Inspections, Inc.
Philip L. Hillman
Owner
PLH Enterprise
John Jenkins
President West Insurance Agency
Jestina Richardson
Co-Founder & Former Executive Director United Homes for Children
Rev. Richard Richardson
Co-Founder & President Emeritus Children’s Services of Roxbury
Jaye Smith
Non-profit Leader
Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Those words continue to resonate deeply with the work of Children’s Services of Roxbury (CSR) and the communities we serve each day.
At CSR, we understand that families do not experience challenges in isolation. Housing instability, behavioral health needs, childcare access, economic pressure, and family wellbeing are deeply connected. When one area of life becomes unstable, the effects ripple across an entire household. That understanding shapes how we respond and why this year’s annual report theme, Meeting This Moment: An Ecosystem of Care Designed to Stabilize Families, feels especially meaningful.
Across Massachusetts, families are navigating rising housing costs, strained shelter systems, increasing behavioral health needs, and ongoing financial uncertainty. These realities require more than temporary solutions. They require coordinated care, strong partnerships, and systems that recognize the dignity, resilience, and potential of every child and family.
At CSR, we remain committed to seeing the whole family, not simply a crisis, diagnosis, or service need. Through Behavioral Health, Housing & Stabilization, Early Education, Youth Development, Family Services, and other integrated supports, we work to ensure families can access the resources, care, and opportunities needed to move toward long-term stability and wellbeing.
Throughout FY25, our staff met needs with extraordinary compassion, flexibility, and commitment. We saw families navigating difficult transitions with strength and determination. We saw young people finding confidence through mentorship, creative expression, and community. We saw parents working tirelessly to create better futures for their children while balancing immense pressures. Most importantly, we saw the power of coordinated support systems that help families feel seen, supported, and connected rather than alone.
This report reflects not only the scope of CSR’s services, but the depth of our commitment to community-centered care. It highlights families securing stable housing, children reaching developmental milestones, youth building leadership and career readiness skills, and staff advancing professionally to strengthen a culturally responsive behavioral health workforce. These outcomes remind us that meaningful impact happens when organizations invest in people holistically and consistently.
As we look ahead, CSR remains focused on strengthening our ecosystem of care through collaboration, innovation, and equity-centered practice. Meeting this moment requires compassion, responsiveness, and collective action. I am grateful to our staff, partners, supporters, and all who continue to advance this work alongside us. Together, we remain committed to building stronger foundations for children, families, and communities across Massachusetts.
CSR BY THE NUMBERS
PEOPLE SERVED IN FY25
6,200+ children and families
Behavioral Health | 1,914 served
Family Services | 664 served
Housing & Stabilization | 1,502 served
Early Education | 786 served
SERVICES PERCENTAGES
WHO WE SERVE
Of our Program Participats are 18 years or younger.
Of our Program Participats are female
Of the families we serve are in Boston
49% Speak a language other than English at home, including:
Arabic Cape Verdean Creole
Chinese (Mandarin)
Chinese (Yue/Cantonese)
Eritrean
French
French Creole
Youth Development | 1,336 served Black or African American Hispanic or Latino
RACE & ETHNICITY
or Caucasian Other Race
Biracial or Multiracial
Asian or Asian American
Haitian Creole
Non-Verbal
Persian
Portuguese
Somali
Spanish
SERVICE AREAS
Tewksbury Area
Lowell
Billerica
Andover
North Andover
Chelmsford
Northampton Area
Springfield
Easthampton
South Hadley
Hadley
Holyoke
Chicopee
Worcester Area
Shrewsbury
Westborough
Auburn
Leicester
Millbury
Boston Area
• Cambridge • Dorchester
• Quincy
• Somerville
• Jamaica Plain
• Winthrop • Brookline
• Hyde Park
Roslindale • Chelsea
Mattapan
Milton
Everett
Roxbury
• Revere • Newton
CHILDREN’S SERVICES OF
ECOSYSTEM OF CARE
Our programs work together as an ecosystem of care by meeting families where they are and supporting them every step of the way. From immediate needs like shelter and food to long-term goals like education, stability, and well-being, each service is connected, flexible, and designed to respond to the unique path of every family.
FAMILY 5
A teenager connects to CSR through Youth Development services, gaining mentorship, creative expression, and community. Through CSR’s ecosystem of care, her family is connected to Behavioral Health, Early Education, Family Stabilization supports, and guidance on accessing Housing & Stabilization resources through state referral pathways.
FAMILY 4
A family of four connects to CSR through Housing & Stabilization services while in shelter. Through CSR’s ecosystem of care, the infant enrolls in Early Education, the teenager receives Behavioral Health services and youth programming, and the parents access Family Services—together building stability, wellbeing, and a pathway toward long-term opportunity.
A mother of two connects to CSR through Behavioral Health services for herself and her teenager. Through CSR’s ecosystem of care, the family is connected to Early Education for the toddler, Family Services, youth resources, and guidance on accessing Housing & Stabilization supports through state referral pathways.
A teenage mother of two connects to CSR through Early Education services, enrolling her children in childcare services. Through CSR’s ecosystem of care, she is connected to Behavioral Health, Family Services, youth programming through the You Got This Center, and guidance on accessing Housing & Stabilization resources.
Behavioral Health
In FY25, CSR was the ONLY Black-specialized children’s behavioral health provider. We are one of the largest Black-led non-profit organizations in MA.
• Offers culturally congruent care to children and families in schools, at their homes, and in community settings.
• Supports children and families facing behavioral health struggles due to trauma, anxiety, and other concerns.
• Offers hip hop therapy to Boston-area students through Beats, Rhymes, & Life (BRL) program.
Early Education
Provides children (ages 0–5) with access to safe, high-quality, 100% subsidized education at our Early Care & Education Center.
• Provides subsidized Family-Based childcare for homeless and teen mothers in Greater Roxbury and Worcester.
Family Services
Provides children and families with services that unite, strengthen, and support their long-term success.
• Family Visitation ensures children have a safe space to build strong, lifelong relationships with their noncustodial parents.
• Family Support & Stabilization Services maintains stable and strong homes.
• Intensive Foster Care in partnership with Massachusetts’ Department of Children and Families (DCF) places children and youth in safe, culturally competent, homes in Greater Roxbury, Western MA, and Northern MA.
Housing & Stabilization
Provides shelter across Greater Boston for over 1,000 homeless children and their families.
• Supports families in shelters to secure permanent, safe housing.
• Provides families with access to wraparound services, including CSR’s Front Porch, behavioral health services, workforce development, educational programs, housing vouchers, substance abuse counseling, medical care, and childcare.
Youth Development
A foster parent connects to CSR through Family Services while caring for an infant and two teenagers. Through CSR’s ecosystem of care, the infant enrolls in childcare, both teens receive Behavioral Health and youth services, and the eldest is connected to Housing & Stabilization resources as he prepares to age out of foster care.
Prepares young people to manage inherent challenges associated with adolescence and young adulthood, that include enrichment activities resources, skills and experiences that help them reach their full potential.
• Youth, Purpose, and Partnership (YPP) equips youth with digital media, leadership, and communication skills that amplify their voices and strengthen their role as community changemakers.
• The You Got This Center (YGTC) offers a safe, supportive dropin space for young adults ages 16–26, connecting youth who are facing housing instability, mental health challenges, unemployment, and other barriers to resources, opportunities, and community.
Meeting this Moment through Behavioral Health
Front Porch
CSR’s Front Porch program is designed to meet families at critical moments, offering trauma-informed support that helps stabilize crises and guide families toward healing.
Preliminary findings show encouraging progress across several key indicators of wellbeing, and results suggest that participants experienced improved mental health literacy, reduced anxiety, and increased willingness to seek help when needed.
Participants were surveyed over time to evaluate changes in mental health literacy.
Reducing Anxiety, Strengthening Wellbeing through our Front Porch program
Participants experienced a meaningful reduction in anxiety symptoms, with average scores decreasing from 6.8 to 4.2, moving from mild to minimal levels.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) assessment is used to measure the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms. Each item asks the individual to rate the severity of his or her symptoms over the past two weeks.
Increasing Willingness to Seek Support through our Front Porch program
Participants were surveyed on the likelihood of engaging with professional and community resources. Data indicates that 68% of participants maintained or improved helpseeking behaviors over time.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Beats, Rhymes and Life
Beats, Rhymes and Life (BRL) is a youth hip-hop therapeutic program developed by the California-based organization, BRL, Inc. The strength-based model of therapy works with and enhances the skills and abilities intrinsic within adolescents. The program combines narrative & expressive arts therapy with youth development principles to inspire youth to recognize their capacity for healing and self-expression.
1,061 Total Number of Youth Served by Beats, Rhymes and Life
Building Confidence, Connection, and Wellbeing
Outcomes from BRL Partner, Boston Day and Evening Academy Youth Participants.
*statistically significant change
28 Interns
Creating pathways for the next generation of behavioral health professionals through meaningful clinical experiences.
Building Pathways
for Clinicians of Color 100%
Through partnerships with Framingham State University and Accelerate the Future, CSR is creating a debt-free pathway for staff interested in pursuing advanced careers in behavioral health to earn Master’s degrees and become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Over the course of two years, participants balanced graduate coursework while continuing to work full-time in their current roles at CSR, advancing professional development while strengthening a culturally responsive behavioral health workforce.
Identify as BIPOC
100% of the inaugural cohort identify as Black or Latino, ensuring the workforce reflects and understands the communities served.
80%
Come with deep experience
80% of the first cohort entered with 6+ years of field experience, bringing deep professional and lived experience into clinical training.
40%
Bring Graduate-level experience
CSR students bring strong academic backgrounds, with 40% of the first cohort previously enrolled in a master’s program and many already holding advanced degrees.
The inaugural Framingham State University cohort celebrates their final day of class in December 2025, after two years of balancing graduate studies and full-time work at CSR.
Meeting this Moment through Family Services
FAMILY SERVICES
Intensive Foster Care
Promoting stability, permanency, and positive youth outcomes.
Youth achieved key permanency outcomes
13 successfully reunified with a family member
2 adoptions and 3 placements in a pre-adoption home
6 transitions to adulthood
9 participated in job fairs
FAMILY SERVICES
Family Support and Stabilization
Preventing separation and strengthening families
7 graduated high school
7 engaged in college or training programs
96% of families avoided child removal, demonstrating strong success in preserving family unity.
Youth engaged in education and workforce pathways
FAMILY SERVICES
Family Visitation
Maintaining Meaningful Parent-Child Connection
83% of families achieved reunification when children were already out of the home.
90
Families engaged in visitation services.
1,115
30 3
visitation sessions facilitated visiting families obtained custody of their children
marking a critical milestone toward permanency.
ensuring consistent and meaningful parent-child connection.
families progressed to unsupervised visits reflecting increased trust, parenting capacity, and stability.
Meeting this Moment through Housing and Stabilization
HOUSING AND STABILIZATION
Shelter System
As Massachusetts’ shelter system evolved, CSR adapted its approach to help families navigate transition, stability, and long-term opportunity.
1,502 families received ongoing stabilization supports including rental assistance and voucher retention, helping families maintain housing and avoid displacement.
HOUSING AND STABILIZATION
156 families
secured permanent housing
marking critical transitions from shelter to stability.
197 transitions
successful exits from shelter units across 169 housing units, including transitions to permanent housing and other stable living arrangements.
Adapting to changes in the system
As Massachusetts accelerated shelter-to-housing transitions, CSR adapted its services to provide more intensive, holistic support—helping families not just find housing, but build lasting stability through coordinated resources and community partnerships.
The Shift
Shorter shelter timelines created greater urgency for families moving through an already complex housing process.
CSR’s Response
CSR supported families through individualized planning, housing search assistance, stabilization services, resource coordination, benefits navigation, employment support, financial planning, wellness connections, and community partnerships.
Housing Stability Requires More Than Housing
CSR’s ecosystem of care connects families to the supports that make stability possible
The Impact
156 families transitioned from shelter into housing during FY25/FY26.
50% of placements were into more stable non-market housing opportunities that support greater longterm affordability and sustainability.
Meeting this Moment through Early Education
EARLY EDUCATION
Healthy Growth & Early Development
Children in CSR’s Early Care and Education Center and Family-Based Childcare programs demonstrated measurable progress across key developmental milestones, reflecting growth in early learning, communication, social-emotional development, and school readiness.
Infants
Mobility and motor skills (crawling, walking)
Toddlers
Early language development and recognition of letters, shapes, and colors
Preschoolers
Foundational writing, vocabulary, and math skills in preparation for school
Participants by Age Group in our Early Care and Education Center and Family Based-Childcare programs
NURTURING GROWTH THROUGH FAMILY-BASED CHILDCARE
Zuri joined Stephanie’s in-home daycare when she was just one, and now she’s about to turn five. When she first started, she had difficulty socializing, cried often, and was very distant. Over time, I’ve watched her become much more social, independent, and helpful.
Stephanie has built such a strong relationship with our family and is wonderful with children. All of my children have gone through her program over the years. She communicates closely with us, keeps us informed about what’s happening, and knows the children so well that sometimes she notices things before we do as parents. I’m truly grateful for the care, support, and quality education my children have received.”
Zuri and her mom, Charelle Daniels
Patrick Legor III
Through CSR’s Worcester Family-Based Childcare program, educator Ana Montano has provided exceptional support to Patrick Legor III and his mother, Elizabeth Taft. Working closely with the family, Ana and the CSR team helped coordinate Patrick’s early education experience alongside his ABA therapy schedule, ensuring he could benefit from both educational and therapeutic supports.
Through consistent communication, individualized care, and a strong partnership with the family, Patrick has been supported in reaching important developmental milestones and continuing to make progress toward his goals.
Meeting this Moment through Youth Development
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Youth, Purpose, & Partnership (YPP)
Building Confidence Through Creative Expression and Digital Media
Most youth feel confident using digtital tools to create visual media
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
You Got This Center (YGTC)
of 201 YGTC Participants
Increasing Willingness to Seek Support
Participants most often sought support related to employment, emotional wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships. Illustrates
Moments that Matter
CSR advances equity through culturally responsive care, community voice, and systems-level advocacy that addresses the root causes of instability. These moments capture our work in action, reflecting the partnerships, policy engagement, and collective efforts that strengthen our ecosystem of care and create more equitable outcomes for the children and families we serve.
Featured guest panelists
Thea James
VP of Mission
Boston Medical Center
Rahsaan Hall
President & CEO
Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
CSR staff members
CSR’s You Got This Center
Uniting Community Voices for Change
2nd Annual ROXTalks LIVE | June 16, 2025
Performance by
Moussa Traore
Dionne Shoffner
More than an event, ROXTalks LIVE reflected CSR’s continued commitment to creating spaces where community voices are elevated, relationships are strengthened, and conversations can inspire action toward a more equitable future.
THE EVENT
Discussion Hosted by Sandra McCroom
Hosted by CSR President & CEO Sandra McCroom, the event featured powerful insights from distinguished panelists Thea James, Vice President of Mission at Boston Medical Center, and Rahsaan Hall, President & CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Their reflections on health equity, racial justice, opportunity, and community empowerment underscored the importance of collective action and sustained investment in historically marginalized communities.
Enjoy a recap of CSR’s ROXTalks Live event, including videos of the live conversation.
Community, culture, and courage took center stage at Children’s Services of Roxbury’s 2nd Annual ROXTalks LIVE: Uniting Community Voices for Change, a Juneteenth-inspired gathering rooted in dialogue, reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of social justice and equity. The in-person event brought together community leaders, advocates, staff, and young people for an evening of meaningful conversation, live entertainment, and collective inspiration.
Stories from the You Got This Center
The evening also amplified the voices of those closest to the work. CSR staff members Doug, Andrea, and Charles joined remarkable young people from CSR’s You Got This Center: Hope, Faith, and Deryq, who courageously shared their lived experiences and personal journeys with authenticity and strength. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the resilience that exists within communities when young people are seen, supported, and empowered.
Music from the Black Community
Honoring the spirit and significance of Juneteenth, the program featured a vibrant African drumming performance by Moussa Traore and an interactive group activity centered around the meaning of Pan-African colors, celebrating the legacy, resilience, and pride of the Black community. Adding to the evening’s spirit of unity and reflection, Dionne Shoffner delivered a moving rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black national anthem, inspiring attendees through music and shared purpose.
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Christine Ahlgren
David Allard
Cliff Allen
Jonathan and Victoria Biller
Eric Apgar
Davis Barnett
Mario Bedeschi
Lisa Bifulco
Stephen Bowden
Joan Brennan
Gwendolyn Brown
Bill Bulkeley
Jeanette Callahan
Blair Campbell
Pamela Cazeau
Yoselyn Chalas
Lacey Chambers
Susan Marble Cuthbert
Christine Davis
Brian Deegan
Sarah& Andy DeMayo
Kevin Fish
Suzanne Gallivan
Phyllis Glazerman
Sylvie Gregoire
Hanna Halloran
Charles Hausmann
Mary Beth Heffernan
Mike Hickey
Joanne Hilferty
Philip Hillman
Ben Hires
Nicholas Ho
Van Ho
Eddie Jenkins
John Jenkins
Barry Kaplan
Fredlee Ann Kaplan
Abby Lentz
Zsuzsanna Lukacsfy
Robert Marble
Wesley Mather
Lesley Mattson
Dan McCarthy
Sandra McCroom
Erin McGurn
Kerry-Ann McLaren
Mary Beth Meier
Dave Melville
Judy Nagle
Richard O’Bryant
Audrey O’Hagan
Diane Ozelius
Paul Pedersen
Joseph Perkell
Elizabeth Price
Kelsey Priestaf
Mary Jane Restuccia
Claire Ross
Kelly Sheridan
Benjamin Spaulding
Benjamin Taylor
Rickie Thompson
Claudine Uwizeyimana
Justin Walch
Matt Ward
John Inacio
Jodi Wolin
Philip Wright
Daisy Xu
Aaron Youmans
Sandy Zamor Calixte
CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & PUBLIC SECTOR PARTNERS
Corporate
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
BWA Architecture Inc.
Dedham Savings Bank
Mass Cultural Council
National Grid
Foundation
Caribbean Foundation of Boston
Davis Family Charitable Foundation
Eastern Bank Foundation
Anonymous Family Foundation
M&T Charitable Foundation
Mabel Louise Riley Foundation
The Boston Foundation
The Yemaya Fund—Wilmot Family
TJX Foundation
Government
Boston After School & Beyond
City of Boston—Department of Youth Employment and Opportunity
City of Boston—Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement
City of Boston—Office of Early Childhood
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney
State of Massachusetts
The City of Boston Community Preservation Act
Non-profit
The 84 Movement
Battle of the Biotech Bands
Danvers Rotary Club
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
First Parish Dorchester
Order of the Eastern Star
Hospital, Community Health Center, or Medical Association
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
Volunteers—Companies that donated for Holiday Drive
Peloton Consulting Group Boston
Life Science Cares
Stratacuity
Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals
Aera Technology
SciShield,
Novo Nordisk
Aura Biosciences
Mass Bio
Shrodinger
Banc of California Boston
Omega Funds
Upstream Bio
Bicara
Astria Therapeutics
Seres Therapeutics
Viridian
Q32 Bio Inc
Cullinan
Viridian Therapeutics
Vigil Neurocience
Browne Consulting
Mythic AI
In loving memory of cofounder Reverend Richard Richardson
AUGUST 23, 1930–SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Reverend Richard Wendell Richardson, 95, of Lakeland, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, mentor, community leader, and servant of God, Richard lived a life that left an indelible legacy in many spheres.
Born August 23, 1930, in Cambridge MA, he was the beloved son of Frank James Richardson and Judith Margaret (Gaymon) Richardson. He married the love of his life, his “Black Pearl,” Jestina Lillian Gordon, and together they shared more than 74 years of marriage, rooted in faith, partnership, and service. From their union came a family that continues to bear the strength of his example. Their union was blessed with six children: Karen Marie, Denise Estelle, Stephanie Louise, Richard Wendell II, Kim
Stacey, and Judith Lillian. Richard was also a proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, cherishing his role in guiding the next generations with prayer, encouragement, and love.
Professional Life & Education
Richard earned his Master of Education in Psychology from Cambridge College, giving him a foundation in understanding hearts, minds, and human development.
He began as a skilled tool-and-die maker and completed his studies at Wentworth Institute of Technology. During this time, he developed a solid foundation in precision craftsmanship and problem-solving. He then joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) during its formative years, working in the cabinet department under the leadership of the founders, Stan Olson and his brother Ken.
From there, Richard moved on to Polaroid, where he achieved a historic milestone as the first African American manager in the department. Though he had little more than a high school education at the time, his exceptional skill, intellect, and work ethic earned him the respect of the engineers he supervised. During this time, he had the privilege of working directly with Dr. Edwin Land, the legendary inventor and founder of Polaroid, contributing in part to the development of the “boot” mechanism of the Land Camera.
Richard later continued his career at General Electric (GE) in the Jet Engine Division, where his technical acumen and leadership continued to shine. Following his corporate career, Richard became an entrepreneur. He co-owned Jasco Aluminum, building upon his experience and leading in business ownership.
Across each chapter of his professional life, Richard was known for his integrity, innovation, and ability to bridge cultures and disciplines through quiet strength and humility.
But his greatest professional legacy may be in his visionary work in child and family services. In 1972, Richard and his wife co-founded United Homes for Children, a foster care agency, grounded in clinical behavioral health approaches. Over time, United Homes for Children merged with Roxbury Children Services to form Children’s Services of Roxbury (CSR), where Richard served as Executive Director until 1990 and later as Chair Emeritus until his passing.
Under his leadership, CSR expanded from a small network of foster homes to one of Massachusetts’s most significant and respected, Black-led nonprofits serving families across multiple domains. CSR’s mission, to bring peace of mind to children and families, reflects Richard’s vision: systems that not only serve, but build trust, empowerment, dignity, and holistic wellness.
Ministry & Community Leadership
Ordained Reverend in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1986, Richard served on the ministerial staff at St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, and later at New Bethel AME Church in Lakeland from 2008 onward.
He also served his community in civic and faith-based capacities:
• Commissioner (later Commissioner Emeritus) of the Lakeland Housing Authority
• Advisor to YouthBuild Lakeland
• Member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
• Board member of the Lakeland Police Department Chaplaincy
• Executive Director Interact Council of Human Development
• Founder of New Bethel Lakeland Social Services, which birthed the Lord’s Pantry to feed the hungry
In fraternal service, Richard was a dedicated Mason, a member of Celestial Lodge #2 in Boston, and he rose to the rank of Most Worshipful Grandmaster.
The Legacy of Family
Of all his accomplishments, Richard’s most treasured legacy was the one he built within his family. He was the cornerstone of faith and strength, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather who modeled what it meant to be a godly man. His life was a living sermon, teaching those around him how to walk humbly, love deeply, and trust God completely.
He was the one his children and grandchildren turned to for wise counsel, and no matter the question or circumstance, his wisdom always pointed them back to God. His quiet confidence in the Lord was unshakable, and his constant reminder to those he loved was simple yet profound: “If we just hold on to God’s hand, we know that everything will be alright.”
Whether stitching Easter dresses and wedding gowns by hand, fixing what others thought was beyond repair, or guiding his family through life’s storms, Richard led with both skill and faith. He was the steady anchor and spiritual covering of the family, prayerful and protective.
Together with his beloved wife, Richard and Jestina opened their home to more than fifty foster children and welcomed countless family members in times of need. Their home was always a refuge, a place of safety, love, and prayer. This spirit of generosity and unwavering devotion remains one of the richest parts of Richard’s legacy.
Character and Mentorship
Richard was a man of gentle authority. Though not verbose, when he spoke, each word carried depth. He mentored men across generations, grandsons, sons-in-law, nephews, and counseled couples, often bringing wisdom to dark valleys. With his wife, they were a ministry team: she the heart, he the hands, together bringing dreams, programs, and compassion into being.
He was generous beyond measure, always quick to redirect credit to God: “It was not me, but the God in me.” Every sermon began with his favorite song, “His Grace and Mercy Have Brought Me Through.” He lived humbly, seeking always to serve and please the Lord.
Family & Celebration
Richard is survived by his wife, Jestina; his children, Karen (Lynn) Caple, Denise (Scott) Gordon, Stephanie (Curtis) Lewis, Kim (Hassen) Pruitt, Judie (Steve) Routhier; and three who, though not by birth, were his by love and spirit: Mark (Pat) Richardson, Crystal (Steve) Lezema, Billy Solomon; 31 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; extended family; and a host of spiritual children and friends.
He was preceded in death by son Richard Wendell Richardson II; great-grandson Desmond Hassen Richardson; father Frank James Richardson; mother Judith Margaret Richardson; siblings Frank Richardson Jr., Catherine Cheek, Julia Semper, Sarah Hicks, Estelle Richardson; and sons-in-law Gary Jerome Weems, and Eugene Alexander Poindexter Jr.
Because of his legacy, our work continues.
