We at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services are concerned about the impact of recent events in our community. Clearly the economic downturn is affecting most, if not all of us. Although Community Service does not provide financial support, we recognize that having a place and person to go to when there are concerns can be helpful. We are available to provide an ear as well as links to other services that people may find they need but don’t know how to access.

Over 40 per cent of the income of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services comes from state contracts. We are very thankful that we have just come through the state budget cuts relatively unscathed. However, in order to maintain the quality of services we provide to the Island community we must be constantly vigilant.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is the largest human service provider on the Island with roots established in 1961, when a community mental health center was formed to serve the Island population. Today, we employ more than 120 full and part-time employees and serve approximately 6,000 residents and visitors each year through our Early Childhood Programs, Island Counseling and Disability Services, the Visiting Nurse Service and Women’s Support Services.