Offering Assistance,
Referral, and Educational
Programs to the Greater Marlborough Community

Marlborough Community Services Inc. (MCSI) is a private, not for profit organization based in the city of Marlborough that offers a wide array of programs addressing the most vital community issues. MCSI is a
501c(3) agency whose mission is to promote, strengthen, and sustain the wellbeing of families by providing social services and wellness programs for people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds, in accordance with Massachusetts general laws.

In addition, MCSI upholds the mandates of its primary funding sources that include The United Way, Project Bread, FEMA, MEFAP, and the City of Marlborough. These entities require that we must serve all, without prejudice, judgment, or bias of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, economic status or sexual orientation.

At present, an increasing number of Marlborough residents are in crisis, and lack basic items such as food, clothing and household goods. This crisis is attributed to a depressed economy, shifting employment trends, and a continued reduction of jobs and wages in the workforce. We see additional stresses upon families because of cuts in food stamps, at WIC, in the Welfare Reform Act, in school breakfast and lunch programs, and reductions in USDA surplus food. A significant number of consumers that seek our services face issues of unemployment or underemployment, illness, loneliness, homelessness, depression and despair. Consistent with its mission, MCSI responds by providing essential goods, while also focusing on the underlying issues.

MCSI is comprised of two components: Food Pantry Program and Direct Services.

Unlike most other pantries, whose sole purpose is to merely distribute food, MCSI workers and volunteers are trained to recognize when the needs of each individual or family require specific intervention. In those instances, clients are referred for further follow-up services so that one’s individual crisis is immediately addressed. The effectiveness of these services is documented, and can be evaluated by the increasing numbers of Marlborough residents who have become self-supporting because of MCSI assistance. Many of these individuals, and in some cases entire families, return as volunteers for special food drives or on a regular basis.