The Carson Center was named after Marguerite O. Carson, an African American woman who championed children’s services in the greater Westfield area. Peg believed in service to others and advocated for those who couldn’t always speak for themselves. 

The agency opened in March of 1963 and now serves people throughout the Western Massachusetts area. Programs are available to support children, adolescents, adults and families with top-notch mental health, substance abuse and child care services. 

Computers and printers from the National Cristina Foundation have been placed in all of our programs to aid the delivery of service to our clients. Computers in the emergency room at our local hospital support our 24/7 Psychiatric Crisis Intervention program, which serves some 1,000 people of all ages every year. Computers in our Children’s Outpatient clinic and after-school day treatment program support the services we deliver, as well as enabling children to make use of technology. 

Modern day service delivery requires more than compassion; it asks for technology interfaces as well. With each year, technology system advances demand computer access in healthcare. This work and much more are being accomplished with the help of the National Cristina Foundation. 
Kathleen Damon, CEO