The concept of social capital is about the importance of our social networks, and the value of the trust in relationships and communities.
SCI addresses the need to increase the social capital of a community and the individuals in it.
In June of 2002, SCI was founded by David Crowley. Returning to his hometown of Woburn, he created an organization focused on bringing people together. For two decades, we have taken action, big and small, to respond to what our community needs, in our hometown, and beyond.
Our story at SCI Social Capital Inc. centers on cultivating connections, developing leaders, and creating strong, healthy, and inclusive communities. At the root of all that we do, you will find a hope for connection and a desire to bring people together.
SCI’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives.
We are cultivating connections, providing opportunities for people and organizations to come together to work toward positive change.
By developing leaders, a wider, more diverse, network of our youth and neighbors are empowered to create welcoming and inclusive communities.
Our work, rooted in connecting people and coming together to address pressing needs, will lead to stronger communities, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Empowering Young Leaders
SCI youth leadership programs empower young people to address pressing needs they see in the community. By providing opportunities to build relationships, develop new skills, and also providing access to resources and funding, SCI allows participants to put their ideas into action.
AmeriCorps: Service & Impact
SCI AmeriCorps offers a unique opportunity- to truly make an impact while gaining experience that will help advance careers.
The SCI AmeriCorps program supports youth success by increasing volunteerism and providing leadership training and community service opportunities for youth.
SCI AmeriCorps members respond to the needs of their community in various ways like expanding volunteer opportunities, engaging more residents, and leading youth service programs. Members, trained and supported by SCI, serve with SCI & other local nonprofits, connecting youth with relationships, experiences, and resources they need to succeed.
Inclusive Communities
By cultivating connections within the community, SCI increases opportunities to learn from each other and work towards a more equitable society. Through events like Juneteenth and programs like Allyship, SCI works to bring people together and celebrate diversity.
Engaging Volunteers
Across generations, across cultures, volunteer opportunities with SCI and through the service of our AmeriCorps members cultivate connections. Mobilizing volunteers is an important part of the way we build social capital. SCI AmeriCorps members support their service sites by engaging volunteers and expanding volunteer opportunities. SCI Volunteer programs like snow shoveling for seniors in Woburn provide both connection and vital support to the community.
Healthy Communities: Vaccine Equity
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCI is working with community leaders to conduct grassroots outreach and reach those who are at the highest risk of COVID-19 and the Flu with the VEAP program. Community members are trained to serve as ambassadors to share factual vaccine information and guidance to their networks.
Ripple Effects
We may not always have the opportunity to see how connecting with SCI impacts all of our participants for the long-term, but over the years we have seen so many examples of how they continue as leaders that bring people together to strengthen communities.
Dozens of SCI AmeriCorps members that have moved into key staff positions with our host site organizations and other local nonprofit organizations, and we also see it on our own team.
SCI Deputy Director Phil Gordon started as an SCI AmeriCorps member in 2019; his leadership of the Juneteenth Woburn event is just one example of how he contributes to our work to strengthen communities. And Leah Mulrenan, SCI’s Development and Communications Manager, got her start with SCI as a Youth Council mini-grant recipient back in high school.