History of the Council

THE TOWN OF RYE / PORT CHESTER / RYE BROOK Council of Community Services, Inc. was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned citizens who believed that more community awareness and participation was necessary to meet the needs of all local residents, regardless of race, age, or income. When incorporated, the stated purpose was to "study, evaluate, and discuss the nature, quality and availability of community services in fields such as but not limited to housing, health, mental health, child development, education, recreation, poverty, drug control, environmental protection, urban renewal, and local government, and to hold local meetings dealing with such concerns for the purpose of expanding issues and to work with, advise, assist, and provide general counsel to social service organizations. The Council itself will not engage in the operation of any community programs or services." 47 years later the Council continues to fulfill the same purpose.

Between 1986 and 1996 the Council of Community Services began to form numerous committees and networks that would address the issues at hand. All of the Council committees are led by professionals who work in the community. The Council is currently staffed only by a Community Coordinator.