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2 minute read
An Origin Story
Privilege comes in many forms, and Mark Reeves realized early on that having the guidance of a mother, father, and strong social network was a privilege and not a birthright. Born and raised in the Chicago area and later moving to Southeastern Massachusetts, Mark observed that many of his friends lived in broken homes and communities in which trusted adults like coaches, mentors, and supportive teachers were not the norm. He quickly learned that it was a healthy mind, body, and spirit, combined with education and opportunity, that paved a streamlined path to success and a positive future. This realization and a drive to serve those less privileged than him was the impetus for Mark to establish New England Community Services (NECS) in 2007. More than 10 years later, NECS provides counseling, advocacy, modeling, monitoring, educational, recreational, and other supports to inner-city youth in multiple New England counties so they have access to the best tools to become successful permanent members of their families and communities.
Mark’s passion for ensuring access to youth-oriented wellness services does not start or end with NECS. With more than 30 years of experience in the field of human services, he is a uniquely innovative and collaborative entrepreneur with a successful track record of leading both individuals and teams within the public, private, and sports sectors. He is one of only a handful of African American founders and executive directors within the Department of Children and Families provider’s network in the Boston, Massachusetts region. Mark has a wide range of knowledge and expertise in the field of human services, particularly in the area of youth, family, and child welfare. NECS is an extension of his investment in family and community, which also includes assisting other human service agencies in finding ways to develop and more effectively manage their ability to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services.
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His service to the community is also fulfilled through a love for sports and fitness, which Mark uses to serve as a coach and sometimes private trainer in his local community. In 2020, Mark was inducted into the Old Rochester Regional Athletic Hall of Fame. Mark is the proud father of an avid soccer player and Bates College student who he knows is destined for greatness. As he explains in his own words, “I am excited to help people create goals and achieve them while getting their energy swinging in a positive direction. I’m not at church often, but some people call me a preacher.”