Our History

The Story Behind Our Name

Marguerite 0. Carson came to the Westfield Area Child Guidance Clinic from Springfield in September of 1966, at a time of great challenge in the organization's early history. She brought great caring, concern, and immense energy, and remained to propel the agency beyond its immediate concerns, to a bright future as a full-service mental health clinic for people of all ages. 

During her tenure, community-based mental health services began to blossom in response to changing treatment models and decreasing dependence on institutional care for people with mental illnesses. The Clinic took on responsibility for adult outpatient, day treatment, and emergency service programs; assisted in the development of a Preschool Nursery program in the Gateway School District, established training programs for medical students and social workers, and formed specialized programs to serve populations ranging from children to elders. The agency was renamed Westfield Area Mental Health Clinic in 1973, reflecting its mission to serve people of all ages, not just children.

Miss Carson graduated from American International College in Springfield with a degree in history in 1944. She earned a second Bachelor's Degree in religious education at Oberlin College and a Master's Degree in Social Administration at Ohio State University. She served as Acting Director of the Westfield Area Community Mental Health and Retardation Board. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and the Western Massachusetts Black Social Workers, among other organizations.

Miss Carson touched the lives of countless people during her years here. In her work, both in the agency and in the community, Miss Carson was ceaselessly energetic and encouraging. Her active and compassionate approach to assisting people with disabilities, treating them with caring and respect, and supporting high quality services and programs are embedded in the mission and values of this organization. 

Over the years, as we have expanded into new avenues of service, Miss Carson's values and enthusiasm have inspired our work and have led us to proudly honor her by renaming this organization, henceforth The Carson Center for Human Services.

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internet www.carsoncenter.org