HISTORY  |  LEADERSHIP  |  BOARD  |  PARTNERS  |  CAREERS@CWS  |  EMPLOYEE LOGIN   Founded by a group of charitable women in 1877 as the Cooperative Society of Visitors Among the Poor of Boston, Community Work Services, Inc. is the oldest vocational rehabilitation facility in the United States. Our original purpose was to provide vocational training to struggling members of Boston's West End neighborhood. Over the years, we have both expanded the scope of our programs and widened the range of the populations and geography we serve. Through it all, helping challenged members of the greater Boston community reach their potential through our commitment to outstanding vocational programs and services has always been at the forefront of our mission.   Community Work Services Mission Statement Founded in 1877, CWS helps people who face barriers to work obtain    employment and achieve greater self sufficiency through innovative    job training, placement, and support services.