About CCRS
Our Vision The Center for Community Research and Service envisions communities and systems which provide for the social, economic, cultural and physical prosperity of all residents, especially those with limited opportunities.
Our Mission The mission of the Center for Community Research and Service is to provide usable knowledge, education, training and services that increase the ability of government, nonprofit agencies, philanthropic organizations and citizens to enhance the quality of their communities.
Our Values We believe in strong and thriving communities based on our core values:
- Healthy and safe urban communities
- Experiential and continuous learning
- Human dignity and equality
- Social and economic justice
- Collaboration
- Democracy and civic involvement
- Community participation
- Reflective practice
- Strong governance and management in the public, nonprofit and voluntary sectors
Our History Formally founded in 1972 as the Urban Agent Program, CCRS is the University of Delaware’s focal point for community engagement and action. The need for a program of this type was identified in 1961 when the University of Delaware received a five-year grant from the Ford Foundation to establish the Division of Urban Affairs with the mission of developing a permanent, on-going system of education, research, and service relating to urban problems. The Division of Urban Affairs eventually evolved into today's Center for Community Research and Service. Over the years, CCRS has been known by many names including the Urban Agent Division, Center for Community Development and Center for Community Development and Family Policy. Throughout these organizational changes, CCRS has remained committed to promoting social and economic justice in our local and national communities.
