Community Rowing Inc. Truly is a “For All”

Community Rowing

Boston, MA

Members of Community Rowing Inc., share feelings of peace, solace and happiness. The rowers enter a distinctive state of mind when out on the water—one that makes them all feel equal or, at times, isolated in such a way that offers time for positive reflection. For a short time, nothing else matters.

Community Rowing Inc. is a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides unique opportunities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Founded in 1985, more than 5,000 people participate in rowing programs through CRI each year. A 2013 and 2014 Community Partner, CRI is one of the largest public rowing clubs in the country.

What sets this organization apart, though, is its mission to provide education and training not just to competitive rowers and amateur athletes, but also to veterans, children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

Veterans often face challenges in adjusting to “regular” life after returning home from combat. CRI offers free programs of which these individuals can take advantage. As one veteran says, “CRI has helped me get out on the river in multiple facets.”

Grants from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation have helped CRI expand their programming for veterans with brain and spinal cord injuries and people with disabilities.