Seven Questions with Jerrell Cox, CEO of United South End Settlements
Interviewed by Irwin Levy, Friends of Titus Sparrow Park Board Member
In this Community Corner I sat down to ask seven questions with Jerrell Cox, CEO of United South End Settlements (USES). Jerrell’s connection to USES began as a child attending Camp Hale and after-school programs in the South End, and over the years, that early experience grew into a lifelong commitment to serving children and families in this community. Today, he leads one of the neighborhood’s most enduring institutions, which has supported South End residents since 1892.
We’re honored to highlight Jerrell’s journey from camper to CEO, his vision for strengthening opportunity for families, and the important role USES continues to play in building a more connected and supportive community.
1. Do you live, or did you grow up, in the South End?
I grew up in the South End, but I was born and raised in Dorchester, and my mom still lives there. My connection to the South End began when I was ten years old, when I first attended summer camp at Camp Hale through USES in 1994. That experience led me to after-school programs at 48 Rutland Street during my teenage years. In many ways, that path shaped my life—you might say I’ve been connected to this community ever since.
2. Wow. That segued into this question, which you already partially answered: Did your life experience lead you to community involvement prior to, or beyond your role with USES?
Absolutely. My commitment to community involvement began long before I stepped into my current role at USES. After finishing high school, I started working directly in USES’ after-school and preschool programs, which gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges families face and the power of strong, community-based support. Over time, I took on increasing leadership responsibilities—serving as Director of Out-of-School Time Programs, then Vice President of Development, and later Co-Executive Director. For more than four years now, I’ve had the honor of serving as CEO. This journey has allowed me to grow alongside the organization, and the work remains deeply personal and meaningful to me.
3. USES has been in the South End since its founding in 1892. Has the South End’s changing demographics lessened USES’ connection to the South End?
Not at all. While the South End’s demographics have certainly evolved over time, USES has remained firmly rooted in its mission and commitment to serving families with the greatest needs. Today, approximately 70% of the children and families we serve are from low-income households, reflecting the continued demand for accessible, high-quality support in our community. We are also incredibly grateful for the enduring and generous support of the South End neighborhood, which has remained a vital partner in our work. Although our programs have adapted to address changing needs, our connection to the South End—and our role within it—remains as strong as ever.
4. Tell us a bit more about your role as CEO, some of the initiatives you’ve led, and objectives you’ve established.
Serving as CEO of USES has been both a privilege and a responsibility I hold deeply. In this role, I oversee our core programs, including our summer camp; our early childhood school serving children from three months to five years old; our after-school program for children ages five to thirteen; and our youth employment program for teens. Alongside program leadership, I lead organizational strategy, partnerships, and fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
Over the past several years, I’ve focused on strengthening our programs, expanding access for families with the greatest needs, and building a values-driven organization rooted in equity, compassion, and community. Most recently, I led USES through a comprehensive strategic planning process that is setting a bold new direction and shared vision for the next five years, guiding how we deepen our impact, grow responsibly, and better serve our community.
I believe deeply in the power of strong institutions to positively impact children and families across generations. At USES, our central objective is to help children experience the power of possibility, because possibility builds resilience, resilience builds confidence and discipline, and leadership grounded in love, connection, and opportunity creates lasting change.
5. Is there one USES success story that stands out for you, and that you’re most proud of?
One of the success stories that stands out most for me is our Striving Toward Economic Prosperity (STEP) program. Through STEP, we provide 30 families with $500 per month for two years, offering not just financial relief but a sense of stability during some of life’s most uncertain moments. What has been especially powerful to witness is the meaningful reduction in stress and anxiety among participating families—parents are better able to focus on their children, their goals, and their long-term well-being.
Beyond the monthly support, families engage in group coaching that encourages reflection, financial planning, and community-building. The program is rooted in trust and dignity, and we’ve seen families use the resources to pay down debt, secure housing, invest in education, and plan for the future. The combination of economic stability, empowerment, and connection has been truly transformative, and it represents the kind of impact we strive to create across all of our programs.
6. USES’ mission statement is “The Power of Community to Break the Cycle of Poverty.” The FTSP mission is “To Bring Neighbors of Different Ages and Interests Together to Foster Joy, Connection and Community in our Beautiful Park.” We feel very much aligned with you in recognizing the importance of community. We are especially excited to partner with you in Fall 2026 for the Kids Tennis Clinic at Titus Sparrow Park.
I couldn’t agree more, and this shared emphasis on community is exactly what makes this partnership feel so meaningful and natural. At United South End Settlements, our updated mission is to build a community that fosters children’s growth, inspires new possibilities, and provides the tools to create positive change. That vision truly comes to life when neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together in inclusive, joyful spaces—just as FTSP does every day in Titus Sparrow Park.
Programs like the Kids Tennis Clinic are a wonderful example of how shared experiences can build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging for children and families. We’re especially excited to partner with you in Fall 2026 and look forward to continuing to strengthen our community together in ways that are welcoming, accessible, and rooted in opportunity and joy.
7. Okay, let’s wrap up with some fun stuff. Tell us about some of your favorite South End places, and if there is anything else you want our community to know about you.
Whoa—I’m definitely a foodie. For dinner, SRV, Myers and Chang, and Toro are my go-to spots. Lunch is usually Flour, and if I’m trying to get some steps in, I’ll walk to Nubian Market in Nubian Square. Outside of work, I try to do something hard every day—or, as David Goggins says, do something that “sucks.” I’ve found there’s usually growth, and often some laughter, on the other side of it!
We’re grateful to Jerrell for sharing his story and for his continued leadership in strengthening opportunity for children and families in the South End. We look forward to partnering together and continuing to build a community rooted in connection, possibility, and care.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for the next edition of Community Corner. I look forward to sharing more inspiring stories of South End and St. Botolph residents who help our community thrive.
— Irwin Levy, Board Member, Friends of Titus Sparrow Park
