Mission & History

Our mission is to instill positive life values in youth through boating.

Community Boating Center (CBC) is a youth mentorship and outreach organization that uses boating and the marine environment to involve kids in safe, fun learning experiences.

One hot and humid day in 1995, a New Bedford social worker had a vision. After visiting seven young children, JoAnn Tschaen began searching for a way to give them new opportunities and chances to grow and learn. That evening on her way home across the Fairhaven Bridge, seven small boats caught her eye. Seven kids, seven boats…

In 1998, Community Boating Center (CBC) incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to enriching the lives of area youth by exposing them to a new and challenging environment built upon a foundation of trust and respect. The CBC staff, acting as role models, provide friendship and mentorship, teach responsibility and teamwork and demonstrate commitment and compassion with all CBC students. Safe, Fun and Learning are the cornerstones of CBC programs. For many of these children, CBC’s on-the water program is their first exposure to the marine environment right in their own backyard.