West Side Benevolent Circle
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A Legacy of Compassion
A Legacy of Compassion
The Story of West Side Benevolent Circle
The Story of West Side Benevolent Circle
MISSION
To provide charitable assistance and temporary support to residents of Mansfield, MA who lack financial resources or are otherwise facing challenging life circumstances.
VISION
For all families to live a life of dignity and security and that we all have the will and ability to create the opportunities and programs with which to help them achieve it.
Our Humble Beginnings
Our Humble Beginnings
It all began in 1884 with a simple thought and a heartfelt prayer. Miss Carrie Dunn sat with her mother, Eleanor Guild, dreaming of creating something that would serve their neighbors in Mansfield with kindness and care. That quiet moment between mother and daughter planted the seed of something extraordinary.
On October 31, 1890, their vision became reality. The 5th District Benevolent Society—known today as the West Side Benevolent Circle—was officially founded. Eleanor Guild and eleven determined women from West Street came together with one mission: to be there for anyone in Mansfield who needed help. Whether it was food, clothing, or warmth in winter, they answered every call with compassion and resolve.
Growing to Meet the Community’s Needs and Continuing the Mission Through the Decades
Growing to Meet the Community’s Needs and Continuing the Mission Through the Decades
In the early 1900s, West Side formed a Food Committee to provide canned goods and holiday meal baskets. By 1910, they established a Nursing Committee that grew into the Mansfield Visiting Nurse Association. That same year, The Boston Globe recognized their work:
“District Nursing was really started in Mansfield by a little band of charitable workers known as the WSBC.”
Through the 1920s and 30s, West Side expanded its reach—funding eye and dental clinics in schools, ensuring children had milk, and opening a Diphtheria Clinic. From the 1930s through the 1950s, they sent over 200 undernourished children to Fresh Air Camp (now Camp Wonderland), in Sharon, transforming young lives with fresh air, nutritious food, and joyful memories. The 1950s and 60s saw volunteers transporting students to medical visits and working closely with the Town of Mansfield managers and boards on food assistance programs. Our dedication to children’s health and well-being remains unwavering. In 1973, the school dental program was revived, running through the mid-80s.
In the early days, West Side volunteers put on fundraising theatrical events to help "unfortunate" residents in Mansfield, MA -- circa 1910
Expanding Our Reach and Partnering for Impact
Expanding Our Reach and Partnering for Impact
1997, through our joint volunteers and congregation members our collaboration with the Congregational Church, brought about the opening of Our Daily Bread: Friends Caring and Sharing opened—a vital food pantry for the community.
2014, recognizing weekend hunger among children, West Side began providing backpacks filled with food and supplies. This evolved into Backpack 48 in 2020, now supporting families with food, hygiene, and cleaning supplies.
2019: Launched Nourish to Flourish, a free summer meal program combating food insecurity when school is out.
Also in 2019, started awarding Volunteer Service Scholarships to graduating seniors passionate about community service.
2021: The holiday gift program was renamed Gifts of Hope Grateful for the generosity and support from the community, churches, schools, other organizations and businesses WSBC is able to year after year go above and beyond and continues to bring smiles and joy to children and their families at the Holidays.
2023, WSBC partnered with Mansfield Public Schools to use Robinson Elementary’s cafeteria for Nourish to Flourish. Today, we serve up to 170 children weekly during the summer—delivering nearly 6,000 meals each season.
Rising to New Challenges
Rising to New Challenges
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, WSBC responded swiftly—distributing over $30,000 in grocery gift cards and providing more than 4,500 meals through Nourish to Flourish during the summer. Hundreds of bags of groceries, as well as backpacks, school supplies, water bottles, and lunch boxes reached over 70 Mansfield families, offering vital support through an unprecedented time.
Finding a Home
Finding a Home
For over a century, West Side operated out of borrowed spaces around Mansfield—from basements to garages. In 2006, Schneider Electric generously offered West Side nearly 7,000 sq. ft. of space for nearly 15 years—a hub of hope and service. In May 2021, a new chapter began with a home at CrossPointe Church—smaller but filled with heart and always accessible. Now in 2025 we find ourselves on another search for a new home. Stay tuned….
More Than Programs: A Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most
More Than Programs: A Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most
Beyond food and programs, West Side quietly provides emergency financial assistance—covering a multitude of areas. We support veterans, foster families, the elderly, and those facing crisis, often delivering supplies within 24 hours.
Our work is strengthened through close relationships with the Town Social Worker, Council on Aging, local schools, police and fire departments, churches, and utilities—building a network of trust and compassion.
Our mission remains as clear today as it was over 135 years ago: to serve the families of Mansfield with dignity, compassion, and heart. With your support, we will continue to grow, evolve, and make a lasting difference in our community.
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