Margot Carlson, longtime head of nonprofit for struggling youths, dies at 85
Laguna Beach resident Margot Carlson, executive director of Community Services Program, celebrated 40 years of work with the nonprofit organization earlier this year.
Margot Carlson, co-founder of Community Service Programs, who helped change how local law enforcement and courts treat juvenile delinquents and victims of crimes, has died. She was 85.
Carlson, who led the Santa Ana-based organization as executive director since 1986, died July 23 after a brief illness.
“Although no words can sufficiently express our sadness at Margot’s death, we know her legacy of social justice will continue to aid individuals who are struggling to find their place in the world and others who are dealing with crisis,” said Kris Thordarson, Community Service Programs board president and owner of K2 General Contractors.
As a graduate student at UC Irvine, Carlson studied social ecology and joined researcher Arnold Binder in establishing Community Service Programs. The organization was the professor’s response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s establishment of the Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice — an effort to identify and eliminate the causes of criminal activity by combating poverty and improving such things as education, health and housing.
Carlson recognized that adolescents needed more employment opportunities and better collaboration with their families. Under her leadership, Community Service Programs grew and now offers more than 10 programs, including gang prevention, victim assistance and dispute resolution services. It also operates two facilities for homeless, runaway and abused children — one in Laguna Beach and the other in Huntington Beach.
Community Service Programs has served more than 100,000 children, victims and families throughout Orange County with a budget exceeding $15 million a year.
Carlson lived in Laguna Beach for 54 years with her husband, Dick, who died in 2011. She is survived by six children and eight grandchildren.
Community Service Programs’ executive team will manage the nonprofit until a successor is appointed.
A memorial service will be held Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, in Dana Point.
—Kathleen Luppi