About Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Every Neighborhood, One Mission
Our Mission
Since our founding, our purpose and services have been influenced and shaped by those who we serve – Boston’s youth and families. Nearly four decades later this tradition continues. The mission of Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is to enhance the quality of life of Boston’s residents by partnering with various organizations to offer a wide range of comprehensive programs and activities according to neighborhood needs and interests.
Our History
In the early 1970’s, as new school buildings sprang up all over Boston, residents felt strongly that these buildings should be used as community resources and offer community programming when school was not in session. This idea led to the establishment of Boston Community Schools in 1972. Overtime we added additional services, programs, and facilities; in 2001, our name was changed to Boston Centers for Youth & Families, and today we are the City of Boston’s largest youth and human services agency.
Impacting Boston’s Communities
The tremendous impact of Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is known throughout the City of Boston. As the City of Boston’s largest human services agency we offer a plethora of affordable programs for all ages located at various BCYF community centers and facilities throughout the City of Boston. BCYF is committed to providing high-quality, outcome driven programs that are responsive to neighborhood needs and interests. We design our programming in alignment with our ACES Framework (Arts, Community & Civic Engagement, Education and Sports, Recreation & Fitness) to ensure consistency and quality across our network.
Get involved with BCYF
To learn more about BCYF programs and events please contact your closest BCYF Community Center. For information about partnering with BCYF and supporting our programs please contact Pamela Leins at Pamela.Leins@boston.gov.
Foundation for BCYF
For information about the Foundation for Boston Centers for Youth & Families, please visit their website.
