Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boston Centers for Youth and Families?
Since July 2002, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) has functioned as the City's youth and human services headquarters, combining the services once provided by Boston Community Centers, the Boston 2:00-6:00 After School Initiative, the Mayor's Office of Community Partnerships, and the Recreation Division of the City's Parks & Recreation Department under one roof. BCYF's mission is "to enhance the quality of life for Boston residents by supporting children, youth and families through a wide range of comprehensive programs and services." BCYF's Central Office is at 1483 Tremont Street in Mission Hill. The organization's 46 facilities (including 21 pools and one beach) are located in neighborhoods across the city and serve some 90,000 residents each year with childcare, youth empowerment, adult education, senior citizen, and sports, recreation and enrichment programs. Each community center offers programming tailored to meet the needs and interests of their members.
How do I find out which community center is in my neighborhood?
Go to this link www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp, to see a list of all the community centers along with their contact information.
How do I become a member of my local community center?
Call or visit your local community center to become a member. Membership fees, hours, program schedules, and directions can be access for your community center by going to www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp.
How much does it cost to participate in programs at my neighborhood community center?
Most programs at BCYF community centers are free, including many sports, recreation, enrichment, and adult education (e.g., English for Speakers of Other Languages, GED preparation, citizenship classes, etc.) classes. Other programs, including some preschool childcare and after school programs, are fee-based but offer sliding scales to keep them affordable. Stop by your local community center, or go to www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to get up-to-date information on costs and availability of programs of interest to you.
How do I enroll my child in a childcare or out-of-school time program at a community center?
To locate a BCYF childcare or out-of-school time program near you, visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp and select "before & after school". Then call the community center nearest you that offers the program you want to learn how to register your child.
My child needs extra help with her schoolwork. Does BCYF offer any tutoring or homework assistance programs?
The majority of community centers offer after school tutoring and/or homework assistance programs to students in elementary school through high school. Many of the programs have been recognized as exemplary for their success in improving students' test scores and school performance. To locate a tutoring or homework assistance program near you, visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp and select "before & after-school" then select the "tutoring & enrichment"sub-category.
What BCYF programs are there for older teens?
BCYF offers a wide variety of programming for teens. To locate programs, visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp and select "youth development".
Are there any BCYF programs just for girls?
Orchard Gardens Community Center, 2 Dearborn Street in Roxbury is the only BCYF community center focused exclusively on girls. Contact Aidee Pomales at Orchard Gardens at 617-635-5240 to learn about what's available for girls at that site. Also for girls, BCYF has just launched the GIRLS' Initiative?Growth, Intervention, Respect, Leadership & Support for Girls. The GIRLS' Initiative features the Girls' Leadership Corps made up of 100 peer leaders representing all of Boston's neighborhoods. These peer leaders will be leaders both at their local community center and as part of a citywide corps. Each week, they will facilitate workshops at their assigned neighborhood community centers and support programming for girls. This summer, the GIRLS' Initiative will sponsor several "Girls' Night Out" events at various community centers around the city. Contact Marta Rivera at 617-635-4920 for more information about the programming available just for girls through the GIRLS' Initiative.
Can community center space be rented for meetings and events? Who do I contact?
Many community centers rent their facilities out for meetings and events. Contact your neighborhood community center to get more information about fees and availability.
I'm concerned about youth hanging out on the streets in my neighborhood - can BCYF help?
Boston Centers for Youth & Families has many youth programs that provide fun and safe alternatives to hanging out on the streets. Contact Chris Byner, BCYF Youth Unit Manager, at 617-635-4920 to discuss outreach to youth in your neighborhood.
I would like BCYF to come to my community event - Who do I contact?
If you would like Boston Centers for Youth & Families to attend your community event, contact Sandy Holden at 617-635-4920 x2213 or sandy.holden@cityofboston.gov
Are community centers open during school vacations?
Community Centers are open during the summer and during school vacations. Many provide special school vacation activities and camps. Call your neighborhood community center for a complete schedule.
Does BCYF have any indoor tennis courts?
The Stillman Tennis Center, part of Charlestown Community Centers, is the City's only indoor and seasonally open-air tennis facility. Its three tennis courts are available for open court play as well as instruction. For more information contact the Charlestown Community Center at 617-635-5173.
How can I be added to your mailing list?
If you would like to be added to the Boston Centers for Youth & Families mailing list, contact Sandy Holden at 617-4920 or sandy.holden@cityofboston.gov
How do I sign my child up for a child care or after-school program?
Call the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Administrative Offices at 617-635-4920 and ask to speak with the Unit Manager for the program in which you are interested.
Can special needs children, youth and teens participate in BCYF programs?
All BCYF facilities and pools are fully accessible. BCYF encourages and welcomes everyone to participate in its programs and activities.
I would like to volunteer my time and skills to a community center, how can I get involved?
Go to www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/volunteer.asp to find out more about volunteer opportunities at Boston Centers for Youth & Families or call the BCYF Administrative Offices at 617-635-4920.
I heard that community centers provide free meals for children and seniors- how do you sign up for this?
Almost all neighborhood community centers provide a free, walk-in breakfast and lunch to youth 18 and under during the summer through the school department. Contact Boston Public Schools at 617-635-9000 for more information about free summer meals.
Many community centers also offer a free senior lunch program. Call your local community center for details.
Do you have to be a resident of Boston to join a community center?
No, you do not have to be a resident of Boston to join a community center, however some community centers charge an additional fee for non-residents.
I would like to join my neighborhood community center. Who do I contact?
Call or visit your local community center to become a member. Membership fees, hours, program schedules as well as directions can be accessed for your community center by going to www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp.
How do I find out about employment opportunities with BCYF?
BCYF, as well as other city employment opportunities are available online at www.cityofboston.gov/jobs/postings.asp or at the Office of Human Resources, City Hall 6th floor.
©2008 The City of Boston