cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Boston Centers for Youth and Families?: BCYF offers a range of affordable programs including preschool, school-aged & adult education, family literacy, youth employment, violence prevention & intervention, senior activities, recreation and enrichment. BCYF’s 35 facilities are located throughout Boston. Additional information about BCYF can be found in our BCYF Brochure and our BCYF History.

How do I find out which community center is in my neighborhood?: Visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their contact information.

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 .

How do I become a member of my local community center?: Call, visit or email your local community center to become a member. Visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their contact information.

How much does it cost to participate in programs at my neighborhood community center?: Many 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.) programs. Other programs, including some childcare and after school programs, are fee-based but offer sliding scales to keep them affordable. Stop by or call your local community center to get up-to-date information on costs and availability of programs of interest to you. Visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their contact and program information.

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.

How do I enroll my child in a childcare or out-of-school time program at a community center?: Check out our Program Guide (school year programs), Summer Guide and vacation week schedules on this website or visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their program and contact information.

My child needs extra help with his/her schoolwork. Does BCYF offer any tutoring or homework assistance programs?: The majority of community centers offer after school homework assistance programs to students. Visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their program and contact information.

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 to see a list of all the community centers along with their program and contact information.

Are there any BCYF programs just for girls?: The GIRLS' Initiative-Growth, Intervention, Respect, Leadership & Support for Girls features the Girls' Leadership Corps made up of 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. Contact Erika Butler at 617-635-4920 for more information about the programming available just for girls through the GIRLS' Initiative.

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. Additionally, our Camp Joy program provides a four-week summer camp for Boston residents ages 3-22 with disabilities and their siblings. For more information on CampJoy please contact Roberta Smalls at 617-635-4920 x2402.

Can community center space be rented for meetings and events? Whom 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. Visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their contact information.

I'm concerned about youth hanging out on the streets in my neighborhood - can BCYF help?: BCYF has many youth programs that provide fun and safe alternatives to hanging out on the streets. Contact Shawn Webb, BCYF Youth Services Unit Manager, at 617-635-4920 to discuss outreach to youth in your neighborhood.

I would like BCYF to come to my community event - Whom do I contact?: If you would like BCYF 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?: BCYF Community Centers are open year round including during the summer and during school vacations. Many provide special school vacation activities and camps and these program listings are posted on our website prior to the school break. Additionally, many sites provide snow day programs when school is canceled due to weather - check our homepage www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/ when school is closed for details. To locate BCYF Community Center programs, visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/facilities.asp to see a list of all the community centers along with their program and contact information.