The programs offered by the Social Centers are designed to meet people’s educational, social and recreational needs and to build community and strengthen families. The Social Centers seek to create a welcoming and supportive environment, characterized by a spirit of goodwill and caring, in which members of our community are empowered to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

The history of the Social Centers dates to the 1880's when some of the settlement houses were formed to meet the needs of a new immigrant population. These agencies were pioneers in the fields of childcare, public health, and social work. Combining several predecessor agencies, East Boston Social Centers was formally incorporated in 1918.

The Social Centers have seen East Boston change from a tightly knit community of Italian-Americans to today’s more diverse community that is made up equally of European Americans and a diverse minority population that includes Latinos, Africans, and Asians from many countries and cultures.

The Social Centers currently provide fully licensed and accredited childcare for children ages two months through fourteen years, free after-school programming for at-risk teens, summer Playschool day camp, nutritional and social and recreational programming for the elderly, and community space for numerous advocacy, self-help and community groups.

Many of our program staff members are bilingual to better serve the needs of an increasingly diverse area population and all of our programs address, respect and support the diversity of the children and families we serve.

The Social Centers have enrolled a culturally diverse group of more than 1,000 children, youth, senior citizens and families in its formal programming. The Social Centers also welcomes approximately an additional 30,000 people by providing space for meetings and organized community events. We are truly a center for our community.

We invite you to learn more about our programs and the people we serve. Donations and volunteers are always needed. For more information about volunteering for our programs please contact Marisa Di Pietro, Development Director at 617-569-3221 ext. 19 or mdipietro@ebsoc.org.