East Boston Social Centers

The history of East Boston Social Centers dates to the 1880s, 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.

As East Boston has evolved from a community of immigrants from across Europe, to a mostly Italian-American community, and now to an ever more diverse community with immigrants and their descendants hailing from nations across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, the Social Centers has continued to welcome our neighbors of all ages, interests and backgrounds through our doors. Our community’s strong values of family and pride—and the East Boston Social Centers commitment to its home—have endured. Over time, we also have been proud to expand some services to serve families and children in our neighboring communities of Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.