Dedham Community House

Dedham Community House, known locally as DCH, is a nonprofit community organization in historic Dedham Square offering educational, recreational and wellness programs for all ages. Its offerings run from a preschool, after-school activities and a classic summer camp to an outdoor community pool with swim lessons, youth and teen programs, adult education classes, and event rentals in Haven House and the gym. It draws participants from Dedham, Westwood, Needham, Norwood, Newton, West Roxbury, Hyde Park and beyond.

The organization was founded in 1922 as the Dedham Community Association, when Charles J. Kimball and a group of civic-minded residents bought an estate built by Judge Samuel Haven in 1795. Their aim was to preserve the historic mansion and create a recreational center for the area, a mission that still guides DCH more than a century later. Today a board of directors and staff run the programs, and older kids can work their first jobs as summer camp counselors.

What to Know

• Scholarships and financial aid are offered to help make programs accessible.
• Local community groups can get donated or discounted meeting and event space.
• DCH provides more than $200,000 a year in charitable discounts for programs and donated space.
• It partners with the Dedham School of Music.
• Memberships are available for the outdoor summer pool.