United South End Settlements

United South End Settlements (USES) is a nonprofit in Boston’s South End that provides early childhood education and out-of-school-time programs for children from infancy to age 12. Alongside the classroom work, it partners with parents and caregivers on goals around education, careers, finances, family and community connections. Its model aims to promote economic mobility and build social capital so families can break generational cycles of poverty.

USES was founded in 1892 as Andover House, the first settlement house in Boston, and has been at the same South End address for more than 130 years. Its history also includes Hale House and the Harriet Tubman House, which six Black women opened as a boarding house offering shelter, food and clothing for women. Today, programs include Early Childhood Education, the club48 afterschool program and Camp Hale on Squam Lake in New Hampshire, serving families from well beyond the South End.

What to Know

• USES offers parents financial support, including a guaranteed income program.
• Programs emphasize social-emotional skills such as perseverance, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
• Camp Hale was originally founded by Hale House to give neighborhood children a safe place to play and access nature.
• The organization accepts donations to support South End children and families.