Ellis Memorial, Boston first settlement house, has been caring for children, disabled adults, elders, and families who live and work in the South End and adjacent neighborhoods since 1885. We offer high quality educational, social, and health support services to individuals and families in need with a safe, nurturing, diverse environment.

Description:
Our Infant/Toddler program serves 25 infants/toddlers in three classrooms. These are set up to allow for growth in all areas of development with age appropriate materials that instill a love for learning. Constant interaction between teacher and child helps to establish trust and security, and praise and recognition is given to each child. Our Preschool and Kindergarten have a goal to create a safe nurturing environment in which children can develop social skills and learn to interact cooperatively. The programs use a theme based curriculum and hands on activities to encourage learning. The philosophy is learning through play. Our two School Age programs have a goal of providing an accepting, safe, and respectful environment that allows for the development of healthy 5-14 year olds. A variety of activities are available to these children throughout the year including homework assistance, various activities (including recreational, social, academic, and community service projects), and field trips. Our Youth program addresses current teen issues such as violence provention. Our Adult Day Health program often goes on memorable outings, as well as having daily activities to choose from. Our Intergenerational program brings together children and elders, and allows them to learn from each other through activities that strengthen their skills and social/emotional health. Our Volunteer program supports our commitment to provide high quality educational services to children, families, and elderly in need. Many of our clients need the individualized attention that would be very difficult to provide if not for volunteers. It is with the help of our dedicated volunteers from corporations, colleges and universities, and people who care to make a difference that Ellis is able to provide high quality and cost effective services that are needed.

History:
Ellis was established in 1885 and was founded by Ida Eldredge and named after Dr. Rufus Ellis. Today, Ellis provides a number of programs and services to the community including: Infant/Toddler; Preschool; Kindergarten; Two School Age Programs; Tent City Youth Program; Adult Day Health; Intergenerational; Nursing; Social Services; and much more. We are fortunate to have the Mellon Computer Center fully equipped with 11 computers, 2 printers, a scanner and a digital camera, as well as the Fleet Tutoring Center. The children at Ellis are involved in many activities. At Ellis, we work as partners with our parents to promote the development and education of the children in our programs. Ellis continues to be a 'neighborhood house' where friendly staff and volunteers provide education, information, and social services. Ellis is pleased to recognize the volunteers for their generous contribution of all their personal time. At Ellis, we have many volunteer opportunities available such as reading to children, tutoring, activities, homework help, computer guidance, free-time activities, or chaperone outings.

Contact person: Rachel Burlingame, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

P. O. Box 352, 95 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02117

Directions:

Driving from (North) take Storrow Dr exit to Arlington St and turn left at lights to follow Tremont St. Take right onto Tremont and at stop lights take a right onto Berkeley Street. 95 Berkeley is 2 blocks. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Back Bay Station (orange) / Arlington (green),   Walk distance (in minutes): 5 For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com

Overall Experience   
It was amazing, the staff was so supportive and the children were great.

I was a volunteer for Jumpstart Boston and I volunteered at Ellis for a year working with the prek class. It was such a wonderful experience, the staff there taught me a lot on how to work with children. I will never forget the children and how smart and beautiful they all were. Thank you Ellis! posted by Nadiyah03 on May 22, 2003