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The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents.

Driven by the needs of residents, the department's services, programs, and initiatives provide support to Cambridge residents across their lifespan and experience, from newborns to children and teens; young adults to older adults; lifelong Cambridge residents to people who immigrate to Cambridge. We also partner closely with community organizations and local employers.

DHSP focuses on equitably serving Cambridge’s diverse community and increasing access to programs and services, particularly for low-income individuals and families and residents from historically marginalized communities. 

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Cambridge Office of Early Childhood

a classroom of preschoolers raise their hand

The mission of the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is to connect the city’s early childhood ecosystem and align early childhood services and information. OEC also advocates for and advances the needs of all young children, their families, and the early childhood workforce. Through the Cambridge Preschool Program and other initiatives, OEC strives to ensure that every child and family in Cambridge has access to high quality early care and education experiences so that all children enter school ready to thrive.    

The Office of Early Childhood is a joint office of the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs and Cambridge Public Schools. 

View OEC's website

Coming Up

  • Special Olympics Basketball Tryout 2

    The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs is inviting Cambridge residents of all ages to try out for its Special Olympics basketball teams this November! Anyone interested in competing is welcome to try out. The program has three teams at low, medium, and high levels of play, so there is a place for athletes who are just learning the game as well as those with years of experience on the court!

  • Women's Social Group for Older Adults

    Join us this month for the Women’s Social Group meeting. We will laugh, share ideas and enjoy each other’s company.

  • Meditation and Stretch with Chris

    Looking for a way to start your week? Join Chris Monday mornings for thirty minutes of guided meditation and gentle stretching. This will be a great way to relax and start the week.

  • Acrylic Painting for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    Join the Acrylic Painting Workshop on Mondays at our North Cambridge location and unleash your artistic talents with the guidance of a skilled instructor.

  • Age Café: Community Conversations about Aging

    Join us for coffee, conversation and connection. Stop by these drop in sessions where we will share experiences and stories with transitions, what it means to belong and living in the present.

  • Tech Help for Older Adults

    Staff will be available to answer common questions about your wireless devices, laptops, and applications such as Zoom and Facebook.

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 60-min seated class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Dancing for Balance in North Cambridge

    This fun, friendly dance class is suited for all fitness levels. You will learn basic steps geared towards improving one’s balance. Seated warm up and cool down exercises are performed.

  • Introduction to Theatre for Older Adults

    Introduction to Theatre is an interactive class where we will read from plays, act out scenes, analyze characters and the plots. No prior theatre experience necessary.

  • Portrait Drawing Class for Older Adults

    Students will learn how to approach a human portrait drawing from start to finish.

  • Special Olympics Basketball Tryout 2

    The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs is inviting Cambridge residents of all ages to try out for its Special Olympics basketball teams this November! Anyone interested in competing is welcome to try out. The program has three teams at low, medium, and high levels of play, so there is a place for athletes who are just learning the game as well as those with years of experience on the court!

  • Women's Social Group for Older Adults

    Join us this month for the Women’s Social Group meeting. We will laugh, share ideas and enjoy each other’s company.

  • Meditation and Stretch with Chris

    Looking for a way to start your week? Join Chris Monday mornings for thirty minutes of guided meditation and gentle stretching. This will be a great way to relax and start the week.

  • Acrylic Painting for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    Join the Acrylic Painting Workshop on Mondays at our North Cambridge location and unleash your artistic talents with the guidance of a skilled instructor.

  • Age Café: Community Conversations about Aging

    Join us for coffee, conversation and connection. Stop by these drop in sessions where we will share experiences and stories with transitions, what it means to belong and living in the present.

  • Tech Help for Older Adults

    Staff will be available to answer common questions about your wireless devices, laptops, and applications such as Zoom and Facebook.

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 60-min seated class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Special Olympics Basketball Tryout 2

    The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs is inviting Cambridge residents of all ages to try out for its Special Olympics basketball teams this November! Anyone interested in competing is welcome to try out. The program has three teams at low, medium, and high levels of play, so there is a place for athletes who are just learning the game as well as those with years of experience on the court!

  • Women's Social Group for Older Adults

    Join us this month for the Women’s Social Group meeting. We will laugh, share ideas and enjoy each other’s company.

  • Meditation and Stretch with Chris

    Looking for a way to start your week? Join Chris Monday mornings for thirty minutes of guided meditation and gentle stretching. This will be a great way to relax and start the week.

Contact Us

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