City of Cambridge Holiday Gift and Toy Drives
Several City departments are hosting holiday drives to collect gifts and toys for those less fortunate this season. There is a toy drive for families organized by Cambridge Public Schools and the Mayor's Office, a Toys for Tots by Cambridge Fire Department, Winter Gift Card Drive and Cambridge Police Department Collection for Seniors.
Apply for a Job with the City
We are building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We have many opportunities for job seekers.
Moses Youth Center
The Moses Youth Center (Formerly known as the Area 4 Youth Center) was originally constructed in 1992. The building is 19,500 GSF with a concrete structure, large windows, skylights, and its original building systems. Named for Bob and Janet Moses, Cambridge residents, educators, and civil rights leaders, the facility is primarily used by the Department of Human Service Programs’ Cambridge Youth Programs division, which serves Cambridge teens through afterschool and summer programming. Nurtury, , an early childhood education provider, operates from the building’s basement level. Moses Youth Center also serves the larger community as a location for programs supporting new parents, community meetings, and a neighborhood voting location.
The building has been evaluated for systems upgrades several times and is currently in design for an upcoming capital project to improve the aging HVAC systems, repair critical plumbing infrastructure, and make key elements of the building more visually appealing for users. In addition, DPW Engineering is working on a project for street improvements around the building to help address and improve exterior water infiltration issues that have impacted the Youth Center. (Kristen, you could link to the port project that Gerry is working on if you think it is appropriate).
This project will enhance thermal comfort for staff and residents who use the Moses Youth Center. It will also further the climate goals outlined by the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan through its transition to an electric energy system, which will decrease the building’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Three Vibrant Mosaic Murals Installed at New Cambridge School Complex
The new Tobin Montessori and Darby Vassall Upper Schools and Community Complex features three mosaic murals that bring color, connection, and meaning to the school environment. Funded through Cambridge's Percent-for-Art Ordinance and commissioned by Cambridge Arts, the works by artists Andromeda Lisle, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, and Ekua Holmes celebrate themes of community, memory, and belonging. Developed in collaboration with the school community, architects, the project team, and fabricator Mosaika Art & Design, the murals serve as both inspiration and teaching tools for the school community.
Office of Workforce Development
The Office of Workforce Development (OWD), based in the Department of Human Service Programs, offers a range of employment programs and services to hundreds of Cambridge teen and adult residents each year. These resources prepare residents for employment or training by building employability skills and establishing long-term relationships through individualized support.
Science and Conservation
Our public art collection reflects the growth of technology that continues to expand the contemporary artist's palette, which can include different metal alloys, plastics, paint, glass, water, or new media. Through our applied science practice we assist that exploration of new public art materials, and research best conservation materials for treatment and care.