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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

  • Older Adult Tai Chi at Russell Youth and Community Center

    This class teaches Tai Chi arm and leg movements of the yang style long form. There is a strong emphasis on Tai Chi walking, which has been known to improve balance.

  • Zumba Gold

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-minute Latin-inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Older Adult Spanish for Beginners

    Spanish for Beginners class will focus on basic vocabulary, greetings, and phrases for everyday interactions.

  • Portrait Drawing Class at Russell Youth and Community Center

    Portrait Drawing with Charcoal and White Chalk on Toned Paper

  • Older Adult Yoga at Russell Youth Center

    Looking for an hour of self-renewal? Mat Yoga includes 30 minutes of floor postures which allow the spine to be relaxed and non-weight bearing.

  • Yoga for Better Balance

    This class provides opportunities to improve balance standing and seated on mats or chairs. The objective is to increase our self-confidence and joy standing and moving.

  • Older Adult Book Group

    How to Know a Person, by David Brooks.

  • Older Adult Quilting Workshop

    Join us for a workshop to make a small quilted potholder or trivet. Using the ‘assembly line” quilting method, you will plan, cut, and sew a quilt using our sewing machines.

  • 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 Acting for Older Adults

    Join us on a journey of discovery; explore your creativity and hone your acting skills! Registration is required for the 8-week series.

  • Tai Chi Paradigm for Older Adults

    Join us for a 6-week workshop series led by Sifu Mynor Diaz. The “Tai Chi Paradigm” program is a training system that incorporates a distinct set of exercises and concepts of spatial patterns.

  • Line Dancing for Older Adults

    Easy to learn and fun to dance. Learn the basics of line dancing as well as the newer and more established line dances being done. Have fun, learn new dances, and enjoy the company of others.

  • Older Adult Tai Chi at Russell Youth and Community Center

    This class teaches Tai Chi arm and leg movements of the yang style long form. There is a strong emphasis on Tai Chi walking, which has been known to improve balance.

  • Zumba Gold

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-minute Latin-inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Older Adult Spanish for Beginners

    Spanish for Beginners class will focus on basic vocabulary, greetings, and phrases for everyday interactions.

  • Portrait Drawing Class at Russell Youth and Community Center

    Portrait Drawing with Charcoal and White Chalk on Toned Paper

  • Older Adult Yoga at Russell Youth Center

    Looking for an hour of self-renewal? Mat Yoga includes 30 minutes of floor postures which allow the spine to be relaxed and non-weight bearing.

  • Yoga for Better Balance

    This class provides opportunities to improve balance standing and seated on mats or chairs. The objective is to increase our self-confidence and joy standing and moving.

  • Older Adult Book Group

    How to Know a Person, by David Brooks.

  • Older Adult Quilting Workshop

    Join us for a workshop to make a small quilted potholder or trivet. Using the ‘assembly line” quilting method, you will plan, cut, and sew a quilt using our sewing machines.

  • Older Adult Tai Chi at Russell Youth and Community Center

    This class teaches Tai Chi arm and leg movements of the yang style long form. There is a strong emphasis on Tai Chi walking, which has been known to improve balance.

  • Zumba Gold

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-minute Latin-inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Older Adult Spanish for Beginners

    Spanish for Beginners class will focus on basic vocabulary, greetings, and phrases for everyday interactions.

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