Our Organization

Founded in 1916

For more than 100 years, the Hattie B. Cooper Community Center has served as a trusted cornerstone in the Greater Boston Area, supporting generations of children and families through education, care, and community connection.

What began as a commitment to providing safe, nurturing childcare has grown into a broader mission focused on strengthening children, supporting families, seniors, and responding to the evolving needs of our community.

As the needs of families continue to change, so does our organization. We are committed to building innovative programs and partnerships that preserve our legacy while expanding opportunities for future generations.

Today, our work extends beyond the classroom. Through early childhood education, family partnerships, enrichment opportunities, and community collaboration, we strive to create an environment where children can thrive and families feel supported.

The Hattie B. Cooper Community Center remains dedicated to serving as more than a childcare center — we are a community institution rooted in compassion, resilience, and opportunity.

What guides us

Mission

To strengthen children, families, and community through high-quality early learning, family support, and collaborative partnerships that promote opportunity, inclusion, and lifelong success.

Vision

We envision a thriving community where every child is supported, every family is empowered, and all individuals have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

Our Facility

Our 10,500-square-foot facility at 1891 Washington Street is designed to support the health, safety, and well-being of the children and families we serve. The Center features seven classrooms, dedicated outdoor play spaces, a playground, and a spacious front lawn that provide children with opportunities for active play, recreation, and outdoor learning throughout the year.

Our gated and fully fenced-in property helps create a safe and secure environment for children while maintaining a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere. Inside, the building includes modern HVAC and air filtration systems that help maintain a comfortable and healthy environment, along with a commercial kitchen that prepares nutritious meals and snacks on-site each day for the children in our care.

How We Serve Today

Supporting Children

Through high-quality early childhood education and enrichment opportunities, The Cooper Learning Center helps children build the developmental, social, emotional, and academic foundations they need to thrive. Our programs are designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in a safe and supportive environment.

From infancy through school age, we focus on the whole child — supporting growth through play-based learning, meaningful relationships, and developmentally appropriate experiences that prepare children for success in school and beyond.

Connecting Families

We believe strong families create strong communities. Our Center works alongside families by building trusted relationships, encouraging family engagement, and helping connect caregivers with resources and opportunities that support long-term stability and success.

Whether through daily partnership, community referrals, enrichment opportunities, or collaborative support services, we strive to create an environment where families feel welcomed, empowered, and supported throughout every stage of their journey.

Building Community

For more than a century, our Center has remained deeply connected to the Roxbury community and the families we serve across the Greater Boston Area. Through partnerships, outreach efforts, volunteerism, and community-centered initiatives, we continue to create opportunities for connection, support, and shared growth.

As a longstanding community institution, we are committed to strengthening relationships across generations and helping ensure children, families, and neighbors have access to the resources and support systems they need to thrive.

Cooper is a National Mission Site

Founded in Roxbury in 1916 through the efforts of the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the United Methodist Church – now known as United Women in Faith, the Hattie B. Cooper Community Center was established to support children, families, seniors, and the surrounding community during a time of growing need in Boston.

More than a century later, our organization continues to carry forward that legacy of service, partnership, and community support. Today, our longstanding relationship with the United Methodist Church helps strengthen our mission and reinforces our commitment to creating opportunities for children and families across Roxbury and the Greater Boston Area.

National Mission Institutions are community-based organizations and social service agencies that were almost exclusively founded by women in the 19th century to serve marginalized communities and populations across the United States. Today, United Women in Faith remains connected to these community centers (including the Hattie B. Cooper Community Center), colleges, and residences providing vital services in vulnerable communities. National Mission Institutions empower women, care for children, support seniors, educate youth, provide housing for domestic violence survivors, and offer residences for special needs children and youth. National Mission Institutions also advocate for the women, children, youth, and families in the communities they serve.

United Women in Faith assists more than 80 organizations across the United States through grants, technical support, and member involvement.

Ready to Learn More?

Schedule a tour, meet our team, and see our classrooms in action.