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Family is at the center of
everything
we do
Since 1906 COA Youth & Family Centers has had a positive impact on over 8,000 Milwaukee children and families. For over a century our camp has provided hundreds of Milwaukee youth with transformative experiences. Through collaboration with other community-based organizations, corporations and foundations, we fulfill our mission to build strong and resilient communities – one child, one family, one community at a time.
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Our Mission & Vision
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Mission
COA Youth & Family Centers nurtures children, supports, families, and builds strong and resilient communities - one child, one family, one community at a time.
Vision
To provide child-centered, family-focused, community-connected opportunities that expand possibilities, change lives, and build futures.
Our Programs
We provide early childhood education for kids ages 0–5, youth programs for ages 6–18, and resources for families at our two family resource centers. Our programs give families fair and easy access to the support they need—like learning, care, and community help—so they can grow, stay strong, and succeed together.
Early Childhood Center
Our five-star, NAEYC-accredited Early Education Centers offer high-quality early learning where kids build social, emotional, and thinking skills through play and guided activities. Our EEC includes Head Start & Early Head Start in collaboration with Next Door. With trusted teachers and a strong focus on early childhood education, we give every child the tools they need to succeed.
This program helps children from 6 weeks to age 5 grow, learn, and get ready for school in safe, caring, and fun environments.
Youth Development
Gives Milwaukee youth a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed. Through fun and educational activities, we help students build strong academic skills, gain confidence, and develop as leaders.
Our programs support personal growth and school success, all in a positive and welcoming environment where every young person is valued.
Community Development
At COA, we believe the best way to help a community is to listen.
We focus on neighborhoods so we can understand what people need and what they hope for. By working closely with local families and using neighborhood resources, we can quickly give support where it’s needed most.
OUR Impact
COa Youth and family centers is celebrating 120 years!
Every child. Every family. Every community. One mission.
Every Child
In 2025, we helped 1,686 children have clean diapers. A total of 42,150 diapers were distributed through our diaper bank.
Every Family
In 2025, we provided meals for 1,833 youth and 752 adults with our Summer Meals Program partnered with Hunger Task Force & CFI.
Every Community
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In 2025, 9,666 individuals were served in the Ethel Nutis Gill Family Resource Center's Food Pantry.
