Our Mission

COA Youth & Family Centers nurtures children, supports families, and builds strong and resilient communities — one child, one family, one community at a time.

COA’s programs are designed to meet the needs of Amani, Riverwest, and Harambee families through the advancement of our three core areas of focus: early education, youth development, and community development.

Our Vision

To provide child centered, family-focused, community-connected opportunities that expand possibilities, change lives, and build futures.

Our Values

Empowerment:

COA works diligently to empower the children, families and communities we serve by providing the sustaining resources, service, and programming families need to prosper.

Community-led:

By embracing a place-based focus, we are able to access community resources to rapidly respond to the needs of the community.

Family-focused:

Family is the single most important influence in a child’s life. COA uses a focused approach to address the needs of the entire family.

Children first:

COA’s introduction to the community or a family begins with a connection to a child. When families and community members are involved in putting the needs of children first, children have a greater chance to improve their developmental and educational performances.

Commitment:

COA is committed to the children, families, and communities we serve to provide an environment where each child, family, and community can thrive.

Collaborations:

COA works in collaboration with local residents, community-based organizations, corporations, donors, foundations, and volunteers, to provide critical wraparound programming and services to best support children, families, and communities

Programs and Services:

Early Child Development

COA takes a holistic, family-centered approach to enhance learning, where young children and caregivers have the support they need to thrive.

Youth Development

COA provides Milwaukee youth with programming and resources that help drive academic achievement and foster personal development in supportive environments.

Community Development

COA believes that the best way to understand the needs and goals of a community is to listen to them. By embracing a place-based focus, we are able to access community resources to rapidly respond to the needs of the community.