Mission & History

EST. 1971

Mission:

King Street Center empowers youth to explore their talents and find their voice through learning, play, and opportunity.

Vision:

Every child and family thriving in an equitable community.

History:

Founded over five decades ago, King Street Center has grown into a cornerstone of youth development and family support in Burlington. Each year, we serve nearly 200 children and youth ages 18 months to 18 years old through our Early Education, K–12 Afterschool & School Vacation Camps, Mentoring, and Family Support programs. From the first steps into our classrooms to graduation and beyond, we provide safe spaces where young people are nurtured with nourishment, academic enrichment, hands-on learning, recreational opportunities, social-emotional support, and guidance. Our programs are designed not just to fill time outside of school, but to walk alongside young people and their families through the critical developmental years, preparing them to thrive well into adulthood.

Who We Serve:

King Street Center serves youth and families experiencing economic insecurity and systemic marginalization, with a focus on families from global majority communities in Burlington. Many of our children begin their journeys with us in Early Education or Afterschool and continue with us through high school, growing up with King Street as a second home.

The families we serve are resilient in the face of hardship, and together we work to ensure that children have access to opportunities, resources, and relationships that allow them to succeed. Our youth development approach goes beyond academics: we cultivate curiosity, creativity, leadership, and belonging. We are deeply committed to amplifying youth voice, supporting families, and ensuring every young person sees a future full of possibility.

King Street Center’s holistic model wraps around the whole family addressing not only afterschool enrichment but also housing stability, food security, health navigation, and financial coaching because we know children thrive when their families do. With this comprehensive support, our work touches the lives of over 450 community members each year, building a stronger and more equitable Burlington for generations to come.

Equity Statement

Equity is intentional and ongoing work to improve outcomes for all marginalized groups, including but not limited to identities based on race, ethnicity, religion, family economics, ability, language, sexual orientation, gender, or immigration status.

Racial equity is improving outcomes for marginalized people and supporting them in getting what they need to thrive regardless of their racial identities or individual circumstances.

King Street Center recognizes racism creates inequitable systems and harm. We will create opportunities to lessen the impact of racial discrimination. We will identify and diminish individual bias. We will also take intentional action to create a safe and inclusive space for the King Street Center community. The work prioritizes improving outcomes for marginalized groups, but it also improves outcomes for everyone because we are creating a more welcoming and equitable Vermont.