COA Youth & Family Centers

COA Youth & Family Centers offers an Early Childhood Education Center for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, a Youth Development Program for ages 5 to 12 years, and a Teen Impact Program for teens. It also offers HIPPY, Samson Family Resource Center drop-in programs with free play, story time, art projects, and snacks, and Camp Helen Brachman summer camps with nature, art, swimming, boating, archery, water adventures, sports, and hands-on nature experiences.

Programs

• Early Childhood Education Center — 6 weeks to 5 years · High-quality early childhood education; five-star, NAEYC-accredited; includes Head Start and Early Head Start in collaboration with Next Door.
• Youth Development Program — 5 to 12 years · Safe and enriching space with homework help, healthy dinner, field trips, and active outdoor play.
• Teen Impact Program — teens · Helps teens build confidence, skills, and connections to succeed in school and beyond.
• HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) — children whose families engage in the program · Home-based program where Parent Partners engage the whole family in educational activities.
• Samson Family Resource Center drop-in programs — birth to 7 years · Free drop-in programs for parents and children including free play, story time, art projects, and snacks.
• Camp Helen Brachman summer camps — 8-14 · Summer camps at Camp Helen Brachman in Almond, Wisconsin; activities include nature, art, swimming, boating, archery, water adventures, sports, and hands-on nature experiences.
• Camp Helen Brachman winter camps — Winter camps at Camp Helen Brachman in Almond, Wisconsin.
• Camp Helen Brachman family camps — Family camps at Camp Helen Brachman in Almond, Wisconsin.
• Community events — Community events for families with children of all ages.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old

About the provider

Since 1906, COA Youth & Family Centers has had a positive impact on thousands of Milwaukee children and families. It is celebrating 120 years. Its mission is to nurture children, support families, and build strong and resilient communities, one child, one family, and one community at a time. The Early Education Center is five-star and NAEYC-accredited, and Candid has awarded the organization’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.

COA accepts Wisconsin Shares and private pay for the Youth Development Program. The Samson Family Resource Center offers free drop-in programs. The Youth Development Program provides after school pick-up within a 1.5-mile radius, with a modest $10 monthly fee to the Riverwest Center.

What families say

“Camp has grown our appreciation for nature and allowed us to spend more time together.” — COA Teen Camper (age 16)

Last updated November 5, 2026.