Mission and History

Vision

Every child and family thriving in an equitable community.

Mission

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

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 KSC 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.

History

King Street Center was born of meager resources amidst tremendous need in the heart of Burlington, Vermont. With a few dedicated parents, a group of volunteers from the University of Vermont, and a budget of $90, the program began in a van parked next to the King Street Laundromat in 1971. Our mission was to provide community-based support for children and their families through educational and recreational programs.

Many of the families we serve have experienced great hardship – from growing up in generational poverty to being forced to leave their home country – and are deeply committed to ensuring their children have more opportunities and success than their parents were able to have. We are passionate about being a partner to them and empowering youth to explore their talents and find their voice through learning, play, and opportunity. Especially important to us, is that we do this work through an equity lens and that our work is not only focused on youth, but incorporates their vision and voice into our programming.

Today

King Street Center serves approximately 120 children and teens each day. Programs include a Toddler and Preschool program for 1-5 year-olds; an Afterschool program for children in grades K through 5; Teen Program our innovative program for middle and high school students; an evening drop-in program for teens; several mentoring programs for children of all ages; and much more.

Thanks to a successful $5.1 million capital campaign, King Street Center was able to build & renovate a new facility at 87 King Street. We opened our doors to this bright, light new building in January 2015. It was designed by TruexCullins Architects and built by Engelberth Construction.