Family ACCESS, a child and family services nonprofit located in West Newton, announced it will close on June 25 after more than 120 years of offering childcare and social services to the Newton community. 

The organization cited declining enrollment and increasing operational costs as reasons for the closure in a May 19 email announcement. 

Founded in 1907, Family ACCESS—which stands for A Center for Comprehensive Education and Support Services—originally served as a nursery for the children of day laborers and domestic workers. In the decades since, the organization has provided a variety of childcare, early learning and social services to the Newton area, especially for working and low-income families. Programs have included summer camp, after-school care, counseling, health fairs, literacy help and home visits to support single mothers.

“In reaching this decision, our Board and leadership exhausted all options,” the organization said in its announcement. “There is simply no way forward that would allow our organization to continue to responsibly sustain our operations, particularly given the persistent economic pressures and shifting family preferences that have led to such a prolonged period of under-enrollment.”

In a statement to the Newton Beacon, executive director Maisie Pollard said the organization’s directors are “heartbroken.”

“Family ACCESS of Newton has helped local and underserved families thrive for nearly 120 years. Over the past many months, we have worked tirelessly to find ways to keep our programs operational in this economic climate,” she said. “It has been a true honor to serve and work alongside our incredibly talented staff and our dedicated parents.” 

Family ACCESS was one of the first organizations in the state to focus on early childhood education. A board member told the Beacon that Family ACCESS has supported families in need both within and outside of Newton, including by offering income-dependent payment options. 

Current programming will continue uninterrupted until the closure, according to the organization. Family ACCESS said in its announcement that it will assist parents and caregivers in finding alternative childcare options to the best of its ability.