Farnam Community Center is New Haven’s oldest nonprofit neighborhood center serving as a “home away from home” for thousands of children. Farnam provides a continuum of prevention programs designed to nurture and educate young children, promote positive youth development, and strengthen families and communities. Today, Farnam operates a full-day preschool, a multi-purpose community center with activities for children and families, and a wonderful 72-acre outdoor recreational facility located in Durham, CT. 

Neighborhood child/youth centers play a key role in providing important resources and services to youth and their families, especially during “out of school” times. These programs and services are designed to provide wraparound supports that will contribute to students’ overall academic success and emotional wellness. Farnam Community Center completes the cycle of home, school and community for our young people which is a critical environmental factor of positive youth development. Farnam’s continuum of prevention programs are designed to provide physical and psychological safety, appropriate structure, supportive relationships with peers and caring adults, opportunities to belong, positive social norms, and opportunities for life skills and leadership development.

To learn more about Farnam Neighborhood House, please contact Jamell Cotto, Vice-President of Farnam Community Center at (203) 562-9194 or [email protected].

School Readiness

Farnam Nursery School is a state-licensed and NAEYC accredited preschool designed to help children experience the world as a place of wonder and learning, Farnam Nursery School provides children 2.8 – 5 years old with a rich and robust preschool experience in a safe, nurturing environment. Within a structured group setting, our experienced, compassionate staff provides the individualized care each child needs to:

  • Gain a sense of confidence and self-esteem
  • Learn through play
  • Build positive relationships with other children and adults
  • Develop physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally
  • Explore their talents and interests
  • Make good choices
  • Successfully negotiate with peers and problem solve
  • Recognize and value cultural differences

Farnam Nursery School also offers:

  • A creative curriculum experience
  • Qualified, experienced & multilingual staff

We operate year-round with full-day and half-day options from 7:00am- 5:00pm for parents who are working or attending school. 

As of August 14, 2024:  There are 30 open School Readiness spaces available.  To enroll today, click here!

To learn more about Farnam Nursery School, please contact Shubhra Gupta, Director of Farnam Nursery School at (203) 562 – 9194 x5201 or [email protected]

Recreational & Enrichment Activities

Our Enrichment and Recreational Programs promote personal growth through an array of social, educational, and recreational activities. Programs are offered after school and during school holidays/vacations to keep kids of all ages social, active, and happy! Programs include:

  • Biddy Basketball for ages 6 and under
  • RespeCT Hoops basketball program for ages 6-18
  • Martial arts
  • Arts, crafts, drama, and dance
  • Homework help
  • Other sports, and more!

Our Lifeguard Training Program in partnership with the City of New Haven offers lifeguard training, certification and summer job placement for New Haven youth ages 15-21. Once certified, lifeguards will be eligible to be staffed at City public pool sites and beaches and will be assisted with job placement.

To learn more about our recreational and enrichment programs, please contact Marcquis Knox, Director of Programs at (203) 562-9194 or [email protected].

Camp Farnam

Wooden sign that reads" Camp Farnam" with trees in the background

Camp Farnam gives New Haven kids a summer to remember at our 72 acre, rugged outdoor camp located in Durham, CT.  The facility includes a pavilion for arts & crafts, science, and nature study. At Camp Farnam, campers may engage in the following:

  • hands-on learning
  • outdoor sports
  • nature-based activities
  • social development
  • community building
  • recreational and enrichment activities.

Camp Farnam provides social-emotional learning, team-building, mindfulness, and wellness activities to help improve the health, resiliency and quality of life for every camper.

Unlike other summer camps, Camp Farnam recognizes that each child’s circumstances are unique, and considers the well-being of both the child and family to design tailored programs and services.

To learn more about Camp Farnam, please contact Marcquis Knox, Project Administrator at (203) 562-9194 or [email protected].

Parent Resources

Activities and resources for parents and the whole family include:

  • Monthly free food drive in partnership with the Connecticut Food Bank
  • Connecticut Foodshare
  • Connections to other resources and organizations to make sure your basic needs are always met
  • Parent workshops
  • Parent committee (meets monthly)
  • Family outings and activities
  • Family Appreciation Days with food, games, and fun!