Who we are & what we do

We're FREEDOM HOUSE

Freedom House’s strengths lie in pioneering anti-poverty youth development
and college completion strategies for Black, Brown, and Immigrant Students;
a history and legacy of commitment to social justice and educational excellence.
WHO WE ARE
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Welcome To Freedom House!

Since 1949, Freedom House has been a beacon of change in programs and services that champion educational equity and economic opportunities for Black and Brown, and immigrant youth throughout our communities.

Freedom House office interior at 151 Humboldt Avenue.

Freedom House remains a long-standing symbol of the work Otto and Muriel Snowden started in the Old Humboldt Theatre Building. I am honored to be a steward of this powerful legacy.

Freedom House Scholars, Staff, and Board Members

This moment in history has proven that when a village of like-minded individuals work together, they can influence history. Our board and staff truly inspire me with their resilience, patience, and dedication as they have met the challenges of these unprecedented times. I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the support of our donors. You have listened to our youth and families most impacted by racial and educational inequity and inequality.

Despite what continues to be a time of uncertainty that has magnified inequalities in Black and Brown communities – there continues to be a commitment to our mission of building economic, racial, and social equity through education, advocacy, and leadership development. I am proud that Freedom House has emerged wiser and stronger and presented new ways to innovate and expand as we work towards an equitable world where our youth can thrive and contribute to their communities.

Thank you for inspiring us to keep going when many doors closed during global uncertainty. Freedom House invites you to engage with our board and staff in implementing our new strategic plans and learn more about our commitment to systemic change, featured in the 2022 annual impact report.

In Service and Gratitude,

Charmaine L. E. Arthur, Chief Executive Officer

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Freedom House is the place where I learned that I can play a role in changing the community for the better and rewriting the narrative

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Our History

Founded in 1949 by social workers Muriel S. and Otto P. Snowden, Freedom House has served as a haven for communities of color by providing education, technological, and capacity-building programs and services in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. From a tiny office in the Old Humboldt Theatre Building, the hard work began fighting for neighborhood improvement, better schools, and establishing harmony and cooperation among different racial, ethnic, and religious groups. Today, Freedom House continues its commitment to equity and civic leadership with a holistic approach to coaching High School and College students ensuring their academic success while providing a safe place for dialogue on social and community issues.

Freedom House Values

Legacy, Progress, and Persistence: We are inspired by a rich tradition of civil rights and social justice leadership. We honor the legacy of Freedom House through continuous reflection together with the relentless pursuit of progress.

Education: We believe in the transformative power of education and lifelong learning as the foundation for opportunity and choice. We approach our work with a teachable spirit as both students and instructors.

Diversity and Cultural Competency: We embrace and foster the equality of cultures.

Leadership: We imagine a better state and create pathways to get there. We believe in developing future leaders to better the community and civic engagement.

Integrity and Accountability: We believe that our programs and relationships are built and sustained through transparency, reliability, and candor. We hold ourselves accountable for setting high expectations and exceeding them.

Positive Intent: We believe that a person is innately doing their best, choosing to see the best of their ability given the resources and knowledge that they currently have

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CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

Since 1949, Freedom House has been a leader in programs and services that champion educational equity and economic opportunities for Black and Brown, and immigrant youth throughout our communities. We see education as a pathway towards economic opportunities.
We focus on college access and post-secondary success with the goal of increasing college graduation rates and career readiness using a holistic youth development approach.

FREEDOM HOUSE ARCHIVES

PHOTOGRAPH ARCHIVES
RECORDS ARCHIVES