We forge partnerships between New York City neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, building strong communities.
Benvenuto
BIENVENIDOS
स्वागत हे
Benvenuto
BIENVENIDOS
स्वागत हे
Benvenuto
BIENVENIDOS
स्वागत हे
USING OUR COMMUNITY’S STRENGTHS
AND MAKING US ALL STRONGER
University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn every year to build on their strengths as they achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For over 135 years, we’ve collaborated with our neighbors to pioneer highly effective programs that fight poverty and systemic inequality. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, engaging with every individual holistically, and creating space for people to organize. Joining together with our neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, we help build community strength.
We work with New Yorkers of all ages. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, mental health and wellness, benefits assistance and eviction prevention, adult literacy and education, healthy aging, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development.
PROGRAMS
FOR ALL
To strengthen our community, we provide a range of services and support for every member of our community, every generation. Childcare. After-school programs. Education for adults, Meals and companionship for seniors. Let us know how we can serve you or your family — and thereby serve our entire neighborhood.
SPACE RENTALS
FOR EVERY EVENT
Beautiful, modern, affordable, and conveniently located. We have three versatile spaces to choose from for your meeting, performance and recreation events. We’d love to talk to you about all we have to offer!
JOIN
OUR MISSION
People like you make our work possible! Whether you’re looking to make a meaningful career move, give back to your community by volunteering, or want to learn more about all the benefits of private or corporate support, there are so many ways to give!
SUBSCRIBE TO
OUR NEWSLETTER
IN OUR NEIGHBORS’ OWN WORDS...
Learn how University Settlement creates positive change in our communities – from the neighbors we partner with, plus our colleagues and volunteers.
TESTIMONIAL
“I got behind on my rent, and University Settlement was there for me, helping me take financial literacy classes. Through University Settlement, our community accesses resources that help us live our lives to the fullest.”
Mary, Project Home participant
“I find space to do my homework, focus, and think clearly at University Settlement. There’s always someone to talk to if I have a problem – I know the people care about me.”
Xavier, Beacon After School participant
“At University Settlement, the staff will help you get the answers to any questions you have, and it doesn’t matter if your child is still there or has moved up. It’s a comfort to me.”
Latoya, mother of children in our Early Childhood programs
NEWS AND EVENTS
University Settlement appoints Frederick “Fred” Yee to its Board of Directors
Fred Yee (Managing Director, Capital One) has been elected to University Settlement’s Board of Directors, the nation’s first settlement house announced today. Fred is the …
NYN Media covers Families Thriving’s District 1 expansion
NYN Media has published an in-depth look at the pilot expansion of University Settlement Families Thriving mental health services to 11 additional schools in NYC’s …
NYC Community School District 1 to offer University Settlement mental health services to all District 1 families
Groundbreaking pilot expansion of University Settlement’s Families Thriving program is fully funded by Trinity Church Wall Street Families Thriving, University Settlement’s program offering community based, …
The Creative Center at University Settlement will host a virtual screening and panel for Ships in the Night
Ships in the Night is a short film focused on hospital staff experiences early in the COVID-19 pandemic The Creative Center at University Settlement will …
FREE Family workshops from Families Thriving
Interested in a little learning this summer? What about connecting with like-minded people? Join the Families Thriving team for our August workshop series. It’s our …
New York Times reports on Sara D. Roosevelt Park, quoting US CEO Melissa Aase
In “This Manhattan Park Was Once A Gem. Now It’s a ‘No Man’s Land,‘” the New York Times’ Winnie Hu reports on community efforts to …
University Settlement is HIRING for Mental Health and Wellness Positions!
Are you passionate about providing mental health support to your fellow New Yorkers? University Settlement’s Mental Health & Wellness teams are recruiting social workers for …
University Settlement makes statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization
As we consider today’s egregious Supreme Court decision to overturn settled law protecting the right to privacy, and in particular the right to abortion, we …
University Settlement is HIRING youth development group leaders
Are you passionate about working with young people as they develop emotionally, grow into leaders, and achieve? University Settlement’s youth programs create safe, fun, purpose-driven …