
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 and more than 40 community partners present a summer festival: ROAR: Rejoice! Organize! Activate! Reclaim!
ROAR: Rejoice! Organize! Activate! Reclaim!, a festival hosted by University Settlement, will take place every weekend May – August 2022 on New York …
University Settlement will host a May 2 press conference for ROAR: Rejoice! Organize! Activate! Reclaim!, a summer festival event series
ROAR: Rejoice! Organize! Activate! Reclaim!, a festival hosted by University Settlement, will take place every weekend May – August 2022 on New York City’s Lower …
University Settlement’s Self-Defense Classes featured on WNYC’s “The United States of Anxiety”
Our self-defense classes were featured on WNYC‘s ‘The United States of Anxiety,’ hosted by Kai Wright. Sammy Yuen, who teaches the classes, shares how he …
Join us for “The Tale of Chef Kale” on Saturday, April 23rd
Join Chef Kale in this family-friendly show as she explores healing, celebration, freedom, self care, identity, and develop a relationship with food and her digestive …
University Settlement will honor Cathy Park Hong and its Frontline Staff at 2022 Gala, City Stories: The Power of US
University Settlement is pleased to announce that it will honor Cathy Park Hong, New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist; and its frontline …
University Settlement Presented Testimony to the New York City Council Committee on Education
Barbara DiGangi, Director of Families Thriving at University Settlement, presented testimony to the New York City Council Committee on Education’s Preliminary Budget Hearing. Download a …
Apply to be a 2022/23 Performance Project Fellow
Applications are now open for 2022/23 Performance Project Fellowship! The Performance Project Fellowship is a year-long mentoring program designed for New York City based, early …
NYCHA Baby Shower hosted by Cornerstone @ Ingersoll
News 12‘s Mary-Lyn Buckley reported on NYCHA’s Baby Shower Resource Fair for families with infants and expecting mothers at Ingersoll Community Center. Alongside many other …
University Settlement will expand engagement with PS/MS 34 as its Community Schools partner
The New York City Department of Education has selected University Settlement as the Community Schools partner for New York City Public School/Middle School 34, the …