
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’s Barbara DiGangi delivers testimony to City Council Committee on Mental Health
Download a copy of this testimony Chairs Lee and Schulman and committee members, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony. My name is Barbara …
University Settlement’s Angel Sacarello speaks at City Hall rally for Cornerstones
University Settlement also submitted Angel’s testimony before the New York City Council’s Committee on Youth Services. Download a copy of Angel’s testimony.
University Settlement will honor Viking Global Foundation at 2023 Gala City Stories: A Place to Grow
University Settlement is pleased to announce that it will honor the Viking Global Foundation, the charitable arm of Viking Global Investors, at its annual gala …
University Settlement will screen “Rabble Rousers” film and host a panel discussion as part of Lower East Side History Month
University Settlement and the Cooper Square Committee (CSC) will host a screening of the film Rabble Rousers and a panel discussion about the past and …
University Settlement’s Jewell Campbell speaks at rally for #JustPay at New York state capitol
Jewell Campbell, University Settlement’s Director of Youth & Community Programs in Manhattan, spoke at the Rally for #JustPay at the New York state capitol in …
The Creative Center at University Settlement presents culminating performance by Heather Woodbury
The Creative Center at University Settlement will host a live works-in-progress performance of Heather Woodbury’s latest work Periodic Fable. Date: March 11, 2023 Time: 6 …
University Settlement selected as host for ACLS Leading Edge Fellowship program
University Settlement has been selected as a host partner for the 2023 American Council of Learned Societies Leading Edge Fellowship program, the nation’s first Settlement …
University Settlement appoints Steven Green to its Board of Directors
Steven Green (Associate, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz) has been elected to University Settlement’s Board of Directors, the nation’s first settlement house announced today. Steven …
University Settlement technology leader Virginia Dotson selected for Okta’s Nonprofit Technology Fellowship
Virginia Dotson, University Settlement’s Senior Director of Data, Business, and Information Technology, has been selected to participate in Okta for Good’s Nonprofit Technology Fellowship for …