We forge partnerships between New York City neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, building strong communities.
BEM-VINDA
WELCOME
BIENVE
BEM-VINDA
WELCOME
BIENVE
BEM-VINDA
WELCOME
BIENVE

Benvenuto

BIENVENIDOS

स्वागत हे

Benvenuto

BIENVENIDOS

स्वागत हे

Benvenuto

BIENVENIDOS

स्वागत हे

歡迎
chào mừng
Karibu
ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ
歡迎
chào mừng
Karibu
ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ
歡迎
chào mừng
Karibu
ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ

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.

Diverse Group of Young Adults posing for US Programs

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.

ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD
ARTS
FITNESS
COLLEGE PATHS
AFTER SCHOOL
ARTS
FITNESS
BIENVE
COLLEGE PATHS

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!

Kids in Pool at Houston Street Space Rental

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!

Salamat
THANK YOU
GRACIAS
Salamat
THANK YOU
GRACIAS
Salamat
THANK YOU
GRACIAS
धन्यवाद
GRAZIE
ありがとうございました
धन्यवाद
GRAZIE
ありがとうございました
धन्यवाद
GRAZIE
ありがとうございました
Dziękuję Ci
Danke
Takk skal du ha
Dziękuję Ci
Danke
Takk skal du ha
Dziękuję Ci
Danke
Takk skal du ha

SUBSCRIBE TO
OUR NEWSLETTER

Get regular updates about our programs and special events. We’re committed to protecting your privacy.

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

MEET THE FACES
OF UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT

“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

Advocacy

University Settlement’s Letty Hawthorne testifies at New York City Council

Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement    before the New York City Council   Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Children and Youth, ...
Early Childhood

Finding self-acceptance through communal art-making

Members of The Creative Center community participate in an Art Workshop. By Melissa Aase, CEO of University Settlement Highlights:  ► The Creative Center @ University ...
Advocacy

University Settlement’s Kyungsoo Kang testifies at New York City Council

Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement    before the New York City Council   Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Contracts, Chair Julie ...
Advocacy

University Settlement’s Veronica Wong testifies at New York City Council

Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement    before the New York City Council   Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Parks and Recreation ...
Advocacy

University Settlement’s Anjini Ramnarine testifies at New York City Council

Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement    before the New York City Council   Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Education, Chair Rita ...
Advocacy

University Settlement’s Sofiya Pidzyraylo testifies at New York City Council

Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement    before the New York City Council   Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Aging, Chair Crystal ...
About US

University Settlement will honor Honorary Director Alan P. Winters at 2024 Gala City Stories: Our Blueprint 

Download a copy of this news release    University Settlement is pleased to announce that it will honor Alan P. Winters at its annual gala ...
Advocacy

University Settlement’s Xing Hui Zheng testifies at City Council Joint Oversight Hearings

Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement    before the New York City Council   Joint Oversight Hearing: The Needs of Immigrant Older ...
Early Childhood

A place where parents learn and build confidence

When partnering with parents and families to navigate life changes or stressful events, the Creative Steps team sometimes creates personalized booklets for children like the ...
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City Stories: Our Blueprint

Join us on May 1 for University Settlement’s annual gala, City Stories: Our Blueprint!