This timeline intends to give our visitors more information on our 38 settlement houses around New York City. It will detail what our settlement houses have been and will continue to do to greatly impact New York City.
Founded by Gale Dodge in 1872, the Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) began as a lending library for neighborhood workers. Since then, they have been serving the community through early childhood programs, enrichment programs for teens, and they have continuously provided volunteer senior assistants to help the elderly. As RHN continues to serve the Northwest Bronx community to this day, they continue to hold onto the belief that "all lives are enriched by participation in a compassionate and supportive community."
Toynbee Hall came to fruition in 1884 with the hopes of achieving social change through individualized approaches. The immediate intention was to bring visionaries face to face with poverty in London's East End. The goal was that these men would develop radical and practice social change.
Hailed as the first settlement house in the United States in 1886, University Settlement was a haven to struggling immigrants on the Lower East Side. Today there is a paid staff of over 500, and is a pioneer in social services. They offer an array of programs, including a creative center, adult literacy programs, swimming programs, youth programs, and more.
Educational Alliance served the entire population of Downtown Manhattan, although originally intended for Eastern European Jews, since 1889. There were opportunities to participate in the arts, recreation, and theater. As the population of Lower Manhattan changed in 1940's, so did the Alliance: they began to employ trained professionals, aimed to curb teenage delinquency in the 1960's, and acted as one of the first organizations to offer Head Start.
Hull House, co-founded by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr, located in Chicago, IL and served as an American example of the London-based Toynbee Hall. Opening in 1889, it served as a community for "university women," with the hopes to create educational and social opportunities for Chicago residents. Eventually, Hull House began advocating for child labor, healthcare, and immigration reforms, as well as women's suffrage.
Originally the King's Daughters Settlement House, it was founded by Jacob A. Riis, a social reformer, in 1890. Currently, it's mission is to strengthen communities in Western Queens and act as a "catalyst for change." Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House focuses on youth services, senior services, and immigrant services.
This settlement house is one of the oldest non-profits in NYC. It orginiated in Manhattan's Upper East Side in 1891 and relocated to the South Bronx, one of the "poorest congressional districts in the country." East Side House serves over 8,000 residents of Manhattan and the South Bronx.
Henry Street Settlement was established in 1893 by Lillian Wald to care for the poor. Her philosophies established Henry Street as one of the nation's models for service to children, families, and the poor. Today, Henry Street serves 50,000 members of its community annually, and are developed to help individuals learn to help themselves.
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House was founded in 1984 by the Alumnae Association of Normal college (now Hunter College of the City University of New York) as a free kindergarten for immigrant children. Now, Lenox Hill serves over 200,000 community members in need, including: economic, social, emotional, and physical need.
Established in 1895, the Union Settlement Organization is one of the largest settlement houses in NYC. They serve over 10,000 people annually, focusing on East Harlem communities. Union Settlement prides itself on meeting the demands of the changing demographics of the neighborhood, helping everyone from infants to senior citizens.
Since 1895, The Guild has focused on those in need who work or go to school in the Chelsea-area, and helps to knit together the multi-faceted community with a holistic approach. The Guild serves over 14,000 people each year in five main service areas: Adult, Arts, Children and Youth Services, Mental Health Services, and Community Building. It seeks to empower each individual and family to "achieve their highest potential."
Founded by Marcellus Hartley in 1897, the Hartley House opened on New Year's Day with hope that it would serve as a place for social reform through education, volunteerism, and charity. Today, Hartley House reaches all members of Hell's Kitchen and fosters "ongoing connections with them as they pass from one phase of life into another."
Hamilton-Madison House came about at the turn of the century when life for the residents in the crowded tenement buildings of the Lower East Side were "incredibly dismal." The Hamilton-Madison House's history lies in both Hamilton House and Madison House which merged in 1954. Thousands of lives have been improved since 1898, especially in the Two Bridges/Chinatown neighborhoods which have been designated as a "poverty area."
School Settlement Association is the oldest settlement house in Brooklyn, NY. Founded by local teachers and residents in 1901 to create a healthy and positive experience for youth outside of school, the mission to provide community members with safe environment continues today.
Henry Street paid the salary of the first public school nurse in New York City in 1902. After noticing how beneficial and imperative it was to have them, more school nurses were appointed across the city.
Greenwich House opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1902 to improve the lives of NYC's growing immigrant population. Today, Greenwich House serves over 12,000 New Yorkers ranging in age, gender, orientation, ethnicity, religion, and services needed. Overall, Greenwich House serves the population from four main angles: substance abuse services, arts and education programs, senior services, and mental health and health services.
Originally known as the Council House, it was established in 1903 by the National Council of Jewish Women. In the 1940's, the population of the Southeast Bronx shifted, and a board was asked to take responsibility for what was then called the Forest Neighborhood Houses. Now, these services have evolved into the current facility which is a multi-service agency that hopes to empower the constituents of the Southeast Bronx.
UNCA's history dates back to the inception of the National Federal Settlements. Jane Addams, co-founder of Hull House, visualized ways to better urban neighborhoods as a whole. UNCA is instrumental in the proliferation of settlement houses across the nation. There are currently 150 members of UNCA nationwide.
Grand St. Settlement is a "multi-service agency" which provides programs for all community members--from childcare to after-school, to support for senior citizens. Since 1916, Grand Street has striven to respond to immediate community needs. Started by Samuel Null, a once member of the Madison House, began Grand Street with the hope to help his fellow neighbors.
In 1917, Grand Street Settlement was the first settlement house to operate a Settlement Dental Clinic. During the 1980s, Grand Street Settlement was the head of the Dental Assistant Training program in collaboration with New York University.
...was founded! It serves as the umbrella organization for 38 settlement houses in New York City, fighting for social change and equality along with its members.
Beginning in 1942, MMCC programs were originally run from a storefront on Gunn Hill Road, but has grown to serve over 28,000 "Bronxites" annually. MMCC's mission to enhance the lives of their residents, specifically immigrants, victims of discrimination and those with special needs. MMCC hopes to build an inclusive community with its members, living healthy and fulfilling lives.
LSNC serves the Lincoln Square community through three programs: daycare, after-school, and senior services. It was originally founded as a day care center in 1947 with the hopes of meeting the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of their community members. LSNC currently serves over 1,000 community members.
Established in the early 1950's, the Shorefront Y has acted a Jewish Community Center and social service agency dedicated to integrating immigrants into American society. In addition, the Shorefront Y has helped families reconnect with their Jewish roots and provides a full array of programs to meet the diverse community.
Established in one of Brooklyn's poorest neighborhoods in 1954, United Community Centers (UCC) was built to give voices to Brooklyn residents. UCC was the first community organization run out of a New York City Housing Project. They accomplished many things over the years, including: organizing marches and rallies to save a New York City Library located in Brooklyn, fighting for the rights of taxi cab drivers, and establishing their two largest programs--United Community Centers Day Care Center and East New York Farms.
Goddard Riverside came about when Riverside Community House and the Goddard Neighborhood Center merged in 1959 and became very involved in the issue of affordable housing. Goddard Riverside provides all kinds of services--from legal, to educational, to mental health. They serve over 17,500 children, youth, and adults in 22 locations on the Upper West Side and Harlem neighborhoods.
In 1964, this settlement house was named for Stanley M. Isaacs, Manhattan Borough President from 1937-1942. He was known for his passion for civil rights, and fought to build decent housing for families living in the "squalor of the tenements." Currently, the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center provides Meals on Wheels services, a senior center, after school and evening programs, youth employment and education services, and educational enrichment for all ages and residents of the East Harlem and Yorkville communities.
In 1965, the Chinatown Planning Council (CPC) initiated programs to help the mass influx of Chinese immigrants in New York City. They offered residents a variety of programs such as English literacy classes, youth programs for pre-school and school-aged children, and senior centers for the elderly. When immigrants began to move out of Chinatown into Queens and Brooklyn, The Chinatown Planning Council moved with them. Realizing that their work did not only affect Chinese immigrants but rather all citizens of New York City, CPC changed their name to the Chinese-American Planning Council and expanded their programs to include employment training and mental health counseling.
Dr. King addressed the United Neighborhood Houses of New York on December 6, 1966. He discussed the most important issue that New Yorkers were faced with in the 1960s: poverty. He explained that poverty was "a consequence of multiple evils: lack of education restricting job opportunities, poor housing, fragile family relationships." This speech is key in the United Neighborhood Houses history because it is the crux of all the issues UNH fought (and some of which that are still being fought) for today.
Founded in 1974 by Mary McLoughlin, Patricia Burns, and Janet Athanasidy, these ladies jumped to create a community center at Kingbridge Terrace. The building was revitalized and was able to provide education and cultural activities for all community residents. Today, KHCC provides services for all members of their Bronx neighborhood.
SCS began as a senior center in 1974, but over the years has grown to be the largest social service agency in Western Queens-- reaching about 14,000 residents. They offer programs for older adults, the Sunnyside Home Care Project, and programs for children and teenagers. In Fall 2013, a pre-kindergarten program was launched as well.
St. Nicks was formed in 1975 as the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation by a group of church activists, and hired 20 unemployed community members to staff the community center. Currently, St. Nicks works to strengthen the arts, youth and education, elder care, workforce development, economic development and seeks to improve affordable housing.
Originally named Forest Hills Community House in 1975, Queens Community House aims to bring together the economically, racially, and ethnically diverse residents. Today there are 400 staff persons that offer youth, community, and senior programs to over 25,000 Queens residents annually.
In 2004, St. Nicks Alliance opened the first stand alone charter high school in New York City, the Williamsburg Charter School in Brooklyn.
SCAN (Supportive Children's Advocacy Network) was founded by Nancy Fisher in response to inner-city neglectful parenting in 1977. Her proposal, in the form of a $50,000 grant, sought to aid parents who were struggling with poverty, illiteracy, family breakdown, and substance abuse. Today there is an array of family-focused programming that hopes to "harness" individual strengths. SCAN serves over 20,000 children annually.
Since it's inception in 1977, CAMBA has focused on helping Brooklyn residents in need. They have over 150 programs in areas including family supoport, health, housing, and economic develpoment. CAMBA serves over 45,000 individuals each year, including those from various ethnic backgrounds. Over one-third of their clients are immigrants or refugees from countries such as Haiti, Guyana, and Southeast Asia, just to name a few.
Lenox Hill Settlement House founded the nation's first Neighborhood Watch in 1978.
Opening in 1978 under the alias SCO Family of Services, the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park has initiated many outreach programs for families in need. They have implemented a Community Arts program at a neighborhood middle school for youths, family counseling, and workshops for parents on a variety of topics. The importance of positive, healthy families is essential in the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park's mission!
NMIC is a community-based non profit that was founded in 1979 by two people operating on a small start-up grant. Over the past 30 years, it has grown to 100 staff members and helps to preserve affordable housing, building weatherization, and promotes economic self-sufficiency. NMIC works to empower Washington Heights and Inwood residents.
A community-based non-profit, Project Hospitality began in 1982 as an interfaith volunteer emergency response network for homeless and hungry persons in Staten Island. Project Hospitality's services are based on a model of continuum of care, based on the immediate needs and a comprehensive-based clinical treatment, support services, and long-term assistance for their 2,000 members served annually.
Since 1983, Broadway Housing Communities (BHC) has provided housing for low-income and homeless individuals and families. Originally known as Committee for the Inwood Heights Homeless, BHC has provided nearly 300 units of low-income housing in the West Harlem and Washington Heights area. They also provide their tenants with various programs including: mental health services, substance abuse treatment, medical assistance, and employment training to help their tenants on the path to success.
In 1983, a group of activists, residents, and merchants formed the Cypress Hill Local Development Corporation to assist residents with home ownership and housing preservation. CHLDC provides programs, including: mortgage foreclosure prevention, home ownership counseling, tenant organizing, job placement and training, and small business technical support. In addition to implementing these various programs, CHLDC has also built 400 units of affordable housing and two alternative schools in the Cypress Hill neighborhood.
Published in 1986, Jeffrey Scheuer's Legacy of Light describes the first 100 years of NYC's University Settlement. This version is updated by CEO Michael Zisser which offers insight into the "victories and challenges" of the settlement.
In 1986, Broadway Housing Communities built its first affordable housing building, The Heights. This building contains 55 units, designed to combat homelessness by providing affordable housing. The New York government was so impressed with the success of this project, they began providing low-interest loans dedicated to building affordable housing. Now, with six other affordable housing buildings, Broadway Housing Communities is seen as a pioneer for affordable housing units across the country.
In March of 1987, Diana, Princess of Whales visited the people of the Henry Street Settlement. All who encountered Princess Diana said she was kind, understanding, and truly concerned with the various issues members of Henry Street Settlement faced. She spoke with homeless mothers as if they were her friends, and played with the children as if they were her own. She made an impact on all those who are able to say they met the Princess of Whales.
The Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) has worked since 1990 to create a more beautiful and economically vibrant Bronx. The staff reach over 35,000 people through Green Homes projects, education endeavors, community and economic development programs, family support, the arts, health initiatives, and economic resources.
The New Settlement Apartments in the Bronx has changed the perception of those who do not believe in positive change in the South Bronx. Since 1991, the goal of the New Settlement Apartments is to promote economic growth among the neighborhood through youth development and parent organizing.New Settlement Apartments continues to expand with the neighborhoods best interest at the top of their priority list.
Before changing its name to BronxWorks in 2009, the Citizens Advice Bureau set out to establish resource and assistance centers around New York City. Although they did not achieve their goal of being established around New York City, they noticed the impact they made in their home in the Bronx, and they decided to continute to help those closest to them. They tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the community, including problems with housing and income, homelessness, and AIDS. Over time, they also began sponsoring senior centers and youth programs. After becoming a settlement house in 1993, they helped low-income families adjust to the welfare reform and began establishing programs for immigrants. Today, BronxWorks continues to expand their programs and help their borough to grow.
AAFSC seeks to address the unique needs of families and children in the Arab American communities, and has been doing so since 1994. In addition, it seeks to provide immigrants with the tools they need to "successfully acclimate to the world around them." They do so through ESL classes, legal assistance, social services, and more.
For low-income residents who are forced to shop for groceries in their neighborhood, finding fresh produce is extremely difficult. United Community Centers vowed to end the myriad of health issues plaguing East New York, caused by the poor diets forced upon their low-income residents. United Community Centers initiated "East New York Farms," where residents would be able to buy fresh produce right in their neighborhood. The farm has been open every summer since 1998, selling affordable produce to promote a healthy community.
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