Henry Street Settlement

Henry Street Settlement is a non-profit social service agency located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1893 by Lillian Wald, the organization began as a nursing service and expanded to become a community center that offers a broad range of services to support individuals and families in need. Its mission is to open doors of opportunity for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health care programs.

History

Henry Street Settlement was established when Lillian Wald and Mary Brewster, two nurses, moved into a house on Henry Street to provide nursing and home care services to the immigrant poor of the Lower East Side. Wald's vision extended beyond nursing to include social reform, education, and the improvement of living conditions for New York's immigrant population. The Settlement quickly grew, adding educational and recreational programs for children and adults, and played a key role in the development of public health nursing in the United States.

Programs and Services

Henry Street Settlement offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at improving the lives of its community members. These include:

• Youth Development: Programs that support young people through education, sports, arts, and leadership development.
• Senior Services: Services designed to help seniors live independently, including meal programs, social activities, and health care services.
• Workforce Development: Employment services that assist individuals in finding jobs and building careers.
• Health and Wellness: Initiatives aimed at improving the physical and mental health of community members.
• Arts and Culture: The Settlement hosts art exhibitions, performances, and workshops to enrich the cultural life of the neighborhood.
• Housing: Assistance and support for those facing housing instability or homelessness.

Impact

Over the years, Henry Street Settlement has made a significant impact on the Lower East Side and broader New York City community. It has been a pioneer in social work, public health, and education, influencing policy and practice both locally and nationally. The organization's holistic approach to service delivery has helped countless New Yorkers improve their health, education, and economic outcomes.

Legacy

Henry Street Settlement's legacy is one of innovation, compassion, and community empowerment. Its historic headquarters at 265 Henry Street, along with several other buildings on the Lower East Side, have been designated as landmarks, recognizing their importance in the history of social services in the United States.

See Also

• Social work
• Public health
• Community center
• Lillian Wald
• Lower East Side

External Links

• Official Henry Street Settlement Website