University Settlement Society of New York

Our College Passport students explored new academic possibilities at the University of Pennsylvania! 🌟 This summer, fifteen of our students traveled to Philly to experience the campus firsthand. They discovered opportunities beyond New York, with engineering programs and other majors sparking significant interest. For many, it was their first time visiting a college outside the city, making the experience even more special. We’d like to thank College Advisor Hakeem Elliot for organizing this memorable trip. Opportunities like these inspire our students to step outside their comfort zones and explore new paths. We’re excited to see where they go next! #NYCisUS

Collaboration is key for promoting mental health for youth! 💬 Last week, our Director of Community Wellness Initiatives, Barbara DiGangi, took part in the Building Resilience Symposium, hosted by Partnership for After School Education (PASE) at Trinity Church NYC. Alongside leaders like Kelsey Louie of The Door - A Center of Alternatives & Broome Street Academy Charter High School and Eva Wong of NYC Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health, they explored the vital role after-school programs play in supporting the mental health of NYC’s young people. The panel went beyond the usual talking points, exploring creative ways youth development programs can be a frontline for mental health support. Between developing safe spaces for open dialogue and integrating mental health care into everyday activities, these conversations are shaping the future of well-being for young people in our neighborhoods. A big thanks to Partnership with Children CEO Wesner Pierre for moderating the event. We’re excited to keep these important conversations going and strengthen partnerships that benefit our city’s youth! #NYCisUS

We’re excited to share that Tiger Foundation, a longtime supporter of our Butterflies program, has launched the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching to honor the outstanding educators of NYC! This award celebrates NYC teachers who have shown exceptional commitment to their students and demonstrated leadership within their schools. Up to ten teachers will each receive a $20,000 cash award – some extra appreciation for all they do! These educators shape the future of our city and its young people every day. If you have a great teacher in mind, head to https://buff.ly/3XMUkh5 and nominate them before October 25th! #NYCisUS

Supporting affordable housing for older adults and green space for everyone in the neighborhood! 🏠 After years of debate, the city is finally moving forward with plans to build affordable senior housing on Elizabeth Street, which is great news - this project is essential to providing much-needed housing for older adults in our community, and the plans the Mayor and HPD have signed off on will ensure that the site will continue to make significant green space open to everyone in the community. This week, our LEARN team gathered more than 40 letters from our neighbors to thank our representatives for supporting the plan. Liuba and her letter are pictured.

We’re thrilled to announce that Barbara DiGangi, our Director of Community Wellness Initiatives, has been named a 2024 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow! 🎉 Barbara’s work with our Families Thriving program is reshaping mental health and wellness supports for thousands of families across the city. As part of the Ascend Fellowship, she’ll collaborate with other leaders to advance systemic change that prioritizes mental health and wellness nationwide. “If our mental health and education systems collaborated on innovative and holistic approaches, it could foster academic success, unlock possibilities, and ensure long-term intergenerational prosperity,” says Barbara. The Aspen Institute Ascend Fellowship is an 18-month leadership program that supports a diverse group of 22 advocates committed to transforming systems for the well-being of children and families. Through reflection, collaboration, and action, Fellows develop strategies that drive policy change and build intergenerational family success. Congratulations, Barbara! We’re excited to see how you continue to shape systems that uplift children, families, and communities. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gpnECPVv #NYCisUS

University Settlement is closed today in recognition of Labor Day. Rest, relax, and recharge – you’ve earned it! #NYCisUS

Join us this Saturday at Festival Calle 6 as we celebrate our very own Monique Flores! 🥳 Monique will be honored for her incredible 24-year journey with University Settlement with a special proclamation from New York City Council Member Chris Marte. As our Associate Executive Director for Youth, Community, and the Arts, Monique has been a powerful advocate for equity, championing programs that support youth and their families across 17 of our locations. A Lower East Side resident herself, Monique has played an essential role in expanding opportunities for our neighbors. The festival will take place on Saturday, August 17, from 12 PM to 6 PM on East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive. We hope to see you there! #NYCisUS

We’re delighted to announce our upcoming partnership with Women Creating Change (WCC), which will bring civic engagement and advocacy training to University Settlement’s staff and participants! 🎉 Women Creating Change is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a more just and equitable New York City where all women are civically engaged. “Partnering with the WCC will empower our staff and community members to make an even greater impact through civic engagement,” said Jennifer Vallone, our Associate Executive Director for Arts, Adults, and Advocacy. “Our teams and the neighbors we work with have unparalleled knowledge of how policy decisions affect our communities – knowledge that should be considered by our policymakers and representatives. Stay tuned for more updates on Women Creating Change! #NYCisUS

Children's Corner just got a makeover thanks to our amazing community partners! 🛠️ Our early childhood education center in East New York received a wonderful refresh with help from volunteers from Ryan LLC’s New York office, led by Tony Gulotta. Their team set up gardening beds on the rooftop and built an amazing tree house in the gym for our little ones to explore. They also assembled basketball hoops, soccer nets, Cozy Coupes, a Lego wall, and many other fun toys and supplies. This project wouldn't have been possible without their generous financial contributions, which funded all the new equipment and materials. A big thank you to all 17 volunteers for their dedication and hard work in enhancing our spaces. Your hard work is greatly appreciated! #EarlyChildhood #NYCisUS

We’re delighted to announce that Joanna Weiner, Senior Counsel at NYC Health + Hospitals, has been elected to University Settlement’s Board of Directors. Joanna has worked as a health care lawyer for more than 20 years, serving as in-house counsel for non-profit hospitals and as outside counsel for a variety of not-for-profit health care entities. In her current role, she leads NYC Health + Hospitals’ health care regulatory practice. A graduate of Harvard College, she received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law. Joanna lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two teenagers, and their dog; outside of work, she sings in a treble choir and serves on its board. “We are grateful to welcome Joanna to our Board,” said Melissa E. Aase, CEO of University Settlement. “Her insight into New York City’s healthcare systems will be directly relevant to many of our most important strategic goals, and I look forward to calling on her counsel.” For more on Joanna Weiner, visit https://lnkd.in/ec6Nm3sw #NYCisUS