Welcome to Around the Settlement, our monthly blog post sharing a deeper look into all of the vital programs and services provided by Grand St. Settlement throughout the Lower East Side, Brooklyn, and The Bronx.

To make sure you don't miss future news, sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about program updates, advocacy actions, and invitations to the best nonprofit fundraising events in New York City!

Thank you for being bold, grand, and inspired, Senator Kavanagh!

In collaboration with fellow settlement houses, partner organizations, and elected officials, our Baruch Elder Services Team (BEST) NORC hosted a food distribution to thank State Senator Brian Kavanagh for his years of service to his constituents. Participants performed and gave a homemade present to the Senator, and CEO Robert Cordero surprised Senator Kavanagh with a Friendly Heart Award. The award is inspired by our children's book, My First Day the Grand Street Way. The Friendly Heart Award is for those who go above and beyond in supporting our high-quality programming while embodying the Grand Street Way. 

Community Baby Shower

Expecting parents enjoyed a Community Baby Shower and Wellness Day at the Rose Center. Participants were given access to health resources, a cooking demo, prenatal Pilates, a doula-led workshop on preparing for birth, and a music class for older siblings! Thanks to Trinity Church’s generosity, which let families go home with extra diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials.

JUMP

Big JUMP Takes the Guggenheim

Big JUMP and their mentors went on an artistic adventure at the Guggenheim Museum, exploring and embodying the art!

Movie Magic

Little JUMP went behind the scenes at the Museum of Moving Image! JUMP participants were wowed entering the magical Jim Henson exhibit and bravely explored the horror movie display exhibits.

Happy Anniversary to the BEST NORC!

We celebrated the Baruch Elder Services Team (BEST) NORC celebrated their 23rd Anniversary with a Community Health Fair, open to neighbors and community members in the neighborhood. Health and wellness resources were shared as guests enjoyed a potluck lunch dazzling Las Dinamicas performance before those gathered sang “Happy Birthday” to the BEST NORC–in English, Spanish, and Chinese! Here’s to another 23+ years! 

Red Light, Green Light

Sunset Park CFC students are learning all about pedestrian safety. During a neighborhood walk, Sunset Park teachers showed students how to observe traffic signals and look both ways before using crosswalks. They also learned the importance of holding on to a trusted adult’s hand! stuy heights

Smells Like Autumn

MS 582 families gathered for a “Fall into Self Care” event where they headed to the scent lab. Families sniffed out different scent combinations before creating DIY aromatherapy products that were relaxing and cozy, perfect for a self-care autumn

Artistic Inspiration

It’s never too late to learn a new skill or discover a hidden talent. Esteban, one of the frequent attendees at the Rose Center’s  Arts and Crafts classes, has no formal art training yet creates remarkable works of art every session!

Brush, brush, brush

Our preschoolers at the Rose Center's Early Head Start program were visited by NYU School of Dentistry to provide dental screenings and teach them about the importance of oral health.

It’s the Great Pumpkin(s), PS 84

Small pumpkins, large pumpkins, clay pumpkins, all pumpkins crafted by our participants are welcome at Grand Street’s pumpkin patch! 

Fall Birthdays

Grand Street Senior Housing wished a very Happy Birthday to the October babies!

Welcome to Mt. Eden

Mt. Eden Child and Family Center is officially open to the community! We held a grand opening to celebrate expanding child care in underserved areas in the Bronx.

Storytelling through Art

Seward Park Community Center held a special creative art event with our partners at Free Arts! Bloomberg volunteers collaborated with participants to create works of art that told unique stories. 

Head Start Month

Fort Hamilton CFC invited families to play a part in Head Start Awareness Month. Parents had the chance to share what they valued about the program, how it positively impacted their children’s learning and development, and helped the families build stronger connections with families in the community.

Waffle Day

Grand Street’s PS 196 staff teamed up with the PTA to host a delicious Waffle Day treat for students with high attendance! Endless toppings included.

Neighborhood Fun

Bushwick Hylan Community Center celebrated the neighborhood they love with a community block party, featuring food trucks, games and activities, resources, and school supplies for neighborhood students.

Connection and Care

Mott Haven CFC hosted a Mental Health and Physical Health Community Fair to connect Bronx residents with valuable resources provided by our partners. Attendees enjoyed nutritious smoothies, connected with Grand Street staff and health partners, and walked away with wellness swag bags. Thank you to our partners and to the Director of Community Affairs for Senator José M. Serrano’s office for joining us!

Fall into Grand Street

Lower East Side Prep/21st Century Schools held a fall afterschool event where high school students stocked up on school supplies and learned about Grand Street’s program offerings, including AmeriCorps, Project Speak Out Loud (PSOL), and the Clubhouse Network.