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.

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Seward Park Adventures

During the final week of summer camp, Seward Park Community Center participants took an exciting field trip to Urban Air Adventure Park. Campers from Kindergarten through 5th grade enjoyed a variety of fun and physically engaging activities, including rock climbing, trampolines, bumper cars, obstacle courses, and more. The experience provided a dynamic and energetic environment where students could explore, challenge themselves, and with peers–all while having a blast!

Best Buy's Best Interns

Eight of the hardworking members from our Best Buy Teen Tech Center were selected to participate in a Summer Retail Internship with Best Buy! Interns had the opportunity to rotate through different departments within Best Buy stores across Manhattan and Brooklyn. They gained valuable career experience and explored a variety of opportunities, from networking to professional growth to personal development. Congrats again to our members!

Senior Summer Olympics

While we still have a little less than three years to go until the LA Summer Olympics, our Baruch Elder Services Team NORC hosted a lively Senior Olympics with our participants! Our athletes put their skills to the test in a series of challenges, including musical hot potato, handheld mini-golf, chair volleyball, and many more. It was a spirited and invigorating day for our participants to get their exercise in!

Wyckoff Community Event

Wyckoff Community Center, in partnership with Councilmember Hanif’s office, hosted a Community Resource Event for the neighborhood! We distributed over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies to help our youths get ready to return to school and showcased our afterschool program offerings and Teen Tech Center workshops. We also connected with the community about job opportunities at Grand Street!

Congratulations Valerie Agostini!

We're proud to see Educational Director Valerie Agostini of Bushwick Child and Family Center recognized in City and State's Above and Beyond: Social Services list. Her unwavering dedication to supporting the children and families in her program, no matter the challenge ahead, is inspiring, and we're proud to have her leadership at Grand St. Settlement.

Concert Songs at Sunset Park

Sunset Park Child and Family Center’s summer session came to a close with a special music concert! Families, teachers, and students enjoyed singing and dancing together to celebrate the upcoming fall season!

Bridging the Gap

Grand Street hosted a two-day Summer Bridge program for the incoming ninth-grade class at Brooklyn Community Arts & Media High School (BCAM). The program allowed incoming students to get acclimated to the high school environment and connect with student leaders who provided valuable advice for the transition from middle to high school. 

Safety Presentation at Older Adults Center

Thank you to NYPD Officer Rodriguez, who stopped by the Essex Crossing Community Center to give an important safety presentation. Cases of elder abuse and fraud are, unfortunately, all too common, and we’re proud to offer our participants these important workshops. Thanks again, Officer Rodriguez!

Barnyard Blast at Marcy

Marcy Community Center summer campers had an absolute blaaa-st at the petting zoo! The zoo came to Marcy to give our campers one last exciting summer experience to remember. Participants fed the goats, cuddled with chickens and rabbits, and even had the chance to try horseback riding!

Brooklyn Team-Building

Sunset Park Child and Family Center staff are strengthening their teamwork in and out of the classroom! New and returning staff took part in team-building activities, allowing them to improve their communication, foster positive and productive relationships, and encourage collaboration. Sunset Park staff are ready to take on the upcoming school year!

Tech Support & Scam Prevention

The NYC Aging Department’s Crime Victim Intake Advocate visited the center to discuss the recent increase in SNAP/EBT card fraud with our Older Adult participants. They provided crucial information on how to report incidents and file police reports for potential future compensation. Thank you for stopping by!

Inter-Site Volleyball Game

Ready, set, spike! Summer campers put their athletic (and artistic) skills to the test in a friendly game of inter-site volleyball! Fans from both teams cheered from their courtside VIP seats and waved colorful, handmade signs at The Rose Center Green Vipers vs. the School for Global Leaders Ultraviolets matchup.

Walking Club Steps Up

Our Older Adults Walking Club enjoyed a few summer days to really get their steps in! During the last walking club session of the season, participants slathered on their SPF and donned their hats before walking all the way to Washington Square Park and enjoying the fresh air. 

School Ready at Williamsburg

Williamsburg Community Center hosted its annual back-to-school drive! Students and families were able to receive backpacks, school supplies, and relax a bit right before the school year started.

Soaring to New Heights at Six Flags

Our Youth participants never back down from a challenge! Campers from The Rose Center summer sessions were ready for the adventure of a lifetime during the Six Flags Amusement Park field trip, where they got to try out some classic cool coasters.

Prepping for Back to School

Thank you again to the hard-working volunteers from New York Cares, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's who came together to assemble over 1,000 backpacks, filled with school supplies and special treats for students to enjoy this fall. With their help, we were able to distribute all the backpacks across our sites just in time for the upcoming school year.