Serving Up Opportunity with a Place at Our Table

This year's Taste of the Lower East Side included an exhibit drawing inspiration from Judy Chicago's landmark installation 'The Dinner Party' displayed at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibit invited guests to explore stories from our community to get a deeper understanding of how Grand St. Settlement has stood with our neighbors over the years. The exhibit is now on display on the 2nd floor of The Rose Center located at 80 Pitt St. on the Lower East Side. For those unable to see the exhibit in-person, we hope that you'll wander through our digital installation here.

Before you begin, consider this question: In times of hardship, what opportunities opened a new path in your life?

Ousseynou

After Ousseynou immigrated from Senegal, he faced complicated systems to access government benefits. Navigating these in a new language while searching for work was overwhelming.

"If you found yourself in a new country, where would you go for support?"

Grand St. Settlement's Benefits Assistance program supported Ousseynou as he applied for SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and housing through New York City Housing Authority. These resources have provided his family with stability they need as they build a more secure and self-sufficient future.

Kasani & Kaziah

Shakema, mother of four including twins Kasani and Kaziah, faced the challenge of finding specialized educational support for her twins with special needs. Without proper early intervention, their developmental journey would be significantly more difficult, while the strain on family resources threatened her own wellbeing.

"If you were a parent of a child with special needs, what resources could you access to get support that helps your family thrive?"

Grand St. Settlement's Early Childhood program welcomed Kasani, Kaziah, and Shakema's family immediately. By offering coping strategies and parenting guidance alongside specialized education for the twins, Grand Street supported not just the children's development but the entire family's wellbeing. As Shakema shares, she will be "forever grateful for the profound positive impact" Grand Street has had on all their lives.

ZHUODONG HE

As a 66-year-old Chinese-speaking senior with limited English, Mr. He faced significant barriers to accessing essential benefits and services. Without language-appropriate assistance, he risked missing crucial support that could enhance his quality of life.

"How would you navigate complex government systems in a language you don't understand?"

Grand St. Settlement's Benefits Assistance program has worked with Mr. He for three years, helping him access SNAP benefits, the Affordable Connectivity Program, and free tax preparation services—all of which he wouldn't have known about without the support of Grand Street. Zhuodong now gives back to his community by teaching Chinese music part-time at one of Grand Street's Senior Buildings, sharing his cultural heritage while receiving the practical assistance he needs to thrive.

Alex

As a young professional seeking to make a difference, Alex found a passion mentoring youth at Grand St. Settlement. He recognized how exposure to new experiences could open doors for children with limited resources, and realized that more financial support could amplify Grand St.'s impact.

"What are you doing to be an active member in our community?"

Grand St. Settlement partnered with Alex to launch Taste of the Lower East Side, funding JUMP! (Juniors Undertaking Manhattan's Possibilities), which provides mentorship and citywide experiences for youth who might otherwise never access them. Alex's vision evolved into a 23-year legacy that has raised over $2 million and transformed countless young lives while becoming a beloved community tradition. His continued leadership on the Board of Directors ensures this impact grows with each generation.

Lilibeth

As a mother, Lilibeth worried about her child's education while also seeking a meaningful career. Without guidance for both her child's needs and her professional aspirations, both crucial journeys might have stalled.

"How would you go about building a career while caring for a child full-time as a single parent?"

Grand St. Settlement's Early Childhood program provided the Early Intervention services Lilibeth's child needed, while realizing her interest in working with children. Grand Street supported her in earning required certificates and connected her partner organization where she was hired as a Teacher's Aide. What began as concern for her child blossomed into a new career. Lilibeth is now working toward opening her own childcare business—creating a sustainable future for her family while serving her community.

Danny

Growing up on the Lower East Side, Danny faced the challenging statistics of violence, incarceration, and poverty that often limit young people in underserved communities. Without guidance and opportunities beyond his immediate environment, his path to professional success seemed distant and uncertain.

"What experiences in your youth shaped your career trajectory, and what gave you access to those pivotal moments?"

Grand St. Settlement's youth programs and JUMP! initiative connected Danny with young professionals who became his mentors, equipping him with tools to build a successful career in risk analysis at prestigious firms like Citadel and Goldman Sachs. In Danny's words, "Grand Street helped me tip the scales away from becoming another statistic and allowed me to strive to reach my full potential." His journey has come full circle as he now serves on the Board of Directors, giving back to the mission that transformed his life.

Maria

Maria began her Grand Street journey 30 years ago, advancing in a professional environment while balancing personal growth. Without pathways for advancement, her remarkable talents might have remained untapped.

"What impact could you make on your community if you dedicated your professional career to supporting others?"

Grand St. Settlement recognized Maria's potential and supported her professional growth from entry-level to Chief Talent Officer over nearly 30 years, including helping her earn an MBA. Maria transformed this personal opportunity into organizational change, creating scholarship programs, professional development initiatives, and industry-leading benefits packages that now uplift all Grand Street employees.

Rong Xu Zhang

At 90 years old, Zhang arrived in the United States facing the challenge of building a new life in an unfamiliar country during his later years. Without support, language barriers and cultural isolation could have made this brave transition overwhelming.

"How would you navigate starting completely anew in a foreign country in your 90s, without knowing the language or having established connections?"

Grand St. Settlement helped secure affordable senior housing for Zhang near their community center, creating a foundation for his new life in America. The center has become his daily home, where he embraces growth through English lessons, explores creativity in calligraphy classes, builds modern skills in computer training, and shares meals with newfound friends. Zhang regularly expresses how Grand Street has transformed what could have been a lonely transition into a fulfilling new chapter filled with learning and connection.

Leann

Growing up in Bushwick, Leann sought opportunities to nurture her natural talents and leadership skills. Without structured programs to channel her potential, her remarkable gifts might have remained undiscovered or underdeveloped.

"What opportunities shaped your confidence and voice during your formative years, and how available are those opportunities to others?"

Grand St. Settlement's Bushwick-Hylan program provided Leann with a platform to flourish over four years, developing exceptional social-emotional skills while becoming a positive role model for peers. Her talents found expression through winning both the Discovery Fair and Debate Tournament, demonstrating her critical thinking abilities. Leann's participation in a music video advocating for cost of living adjustments further showcases how Grand Street has empowered her to merge creativity with social consciousness, preparing her to create meaningful change in her community.

Jaden

As a young artist on the Lower East Side, Jaden's musical passion required specialized resources, mentorship, and technical training that were financially out of reach. Without access to professional-grade equipment and guidance, his creative talents might have remained unexpressed.

"How would your creative pursuits have evolved if you didn't have access to guidance and mentorship from a young age?"

Grand St. Settlement has nurtured Jaden's growth from childhood through his teen years, adapting support as his interests evolved. Beginning in after-school programs at 80 Pitt St., he found his passion in the Teen Tech Center's music studio where he learned audio engineering through our AmeriCorps program. What started as childhood curiosity has culminated in Jaden's upcoming EP under the artist name Spoook—produced entirely at the TTC alongside fellow artists—launching him toward a career that merges his creative vision with professional skills.

Maria

At 88 years old and living alone after losing her spouse, Maria faced the isolation and loneliness that threatens many older adults. Without regular social interaction and engagement, her quality of life and even her longevity could be significantly diminished.

"How would you maintain joy, purpose, and connection in your later years if you found yourself living alone?"

Grand St. Settlement's Older Adults Center provides Maria with a vital community where she enjoys daily lunches with friends, engages in stimulating activities, and participates in parties and cultural events. This welcoming environment has helped her form meaningful friendships at a stage of life when social connections are proven to extend both quality and length of life. Through Grand Street, Maria's later years are filled with the warmth of community.

Isaiah

As a high school student, Isaiah struggled with extreme shyness that kept him in the background, preventing him from discovering his talents and voice. Without encouragement to step beyond his comfort zone, his potential for growth and self-expression might have remained hidden.

"Outside of your family, who encouraged your personal growth and helped foster your sense of confidence?"

Grand St. Settlement's after-school program created a safe environment for Isaiah to gradually build confidence through exposure to diverse activities—cooking, dancing, sports, and performing arts. What began as tentative participation evolved into confident performances on stage before hundreds of people. In Isaiah's own words: "Thanks to Grand Street, I've grown into someone who isn't afraid to take risks and believe in myself. I'm proud of the young man I'm becoming, and I owe so much of that to everything Grand Street has taught me."

Nicole

As a young mother of twin boys requiring special education services, Nicole faced rejection from standard programs and a daunting, complex system she needed to navigate alone. Without proper support, her children's development and her own wellbeing were at risk.

"How would you advocate for your children's needs in an unwelcoming and unfamiliar system? How would you find the education they need?"

Grand St. Settlement's Head Start Program welcomed Nicole's 4-year-old twins after they were turned away elsewhere, providing the specialized support they needed while teaching Nicole how to effectively advocate within the special education system. In her words: "Grand Street has supported me tremendously in navigating a very difficult system to make sure my boys are getting the help they need." Beyond supporting her children, Grand Street's parenting program helped Nicole reconnect with herself and find community, creating a foundation for the entire family to thrive.

Miguel

Growing up on the Lower East Side, young Miguel faced the neighborhood's challenges and potential dangers without structured activities or positive role models. He needed safe spaces and meaningful engagement to make sure his path didn't take a wrong turn.

"What supportive environments shaped your youth, and how might you contribute to creating similar spaces for the next generation?"

Grand St. Settlement's afterschool and JUMP! programs provided Miguel with safe spaces away from bad situations while connecting him with mentors who recognized his potential. His relationship with Grand Street evolved from participant to staff member as he began working in the same youth programs that shaped him. Today, Miguel serves as Program Director at Lower East Side Preparatory High School, giving back to the community that raised him.

For 116 years, Grand St. Settlement has supported neighbors just like these with vital services. You can join our mission and make a positive impact today. Check out how to get involved or make a tax deductible donation so that we can continue serving up opportunity for the next 100 years.