A Note from our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
The COVID 19 epidemic and its economic impact have created unprecedented challenges for families across our country, but are especially impactful on more modest income communities like Mount Eden and surrounding neighborhoods of the Southwest Bronx. During this time, New Settlement is more committed than ever to our mission:
“Grounded in our commitment to affordable housing and a thriving neighborhood, New Settlement collaborates with community residents and develops partnerships to create services and opportunities that celebrate the inherent dignity and potential of individuals and families.”
While the current stay-in-place order has required that we physically close a number of our programs (including our community center, after-school programs, and workforce development programs) please understand that we are here to help our community members through this challenging time. I am especially grateful for our staff who continue working remotely, often with children and families of their own to attend to, to bring a wealth of resources into our program participants and their families. They have been reaching out to families enrolled in every one of our programs to check in, see if they have emergency needs and provide them with information on short-term and long-term plans to keep our programs running.
If you are a current or past participant of a New Settlement Program and you need anything-emergency funding or food, connections to services, or simply someone to talk to-please reach out to our staff members, listed on the program pages of this website, for their guidance. Because we are working for the most part remotely, we may have to get back to you, but we will do so as quickly as possible. We are here to help you, your family and this community get through this—and we are going to get through it together!
Thank you and best wishes for the health and wellness of your family.
Jack
Here are some resources that are available to our community. This list will be regularly updated.
- New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer’s Office has put together a website linking people to a range of resources and services available to New Yorkers in need during this crisis. Learn more here.
- Another key resource that may help you immediately is food assistance. Here is information about the New York City Department of Education’s Meals program which is free, offered at many of our community’s schools, and open to anyone who needs food during this time. Learn more here.
- New Settlement’s College Access Center has developed a COVID-19 resource page that guides families to a wealth of resources in our community, from guidance and counseling to emergency meals. See the resources here.
- New Settlement’s Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA) is a group of neighborhood tenants organizing to prevent landlord harassment and protect the legal rights of tenants. Currently , CASA is working with City wide coalitions to fight for a three month rent freeze. For information on how to get involved—and/or if you are facing landlord eviction or harassment—please visit their website.
- New Settlement’s 5 After School Programs have been collaborating to develop on-line after-school resources that are educational, engaging and fun—and they are free and available for all families. An example can be found here.
