University Settlement is a New York City social services organisation and, by its own account, America's first settlement house. Founded in 1886 and operating for nearly 140 years, it provides comprehensive services aimed at poverty and systemic inequality, working in collaboration with residents of the neighbourhoods it serves. The organisation runs more than 30 community centres and other sites across Manhattan and Brooklyn, with roots in the Lower East Side, and serves over 40,000 New Yorkers each year.
Its programme areas are broad. They include early childhood education, youth development, housing services, English classes for adult immigrants, services for older adults, and community arts programming. Two areas in particular - mental health and wellness, and arts education - are described as pioneered by the organisation in ways that set standards for the wider field. The work is delivered in community settings rather than a single central facility, which means roles are distributed across many locations and involve direct contact with the public.
University Settlement reports an annual budget of $58.5 million, which has grown from $25m under chief executive Melissa Aase. The organisation describes itself as an incubator for progressive ideas, and states that it values deep listening to a range of perspectives, responsive cooperation, and advocacy for justice and equality. Roles at the organisation are mission-driven, with a stated focus on meeting New Yorkers where they live.
