The New York Nonprofit Press published an op-ed co-written by UNH Executive Director Nancy Wackstein and Executive Director of UNH Member University Settlement Society, Michael Zisser. This piece was a response to the recent closing of the historical Hull House in Chicago, one of the premiere settlement houses in this country, and tells the positive story about the effectiveness of settlement houses in recent decades in NYC.

"...The right story to tell is not about the unique issues confronting Hull House, which may never be fully known to the public, but instead about the incredible inventiveness, creativity, innovation, efficiency and effectiveness that has characterized the settlement house movement in recent decades. In New York City, there are now more than 37 independent settlement houses and community centers, which make up the membership of United Neighborhood Houses of New York. These  non-profit organizations serve more than 500,000 people each year across the five boroughs, operate from more than 400 sites, employ more than 10,000 staff, and have an aggregate budget from a combination of public and private sources that exceeds half a billion dollars each year.   UNH members are major employers in their communities and in many cases are significant economic engines, as well, through their purchase of goods and services."

Read the full op-ed. 

 Chicago Cares, an organization focusing on community volunteering and service, recently picked up some information from our report, Aging in the Shadows: Social Isolation Among Seniors in New York City, for a blog post. Click here to download our report!


Read the Chicago Cares blog post here.

"Employment! Want it!” echoed through the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany on January 30^th, as 250 New York City youth emphasized their need for summer jobs. This year marks the 13^th annual Albany lobby day for The Campaign for Summer Jobs, co-sponsored by United Neighborhood Houses and Neighborhood Family Services Coalition.

The two youth emcees, David Hope (age 25) and Gabriella Wilkinson (age 16), got the crowd motivated for the day ahead. Gabriella said, “Thanks to SYEP, I now have a job I love at a Beacon Center, leading activities for kids.” Other speeches by teens and a performance by the step team from the Child Center of NY in Ozone Park brought the energy of the rally through the roof.

Legislators and officals stopped by to show their support of the rally, which was held to urge State leaders for $35 million for SYEP. Among the speakers were Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senators Bill Perkins, John Sampson, Daniel Squadron, Marty Golden, Valmanette Montgomery, and Adriano Espaillat. “Courage is the word of the day,” said Senator Malcolm Smith, commending the youth for challenging their leaders. Speaker Silver echoed his sentiments, saying, “Make your voices heard. Help us to understand how we can help you.”

The youth met with legislative champions of the program following the event to share their summer job experiences, and to advocate for more funding. Last year, only 31,000 NYC youth of the 130,000 who applied were employed through SYEP - a drop from the 50,000 employed in 2009.  It’s clear that when it comes to employment, youth want it.

View photos here! 

In their own words…

"My summer job gave me something positive to do with my time. I also set an example for my friends, who want to get jobs this summer." Cindy, 14

"It's important for us to speak out for our rights; we need to let the legislators know that kids need money too, and no one wants to stay home and waste their summer on the couch." Damien, 13

"Summer jobs are important because what would happen to the businesses that we work at? Or the camps? We give a lot of extra help." Sherry, 15

 The New York Times School Book mentions United Neighborhood Houses in its discussion of cuts in the Mayor's preliminary budget to funding for thousands of daycare and after-school programs. 

"According to the public advocate, Bill de Blasio, roughly 16,000 daycare seats would be lost if the mayor does not increase financing to the Administration for Children’s Services. And though exact numbers have varied, groups like the Center for Children’s Initiatives and the United Neighborhood Houses have estimated 25,000 positions lost in the city’s Out-of-School Time program, an after-school program that opened under Mayor Bloomberg. "

Read the article>>

On January 18, UNH Executive Director Nancy Wackstein, as commencement speaker, addressed the Winter 2012 graduates of Hunter's Silberman School of Social Work. In her remarks, Nancy urged the new graduates to carry on the legacy of social reform - the cornerstone of the social work profession today - and to take on leadership positions, mobilize voters, and most importantly, be a loud advocate for social services.Congratulations, graduates!