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University Settlement		University Settlement introduced the settlement movement in the United States over 120 years ago. The model is effectively embodied in the Settlement's home on Eldridge Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where mutual respect, understanding, and the cooperative notion all draw strength from each other. The Lower East Side remains a low-income community of immigrants. Some 10,000 individuals and families come to University Settlements programs, which among other priorities are geared toward teaching English, avoiding homelessness and the other effects of poverty, and to find childcare and after school programs that support working families. The practice of creating meaningful relationships around the community and within the Settlement has remained an important aspect of their work since its founding in 1886.

In 2000, University Settlement affiliated with The Door, New York's premier youth development agency. Today both partners derive substantial cost savings from shared administrative functions, and programmatic integration has enhanced each agency's ability to serve its constituents. This bond has fostered a deep understanding and cooperation between the staff and administration of each agency.

The Zwickler Family

In 2002, the Zwickler family, longtime supporters of University Settlement, decided to create an annual tradition for one of the Settlement's programs. During each December, University Settlement holds a holiday party for young children who attend their Early Head Start program. Our foundation has provided gifts to the children and has been on hand on several occasions to distribute the holiday cheer.

University Settlement Officers: Michael Zisser, Executive Director Alan Winters, Chairman of the Board Houston Street Center

In early 2006, University Settlement launched its newest major project and non-profit collaboration; this time with the Chinatown YMCA. Working together as co-owners and operators of the new Houston Street Center, the Settlement and the Y created a 'marriage' in service to the community at large. The Center is an expansive state-of-the-art community center that was donated to the Settlement and the Y in order to provide permanent community space and facilities to the Lower East Side, Chinatown and the adjoining neighborhoods. A few of the many programs include family swim classes, exercise and aquatic sessions for older adults, technology training for seniors, and a unique and much-needed after school program for middle school students. To fund these programs and buy the equipments etc., a small capital campaign was completed. Our foundation made a contribution to the campaign. This "collaboration" now offers these programs free or at low-cost to all who seek them.