In April we celebrated National Volunteer Week, this year from April 18th to the 24th. We take this time to show our appreciation to the great service that volunteers offer across the country. Here at Union Settlement volunteers play a huge role in helping create opportunities in East Harlem. Each month, about 150 volunteers across our programs contribute more than 4,700 hours of their time to help members of the East Harlem community stay active and healthy, educate themselves, and improve their lives.
Senior Volunteers from our centers enjoy the Volunteer Recognition Party organized by the Senior Services Program.
“Without the volunteers we would not be able to function;there would not be time enough in the day to finish all the work we have. They provide us with so much help that I appreciate and respect them for all they do.” -Carmen Febres, Senior Volunteer Coordinator
Highlighted Volunteers Volunteers from Goldman Sachs Help Spruce up our Garden
On Saturday, May 1 volunteers from Goldman Sachs helped revitilize our community garden,"El Sitio Feliz" (The Happy Place). The garden is home to over 30 garden boxes where local residents plant vegetables and flowers, a playground that local childcare centers enjoy, a beautiful pavillion, and a small amphitheater. The volunteers worked all day weeding, planting flowers, mowing, raking, pruning, cleaning out wood scraps, and weatherproofing our picnic tables, benches, pavillion, and amphitheater. Union Settlement and the community appreciates all their hard work in helping us maintain our garden!
Goldman Sachs volunteers helping to clean up our community garden.
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends of Union Settlement:
Volunteerism—giving your own time selflessly in the aid of those in need—is at the heart of the mission of Union Settlement. Indeed, at its inception in 1895, Union Settlement Association was simply a group of volunteers—alumni of Union Theological Seminary—who decided to band together and contribute their time, expertise and resources to assist the struggling residents living in the substandard tenements of East Harlem.
Now, 115 years later, volunteerism remains at the core of what we do. Union Settlement is blessed with an abundance of caring, compassionate and hard-working volunteers. It is an honor to dedicate this newsletter to those who dedicate their time for Union Settlement, and to whom we owe our deepest thanks.
David Nocenti
Executive Director
Union Settlement Association
What can you do?
Spring and Summer Gardeners!
We are currently seeking volunteers to help us care for our community gardens, including “El Sitio Feliz” (The Happy Place) and our gardens in JWJ, Corsi, Gaylord White, and East River Senior Centers. For more information contact volunteers@unionsett.org
Save the Date:
May 22
On May 22ndwe are having our 18th Annual Ethnic Festival! Come out and celebrate with the East Harlem community.
May 8th
On May 8th, the Washington Lexington Community Center will be transformed into a Beauty Spa and Gourmet Dining Room! Professionals and volunteers will team up to provide beautiful hairstyles (no cuts), make-up applications, and manicures. Delicious meals will be served in the dining room. Volunteers are needed for set up, activities during the event, and clean up afterwards. All proceeds of this event go towards expanding Union Settlement Youth Services.
If you would like to learn more about these events or how to get involved please contact us at volunteers@unionsett.org
Keep Updated!
Visit our website, www.unionsettlement.org, to find out more about our programs and services. If you are interested in any of our highlighted opportunities or would like to find out about other volunteer openings, check out our opportunity list.
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Union Settlement Association | 237 East 104th Street NY, NY 10029-5404 | P (212) 828.6000 | F (212) 828.6022 | www.unionsettlement.org
Union Settlement Association is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
TTY (800) 662-1220 and Voice (800) 421-1220
