The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City have partnered with historic settlement houses across the city. This collaboration aims to establish ‘Immigrant Support Centers’ that will provide essential services to thousands of recent migrants.

“For generations, settlement houses have supported our newest New Yorkers. Today’s announcement reflects that ongoing tradition and shows the strength of community and philanthropic partnerships as part of our humanitarian response,” stated Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom.

Commissioner Manuel Castro of MOIA emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Settlement Houses in New York City have led the way for over a century in serving and fighting for immigrant communities. I thank the Casey Family Programs for recognizing the value in partnering with New York City government and our nonprofit providers to continue the important work in support of our newest New Yorkers.”

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The support centers will offer a variety of services, including case management, beginner level English classes, job development assistance, parenting support, Site Safety Training, social services intake and screenings, and legal referrals.

The partnership includes prominent settlement house organizations, such as:
– Center for Family Life in Sunset Park
– Jacob Riis Settlement
– Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
– Henry Street Settlement

Julia Jean-Francois, Co-Executive Director of the Center for Family Life, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “Providing these critical services is one way that we fulfill our mission to partner with our neighbors to together build strong and resilient communities.”

Chris Hanway, Executive Director of Riis Neighborhood Settlement, added, “This essential investment will increase our capacity, allowing us to offer additional ESOL classes and case management support, as well as host regular legal orientations and resource workshops for hundreds of families striving to acclimate to a new home.”

Michelle Neugebauer, Executive Director of Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, noted, “We look forward to educating asylum seekers about their rights, helping them connect with legal services providers and integrating our new neighbors into the community.”

David Garza, President & CEO of Henry Street Settlement, highlighted the urgent need for support, stating, “The needs of these newcomers are profound and, in many ways, greater than we have seen in previous waves of immigration.”