Robin Hood Awards $175,000 Grant to Union Settlement to Enhance Programs for Youth Employment
Resources Will Benefit Young People Who Are Out-of-School And Unemployed
NEW YORK, NY – Union Settlement Association (www.unionsettlement.org), East Harlem’s oldest and largest social service provider, today announced that The Robin Hood Foundation has awarded a one year grant of $175,000 to support the organization’s work helping youth ages 16-24 make the transition into the workforce. The grant will support soft-skills job training, employment placement, and job retention support services.
“Youth who are neither employed nor in school face tremendous obstacles in finding employment, and there are very few resources available to help them,” said David Nocenti, Executive Director of Union Settlement. “I want to thank Robin Hood for this tremendous
support, which will allow us to help almost 200 young adults face these challenges and move towards greater stability and independence.”
“We are very pleased to support Union Settlement’s services for East Harlem youth,” said Deborah McCoy, Managing Director, Early Childhood and Youth at Robin Hood . “This grant will build on the Union Settlement’s existing efforts and enhance their capacity to help
young people prepare for, obtain, and retain employment.”
Union Settlement serves over 2,000 children and youth ages 5 -24 each year. Among older youth, there is a growing crisis in East Harlem and the City as a whole; nearly one in six of New York City’s young people ages 16-24 are neither attending school nor participating in the
labor force. In recent years, Union Settlement has witnessed an influx of young people ages 16-24 who have dropped out or been pushed out of school. Struggling with low literacy levels and other obstacles, these young people sorely need help to build their futures. It is vitally important to reach out to these young people and provide early intervention before the cycle of unemployment, underemployment and, most of all, hopelessness continues.
“Many of our young adults have dealt with hardships that have placed them at a disadvantaged to the competitive workforce of New York City,” said Steven Portericker, Union Settlement’s Director of Youth Services. “However this grant from Robin Hood will provide them with opportunities, access and resources to develop into young professionals and thrive in a competitive market.”
About Robin Hood
Robin Hood is New York’s largest poverty-fighting organization, and since 1988 has focused on finding, funding, and creating programs and schools that generate meaningful results for families in New York’s poorest neighborhoods. Over its 25 year history, Robin Hood has
distributed more than $1.25 billion to hundreds of New York City-based soup kitchens, homeless shelters, schools, job training programs, and other vital services that give New York’s neediest citizens the tools they need to build better lives for themselves and their families. In addition, Robin Hood’s board of directors pays all administrative, fundraising and evaluation costs, so 100 percent of donations go directly to organizations helping New Yorkers in need.
About Union Settlement Association
Union Settlement Association is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages, and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities. Since opening our doors in 1895, we have brought education, wellness and community-building programs to our
neighborhood, empowering New Yorkers with opportunities to better their lives. More than 350 staff work here, and our services impact 10,000 people in our community every year. By helping our neighbors realize their goals, we build the vitality and success of East Harlem. Visit www.unionsettlement.org to learn more.