Department of Integration and Community Engagement

D.I.C.E. is one of the newest additions to the Henry Street Settlement family tree. Its goal is to foster program integration, authentic community engagement, and culturally relevant marketing and recruitment approaches to agency-wide services. Seven “integration liaisons” serve as ambassadors for programs and services throughout the agency. Their job is to increase programmatic collaboration and awareness by building relationships and actively encouraging participation in programs and events across the Settlement. The department organizes community events such as Summer Saturdays and the Halloween festival and assists in coordinating our annual Community Day.

The Community Resource Team tables at organizations like the Puerto Rican community organization Loisada to inform our neighbors about services available at Henry Street.

The Community Response Team registers community residents to vote and sign pledge cards for midterm and general elections at Henry Street Settlement’s annual Summer Fun Saturday family community events.

The Community Resource Team tables at organizations like the Puerto Rican community organization Loisada to inform our neighbors about services available at Henry Street.

 

Henry Street youth participate a civic engagement workshop led by The Community Response Team at Henry Street’s first Youth Summit.

Community Response Team

The Community Response Team, which started as a squad of young people delivering PPE throughout NYCHA complexes, has become a permanent community outreach resource. In 2020, the team (which now numbers 150 alumni) delivered food, registered voters, and coached seniors to get the most of their electronic devices. Through 2021 and 2022 a group of 10 members, ages 18 to 24, delivered food weekly to families through the LES Mobile Market, provided help to any program that needs a hand, and supported outreach in the community about Henry Street programs.

Community Advisory Board

Henry Street’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) was launched in 2015. The creation of a CAB reflects our commitment to community engagement and resident-driven advocacy work. Composed of Lower East Side residents and Henry Street clients of diverse backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities, the CAB ensures that the Settlement maintains “an ear to the ground,” and is truly receptive and responsive to local needs. The CAB’s core responsibilities are to help assess community needs, serve as Henry Street Ambassadors, and support Henry Street’s ongoing advocacy efforts. Community members interested in joining the CAB should contact our offices at 212-766-9200 x2255.