First Lady of New York City Visits Henry Street
By Henry Street Settlement
Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City and Chair of The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, visited Henry Street on July 17 to learn first-hand about the Settlement’s youth employment programs, the issues they face, as well as current strategies to connect young New Yorkers to jobs. Accompanying the First Lady were leaders from both the Fund and the Center for Youth Employment, a new public-private initiative to dramatically expand workforce access to youth through early mentorship, internships, and skills-building programs.
The First Lady began her visit at the Settlement’s historic headquarters. Executive Director David Garza gave her a copy of founder Lillian Wald’s book, The House on Henry Street, as well as a Henry Street Settlement thimble, a gift meant to symbolize that the challenges of fighting poverty is akin to trying to empty the ocean with a thimble.
Next stop was Henry Street’s Workforce Development Center where the group met with participants in both Project RISE and the Young Adult Internship programs (education and internships program for out-of-work, out-of-school youth) and SYEP (the Summer Youth Employment Program). Upon arrival, the participants were acknowledging each other with positive affirmations, followed by a high-five. Keeping the theme in place, the First Lady was introduced with a positive acknowledgment by Garza, followed by a high five. Speaking to participants, Ms. McCray asked about their current employment and future plans. A young man answered, “I’ve already gotten an internship [through Project RISE]. That would have never happened for me without this program.” Before leaving, she asked if anyone had any questions. A young man piped up, “Are you hiring?” The First Lady gave him her card and encouraged him to follow up and send a resume!
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is a nonprofit organization that facilitates high-impact public-private partnerships throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The Fund leverages individual, philanthropic, and corporate partnerships to support public programs advancing key Mayoral and agency priorities. The Fund is focused on supporting public programs in areas including mental health, youth workforce development, immigration and citizenship, domestic violence, financial empowerment and support for young men and women of color.
