Charles Settlement House

Charles Settlement House provides neighborhood-based human services in northwest Rochester...serving children, teens, adults, families, and seniors. Founded in 1917 originally to assist new Italian and German immigrants, our agency has adapted to changing neighborhood demographics. Charles Settlement House is affiliated with another settlement house in Rochester, The Community Place of Greater Rochester. CSH Program Summary Our Youth Development program includes an after-school and summer program for elementary-age students. The children develop social skills and get help with their homework, participate in photography, sports, dance, music, STEM, and other activities. Charles House offers opportunities for teens, summer youth employment, and other programs to develop responsible young adults. The Family Services department meets basic needs and improved family functioning for adults and families. We offer a food pantry and clothing closet for emergency needs. Family developers assist with financial literacy, referrals, benefit assistance, and family support. Holiday food baskets are distributed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our Senior Center helps seniors continue to live independently in their homes and apartments. Seniors enjoy nutritious meals at the center, socialize, participate in health and wellness activities, arts & crafts, games, field trips, and receive case management. The Community/Neighborhood Capacity Building department works with residents to revitalize their neighborhoods. Charles House Neighbors in Action is residents, business, churches, and other stakeholders working together to improve their community. We build on neighborhood assets to empower residents to improve their own health by strengthening their neighborhood from the inside out and creating new opportunities for residents to make healthy lifestyle choices. We have partnered with organizations to bring affordable housing options to the JOSANA neighborhood, near the city's soccer stadium (Capelli Sport Stadium). Stadium Estates created 91 new homes with two, three, four, and five bedrooms. We also provide community meeting space to a variety of groups. Charles House supports neighborhood block clubs and several community gardens. Volunteers Charles Settlement House utilizes volunteers for a variety of governance, program, administrative, and operational functions. Volunteers are needed for the Board of Directors and committees (program, finance, development, publicity, planning, facilities). Volunteers in our youth programs assist with activities such as music, arts, dance, sports, photography, and homework assistance. Volunteers in the senior center serve meals and assist seniors during program activities such as games, arts & crafts, and wellness clubs. Volunteers may also be used for receptionist/administrative support and for building maintenance and landscaping. Groups are encouraged to contact us for special projects such as spring/fall clean ups, painting, organizing a special fundraising event, or staging a special activity for our program participants. Volunteers are needed for fundraising and special events. Donations Charles Settlement House accepts monetary donations throughout the year. Donations are accepted online (www.charlessettlementhouse.org) or by mail. Open house events and tours are held throughout the year or may be scheduled for individuals/groups who would like to learn more about our programs. Planned gifts (bequests, annuities, etc.) are also appreciated. An annual appeal for individual donations occurs in November-December and a summer appeal occurs in June-July. In-kind services or materials are accepted, based on need. A "wish list" for items like school supplies, school uniforms, gift certificates, and office supplies is updated the Community Wishbook website. For information about any donations or fundraising activities, contact Scott Benjamin at 585-277-0810 or scott.benjamin@cshroc.org.

We focus on: Human Services, Community Benefit and Economic Development

Where we are: Monroe