Neighborhood CentersNeighborhood centers developed from settlement
houses that emerged in the mid to late 1800's when committed
volunteers would "settle" into low income neighborhoods to be a neighbor
to all. Settlements started in England, then migrating to Chicago via
Jane Addams and then other cities. A settlement house would be opened in
an urban slum area and trained workers would endeavor to improve social
conditions, particularly by providing community services and promoting
neighborly cooperation. These "Settlers" would become neighbors to all
and live and work with the families to strengthen family life and
develop better neighborhoods. This movement was the incubator for
service groups, senior services, cultural and arts classes, and activism
on social issues. Our Early YearsPeople’s Community Services was founded in 1955 when several Protestant faith-based settlement houses/community centers merged to form our present day organization. These
centers included the Delray Neighborhood House (founded in 1920), which
is the agency’s oldest, continuous operation and the Dodge Community
House (founded in 1923), which was the precursor to the agency’s present
day Hamtramck Neighborhood Center. The Centers provided
services for youth, senior citizens, and community development, which
still form the core of our present day program. In 1977, the agency's Senior Day Time Center was founded.
People’s Community Services has been a participant in the Settlement House/Neighborhood Center movement since its founding.
We continue in this rich history by not dispensing charity, but by
working with neighbors to help other neighbors to enrich life and build
community. Purpose of Settlement HousesSettlements serve as community, education, and
recreation centers, particularly in densely populated immigrant
neighborhoods. Sometimes known as social settlements, they are also
called neighborhood houses, neighborhood centers, or community centers. The settlement house differs from other social welfare agencies; the latter provide specific services, while the former is aimed at improving neighborhood life as a whole. Its role has gradually altered as some of its varied functions have been assumed by state and municipal authorities and by other organizations. Kindergartens, formerly an important adjunct of the settlement house, are now operated by public schools; municipal health departments have taken over its clinical services; and labor unions now sponsor educational and recreational activities for workers. |