Hartley House chosen as New York Junior League’s 2015 Community Improvement Project site

New York, NY—August 21, 2015—Hartley House has been selected as the site of the New York Junior League (NYJL) Community Improvement Project for 2015. The goal of the Community Improvement Project (CIP) is to create a one-year partnership with a selected organization to increase the NYJL’s community impact. The Project includes $50,000 in supplies and in-kind services for capital improvements, as well as a trained team from the NYJL’s more than 2,600 women volunteers to complete the project. In addition, the NYJL offers other enrichment services to the community partner’s clients, including tutoring and workforce development.

Hartley House, a community service hub located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, is one of the only settlement houses in NYC that remains in its original, 120 year old facility comprised of four interconnected brownstones which require extensive maintenance. The NYJL will renovate three rooms that were used daily by the Hartley family before the turn of the last century which now serve as creative learning spaces for Hartley House’s clients – youth and adult learners, recent immigrants, and art students of all ages. The rooms have seriously outdated ceilings and carpeting, inefficient fluorescent lighting, insufficient seating and storage, nearly obsolete technology, and inadequate air conditioning. In addition to making the rooms more functional for fostering creativity and supporting dedicated study, the renovation will include measures to make the spaces more energy efficient, reducing utility costs.

Due to the overwhelming nature and expense of the repairs needed, Hartley House has not been able to move forward on this essential renovation—until now. According to Hartley House Executive Director Nicole L. Cicogna, “We are so honored to have been chosen by the NYJL for this incredible support. This project will enable Hartley House to finally be able to embark on a complete makeover of the space, giving us the opportunity to serve all of our neighbors in a warm, welcoming, and learning-conducive environment for years to come.”

NYJL President Stacey Lawrence Lee commented, “The NYJL is delighted to begin a wonderful, new partnership with Hartley House by collaborating on the fourth annual Community Improvement Project. In addition to making the space more functional and aesthetically pleasing, NYJL volunteers look forward to influencing positive change in the Hell’s Kitchen community by assisting Hartley House with enrichment programs to meet the needs of its clients.”

Hartley House is very pleased to partner with the prestigious and historic NYJL, founded in 1901 to address the deep poverty of New York City, to broaden its impact on the Hell’s Kitchen community.

About Hartley House:

Founded in 1897, Hartley House exists to serve school-age children, youth, and seniors in Hell’s Kitchen by enriching their lives, expanding their opportunities, and building a sense of community.

About the New York Junior League:

The New York Junior League (NYJL) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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CONTACT:

Public Affairs Council Head
publicaffairs@nyjl.org

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