A Message to Henry Street Staff from David Garza
By Henry Street Settlement
A message to Henry Street staff from Executive Director David Garza
Henry Street Settlement is an organization founded during the Progressive Era, originally in direct support of the tens of thousands of immigrants who came to this country seeking lives made better by freedom, justice and opportunity. In the 124 years since our founding, we have been at the forefront of many important social justice movements: public health, child welfare, women’s rights, labor reform, civil rights and human rights across the entire spectrum. We have always worked tirelessly to support the most vulnerable among us by opening doors to opportunity.
At a time in this nation’s history, signaled by the results of the presidential election, many of these profoundly important elements of social justice are being brought to the forefront of political discourse and policy decisions. In the face of all this, I encourage you to remain directly connected to the values that define our organization and work.
Now, more than ever, and regardless of how you cast your ballot, it is imperative that we embrace the spirit of our founder Lillian Wald and show strength where there is adversity, compassion and empathy where there is suffering, love and kindness where there is hatred, and tolerance and acceptance where there is bigotry.
Together in unity and with courage, we move forward, forever committed to our mission and those we serve.
