Mark Shuttleworth interviewed Carmen Carrasquillo, the Chief Program Officer and Nicole Seaman, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Charles Settlement House and Community Place of Greater Rochester.
-Carmen talked about the history of the organization, how settlement houses started out over 100 years ago to help immigrants integrate successfully in the community. They now serve as a community based service center; providing basic needs, food, youth programs, family services, addiction prevention and support for seniors with isolation.
-Carmen said they are focused on helping families in need and want to be a full service provider.
-Nicole gave some examples of the programs they provide like the After School program, Community Hab program and Employment program.
-Nicole explained that the After School programs try to provide social, recreational and educational opportunities for students.
-She said the Community Hab program focuses on life goals people of all ages may have, from teens to seniors.
-Nicole talked about the Employment program which tries to facilitate employment for people with disabilities. They work with the employer to make reasonable accommodations so the person can work successfully.
-Carmen said they have over 40 programs and services at various locations across the community. The idea is for each location to be super connected with the needs of the local neighborhood.
-They said they are always looking for volunteers that want to get involved with their various programs.