Cost
Free - No cost to families
Cornerstone - Gowanus Community Center
Free Cornerstone youth program for ages 5-21 in Brooklyn, provided by Grand Street Settlement
The Cornerstone: Gowanus Community Center program is operated by Grand Street Settlement, an established leader in NYC providing high-quality programs since 1916. This enhanced Cornerstone program focuses specifically on connecting young people ages 5-21 to resources and opportunities through engaging afterschool and summer programming. As a connector between the community and vital services, this program promotes offerings pivotal to youth development and family success.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 420 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (Gowanus/Carroll Gardens) |
| Provider | Grand Street Settlement, Inc. |
| Website | grandstreet.org |
| Phone | (212) 674-1740 |
| kdaye@grandsettlement.org | |
| Contact | Kiami Daye, Program Director |
Age Range
Ages 5-21 (Elementary through Young Adult)
Program Type
Cornerstone
Category
Youth Development
Grand Street Settlement’s Cornerstone program offers diverse enrichment activities designed to foster creativity, exploration, and personal growth:
- Film & Media - Filmmaking workshops, video production, and media literacy
- STEM Exploration - Science experiments, hands-on learning, and discovery activities
- Career Development - “Exploring Futures” program to discover career paths and opportunities
- Physical Fitness - Aerobics, fitness classes, and healthy lifestyle education
- Cultural Exploration - Learning about diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives
- Mental Health Support - Counseling, wellness activities, and social-emotional learning
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - Building resilience, self-awareness, and relationship skills
- Summer Camp - Full summer programming with field trips, enrichment, and fun
“Bold. Grand. Inspired.” - Since 1916
Grand Street Settlement has been a transformative force in New York City communities for over a century. What began as a settlement house serving immigrant families on the Lower East Side has evolved into a comprehensive service provider across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Recent Milestones:
- $3.2 Million Investment - Secured New Markets Tax Credit financing to strengthen child care programs (2025)
- 109 Years of Service - Continuous operation since 1916
- Multi-Generational Impact - Second and third-generation families now enrolled in programs
- Community Advocacy - Active in policy advocacy, including campaigns to save child care centers and support universal childcare
Program Philosophy: Grand Street Settlement believes in:
- High-quality programs that meet families where they are
- Comprehensive services addressing education, health, and social needs
- Community partnerships that leverage resources and expertise
- Advocacy for policies that support working families
- Innovation in program design and service delivery
Scope of Services:
- Early childhood education (Head Start, Pre-K, child care)
- Youth development and afterschool programs
- College access and career development
- Adult education and workforce training
- Senior services and older adult programs
- Family support and case management
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Contact Program Director Reach out to Kiami Daye at kdaye@grandsettlement.org or call (212) 674-1740 to discuss your child’s needs and program fit.
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Schedule an intake meeting Meet with program staff to complete initial paperwork and learn about program expectations.
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Visit the Grand Street Settlement website Explore grandstreet.org to learn about their full range of family services.
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Complete enrollment application Fill out registration forms including emergency contacts, health information, and authorization forms.
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Submit required documentation Provide proof of age, address, and any necessary documents.
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Attend orientation Participate in program orientation to meet staff, tour the facility, and understand daily schedules.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- Youth enrollment form
- Emergency contact information (at least 2 contacts)
- Medical/health information and immunization records
- Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or school ID)
- Proof of Brooklyn residency (utility bill or lease)
- Photo release consent (optional)
- Pick-up authorization with valid photo IDs
- Any IEP or special accommodation documentation
Conveniently located with multiple transit options for easy access:
- Subway: Carroll Street Station (F, G trains) - 0.2 miles, 4-minute walk
- Subway: Union Street Station (R train) - 0.3 miles, 6-minute walk
- Bus: B61 (Smith St), B103 (Third Ave) serve the area
- Bike: Citi Bike docking stations at 3rd St/3rd Ave and Carroll St/3rd Ave
- Protected Bike Lanes: 3rd Avenue has protected bike infrastructure
- Car: Street parking; municipal lot at Smith St & 9th St
Carroll Park
Historic 4.5-acre park with playgrounds, spray showers in summer, basketball courts at Carroll St & Court St (0.3 miles)
Brooklyn Public Library - Carroll Gardens
Full-service library at 396 Clinton Street with teen spaces, computers, homework help, and free programs (0.4 miles)
76th Precinct
NYPD community policing at 191 Union Street with youth programs and safety initiatives (0.3 miles)
FDNY Engine 226 & Ladder 108
Fire station at 409 State Street providing emergency response and fire safety education (0.4 miles)
- Key Food Supermarket - 435 Court Street (0.4 miles) - Full-service grocery
- Whole Foods Market - 214 3rd Street (0.4 miles) - Organic and specialty foods
- D’Amico Foods - 309 Court Street (0.5 miles) - Italian specialty market
- Union Market - 754-758 Union Street (0.2 miles) - Neighborhood grocery
- Brooklyn Fare - 200 Schermerhorn Street (0.8 miles) - Gourmet market
- Carroll Gardens Farmers Market - Carroll Park, Sundays (seasonal)
The Gowanus Community Center sits at the crossroads of several dynamic Brooklyn neighborhoods:
Gowanus is experiencing a renaissance, transforming from an industrial area into a vibrant mixed-use community while preserving its artistic character. The neighborhood features:
- The historic Gowanus Canal (undergoing EPA Superfund cleanup)
- Thriving arts scene with galleries and studios
- New schools and community facilities
- Mix of longtime residents and newcomers
Carroll Gardens is known for:
- Strong Italian-American heritage
- Tree-lined streets with historic brownstones
- Excellent restaurants and local businesses
- Close-knit community feel
- High-performing public schools
This location provides youth with access to diverse cultural experiences, from visiting artist studios in Gowanus to exploring the historic Carroll Gardens neighborhood.
Last Updated: November 24, 2025