Cost
Free
Cornerstone Gowanus Community Center
Free Cornerstone program serving ages 5-21 in Gowanus, Brooklyn, run by Grand Street Settlement with afterschool, summer camp, college access, and family services
The Gowanus Community Center is the connector—it aims to connect residents, participants, and the community to resources and opportunities both in the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. The center promotes services that are pivotal to the entire household: afterschool and summer camp for youth, a college access center and skill-building resource for older youth, and a place of continued learning, job application, and advocacy site for adults and seniors.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 420 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (Gowanus) |
| Provider | Grand Street Settlement, Inc. |
| Website | grandstreet.org |
| Phone | (212) 674-1740 |
| Contact | Kiami Daye (kdaye@grandsettlement.org) |
Age Range
Ages 5-21 (Youth-Adult)
Program Type
Cornerstone
Category
Youth Development
Gowanus Community Center offers comprehensive programming including:
Youth Programs (Ages 5-18):
- Afterschool Programming: Academic support and enrichment activities
- Summer Camp: Full-day summer programming with field trips
- Film: Video production and media literacy
- Science Experiments: Hands-on STEM exploration
- Exploring Futures: Career awareness and planning
- Aerobics: Physical fitness and wellness
- Cultural Exploration: Learning about diverse cultures and traditions
- Mental Health: Social-emotional learning and wellness supports
- Arts & Recreation: Creative and physical activities
Older Youth Services (Ages 16-21):
- College Access Center: Application support, financial aid, and college readiness
- Skill Building: Job readiness and professional development
- Career Resources: Resume writing, interview prep, and job search
Adult & Senior Services:
- Continued Learning: Educational workshops and classes
- Job Application Support: Employment assistance and resources
- Advocacy: Connecting to services and benefits
Grand Street Settlement has been serving New York’s immigrant and working-class communities since 1916, making it one of the city’s oldest and most respected settlement houses. For over 100 years, the organization has been committed to helping individuals and families achieve economic security and social mobility.
Mission: Grand Street Settlement works to break the cycle of poverty by providing comprehensive services that address education, health, economic opportunity, and community engagement. The organization believes in treating the whole person and the whole family, recognizing that challenges are interconnected.
Historic Legacy: Founded in 1916 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side during a period of massive immigration, Grand Street Settlement began by helping newly arrived families navigate American systems and access opportunities. The settlement house model—bringing services directly into neighborhoods—has proven effective for over a century.
Core Services:
- Early Childhood: Head Start, pre-K, and childcare programs
- Youth Development: Afterschool, summer camp, and teen services
- Community Centers: Cornerstone programs in multiple neighborhoods
- Adult Education: ESL, GED, workforce development
- Senior Services: Programming and support for older adults
- Arts & Culture: Music, dance, theater, and visual arts
- Health Services: Health education and wellness programming
Gowanus Expansion: The Gowanus Community Center represents Grand Street Settlement’s expansion from its historic Lower East Side base into Brooklyn. This strategic move allows the organization to:
- Serve new communities with similar needs
- Bring century-plus of experience to Brooklyn
- Create connections between Manhattan and Brooklyn residents
- Operate as a bridge linking two neighborhoods
Whole Family Approach: The Gowanus Center’s design reflects Grand Street’s holistic philosophy:
- Youth Services: Building foundation for future success
- College/Career Support: Ensuring transition to adulthood
- Adult Services: Helping parents/caregivers thrive
- Senior Programming: Supporting older community members
- Family Engagement: Bringing generations together
Community Connector Philosophy: The center sees itself as a connector:
- Connecting individuals to opportunities
- Connecting families to resources
- Connecting communities across Brooklyn and Manhattan
- Connecting present needs to future aspirations
Operating Schedule: The center operates July 2025 through June 2026, providing year-round programming and consistency for families.
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Contact the Center Call (212) 674-1740 or email Kiami Daye at kdaye@grandsettlement.org.
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Visit the Facility Stop by 420 Baltic Street to tour the center and meet staff.
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Determine Services Needed Discuss which programs best fit your family’s needs (youth afterschool, college access, adult services, etc.).
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Complete Registration Fill out enrollment forms with participant information.
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Submit Documentation Provide required documents based on program enrollment.
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Attend Orientation Participate in center orientation to learn about all available services.
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Start Participating Begin attending programs year-round.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- Grand Street Settlement enrollment form
- Proof of age (birth certificate or ID)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or lease)
- School enrollment verification (for youth programs)
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information and consent forms
- Income documentation (if applicable)
- Photo/media release form
- Program-specific forms (college access, job training, etc.)
The Gowanus Community Center is easily accessible via public transportation:
- Subway: F, G trains to Carroll Street (5-minute walk), R train to Union Street
- Bus: B61, B63, B71 serve the Gowanus area
- Located in the heart of Gowanus with excellent Brooklyn connectivity
Gowanus Canal
Waterfront area undergoing revitalization with parks and recreation spaces
Carroll Park
Historic park with playgrounds, sports courts, and community events
Library
Carroll Gardens Library at 396 Clinton Street provides books and programs
Arts & Culture
Vibrant Gowanus arts scene with galleries, studios, and creative spaces
Last Updated: November 25, 2025